Canon VIXIA HF G40 Review

High-end camcorders from manufacturers such as Canon, Sony, and Panasonic are beginning to make their way into the system, even though the shoulder mount camcorder is still the Standard for many people, particularly in the ENG (Electronic News Gathering) sector.

Initially, they are used as additional camera units or backup cameras; nonetheless, they are swift – if reluctantly in certain circles – becoming recognized as worthy substitutes in various settings.

One of these is the Canon Legria HF G40, a camera that we at FVVR Central have been able to get our hands on for some time now.

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Canon VIXIA HF G40 Full HD Camcorder (Renewed)

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Last update was on: January 19, 2024 1:07 pm
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Compared to other cameras made from the same mold, this one is physically huge and weighs 900g when the lens hood and battery are all included. (By way of reference, our tried-and-true Panasonic VXF995 4K weighs only a little more than 450g.)

That is not the same as saying it is too hefty to wear comfortably. It is not the case that all the weight smoothly goes into the palm heel, cushioning the object’s central mass when held in hand.

It is pretty refreshing to find a camcorder where the zoom rocker control is in the right spot, unlike many models that cause the fingertips to stretch and strain to reach it, thus frequently causing errors on zooms. 

The controls operated by the right hand’s fingers all fall perfectly into place, and it is indeed refreshing to find a camcorder where the rules are all perfectly in place.

The “Auto,” “Manual,” and “Cinema” settings may be selected using the short slide switch located just above the zoom control.

The record on/off button, the function button, and a tiny joystick for navigating the menu are all located on the device’s back, directly under where the thumb naturally falls.

Another slider switch for Camera/Off/Media can be found on the left-hand side of the G40, and it is located on the main body where it is always accessible (that is, it is not located behind the 3.5-inch spinning LED Touchscreen).

Under the LED above the screen are many buttons and controls, including an assignable function button, a review recording button, a display button, and a battery info button. Depending on the user’s preferences, the SD card slots may be configured for simultaneous or relayed recording. In addition, you can customize the functions of five accessible buttons, which may be a handy feature once you become familiar with the GH4.

It is important to note that the SD card lid must be secured before recording can begin; failing to do so causes the G40 to become irritable.

There are two buttons on the bezel of the LED: one allows you to choose between manual and autofocus, and the other will enable you to turn to pre-record on and off. A knurled turning knob that is also assignable and a combined full-size focus and zoom ring can be found on the front left of the camera’s main body.

Last, there is an AV port, a headphone port, a small stereo connector for an external mic, a micro HDMI port, a USB port, and an internal video light.

On-board charging capabilities are available for the G40’s battery. Because there is no way to attach a battery to the charger, if you love to have a battery that is both being used and charged simultaneously, you will need to acquire an external charger in addition to a storm. This is an optional accessory. There are many options available from third-party manufacturers, and Canon sells these as replacement components as well.

Now, seasoned users of camcorders, particularly higher-end models, will look at all of these as obvious choices. Our team utilizes these buttons and switches one thousand times across various camcorder make and models. On the other hand, if you have worked hard and saved a lot of money to get your gleaming new G40 and are upgrading from a straightforward machine that was fully automatic, some of these gizmos and gadgets may appear to be a bit overwhelming to you.

Fear not, you say! You suggest that I should read the instructions. But, unfortunately, you cannot do so because the HF G40 does not come packaged with one.

Canon VIXIA HF G40 Sensor

This lens is a tried-and-true Canon 3.67–73.4mm 20x zoom lens with an aperture of f1.8 at the wide end and f2.8 at the telephoto end. This causes an image to be sent to a 1/2.84-inch HD CMOS Pro Sensor, which has a resolution of 3.09 megapixels (2208 x 1398 pixels).

Canon claims that the G40’s night mode may reduce the required light to 0.1 LUX; however, their minimum LUX rating is 1. There is a Limit Adjustment for Auto Gain Control available. Apparently.

Canon VIXIA HF G40 Exposure

As was mentioned, there is the option to use either the automatic or the manual focus, the Face Detection Auto Focus, the Face Only Auto Focus, and the Instant Auto Focus. Additionally, there is the option to use the manual focus assist with peaking and magnification controls to help with all focusing aspects.

Fast motion recording up to 1200x in various stages and several “Cinema Lock” elements such as sepia, old movie, vivid, and dream…) are some of the built-in creative possibilities available to users of the device. These options include “Fireworks, Sport, Beach, and Sunset” modes. The minimum shutter speed is 1/6 of a second, while the maximum is 1/2000.

