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Introduction
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01.Design
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02.Product Tour
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03.Performance
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04.Color Performance
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05.Low Light Performance
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06.Motion Performance
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07.Sharpness Performance
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08.Sample Videos
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09.Usability
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10.Ease of Use
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11.Handling
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12.Controls
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13.Features
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14.Recording Options
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15.Hardware
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16.Other Features
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17.Canon HF S100 Comparison
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18.Panasonic HDC-TM300 Comparison
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19.Sony HDR-XR520V Comparison
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20.Conclusion
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21.Photo Gallery
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22.Specs & Ratings
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23.Comments
Canon Vixia HV40
Previous: Page 19
Sony HDR-XR520V ComparisonNext: Page 21
Photo GalleryConclusion
Since the HV40 is only a minor upgrade over last year’s HV30, it seems that Canon isn’t putting too much effort into its tape-based HDV models. The HV40’s flash-memory counterparts have more sophisticated designs, better handling, and more useful features, suggesting that they are Canon’s camcorders of the future. Canon’s new top-of-the-line HF S series (HF S100, HF S10, and HF S11) also outdid the HV40 when it came to our video performance testing.
That doesn’t mean there still isn’t a place for tape-based camcorders in today’s market. Many people are still more comfortable working with tape and the difficulties associated with AVCHD footage can be too much for some to bear. The HV40 is also a bit cheaper than most of the high-end flash memory and internal hard drive camcorders out there. Still, we’re disappointed that Canon didn’t put in the effort to improve the HV40’s menus, user interface, or handling like it did with its other 2009 models. For this reason, the HV40 seems out-dated, old fashioned, and clunky.
If you’re looking for a consumer-level HDV camcorder, there really isn’t much to choose from, so the HV40 is probably the best option by default. Since Canon didn’t change much (other than adding the native 24p mode), looking for a cheap HV30 might be a good idea if you’re hard on cash. If non-linear media doesn’t scare you, however, there are plenty of camcorders that perform better, look cooler, and handle easier than the HV40.
Shop for the Canon HV40
Latest News
& Reviews
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16-May-2012
Panasonic HC-V500M Camcorder Review
The Panasonic HC-V500M is a small, lightweight, budget camcorder that offers a lot for its $499 MSRP. Read More...
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04-May-2012
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Digital Camera Reivew
Along with its retro design and weather-sealed body, the Olympus E-M5 features a robust movie mode that provides you with a variety of manual video controls and features. Read More...
Top Rated Camcorders
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$1,499.991Canon Vixia HF G10
With the Vixia HF G10 ($1499 MSRP), Canon's latest flagship camcorder, the company decided to use a completely different image sensor with a smaller amount of pixels. If you check out the results from our performance testing, you'll quickly see the change paid off—particularly in low light situations. Read full 5-part review
$1,499.99Any TypeConsumerAny Media TypeInternal Flash Memory -
$1,099.002Panasonic HDC-TM900
The Panasonic HDC-TM900 is the successor to the lauded HDC-TM700, our pick for Camcorder of the Year in 2010. The TM900 offers the same fantastic video performance as its predecessor, particularly with its widely-praised 1080/60p mode, but Panasonic didn't improve on much else. Read full 5-part review
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$999.003Panasonic HC-X900M
The HC-X900M is the replacement for last year's HDC-TM900 flagship HD camcorder from Panasonic, but if you're looking for hot new features or exciting updates then you should prepare to be disappointed. Other than a few design alterations and some slight tweaks to the lens and sensor, the HC-X900 is identical to its predecessor. Read full 5-part review
$999.00Any TypeConsumerAny Media TypeInternal Flash Memory -
$599.994Canon Vixia HF M40
The Canon HF M40 is the latest mid-range camcorder from Canon. With the same risky new sensor, this impressive bargain has great low light performance and a plethora of manual controls. Read full 5-part review
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$1,499.005Sony Handycam HDR-TD10
The twin lens system featured prominently on the front of the Sony HDR-TD10 should tell you one thing: this is a camcorder that can record 3D video. Read full 5-part review
$1,499.00Any TypeConsumerAny Media TypeInternal Flash Memory
Features
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An Introduction to High Definition Video.
Understand what’s going on in the world of HD camcorders so you can make sense of it all and make an informed decision on your next purchase. Read More...
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CamcorderInfo.com 2010 Selects Awards
Our awards for the best camcorders in 2010. Read More...
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The Student Filmmaker's Buying Guide To Consumer Camcorders
For the student filmmaker, finding the right camcorder can be a very arduous task. This article goes through the best consumer camcorders on the market for the student filmmaker, and all of these models can be found for $1500 or less. Read More...
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Video Editing Software For Your Camcorder
Most consumer camcorders come with some kind of editing program, but the quality of this provided software can range drastically. This article offers an overview and critique for these editing programs. Read More...
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