Canon VIXIA HF G40 Full HD Camcorder

Product Description

Canon VIXIA HF G40 Camcorder

From the Manufacturer

Advanced Video Capture On the Go

Compact, capable and easy to use, Canon’s VIXIA HF G40 camcorder offers the optical refinement and dynamic advanced performance experienced videographers want in a lightweight and portable package. Using a Genuine Canon 20x High Definition Optical Zoom lens and a new, highly sensitive HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor with improved low-light performance, the VIXIA HF G40 camcorder provides sharp, Full HD video with beautiful highlight and shadow detail in virtually every lighting situation. A DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor speeds up operation and enables the lens’s powerful image stabilization for clear and stable images, even when shooting handheld. For fluid use in numerous situations, the VIXIA HF G40 camcorder has a 3.5-inch touch-capacitive screen, plus a tiltable electronic viewfinder. A host of manual controls are complemented by two modes: Wide DR Gamma and Highlight Priority, which help capture color and detail virtually consistent with how they’re seen by the naked eye. Creative options are expanded with a new interval recording option that can capture fast motion of up to 1200x the original speed. Ideal for an incredible variety of uses, the VIXIA HF G40 is a stellar choice for anyone who requires professional-quality videos on the go.

Genuine Canon 20x High Definition Optical Zoom Lens

The VIXIA HF G40 camcorder features a Genuine Canon 20x HD Video Lens offering a 35mm equivalent of 26.8–576mm with a minimum object distance of just 23.6 inches (60cm). Incorporating advanced elements and coatings, it helps reduce flare, ghosting and other distracting effects, delivering sharp, clear images with minimal distortion.

The VIXIA HF G40 features an 8-blade Circular Aperture, which helps reduce the “starburst” effect found in camcorders with non-circular apertures. The result is that points of light in out-of-focus areas, usually the background of your shot, are beautifully circularly blurred, creating an authentic and artistic feel. The professional touch of a manual focus ring allows accurate and precise control. For extra flexibility, the manual focus ring can be easily set to control zoom instead.

New, Advanced HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor with Improved Low-light Performance

New, Advanced HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor

For incredibly sharp and detailed high-definition video recording, the VIXIA HF G40 camcorder features a reengineered, 1/2.84-inch, 2.91 Megapixel HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor that captures approximately 2136 x 1362 pixels. Thanks to the sensor’s enhanced sensitivity, the VIXIA HF G40 helps provide vivid, accurate recording through an improved signal-to-noise ratio.

Improved Low-light Performance

Featuring an improved, low-luminance noise rating of +3 dB, the VIXIA HF G40 camcorder is able to capture clearer, sharper images in lower light, with even better detail.

1080/60p Recording in MP4

1080/60p Recording in MP4

The VIXIA HF G40 camcorder gives you high-quality recording whether you’re capturing MP4 or AVCHD files. 1080/60p recording captures twice the amount of information as 60i, and with images captured at a rate of up to 60 frames per second, diagonal noise is virtually eliminated so even fast moving subjects show up crisply with motion and patterns clearly recorded. This greater sense of detail and faithful rendering of moving edges, plus enhanced color and fine tonal gradation, gives your video everything Full HD has to offer. With the VIXIA HF G40 you can record in internet-ready, easy-to-share MP4 format at up to 35 Mbps. The VIXIA HF G40 also features a maximum bit rate of 28 Mbps for AVCHD recording, the highest in the AVCHD standard. So, regardless of the format you’re shooting or viewing, image quality is outstanding.

Native 24p Progressive Mode

The VIXIA HF G40 camcorder features the Native 24p Progressive Mode, which allows up to 24 frames per second to be captured and recorded (instead of the standard 60i) – a look that is evocative of traditional cinematic quality, and a must for serious filmmaking work.

