Rating

The Canon HV40 is basically a slightly improved Canon HV30 (which itself was a slightly improved HV20), with a few extra features. The HV line has been very well loved the past few years and has a devoted following of fans and enthusiasts. There are even web sites devoted to the HV line. So if you wish to research the HV line in-depth, the resources are certainly there. Moving on to the HV40 in specific, the largest new feature is 24P recording which offers footage more comparable to real film. To be honest, I doubt this feature will matter or make a difference to the average consumer, but for film students, enthusiasts, and professional videographers, it offers more creative control and that right “cinema” effect. There are plenty of sample videos posted on the web demonstrating the effect of 24P (and the HV40 itself). The HV40 maintains the Canon HV line reputation of being the cream of the crop among consumer HDV cameras. But, with AVCHD significantly closing the gap, both in image quality and compatibility, with HDV this past year, the HDV format is disappearing rapidly from the consumer market. The brilliant image quality of the latest ACVHD cameras now surpasses HDV. Coupled with the speed and convenience of tape less recording, this makes AVCHD an nearly irresistible choice if you are currently shopping for a video camera. Although I agree AVCHD is the more future-proof choice, there are several compelling arguments to consider the HV40. First, and most importantly, is its backward compatibility with HDV or SD mini-DV. If you have a library of mini-DV tapes, you can play them and capture to PC with this camera. Your existing video editing software (if any) is also more likely to be compatible with the HDV format, even if it’s a few years ancient. Also, as I mentioned earlier, although ACVHD has made fantastic progress, it’s still not the most system friendly format. This can be a major hurdle if you have an underpowered or older PC. On a single core or budget CPU system, AVCHD may likely give you significant headaches. In fact, if your system is really ancient or underpowered enough, you may have to add a system or video card upgrade into the budget if you wish to use AVCHD files beyond basic capture. If you’re simply looking for a high-definition video camera that you can use with your existing software and system, yet still capture incredible footage, the HV40 is a excellent choice, especially if you already use mini-DV. Another consideration is storage. HDV is self-contained. You can capture, edit, burn a DVD, and delete the footage from your system to preserve disk space, yet still have a backup of your footage on a cassette. With AVCHD, you have to allocate permanent storage space on a hard drive or burn your captured files to optical disk as backup, the latter being very inefficient with current 4.7GB DVD’s. Of course, the downside with HDV is that you have to buy tapes, but they are pretty cheap these days, especially for multi-packs. You can use regular mini-DV tapes. There is no requirement or need to buy more expensive HDV specific tapes. This is strictly a personal choice. Frankly, I’ve tried both and see no difference between the two. And although AVCHD does not require tapes, you do have to buy SDHC cards for card-only models and/or an additional hard drive (internal or external) to efficiently back up your footage, especially with hard drive or solid state drive models. So the costs even out in the long run. Although the Canon HV line may no longer be king of the consumer video hill, the HV40 can easily hold its own in video quality against all but the very best consumer AVCHD cameras. Even then, the difference is slight at best. I have captured footage from both formats under similar shooting conditions on both PC and Mac. The HV40 performed admirably against AVCHD. In a lot of instances, the HDV footage was even noticeably better than AVCHD. Not all AVCHD cameras are made equal. You may or may not get a decent AVCHD camera, depending on your research. In some cases, you may really take a step backwards in quality. All the sophisticated electronics in the world can’t right terrible optics, sensors, and poor auto-focus performance. The HV40 slams the ball out of the ballpark on all three features, thanks to Canon optics & sensor, and swift reliable auto-focus. This brings me to my final point of comparison, watching and sharing video. After the footage is shot, if all you wish to do is connect the camera directly to your high-def television and play the footage through the camera, AVCHD might (and I can’t emphasize the word “might” enough) be the hands-down winner. But, most people want to burn their memories to DVD. In this case, unless you have a drive capable of burning high-definition blu-ray disks and a compatible stand-alone blu-ray player to play them on, your footage will be encoded into a standard definition DVD anyhow. Footage from the HV40 will perform this type encoding quicker and more efficiently. Honestly, until high-definition blu-ray burners become more affordable, much of the high definition performance for either format is wasted unless you encode video files in high-definition for viewing on computer or, as I said earlier, plot to simply playback footage through the camera. The form factor and dimensions of the HV40 are identical to the HV30. One complaint that I, and many others, had with the HV30 was the awkward feeling in your hand. For some reason the HV40 did not feel quite as awkward. They appear identical, so I reckon I just got accustomed to the feel of the HV30. The only visible difference (besides the new name), is the change in name of the button on the lens barrel, from “BLC” to “Custom”. The newly named button offers additional exposure and focus help options in addition to the back light compensation of the former “BLC” button. Otherwise, the HV40 is virtually identical to the HV30.

