Canon VIXIA HF G40 Full HD Camcorder

This is a refurbished Vixia HF G40. I bought it because I wanted to save money over a brand new camcorder. Refurbished devices from Canon are audited twice by Canon's technician for functionality and appearance. Since its a refurbished model it will not come in an original consumer package. It will come in a generic brown cardboard box with Canon EOS, PowerShot, Vixia label.The camera looks like it would be complicated to operate. It comes with a quick start manual. The operations manual is in PDF format. I decided to print the 187 manual at home. I took the manual to a FedEx full service store and had them bind it as a spiral book. Cost $5.I am one of the few that will actually read the manual before I try to start using it. It can be a little complex but reading the manual will make the process much less stressful. Since it takes about 4 hours to charge the battery I suggest that you buy an aftermarket battery and battery charger so that you can charge both batteries at the same time.BM Premium BP-820 Battery for Canon VIXIA GX10, XF400, XF405, HFG30, HFG40, HFM30, HFM31, HFM32, HFM300, HFM301, HFM40, HFM41, HFM400, HF11, HF20, HF21, HF200, HG20, HG21, XA10, XA20, XA25, XA30, XA35I always buy a second battery when I buy an electronic device. One the road where an electrical outlet is not available a second or third battery keeps you in the action.After reading the operations manual and getting Canon USA tech support to answer two questions that are not covered in the manual, I was able to operate and make changes without getting stuck trying to figure it out.I will amend this review after I have had time to use it a little more. This camcorder will supplement my GoPro Hero 5 and my LGV10 smart phone. There are places where each video recording is more appropriate than others.

I used this camera twice within a year and actually really liked it. However, the third time I tried to use it, the screen went out and it would not work. Canon was not going to fix it for free seeing that I paid $1299 and it was 8 months of ownership. I did not drop it, shake it, or misuse this camera (it was $1299!!!!!), in fact not a scratch on it. I like canon products but this has turned me off. I will say that Amazon has been amazing with their customer service and refunded me really quickly upon return.. Amazon is the best thing going for online shopping!!!

We use the Vixia HF G40 as part of a 3-camera live sports webcast production. Our main camera is a Canon XA35 with SDI output. We compliment it with two Vixia HF G40 cameras that cost about half as much. The consumer-grade Vixia HF G40 cameras are almost identical to the pro XA version except they lack the handle with XLR audio inputs and only support HDMI output. The sensors and zoom are the same as the XA version and they also support LANC.As a work-around, we use low-cost BlackMagic Design HDMI/SDI converters and HDMI Detectives with the Vixia cameras to support long cable runs. We capture audio for our webcast via announcer headsets and ambient mics positioned at ice level, so we don't need the on-board mics on any of the cameras. That means the lack of XLR on the Vixia cameras is not an issue. (We rely on the XA-35 with its XLR capability for features that are produced separate from the game webcasts.) The pictures from the Vixia cameras match perfectly with those from the XA35 so our webcast looks great no matter which camera is live.Our production goes on the road from October through April. The Canon Vixia HF G40 and XA35 all hold up to the rigors of travel, setup, and breakdown. If you are looking for pro results on a budget and on-board SDI connectivity isn't an issue, the Vixia HF G40 is a great option.

Great camera!I am a canon enthusiast and I needed a new camcorder since my older one stopped working.It was between this and the XA30. I opted for this because I already have a separate tascam field recorder and I simply added a aluminum handle with a riser and wala. Saved myself an additional $600The picture quality is good for a 1/2" sensor camera and works well in low light. Still can get a bit noisy but overall this is a great video package. When I can I shoot with a 5D m2 (35mm) sensor so it works very in low light but it cannot film continually for more than 12-15m. I also have a G7x (1") sensor, work very nice and crisp in low light but this is a pocket camera I also use for filming (for less than 15m segments.)The G40 will make a nice addition and can simply be left recording until the card is full. The picture quality wont look near as sharp and clean as the 5D, G7x but it is a great camera for all types of filming.If your'e on the fence between this and the XA30, it's the same exact camera. Minus the XLR inputs and the IR night vision. If you dont need night vision and no need for XLR or already have your own field recorder, then save your $$ slap a fomito or movo handle, your field recorder, hot shoe cube, mic and away you go!

Hmmm not too impressed with the video quality as yet. when compared with movies I make with my canon rebelt4i, the movies are much more crystal clear than the vixia. So maybe when I get through the entire familiarization process with this camera, maybe I will update this review. But for the price I thought wow that little post processing would be required . It's not all that great inLow light conditions as it claimed . My canon dslr makes better movies.