Built-in Wi-Fi Technology with FTP Transfer Capability

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Built-in, dual-band (5 GHz/2.4 GHz) Wi-Fi technology on the VIXIA HF G40 camcorder lets you share your HD video easily, and in a number of different ways. Connect with compatible networks, wireless hotspots and iOS mobile devices using the free Canon Movie Uploader app*. Transfer files to selected FTP servers for back up or when a quick transfer is necessary. Share videos over the internet with CANON iMAGE GATEWAY – an online photo storage service that lets you upload to social networking sites. Watch videos stored on the camera’s memory cards directly on your living room TV, or use your PC or mobile device to browse remotely through the previously recorded videos stored on your camcorder, without connecting a cable^†. The Remote Browse function uses a standard Web browser and does not require a special app.

Additionally, Wi-Fi technology allows remote control of key camcorder controls, such as recording start/stop and zoom (in three different speeds), exposure functions (iris, shutter speed, gain and more) and focus settings, adding another level of freedom to your shooting abilities.

* This software enables you to upload images to social network sites. Before uploading images, please be aware that image files may contain privacy related information such as people and places. If necessary, please delete such information. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this software. Compatible with iOS version 5/6/7 or later for select devices. MP4 60p and AVCHD recordings are not supported for this function.
^# One-time registration is required on CANON iMAGE GATEWAY online photo album.
^† Compatible with iOS version 5/6 or later and Android version 4.0 or later for select devices. AVCHD recording is not supported for this function. On iOS devices, MP4 60p recording is not supported; only the playback function is available.

Superb Image Reproduction

The VIXIA HF G40 camcorder represents Canon’s Full HD System, delivering truly excellent image quality and reproduction for most any application. With its 20x Optical Zoom HD Video lens, its new HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor and the powerful DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor working together to capture and process the images at hand, the VIXIA HF G40 is positioned to deliver HD video that is nothing short of stunning.

3.5-inch OLED Viewscreen with 10,000:1 Contrast Ratio and EVF

3.5-inch OLED Viewscreen with 10,000:1 Contrast Ratio

The touch-sensitive Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) panel on the VIXIA HF G40 camcorder boasts an impressive viewing angle, color reproduction, contrast and touch responsiveness. Your vivid, clear video will be reproduced faithfully with approximately 1.23 million dots of resolution. And the touch responsiveness of the screen is smooth and sensitive, enabling fluid control of camera functions like Touch & Track, Touch Focus and Touch Exposure.

Electronic Viewfinder

The VIXIA HF G40 features a 0.24-inch, approximately 1.56 million-dot color electronic viewfinder with approximately 100% field of view coverage for detailed, accurate composition judgment. The viewfinder can be tilted up to 45° from its normal resting position to enable a great amount of shooting freedom. Settings can be adjusted with a handy joystick so you don’t have to stop looking through the viewfinder. And, because it is positioned where your thumb naturally rests while holding the camera, you can shoot and adjust easily – even with one hand!

Dual SD Card Slots, Using Readily Available, Consumable Media

The VIXIA HF G40 camcorder allows you to record video directly to widely available SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards with capacities ranging from over 32GB to 2TB. They are available in ultra-fast reading and writing speeds and make it easy to share video.

AVCHD Recording Mode Memory Capacity 28 Mbps 24 Mbps 17 Mbps 5 Mbps 8GB 35 min. 40 min. 1 hr. 3 hrs. 16GB 1 hr.15 min. 1 hr. 25 min. 2 hrs. 5 min. 6 hrs. 5 min. 32GB 2 hrs. 30 min. 2 hrs. 55 min. 4 hrs. 10 min. 12 hrs. 15 min. 64GB 5 hrs. 5 min. 5 hrs. 55 min. 8 hrs. 20 min. 24 hrs. 30 min. 128GB 10 hrs. 10 min. 11 hrs. 55 min. 16 hrs. 45 min. 49 hrs. MP4 Recording Mode Memory Capacity 35 Mbps 24 Mbps 17 Mbps 4 Mbps 3 Mbps 8GB 30 min. 40 min. 1 hr. 4 hrs. 20 min. 5 hrs. 40 min. 16GB 1 hr. 1 hr. 25 min. 2 hrs. 5 min. 8 hrs. 40 min. 11 hrs. 25 min. 32GB 2 hrs. 2 hrs. 55 min. 4 hrs. 10 min. 17 hrs. 20 min. 22 hrs. 55 min. 64GB 4 hrs. 5 hrs. 55 min. 8 hrs. 20 min. 34 hrs. 45 min. 45 hrs. 55 min. 128GB 8 hrs. 11 hrs. 55 min. 16 hrs. 45 min. 69 hrs. 30 min. 91 hrs. 55 min.

