Canon Legria HV40 High Definition 'PAL' Camcorder

  • Price: $699.00
  • B&H # CAHV40E
  • Mfr# HV40E

Product Highlights

  • HDV / DV Recording
  • miniDV Cassette
  • miniSD Card Slot
  • 2.96MP 1/2.7" Full HD CMOS
  • Canon 10x HD Video Lens
  • 2.7" LCD
  • SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 HD
  • HDMI
  • Advanced Accessory Shoe

WARNING: This is a "PAL" product and CANNOT be used in the USA. It is designed for use with video products built to European TV standards. For use in the USA please choose NTSC.

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Remember the Essentials

Recording media is not included, be prepared - always carry extra media.

Canon's Legria HV40 High Definition 'PAL' Camcorder gives you the quality of miniDV recording in high definition at an affordable price for the aspiring or indie film-maker. Capture true 1920 x 1080 video like a pro with the camera's 2.96Mp CMOS sensor, DIGIC DV II Image Processor and 10x HD Video Lens. If you feel like recording in standard definition the camera affords you that flexibility as well. And there's no need to carry a still camera around because the camcorder captures 3.1Mp still images to miniSD cards.

The HV40 boasts its film-like 25p Native and Cinema Mode for true progressive recording. To make even higher quality videos there's the Advanced Accessory Shoe for attaching external Canon lights and microphones that run off the power of the camcorder. If you're looking for a tape-based camcorder to take your videos to the next level, the HV40 has what you need.

Record to MiniDV
By capturing video to MiniDV, you can take advantage of both its universal compatibility with existing technology while also benefiting from a level of reliability, which professionals have counted on for over a decade. The HV40 lets you record in both 1080 High Definition as well as standard definition for use with your non-HD equipment.
Image Sensor & DIGIC DV II
The 2.96MP full HD CMOS sensor gives you 1920 x 1080 HD video while working in tandem with Canon's DIGIC DV II Image Processor to reduce image noise and customize the color and tonality of your video and still images.
Canon 10x HD Video Lens
The 10x HD Video Lens lets you capture landscapes and tight shots easily, with three fixed zoom speeds for fluid transitions. The super spectra coating keeps flare and ghosting at bay while the lens' aspheric design cuts down on aberration while boosting resolution.
2.7" Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD
The multi-angle widescreen LCD gives you a generous display on which to compose and playback your shots, not to mention the ability to shoot from more angles. The hard coat AR surface reproduces color accurately with reduced glare and enhanced contrast.
3.1Mp Digital Photos
Capture 3.1Mp digital photos to miniSD memory cards and enjoy special functions that make shooting easier, like the Histogram Display, scene modes and auto focus. You can also simultaneously capture still images while shooting video or save stills to a miniSD card after the video has already been shot.
SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization
Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer corrects for hand shake, moving subjects and the inevitable slight bump. SuperRange Gyro and image sensors also correct for a wider range of incidents such as body sway and recording in a moving car as well as ensuring no loss in image quality.
Creative Control & Workflow Features
  • Built-in flash for stills indoors or in low light
  • HDMI for watching videos on HDTV with just one cable
  • Custom Key: let's you keep commonly used functions available at a touch
  • 25p Cinema Mode gives your videos a "film-look" - enhanced when used with the CINE setting
  • Advanced Accessory Shoe for attaching external Canon lights or microphones that run off the camera's power
Optics
Sensor 2.96 Megapixel 1/2.7" CMOS
Lens 6.1 - 61 mm
f/1.8 - 3.0
Zoom Optical: 10x
Digital: 200x
Filter Size 43 mm
Recording
System PAL
Recording Media MiniDV Cassette  
MiniSD  
Recording Time MiniDV Cassette
SP: 80 minutes (HDV, DV)
LP: 120 minutes (DV)
Video Format High Definition
MPEG2
1920 x 1080
Still Image Resolution JPEG: 3.1 Megapixel
Audio Format 2-Channel Stereo
Display
Display Type LCD
Screen Size 2.7"
Touchscreen No
Add-on Lens
Features
Image Stabilization Optical
Lux 0.2 (Night Mode)
Built-in Mic Yes
Built-in Speaker Yes
Built-in Light/Flash Light - Yes
Flash - Yes
Accessory Shoe Hot
Tripod Mount 1/4"
Input/Output Connectors
Inputs 1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini
Outputs 1x USB 2.0
1x HDMI A (Full Size)
1x FireWire
1x Composite Video (out)
1x Component Video (out)
1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini
Microphone Input Yes
Headphone Jack Yes
General
System Requirements Not Specified By Manufacturer
Battery Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
Power Adapter 100-240VAC, 50/60HZ
Dimensions (WxHxD) 3.5 x 3.2 x 5.4" / 88.90 x 81.28 x 137.16 mm
Weight 1.4 lb / 635 g

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Canon Legria HV40 High Definition 'PAL' Camcorder
 
4.2

(based on 5 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Easy to use (4)
  • Great picture quality (4)
  • Image stabilization (4)
  • Great sound (3)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Travel (3)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (4)

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 5 customers

    Sort by

    Displaying reviews 1-5

    Back to top

     
    4.0

    The best tape camcorder

    By Ko-an film

    from Bondi Beach

    About Me Pro Videographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy to Use
    • Good Image Stabilization
    • Good in Low Light
    • Great Picture Quality
    • Great Sound