Performance is fantastic, as expected. Video is very clear, with crisp colors and razor sharpness. Performance certainly on par with its predecessors, the HV20 and HV30.I have not personally tried the 24P mode, but, as I mentioned earlier, there are several examples of this feature readily available on the web. Bright light recordings were sharp, vivid, and clear. Low light capability was pretty excellent with minimal noise unless the light was really dim. I’ve achieved okay footage by candle light, although it certainly starts to show limitations under such extreme dim light conditions. Auto focusing was quick and spot-on, especially the instant AF which quickly switches focusing from one object to another as you switch perspectives or angles. There is a choice to use manual focus which sometimes comes in handy with hard focusing situations such as zooming in on objects at a certain distance or objects without enough contrast for the auto focus. Once again, there is plenty of test footage of the HV line readily available on the web. Sound was excellent, especially for a tape camera. There was no noticeable noise from the tape transfer mechanism unless you were recording in near silent conditions. Even then, it was minimal. The HV40 also has 3.1MP still picture capabilities with a few customizable features such as different metering and exposure options. Still pictures are adequate quality and comparable to low-end digicams. You will need to buy a mini-SD card to capture pictures. Battery life was average.

The bundled software is a joke. It is literally useless for video. They bundle the same still-photo application (Zoombrowser EX for PC/Imagebrowser 6.2 for Mac) that is included with their digital still cameras but nothing for capturing or editing video. Fortunately, the HV40 is compatible with most editing software from the past few years. As for built-in video software, only the Vista Home Premium and Ultimate versions of Windows Movie Maker will capture and edit HDV. But, one caveat is that it is converted into a proprietary Microsoft format after capture. If you want a cross-platform friendly file, use a third-party app. On the Mac side, users should have no problems with any version of iMovie. (Thanks yet again Apple, for keeping things simple. And this is from a PC-biased guy!) Export options include firewire and USB 2. I prefer and use firewire on both Mac and PC. There are also component and HDMI outputs for connecting to a high definition TV. Thankfully, the HDMI connector is standard size, so you can use an existing HDMI cable if you have one, rather than buying the specialized one most cameras require. As usual, component cables are included but no HDMI cable. They also include a remote.

All in all, the HV40 improves on a time tested and proven model. Going back to the HV20, the HV line has consistently offered top quality, features, and performance. The HV40 is the latest in that outstanding line and offers a very compelling option for some not to jump on the AVCHD bandwagon just yet.

Rating

The Canon VIXIA HV40 is a feature rich prosumer grade miniDV camcorder that should appeal to the advance home user, hobbyist, or business owner. This is likely more camera than the casual user will need and some less expensive HD cameras are available for those not needing all of the features this camera offers.

We make Instructional Videos (currently 24 of them, some are available on Amazon) for my wife’s business and have been looking for a new camera to replace my aging Canon GL2 MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom. While the HV40 is not quite in the same league as the GL2 (a 3CCD workhorse), it does perform well enough to cover as a second camera on our video shoots and it also has many of the advanced features that took several lesser cameras out of consideration.

This video camera has too many features and options to cover them all in this review, so I will cover the high and low points that most users will find useful:

Recording -

* The video image quality of the HV40, in most circumstances, is simply incredible. I was very impressed with the quality in all of the video shooting modes (HD and SD). This is a function of the high quality 10x lens and the CMOS imager.

* Very usable digital still camera, with flash, that produces surprisingly excellent 3MP images and saves them to the miniSD card (not included). This is worth noting since I have several other honestly high-end video cameras that allow stills to be taken, but this is the first one where the pictures are as excellent as some of my digital cameras.

* Decent Image Stabilization, does a honest job of reducing hand-held induced jitter.

* Full Sized Advanced Accessory Shoe, accepts Canon video lights and shotgun mics. This was a huge plus for me since my GL2 uses these as well. If Canon accessories are not used, it acts as a cold shoe.

* Has microphone input jack and headphone output jack, which are absolute must haves for recording video to be used professionally.

Special Functions and Presets -

* Includes many presets useful for capturing video under specific conditions, including Night, Portrait, Snow, Sand, Fireworks (I tested this on July 4th and got fantastic results), etc.

* Ability to take 2MP stills saved to the miniSD card while video is being recorded.

* Ability to record video from DV input.

* Ability to take a still image from video playback (like a “Frame Grab”).

* Includes a full function remote control that can be used when recording (includes Zoom control) and playing back.

Playback -

* Has several video outputs, including a full size HDMI connector (but doesn’t come with cable), Component Video out (cables included), DV (iLink/Firewire/IEEE 1394) out (cable not included), and records to miniDV tapes.

