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Introduction
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01.Product Tour
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02.Colour & Noise Performance
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03.Motion & Sharpness Performance
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04.Low Light Performance
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05.Compression & Media
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06.Manual Controls
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07.Still Features
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08.Handling & Use
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09.Playback & Connectivity
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10.Audio & Other Features
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11.Canon HF S100 Comparison
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12.Panasonic HDC-HS300 Comparison
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13.Sony HDR-XR520 Comparison
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14.Conclusion
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15.Photo Gallery
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16.Specs and Ratings
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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 | ||
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| Canon HF S100 | Panasonic HDC-HS300 | Sony HDR-XR520 |
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