Canon VIXIA HV40 HD HDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom - 2009 MODEL
by Canon
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: CanonRelease Date: 2010-10-04
Model: 3686B001AA
Color: Black
Product features:
- HDV format delivers high-definition video to miniDV tape
- Genuine Canon 10x HD video lens; SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer
- DIGIC DV II image processor; 24p Cinema Mode, 30p Progressive Mode
- 2.7-inch Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD
- HDMI terminal for easy, one-cable connectivity to your HDTV
- Canon BP-2L24H Battery Pack for the HG10, HV30, DC310, DC330, DC320 Camcorders (Retail Packaging)
- Canon NB-2LH Rechargeable Battery Pack for Rebel XT/XTi Digital SLR Cameras and VIXIA HV Series and ZR Series Camcorders (Retail Package)
- Canon SC2000 Soft Carrying Case for select Canon Camcorders
- Pinnacle Studio HD V14 [OLD VERSION]
- Apple Final Cut Studio 2 - Old Version
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Canon VIXIA HV40 HD HDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom - 2009 MODEL
Customer Review: Amazing Video, Easy to Use, Some Components a Bit Dated
Summary: 4 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
At the time of this writing, [...], one of the most trusted technology review sites on the web, list's the HV40's immediate predecessor, the HV30, on three its five Top Camcorders lists: Best Camcorders (Overall), Best Home Movie Camcorders and Best HD Camcorders . The only two categories in which they don't list the HV30 as one of their best models are the "Best Pro Camcorders" list (all of which are significantly more expensive than the HV30) and the "Best Budget Camcorders" list (all of which are significantly cheaper).
That's a tremendous show of support for the HV30. As I write this, CNET hasn't yet published their full review of the HV40, but as it incrementally improves on some of the HV30's features, I have no reason to think CNET will think any less of the HV40's performance.
As an amateur videographer, without CNET's ability to shoot with as many other models as they enjoy, I trust and value their judgement. How does the HV40 stack up against the competition? I couldn't say.
As an enthusiast, however, I can share my experience and tell you that have LOVED and been amazed by the video I've gotten from this little beauty. But while the results have far surpassed my expectations, there are some limitations with the unit that made the process of shooting and transferring the footage less satisfying than the final product. Following are the pros and cons as I've seen them.
Pros:
Video Quality: This is far and away where the HV40 shines. I've used other consumer camcorders, and the HV40's outshines them all. Even in low light, the videos are beautiful. Colors are rich, movement is smooth and the level of detail is almost frightening. On my 24" computer screen and 52" plasma television, the images are knock-your-socks-off gorgeous. I can't imagine consumer-level video getting much better. On a few shots the camera struggled with focus, but that was rare and I can't believe any camera gets it right 100% of the time. Even on those occasions, within a few seconds the focus locked on accurately.
Design: The HV40 looks and feels great in your hand. I love the piano black finish. Very classy. The camera isn't too heavy to carry around for a day, nor is it so light that it feels cheap or flimsy. I'd say Canon got this just right.
Ergonomics: I found it pretty intuitive to use the HV40's controls right off the bat: The shooting and zoom controls are where I'd expect them to be. Likewise, the On-Off-Play switch and other controls were easy to find and use.
Ease of Use: There's a lot to explore on this camera: Numerous shooting options, frame rates and scene modes. Some of it looks very cool and interesting, but my embarrassing confession is that I haven't used a one. I put the camera on Auto and leave it there. I just haven't had the time yet to play. Happily, even on Auto, the result are always close to perfect. I'd like someday to learn the advanced options and get more artistic with my videography; I'm just not there yet. But it's nice having a camcorder I can grow into.
Built-In Video Light: I've never had one of these on a camcorder before, and I'm loving it. Comes in handy not just indoors, but for filling in harsh shadows outdoors. Sweet.
Cons:
Optical Stabilization: I hate criticizing Canon's Image Stabilization because I can't say if other camcorders do it better. I've had a lot of experience with Canon's still cameras and they're known for excellent stabilization. Which is why I've been so surprised how ineffective the IS is on the HV40. A lot of my video - especially from mid-zoom and higher - is too shaky to use. Of course, part of the problem is user error - like others, I often shoot using the wide-screen LCD, which is the worst way to steady your camera. Much better is to look through the eyepiece, which forces your to brace the camera against your face, rather than shakily holding it at chest level. Speaking of which...
