-
Introduction
-
01.Product Tour
-
02.Colour & Noise Performance
-
03.Motion & Sharpness Performance
-
04.Low Light Performance
-
05.Compression & Media
-
06.Manual Controls
-
07.Still Features
-
08.Handling & Use
-
09.Playback & Connectivity
-
10.Audio & Other Features
-
11.Canon HF S100 Comparison
-
12.Panasonic HDC-HS300 Comparison
-
13.Sony HDR-XR520 Comparison
-
14.Conclusion
-
15.Photo Gallery
-
16.Specs and Ratings
-
17.Comments
Canon LEGRIA HV40
This review is organized into 17 parts
Next: Part 1
Product Tour
Introduction
The Canon LEGRIA HV40 is an HDV camcorder, which records in MiniDV format. MiniDV isn't really the sleekest and newest technology out there, but there are still adherents to tape-based recording and the HV40 is one of the few HDV models on the market. It has a few improvements over the older HV30, including a native 25p recording, a Custom Key and some changes in the design. However, the HV40 is basically minor upgrade of last year's HV30.
| Section | The Good | The Bad |
| Product Tour | 10x zoom lens has an automatic cover | Bulky, awkward design |
| Colour & Noise Performance | Strong colour saturation; low noise levels | Colour accuracy was only average |
| Motion & Sharpness Performance | Good selection of frame rate options (including native-progressive 25p mode) | Not as sharp as other high-end models |
| Low Light Performance | Decent low light performance overall | Alternate frame rates didn't offer improvement in colour accuracy |
| Compression & Media | Offers both standard definition and high definition recording | Photos are stored to MiniSD cards rather than the more popular SD/SDHC. |
| Manual Controls | Variety of scene modes, white balance presets, and image effects | Control dial can only be used to adjust focus; no fully-manual mode |
| Still Features | Still performance was better than expected | Maximum still image resolution is not very large |
| Handling & Use | Buttons are easily accessible; good battery life with provided battery pack | Joystick menu is terrible; bulky design isn't very comfortable; lacklustre viewfinder |
| Playback & Connectivity | analogue to Digital video conversion can be very useful | VCR buttons are poorly designed; back-side port cover doesn't stay closed |
| Audio & Other Features | External mic and headphone jack; numerous options for dubbing | Audio level control display isn't great; headphone jack is shared with AV-in/out |
| Canon HV40 Comparisons | ||
 |
 |
 |
| Canon HF S100 | Panasonic HDC-HS300 | Sony HDR-XR520 |
Latest News & Reviews
-
29-Apr-2011
Panasonic HDC-SDT750 3D Camcorder Review
With the HDC-SDT750, Panasonic is bringing 3D videography to the masses. It is definetly not cheap, but it is still comparable in cost to other flagship models. Read More...
-
10-Mar-2011
Kodak Playsport Zx3 Camcorder Review
The Playsport Zx3 is an exciting ultracompact camcorder from Kodak that combines a Full HD recording capability with a body that is waterproof up to 3 meters. The camcorder’s durable construction, and did surprisingly well in our video testing. Read More...
Top Rated Camcorders
-
1Panasonic HDC-SDT750
With the HDC-SDT750, Panasonic is bringing 3D videography to the masses. It is definetly not cheap, but it is still comparable in cost to other flagship models. Read full 17-part review
TypeConsumer -
£764.952Panasonic HDC-TM700
As the update to Panasonic's 300-series, the expectations for the Panasonic HDC-TM700 are high.. Read full 16-part review
£764.95TypeConsumer -
3Canon Legria HF G10
With the Legria HF G10, 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 16-part review
TypeConsumer -
4JVC Everio GZ-HM1
Other than a new silver paint job, JVC's newest flagship model, the Everio GZ-HM1, looks exactly like its predecessor, the GZ-HM400. JVC's biggest alteration comes in the form of a back-illuminated CMOS sensor that did wonders in improving the low light performance of this new model. Read full 16-part review
TypeConsumer -
£966.505Canon Legria HF S21
Canon's new flagship model, the HF S21, has a lot of exciting new features and controls. Its 64GB of internal flash memory, two SD/SDHC memory card slots, and the touchscreen LCD make the HF S21 one of the most appealing camcorders of 2010. Read full 17-part review
£966.50TypeConsumer
