Canon VIXIA HV40

Description: The Canon VIXIA HV40 is a MiniDV (HDV)-based, home-movie camcorder.Compared to other home-movie camcorders on the market, it is expensive at around $1,000.

Pros: None noted, given available product data.

Cons: None noted, given available product data.

Suitability: Suited for capturing important family events.This camera's built-in light will make it easier to film in dim environments.

Value: In general, this camcorder's price seems a bit steep, with respect to its features.Normally, home-movie camcorders having similar resolution tend to cost about $685.

Suggestions: For more help selecting the right digital camcorder, visit CNET Reviews' buying guide.

CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.

• Manufacturer: Canon USA
• Part Number: 3686B001

• General

• Product Type Camcorder - 1080p
• Digital Zoom 200 x
• Total Pixels 2.96 megapixels
• Optical Sensor Size 1/2.7"
• Optical Sensor Type CMOS
• Min Illumination 0.2 lux
• Analog Video Format NTSC
• Digital Video Format MPEG-2
• Special Effects Art, Sepia, Vivid, Neutral, Skin Detail, Black & White, Low Sharpening
• Image Stabilizer Optical (SuperRange)
• Digital Scene Transition Wipe fader
• Max Shutter Speed 1/2000 sec
• Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
• Shooting Programs Snow, Beach, Sunset, Fireworks, Spotlight, Night mode, Sports mode, Portrait mode
• White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
• White Balance Presets Shade, Cloudy, Daylight, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light (cool white), Fluorescent light (warm white)
• Exposure Modes Manual, Program, Automatic, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority
• Camera Flash Built-in flash
• Widescreen Video Capture Yes

• Main Features

• Camcorder Sensor Resolution 2.96 megapixels
• Camcorder Effective Video Resolution 2.07 megapixels
• Camcorder Effective Still Resolution 2.76 megapixels
• Color Support Color
• Still Image Format JPEG
• Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
• TV Tuner None

• Memory / Storage

• Floppy Drive None
• Image Storage JPEG 1920 x 1080, JPEG 2048 x 1536, JPEG 1440 x 1080, JPEG 848 x 480, JPEG 640 x 480
• Media Type Mini DV (HDV)
• Recording Speed LP, SP

• Lens System

• Type Zoom lens - 6.1 mm - 61 mm - F/1.8-3.0
• Focal Length 6.1 mm - 61 mm
• Lens Aperture F/1.8-3.0
• Optical Zoom 10 x
• Lens Construction 9 group(s) / 11 element(s)
• Lens system type Zoom lens
• Min focal length 6.1 mm
• Max focal length 61 mm
• Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
• Features Built-in lens shield
• Filter Size 43 mm
• Focus Adjustment Automatic
• Min Focus Range 0.4 in
• Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive

• Additional Features

• DV input Yes
• Self Timer Yes
• Self Timer Delay 2 sec, 10 sec
• Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
• Digital Still Camera Function Yes
• Search Modes Date search
• Built-in Light Yes
• Additional Features Direct print, 24p Cinema Mode, Date/time stamp, Contrast control, Histogram display, Sharpness control, Brightness control, PictBridge support, Saturation control, Accessories hot shoe, Progressive scanning, USB 2.0 compatibility, Backlight compensation, RGB primary color filter, Display brightness control, Takes photos while movie recording, Analog to digital conversion with pass through
• Time Code Yes
• Remote control Remote control - Infrared
• Software Drivers & Utilities
• Included Accessories Battery pack, Compact power adapter, Wireless controller, Component cable, Stereo video cable, USB cable

• Viewfinder

• Viewfinder Type LCD
• Viewfinder Diagonal Size 0.27 in
• Viewfinder Resolution 123,000 pixels
• Image Aspect Ratio (camcorders) 16:9

• Display

• Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.7 in - Color

• Digital Player (Recorder)

• Type None

• Microphone

• Type Microphone - Built-in

• Connections

• Connector Type 1 x Headphones, 1 x Microphone, 1 x USB, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire/i.LINK), 1 x Composite video/audio (input/output), 1 x Component video output, 1 x HDMI
• Expansion Slot(s) 1 x miniSD

• Audio Input

• Audio input type Microphone
• Microphone type Built-in
• Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
• Microphone Technology Electret condenser

• System Requirements for PC Connection

• Peripheral Devices USB port, CD-ROM drive

• Miscellaneous

• Microsoft Certifications Certified for Windows Vista
• Cables Included 1, 1 x Component video cable, 1 x A/V cable, USB cable

• Power

• Power Device Power adapter - External
• Battery type - Lithium ion

• Battery

• Supported Battery Canon BP-2L13
• Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )

• Manufacturer Warranty

• Service & Support 1 year warranty
• Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year

• Viewfinder / Display

• Display Form Factor Rotating
• Display Format 211,000 pixels
• Viewfinder Color Support Color

• Physical Characteristics

• Width 3.5 in
• Depth 5.4 in
• Height 3.2 in
• Weight 1.2 lbs

Canon USA

Manufacturer profile

• Website: http://estore.usa.canon.com/
• Address: One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY. 11042
• Phone: 516-328-5000
• Email: mediacontact@cusa.canon.com