Canon has really hit the jackpot with their HV series HDV camcorders!.

They released their first outstanding camera just two years ago with the HV20.The two new models since (the HV30 and now theVixia HV40) are excellent refinements of a technologically advanced and well designed product.

The Canon HV40 offers true 24P recording, which provides a legitimate film-like frame rate over the regular 30 frames per second.

It is important to understand that earlier versions of this camera (in addition to Canon's AVCHD models) also shoot 24P. However, that mode needs extra software to get to "true" 24P video while editing.

It is important that your editing software supports true 24P footage. It is not usually a configuration on many consumer cameras.

Canon HV40- Product Overview

Video Quality: This is by leaps and bounds where the HV40 excels.

In comparison to other consumer camcorders, the Vixia HV40 beats them all. Even in dim light, the videos are gorgeous. Colors have great depth, movement is silky smooth and the detail is mind boggling!

.On my 22" computer screen and 50 inch plasma television, the images are jaw droppingly beautiful. It would be hard for a consumer-level video getting any better.

On a couple of shots, the camera had slight issues with focus, however that was far and few between, and I can't believe any camera gets it right ALL the time.

Even when the focus was a little unsteady, the focus locked on accurately very quickly.

Design: The Canon HV40 has a great look and feel in your hand.It features a classy black finish. Very cool. The camera is light as a feather to carry around for a day

However, it is not so light that it feels cheap or cheesy. I'd say Canon put together the perfect package!

Ergonomics: I was able to navigate HV40's controls almost immediately: The shooting and zoom controls are very intuitively located. The same can be said for the On-Off-Play switch, and other controls were simple to locate and use.

Ease of Use: There are all kinds of interesting features on this camera:MANY shooting options, frame rates and scene modes. All of it appears quite cool and interesting, but I must admit that I have only used a few

I generally just put the camera on Auto and leave it there. I just haven't had much time to fool with it. The good news is that even on Auto, the shots are always close to perfect.

I will definitely learn the advanced options, as I get more adventurous with my videography; I just haven't gotten there yet. But it's great having a camcorder that keeps challenging me.

Built-In Video Light: I've never seen this on a camcorder before, and it really rocks! Comes in handy, not just indoors, but for filling in nasty shadows outside. VERY cool!



Vixia HV40- My Conclusion

I've started to research the Canon HV40, as well as the other Canon "HV" series camcorders pretty seriously. My research has led me to really helpful resources throughout the Internet.

As you probably know, it is hard to separate fact from fiction when it comes to consumer electronics. At any rate, I am starting another small site in another community that will be a "companion" site to this one.

I'll be providing you with some "eye opening" information, especially about the Canon HV40 camcorder. Please give it a visit and let me know what you think!