    Cons

      Best Uses

        Comments about Canon Legria HV40 High Definition 'PAL' Camcorder:

        I am using 2 of these cameras to produce a feature movie in South India.
        I chose it because of the great image quality, because it is tape format meaning the master is cheaper and safer in post production and because the sound levels can be set and monitored.
        Given that the image quality is better than current camcorders twice the price, it is disappointing that Canon has discontinued its tape format it in favour of solid state formats.
        The smallish LCD is a minus.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        4.0

        Easy to use with good quality film

        By FUAT CAN

        from VASTERAS SWEDEN

        About Me Casual User

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy to Use
        • Good Image Stabilization
        • Great Picture Quality

        Cons

        • Poor In Low Light

        Best Uses

        • Home Movies
        • Travel
        • Weddings/Events

        Comments about Canon Legria HV40 High Definition 'PAL' Camcorder:

        Ease to use, film recording on mini DV and pictures stored in miniSD card is a perfect solution for me.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

        (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

         
        3.0

        Canon delivers what promised.

        By Ankman

        from Delhi, India

        About Me Semi-pro Videographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy to Use
        • Good Image Stabilization
        • Great Sound

        Cons

        • Expensive
        • Poor In Low Light

        Best Uses

        • Capturing from hdv

        Comments about Canon Legria HV40 High Definition 'PAL' Camcorder:

        Very simple to use, basic hd camcorder.
        This is a camcorder but canon supplied software for still image transfer and editing but nothing for Video editing or basic video capture.... Shame!!

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Compact camcorder with great performance

        By Birdman

        from San Diego, California

        About Me Video Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy to Use
        • Good Image Stabilization
        • Great Picture Quality
        • Great Zoom
        • Zoom range/performance

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Documentaries
          • Movies/Short Films
          • Travel

          Comments about Canon Legria HV40 High Definition 'PAL' Camcorder:

          I'm a Canon user and recently upgraded to Legria HV40. Video recording is easy with excellent adaptation to various conditions. The 10x optical zooming function works well with amazing stability. Surprised by the high quality still image feature. Mini SD memory cards are hard to find but fortunately one can use micro SD with a mini card adapter. Suggest people buy the BP-2L24H battery package for extended recording/playback time.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Comment on this review

          (9 of 9 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          King of kings

          By adammendry

          from Houston, TX

          About Me Semi-pro Videographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Comfortable to Operate
          • Durable
          • Great Features
          • Great Picture Quality
          • Great Sound
          • Nice Design
          • Simple Controls
          • Versatile

          Cons

          • Poor Battery Life

          Best Uses

          • Documentaries
          • Editing
          • HD Shooting
          • Movies/Short Films
          • Travel
          • Work alsmost everywhere

          Comments about Canon Legria HV40 High Definition 'PAL' Camcorder:

          Im using this product to make a films and newscast stories. It works just amazing, colors and the quality is awesome. I used to work on PANASONIC NV MD 10000, so i was scared that this "tiny" camera will not satisfy my. But after i purchased it, i sold my Panasonic and now im saving money for accesories for my Canon. I didnt expect that much. Its like with VW Golf GTi, a tiny undestroyable and most sold car in europe, with hudge and powerfull engine inside. I give 100% warranty that this camcorder will improve everyones film abilities.

          Comment on this review

          Displaying reviews 1-5

          Back to top

          Media

          Required item:

          Panasonic -  AY-DVM60EJ Mini DV Cassette (60 Minutes)
          • Price: $1.95
           

          Batteries

          Canon -  BP-2L24H Battery Pack (2400mAh)
          • Reg. Price: $91.00
          • Discount: -$10.51
          • Discount price: $80.49
          • Limited supply at this price
           
          Pearstone -  BP-2L14 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (7.4V, 1450mAh)
            • Original: $24.95
            • Save: $2.49
          • Price: $22.46
           

          Chargers/AC Adapters

          Pearstone -  Compact AC/DC Charger for NB-2L Battery
            • Original: $19.95
            • Save: $1.99
          • Price: $17.96
           

          Filters

          Tiffen -  43mm UV Protector Filter
          • Price: $7.90
           
          Tiffen -  43mm Circular Polarizing Filter
          • Price: $35.95
           

          Lenses & Matte Boxes

          Canon -  WD-H43 43mm 0.7x Wide Angle Converter Lens - for the HV20
          • Price: $199.00
           
          Canon -  TL-H43 43mm 1.7x Telephoto Lens
          • Price: $169.00
           

          Shoe Adapters

          Vello -  Dual Shoe V Bracket (10.5 cm Wide)
            • Original: $24.95
            • Save: $2.49
          • Price: $22.46
           

          External Microphones

          Pearstone -  OLM-10 Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
            • Original: $22.95
            • Save: $2.29
          • Price: $20.66
           
          View all Accessories

          What's in the Box

          Canon Legria HV40 High Definition 'PAL' Camcorder
          • Legria HV40 High Definition 'PAL' Camcorder
          • BP-2L13 Battery Pack
          • Compact Power Adapter CA-570
          • Wireless Controller WL-D87
          • Component Cable CTC-100/S
          • Stereo Video Cable STV-250N
          • USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU
          • Digital Video Solution Disk
          • 1-Year Limited Warranty
           
           
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