"Want A Camcorder That Delivers Fantastic Image Quality & Features That Are Simple To Use? Then Take A Look At The Canon VIXIA HV40 HD Camcorder..." |
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Canon VIXIA HV40 HD Camcorder Review
Over All Rating: 
Price: $699.00 currently priced/price may change) Return Policy: The Canon VIXIA HF200 Camcorder is available on Amazon and comes with a 30-day FULL money back guarantee. Amazon also pays the return shipping costs if the return is a result of their error. Brand: Canon Model #: 3686B001AA Recommended Merchant: www.amazon.com About The Product: With so many revolutionary products being introduced in the market come more sophisticated systems requirements to be able to operate them. So many enthusiastic buyers of these high-tech gadgets oftentimes get disappointed when they eventually discover that their new purchases will not work in tandem with their existing equipments. In video recording, the HDV format is less taxing on older computers when importing video shoots to edit, so buyers of the Canon VIXIA HV40 Camcorder should be pleased that they would not need a computer upgrade when they make a purchase. This one works with processing requirements that are similar to flash camcorders. The VIXIA HV40 records video shoots into HDV/MiniDV tapes which are the cheapest form of storage. So if you are seeking great video quality without all the upgrades needed for support systems, the VIXIA HV40 is a good choice. It comes with a 2.96-megapixel Full HD CMOS image sensor that delivers remarkable details and is tops in color reproduction. The same SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization and Instant Auto Focus of higher grade camcorders are also featured to give you the best control required by high-definition recording. And if you have a host of standard definition equipments, you can continue using them with the VIXIA HD40 as it is capable of Standard Definition as well as High Definition recording. |
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The Good Stuff:
 No need to upgrade computer equipment to support HDV format
Less expensive to use as it is compatible with existing standard definition equipments
Captures true 1080 High Definition resolution video in 16:9 format using MiniDV cassette tapes
Flexibility to record in SD (standard definition) mode for use with non-HD equipment
Comes with an outstanding High Definition video lens ( 10x HD Genuine Canon Optical zoom)
Instant Auto-Focus system provides significant improvement in speed and accuracy
Wireless controller allow you to operate the camera from a distance
Built-in video light fills up for lack of indoor light and filling in harsh shadows for external shoots
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The Bad Stuff:
 Mini-DV cassettes or SD cards can be hard to find nowadays in some areas
Lens cover tends to rattle when shutting down
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Product Specifications:
The Canon VIXIA HV40 Camcorder includes the following standard specifications:
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Product Features:
Listed below are some of the features that come with this HD Camcorder. Take a quick look below..  Captures true high-definition resolution in 16:9 format using MiniDV cassette tapes
Flexibility to record in standard definition mode for viewing on non-HD equipment
10x High-Definition Genuine Canon Optical zoom lens offers great picture quality up close and far down
Fast, accurate focusing with Automatic Focus system, reduces focus hunting
Native and Cinema 24p modes plus 30p Progressive mode offers professional quality shoot and image stability. So no blurring
Level and Grid markers enable you to compose your shots and line up horizontals evenly
Print and Share capability allows you to print pictures without going through a computer
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Our Verdict:
The Canon VIXIA HV40 is one of the fewer tape-based HDV models that had received minor upgrades, but apart from adding the Native 24p mode, it is quite identical to its predecessor, the HV30. It just goes to show that we are moving into an era of high-definition upgrades with video gadgets having more sophisticated designs and features. HD recording definitely outdoes standard definition recording in terms of picture quality. But there remains a smaller market for HDV models, especially for those who are not too keen on learning the ropes with the newer, sophisticated models. The difficulty associated with AVCHD footages can be a dilemma for many; not to mention having to upgrade supporting equipment for higher models. So if you are deciding to stick it out with consumer level HDV format camcorders, the Canon VIXIA HV40 is still a good choice. However, it seems we are moving into a future where HD equipment will flood the market, so there should come a time when these mini-DV cassettes will become hard to find, or worse, obsolete just like VHS formats decades back. |
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Customer Feedback-
"For most consumers HDV cameras are old 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. If, however, 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." - Actual User Review - Amazon.com "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!" - Actual User Review - Amazon.com "This is an amazing camera. The video it shoots is almost indistinguishable from many camcorders several hundred dollars more. I was looking in to getting a hard drive or flash memory camera but ultimately decided to stick with trusty Mini DV storage. I read about the format that camcorders with hard drive or flash memory, AVCHD, and decided it would not work well on my computer." - Actual User Review - Amazon.com "The image quality is outstanding for a novice style camera and user. The features are easy to use and intuitive." - Actual User Review - Amazon.com |
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