* Stills can be played back via the HDMI and Component Video, but can also be transferred via the USB or miniSD card.

Dislikes (not too many) -

* Auto White Balance is slightly off in low light situations when the help lamp is not used.

* View finder does not extend to compensate for an over-sized battery, forcing the use of the LCD show.

* Confusing user Manual

To better learn the features of the HV40, I bought JumpStart Video Training Guide on DVD for Canon HV30 HD Camcorder since the HV30 has most of the same features of the HV40 (with some minor exceptions). This was a very useful investment since it saved me a lot of time trying to figure out the controls on my own. JumpStart will likely produce a DVD covering the HV40, so you might want to check to see if one is available.

Overall, the HV40 is a fantastic camcorder that meets my basic and even most of my more advanced needs in both quality and functionality.

Highly Recommended!

CFH

Rating

Over ten years ago I bought Sony’s legendary TRV-900. It was a consumer camera so excellent and so ahead of its time that it remained on the market for four years – an eternity in the consumer electronics industry.

Canon has a similar product in their HV series HDV camcorders. They released such an outstanding camera two years ago with the HV20 that the two new models since (the HV30 and now the HV40) are really just small refinements of a mature and well designed product.

**NEW FEATURES**

So let’s get one thing out of the way up front: There really isn’t much of a difference between this camera and last year’s HV30 (which was a small upgrade on the superb HV20). As an HV20 owner, I felt right at home when this arrived and I powered it up. Video quality is about the same, they look pretty much the same, and overall performance is the same too.

What is different is the addition of right 24P recording which offers a more film-like frame rate over the standard 30 frames per second. It should be noted that prior versions of this camera (as well as Canon’s AVCHD models) also shoot 24P but that mode requires additional software to get to “right” 24P video when editing. You’ll want to check to ensure that your editing software supports right 24P footage as it’s not a configuration that is on many consumer cameras.

**AVCHD OR HDV?***

If you’re reading this it’s likely that you’re in the market for a new camcorder. It’s also likely that you’re confused over the multitude of different formats currently available: hard disk, flash memory, tape, etc. etc.

Despite the many recording mediums, the current crop of consumer cameras can be delineated into two camps: AVCHD (the hard disk and flash based cameras) and HDV (tape based).

HDV cameras have two advantages over their AVCHD counterparts. The first, while not as compelling a reason as a year ago, is compatibility. HDV was the first consumer HD format and is nearly universally supported by just about every video editing software package released over the last three to four years. In addition the HV40 can also shoot in the older standard definition DV format, a format so ancient that even software and hardware from ten years ago can work with the footage.

Another factor to consider is the firewire port. Want to record directly to your PC or Mac? Or perhaps do a live broadcast to UStream or Stickam? HDV cameras like the HV40 stream compressed video in realtime over Firewire, something the AVCHD cameras don’t do.

Still, Canon’s AVCHD cameras are now recording at a higher bitrate and with a more advanced video compression algorithm that makes for better image quality. Canon’s flash based cameras, like the outstanding VIXIA HFS100, are mostly solid state and lack the complex (and delicate) machinery of a tape-based camcorder like the HV40.

**CONCLUSION**

Canon’s HV20 was a very mature product right at launch and that maturity continues in this iteration. Still, there’s nothing so compelling in the HV40 that makes it a necessary upgrade for HV30 or HV20 owners. For first time buyers, if you’re able to pick up an older model at a lower price you won’t be making much of a sacrifice in terms of features. It’s a fantastic camera, just not any greater than the prior versions!

For most consumers HDV cameras are ancient technology. In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if the HV40 is the last tape-based camcorder Canon releases to market. AVCHD has matured to the point that I am now recommending that to friends over HDV based cameras. AVCHD’s lack of moving parts combined with the very low cost of flash memory makes it tough to recommend the bulkier mechanical alternatives like the HV40.

If, but, you’re using an older computer or need to stream video live the HV40 is one of the best (if not the best) HDV consumer cameras on the market.

Rating

#-#-#-[ Why this rating? ]-#-#-#

I can be described as an enthusiastic, or even compulsive, photographer and videographer. I always travel with a camera and a camcorder in tow, and run through multiple cassettes and GBs of photographs (I shoot in RAW mode) each month. [What I may lack in aptitude, I make up for in volume.]

I’ve owned an HV20 for over 2 years now, and I am still absolutely enthralled by its performance. What can I say, its one of the few camcorders that has an entire web site and an active community built around it.

