Verdict
One thing that we liked a lot when we built the Canon VIXIA HF G40 Full HD Camcorder review is that the camera comes with an awesome 20x zoom for this kinds of VIXIA Camcorders, and even though it is still not at the level of other camcorders made by Canon, it is at a great level.
The AF is also good, but not as quick as the HF R800. We think that the AF shouldn’t be the main reason to purchase the HF G40.
Other aspect that we consider positive is that the size, without been excessively big, is substantial enough to get a good handle of the camera.
In low light the performance is remarkable for its price range, and you won’t find many camcorders that gives you this low light images quality for this price. Besides that, the camera displays also extraordinary outcome regarding scenes that are recorded in low contrast situations, showing a softness that makes look the images really attractive after the editing process. Check out the best vlogging camera kit equipment we recommed.
All in all, we think that without been an extraordinary camcorder like the Canon VIXIA HF R800 , the item still represents good value.
Camera Connectivity
The VIXIA HF G4o comes with a Built-in, dual-band (5 GHz/2.4 GHz) Wi-Fi technology that allows sharing HD videos using several methods. You can connect with wireless hotspots, compatible networks, and iOS smartphones using the free Canon Movie Uploader application. It is also possible to share videos using the internet with the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY# that is an online photo storage service that allows uploading to social networking sites, and finally transferring files to selected FTP servers if you need it.
The camera also is able to be used wirelessly to watch videos stored on the camera’s memory cards, and use your computer or smartphone to browse remotely videos that had been recorded earlier with a remote browse function that not requires a special application.
This WiFi feature also makes possible to manage remotely the camera’s controls like; zoom in different speeds, recording start/stop, focus modes, and exposure functions.
Canon VIXIA HF G40 Memory Cards Speeds
Manual Controls
Although the manual controls are very good, it is needed to adjust them in the touch screen every time that you do a recording. This feature called custom key and dial, make possible to use functions like the one that adjust the aperture and the shutter speed, the manual exposure that makes that when the manual control is chosen the dial is able to adjust speed, aperture, gain and shutter speed or exposure lock that can be set on or off.
The camera also comes with controls that help to improve the composition, like for example level the marker feature, which enhance the right camcorder level for a more exact framing or the grid marker that gives you a reference grid for the viewfinder. You can choose between gray or white according to the background color of your shot for better viewing contrast.
The manual controls of the Canon VIXIA HF G40 allows to setup the Gain in a range from 0 dB to 24 dB with 1 dB increments, and beyond that, the auto Gain Control Limit permits us to input the maximum gain limit for the sensitivity of the image sensor. The result of this , is that noise and brightness can be setup to achieve a proper balance.
Canon VIXIA HF G40 Full HD Camcorder Zoom
This Canon VIXIA camcorder displays a original 20x HD Video Lens with a 35mm equivalent of 26.8–576mm with a minimum object distance of just 23.6 inches. It reduces flare with the addition of a sophisticated filter which also avoids other annoying effects that distort the delivery of neat images.
Also the 8 blade Circular Aperture reduces a starburst distortion that is often seen in some camcorders which lack of circular apertures.
For people that are gifted with a professional touch, the manual focus ring is perfect to achieve accurate control and extra flexibility using the manual focus to set the zoom. Beyond that the power zoom can be applied in constant or variable settings that allow; Fast from 1.9 to 60 seconds, normal from 2.5 to 180 seconds, and Slow from 4.0–285 seconds modes. In addition to that the constant mode displays 16 stages.
Video Recording
This Camcorder from Canon shows excellent AVCHD and MP4 recordings execution, being especially remarkable the 1080/60p recording which captures fast-moving objects neatly. The edges of the moving subjects are rendered with awesome details adding improved tonal gradation and realistic color. Also with a maximum bit rate of 28 Mbps for AVCHD recording, the camera is able to capture images utilizing the useful MP4 format at up to 35 Mbps as well.
The item also comes with a Native 24p Progressive Mode that can records up to 24 frames per second, for persons that like a more classic cinematographic style.
Beyond that, the dual recording can be used at the same time to record AVCHD format videos to one of the SD card, and in MP4 to the other card. The AVCHD format is thought to allow watching videos on a high definition television, and also to keep them in Blue-ray discs.
To switch from the SD card that is full to the alternative card, the HF G40 uses “In Relay Recording” to facilitate the use of the feature.
Wide DR Gamma and Highlight Priority Mode
This VIXIA Camcorder shows the Wide DR Gamma mode to record more realistic images that capture what the user is really watching. The mode works suppressing the overexposure in areas that presents excessive illumination. Also the tone degradation is almost nonexistent thanks to the wide dynamic range of 600%.
The highlight priority mode is intended to record realistic and saturated colors and to transmit gradation features as is perceived by the human eye. It also helps to avoid lack of detail in highly illuminated zones limiting mid to high brightness compression of the standard gamma mode. To ensure the optimal use of the effect, the recordings should be captured in Highlight Priority using the high brightness setting.
Canon VIXIA HF G40 Manual
Link
Buyers Opinion
Buyer 1:
The camera itself shows awesome performance and is a huge improvement from my beginner camera. If it were not for the complicated menu, I would say that the camera is nearly perfect. Even though, I am far from be a professional, I expected to get a nice camera to record family episodes, and that is what I got.
Buyer 2:
I am happy with the VIXIA HF G40 because I was looking for a camcorder from Canon that were not excessively small, like the most of the new models of these kinds o cameras are nowadays. The reason why is, because I have a big hand, and I don’t feel comfortable managing a camera that is too tiny. Being that said, I cannot complain and the grip that I get when using this camera is almost perfect.
Buyer 3:
In my opinion the best of this Camcorder is great image stabilization that can be compared with the same feature of several top of the line video cameras. Also the selectable function buttons works well, and the remote control is a nice addition. The only drawback is that the WiFi is not easy to set up.
Buyer 4:
This VIXIA captures neat images, and the audio is really good. I also think that the dual memory card capability is extremely useful for people like me that like to record long videos, meaning that you will not get interrupted in the middle of a session for lack of storage in your card. Besides, the data can be transferred via the WiFi connectivity, and the necessary software to do that can be downloaded online.
Buyer 5:
If you consider that this camera comes with a 1/2″ sensor, the picture quality is more than acceptable. The low light performance is another interesting outcome when using this Camcorder, and I was positively surprised with the quality of the images. Nevertheless for some people can be kind of noisy, overall this is a good product. The conclusion is that for this amount of money the item is good value.
Q&A
Question: Does it work well with an external Mic?
Answer: The performance is good, providing that you use a good microphone. In short depends on the quality of the microphone that you use.
Question: Does the camera package include a remote control? And is it possible to use it with a tripod?
Answer: It comes with a remote control, and yes it is mountable.
Question: Can you do live steaming using a PC?
Answer: Yes it is possible with most of the desktops, and it is only needed to have the jacks and cables that you will use.
Question: Which is the angle that can shoot?
Answer: It comes with a 35mm equivalent of 26.8-576mm with a minimum object distance of 23.6 inches.
Canon VIXIA HF G40 Full HD Camcorder Review Wrap Up
Even though the VIXIA HF G40 was discontinued, it is still possible to get it on Amazon. We think that one of the reasons why Canon is not producing the camera anymore, is because its strange menu display, which is very cumbersome making annoying when recording images. Its a shame, because the machine has several high quality features that are difficult to find in Camcorders in this price range. Anyways we have many reviews of availables Camcorder cameras that suits different flavors and requirements.