Canon VIXIA HF G40 In Use

I walked in the neighboring Karri forest to put the Canon HF G40 through its paces. It was a clear and beautiful winter’s day, despite a minor smoke cloud due to recent and ongoing burn-offs by the Forestry Department. I also took several pictures while walking around the garden to understand better how the camera behaved while capturing various colors in various lighting environments.

You are the best judge of how the outcomes ended based on this raw footage captured in HD mode without using any filters.

Sample Footage Captured with the Canon Legria HF G40 and Uploaded to Vimeo by Auscam Online

I used a combination of the flip-out LCD (not my first personal choice ever), which was thankfully reasonably clear even in the bright light, and the viewfinder (always my preference), which can pull out and tilt. The LCD was apparent even in the bright light, and I was thankful for that.

Canon VIXIA HF G40 Specs

Sensor1-Chip 1/2.84″ CMOS
Color FilterRGB
Sensor Resolution3.09 MP
Effective Pixels2.91 MP (16:9 Video)

Optics

Focal Length3.67 to 73.4mm
35mm-Equivalent Focal Length26.8 to 576mm at 16:9 Standard IS/IS Off
28.8 to 576mm at 16:9 Dynamic IS
Maximum Aperturef/1.8 – f/2.8
ZoomOptical: 20x
Filter Size58 mm

Recording

SystemNTSC
Recording Media2 x SD/SDHC/SDXC
Video Format1920 x 1080p at 23.98/29.97/59.94 fps (AVCHD)
1920 x 1080i (AVCHD)
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/29.97/59.94 fps (MP4)
1280 x 720p at 23.98/29.97 fps (MP4)
640 x 360p at 23.98/29.97 fps (MP4)
Still Image SupportJPEG
2.91 MP (2136 x 1362)
Channels2.0-Channel Stereo
Audio FormatDolby Digital 2ch
Dolby Digital AC3

Display

Display TypeOLED
TouchscreenYes
Screen Size3.5″
Screen Resolution1,230,000 Dots

ELF

Size.24″
Resolution1,560,000 Dots

Features

Lux1.2 (1/30 sec with the slow auto shutter on)
.1 (Shutter speed 1/2 sec)
White Balance ModesAuto
Cloudy
Daylight
Fluorescent
Fluorescent H
Shade
Tungsten
Built-In MicYes
Wi-FiYes
Accessory Shoe1 x Cold
1 x Mini Advanced Shoe
Tripod Mount1/4″ – 20

Input/Output Connectors

Inputs1 x LANC Terminal 2.5 mm
1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm Stereo Mic
Outputs1 x Mini-HDMI (Type C)
1 x USB 2.0
1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm Stereo
Microphone InputYes
Headphone JackYes

General

BatteryRechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
Charging MethodAC Adapter
Operating Temperature23 to 113°F / -5 to 45°C
Humidity: 60%
32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C
Humidity: 85%
Dimensions (W x H x D)4.3 x 3.3 x 7.2″ / 10.9 x 8.4 x 18.3 cm not including lens hood
Weight1.68 lb / 765 g including grip belt

Packaging Info

Package Weight4.21 lb

Canon VIXIA HF G40 Conclusion

  • Product
  • Features
  • Photos

Canon VIXIA HF G40 Full HD Camcorder (Renewed)

& Free shipping
Last update was on: January 19, 2024 1:07 pm
$1,099.00

This is a top-of-the-line camcorder that justifies the cost. The HF G40 would easily swing into position as a second string or backup camera. I feel it would be equally at home as a primary ENG camera in situations where space could be at a premium or discretion might be required.

The G40 offers all the essential traits in terms of functionality, picture quality, convenience, and ergonomics, except XLR audio connectors and SDI output; for those, you will need to purchase the Canon XA35, which costs AUD$3399 or a better model.

Canon VIXIA HF G40 FAQs

What resolution is Canon VIXIA HF G40?

The highest definition that the Canon VIXIA HF G40 can achieve is 1920 by 1080 pixels.

Is Canon VIXIA HF G40 a good camera?

Because of its high-quality image stabilization, manual controls, and adjustable lens, the Canon VIXIA HF G40 is generally considered a decent camera, specifically for videography. This is especially the case when considering the camera’s versatility.

What resolution is Canon VIXIA HF G40?

The highest definition that the Canon VIXIA HF G40 can achieve is 1920 by 1080 pixels.

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