Canon realized that they had a winner on their hands with the exceptional HV20, and rather than messing with a winning formula, they smartly chose to simply provide relatively minor upgrades with the HV30 and now, the HV40. What this means is that if you are considering this camcorder, then the professional reviews for both the HV20 and the HV30 will apply just as well.

[One theory is that the HV20 was made so well that Canon could not improve it without cannibalizing the sales of it's professional models.]

The image quality with this camcorder is brilliant, the sound quality is honest to decent, and the power user features are plentiful (such as audio input levels and aperture control). Note that there are tips online that walk you through the process of unlocking the full range of aperture control with this camcorder.

Therefore, in my opinion, this camcorder is truly at the pinnacle of “convenience” and “performance”; while not quite qualifying for the top of the “innovation” food chain. For me, the first two characteristics far outweigh the third, placing it squarely at 5 stars (“I Like It!”).

- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -

For the patient reader, the details follow:

If you’re even considering this camcorder you have to be thinking in terms of a really key choice: HDV/MiniDV or AVCHD/HDD+Flash Memory? A prior reviewer has covered this well but as I’ve pondered this question over and over again in the past few years, I’ll add my 2 cents, for what its worth.

#-#-#-[ Tape vs. HDD or Solid State/Flash Memory ]-#-#-#

I’m firmly in the “tape” camp for the following reasons:

a) It’s an instant archival mechanism. I can’t be bothered to get into a serious workflow for every hour of footage I shoot.

b) It’s cheap. Even a high quality tape is honestly economical.

c) It’s robust. I have tapes from 1991 that still work just fine.

d) It’s a permanent master. I can always go back and encode my original 8mm tapes to the format du jour.

e) It’s available. I can get tapes anywhere in the world I go. (In reality, I don’t use tapes other than the Panasonic professional tapes like the AY-DVM63AMQ which use a dry lubricant.)

But, it is highly likely that the future belongs to solid state based camcorders, for the following reasons:

a) They don’t have any moving parts, making them smaller, lighter, and quieter.

b) You can seek to specific areas quickly, and can easily reclaim storage when deleting poor recordings.

c) Transferring video files from flash memory to disk is much quicker.

#-#-#-[ HDV vs. AVCHD ]-#-#-#

The choice here has both objective and subjective overtones, with right believers entrenched in both camps.

I’m allied with the HDV camp (for now) because:

a) I honestly believe that the current quality of HDV is much better.

b) It places only modest demands on my computing hardware and software when editing video.

c) When I buy a HDV camcorder, I guarantee that I will be able to play back my ancient tapes a bit longer into the future. I intend to use my HV20 to playback my tapes, and my HV40 for new recordings. [I also use a rewinder; and an external AC charger - to increase my camcorder's life expectancy.]

But, it is highly likely that the future belongs to AVCHD for the following reasons:

a) It is the format used by Solid State camcorders, and they are likely to rule the future.

b) It supports Dolby 5.1 surround sound.

c) It supports right 1920×1080 progressive video, whereas the HDV standard is limited to 1440x1080i.

d) It is not bandwidth limited by the HDV tape speed.

e) Most of the problems with AVCHD are teething troubles that will be fixed as machines become more powerful, and as camcorders and editors become smarter at encoding video.

#-#-#-#-[ Differences from the HV20 ]-#-#-#-#

The HV40 comes with an extended strength BP-2L13 battery.

It replaces my silver HV20 with a black body, and a 30p progressive recording mode – which is better for video that will end up on the Internet (where video generally runs at 15 fps).

I have to note but that I do not like the “film” look of 24P video – as the blurring it generates tends to leave me with a headache. The 30P video is a bit better, but not by much. As a result, I have continued to use standard 1080i HDV, which is wonderfully detailed and sharp, and handles quick moving children very comfortably indeed.

There’s a custom button that you can program on the lens barrel; a nicer zoom lever; and a hotshoe cover that really stays on. (My HV20′s hotshoe cover has long gone to the fantastic lost-and-found bin in the sky.)

The HV40 also comes with a full size HDMI connector. Yay!

I cannot really tell the difference between the recording generated by my HV20 and my HV40. To my eye, they are just as excellent.

I found the sound to be slightly better than before – but I’d still recommend an external microphone for excellent results. The onboard mic is notorious for picking up tape noise and menu clicks. The Rode Stereomic is my personal choice, as I mostly shoot family and friends. But, you may need a more directional mic if you are going for serious audio use.

The built-in light is nearly useless – so get yourself a better light if you need one. I have the Canon video light which works well in a pinch.

I have a pair of Sennheiser HD280 PRO headphones that work very well with this camcorder. But, the Headphone jack is shared with the AV output, so you must remember to make the right selection before you plug in your headphone.

Pleased Recording!

- Damodar