LCD and Viewfinder: I'm surprised how unimpressive the HV40's LCD and viewfinder are. I have the Canon HV20, which is two-generation old technology, and I don't think they've upgraded either of these important components since then. At 2.7 inches, the wide screen LCD feels cramped. For comparison, an iPod Touch or iPhone's screen is a roomy 3.5 inches. Moreover, the resolution on the HV40's LCD is a trifling 211,000-pixels; again, not upgraded from a model over two years old. That means your LCD doesn't show a lot of the detail you're capturing with the camera. Even worse is the eye-level viewfinder, which is so coarse and grainy as to be barely acceptable. Since that's the viewfinder you should be using when you shoot, it really needs to be improved. The only good news is that after viewing your video through the eyepiece or using the LCD, you'll be astounded at how much better it appears when you eventually display it on a computer or TV.
Tape-Based Technology: There have been many debates on hard-drive vs. taped-based camcorders. To my understanding, tape-based video continues to hold an edge when it comes to quality and compatibility with computer-editing programs. I don't care: I'm ready to leave videotapes behind. Using the miniDV tapes feels very 1980's to me. They're slow to rewind and fast forward, you can't jump to a specific scene and when transferring them to a computer, it happens in real time - i.e., 30 minutes of shooting takes 30 minutes to download to your PC. I prefer MP3 players to cassette tapes, my DVR to a VCR, and DVDs to videotapes. This miniDV shooter is the last thing I have to use tapes with, and I'm ready for what's next.
Conclusions: The Canon's HV40's pros are far more important than its cons, with the first one, video quality, really being the primary concern. With the HV40's outstanding output, its impossible not to love what comes out of this camera. The camera also feels great and is easy to use. Still, I'm deducting a star for the cons, which, while not of primary importance, remain disappointments. Most notably, its past time to upgrade the LCD and viewfinder and to make the switch to hard drive based storage (not everyone agrees on that last point, though; miniDV does have its adherents).
As a point of interest to Mac users - I transferred and edited the video from the HV40 to my two-year-old iMac with no problems. I've upgraded to the iLife 09 package, and iMovie 09 had no problems importing or displaying the video. Although iMovie recommends you import your video at a reduced size (which saves hard disc space and is less processor intensive to work with) I imported everything at full resolution and had no problems, crashes or slowdowns while working with it. Not only that, but, (without going off on too much of a tangent) it was a great pleasure using iMovie 09 with the HV40's video - moving footage around and making edits was painless and, using one of Apple's template, my movies look like professionally edited mini-masterpieces, which is less a tribute to my limited-skills as it is testimony of their slickness and usability of that program. Bottom line: If you're on a modern Mac, the HV40 works with it flawlessly.
Scott Sherman, author, Lambda Literary Award Winning Best Men's Mystery, 2009, First You Fall: A Kevin Connor Mystery
Description of Canon VIXIA HV40 HD HDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom - 2009 MODEL
When you take what you shoot seriously, you need a serious camcorder that lives up to your demands. The Canon VIXIA HV40 HD camcorder does the job with astonishing high definition detail and color reproduction. The VIXIA HV40 delivers the unparalleled combination of a Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens, a Canon Full HD CMOS Image Sensor and DIGIC DV II Image Processor for stunning image quality. Once you experience and see the images you capture, you won't trust your shots to any other camcorder. Add to that the SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer that keeps your video and photos steady and Instant AF, giving you fast, accurate focus so you don't miss that important moment, and you've got a camcorder that's hard to match. The Canon VIXIA HV40 also offers a 2.7-inch multi-angle vivid widescreen LCD with true color, and the ability to shoot in Native 24p Mode. The Canon VIXIA HV40 HD camcorder opens up a world of shooting possibilities, so check it out, you'll love what you see. Canon USA 1-year limited warranty included.Camcorders
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