When AVCHD/MP4 recording has continued for approximately 12 hours, it will automatically stop. A variable bit rate is applicable in each case.

Dual and Relay Recording

Dual Recording

Dual Recording and built-in transcoding help ensure that you’ll have the right format available for your needs. Using the power of the DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor, the VIXIA HF G40 camcorder can simultaneously record video in AVCHD format to one SD card, and in MP4 format to the other SD card^. The widely used MP4 format provides quick, conversion-free playback on compatible tablets and smartphones, and lets you upload videos directly to select social networking sites for easy sharing with friends, family and the world. AVCHD is ideal for watching videos on an HDTV or archiving them to Blu-ray discs. The camcorder also has a built-in transcoding function that converts AVCHD files to MP4s, making them easy to upload to the Web or save to an SD card.

^ Simultaneous recording is not supported when using MP4 (35 Mbps), AVCHD Progressive (28 Mbps) or Cinema-Look Filters.

Main Slot Secondary Slot (MP4 Recording) Bit Rate (size) Frame Rate AVCHD 28 Mbps (59.94P) NOT POSSIBLE 24 Mbps (59.94i/PF29.97/23.98P) → 4 Mbps (1280 x 720)
3 Mbps (640 x 360) 29.97P/23.98P^*1 17 Mbps (59.94i/PF29.97/23.98P) 5 Mbps (59.94i/PF29.97/23.98P) MP4 35 Mbps (59.94P) NOT POSSIBLE 24 Mbps (29.97P/23.98P) → 4 Mbps (1280 x 720)
3 Mbps (640 x 360) 29.97P/23.98P^*1 17 Mbps (29.97P/23.98P) 4 Mbps (29.97P/23.98P) 3 Mbps (29.97P/23.98P) 3 Mbps (29.97P/23.98P)

^*1 29.97P recording is performed when the format for the card in the main slot is 59.94i, PF29.97 or 29.97P; 23.98P recording is performed when it is 23.98P.

Relay Recording

Dual slots on the VIXIA HF G40 camcorder enable Relay Recording. The camcorder automatically switches to the second memory card when the first becomes full, so there’s no need to worry about running out of recording time during a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime shot.

Wide DR Gamma (600%)

For natural and realistic-looking image capture that faithfully represents the scene at hand, the VIXIA HF G40 camcorder features a Wide DR Gamma mode. By suppressing overexposure in high brightness areas of the composition, this mode helps achieve a wide dynamic range of 600% to produce virtually seamless tone gradations, resulting in smooth detail, accurate color and virtually no blown-out highlights.

Highlight Priority Mode

To capture highly saturated, realistic colors and to convey gradation characteristics as perceived by the eye, the VIXIA HF G40 camcorder has a new Highlight Priority mode that achieves effects similar to HDR modes in other camcorders. By reducing the mid- to high-brightness compression of the standard gamma mode, the Highlight Priority mode helps to prevent loss of detail in high brightness areas. Designed for display on a bright LCD TV, videos captured in Highlight Priority mode should be shown at a high brightness setting to help ensure accurate portrayal of the effect.

View Assist Function that Supports Highlight Priority Mode

When using the VIXIA HF G40 camcorder in Highlight Priority mode, the View Assist function increases brightness and medium tone gamma in the camera’s viewfinder or OLED panel. This allows images to be displayed with the brightness and gradation with which they are being recorded or reviewed, helping to ensure the subjects look natural and realistic.

Intelligent Optical Image Stabilization System with Powered and Dynamic Modes and Auto On/Off

Canon’s sophisticated SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer corrects camera shake instantly, so even handheld video taken at long focal lengths can be sharp and steady. The power of Canon’s DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor has made possible a versatile Dynamic Image Stabilization mode. In addition to providing continuous adjustment throughout the entire zoom range to correct a broad range of motion, with extra compensation applied at wide-angle focal lengths, the system stabilizes rotational camera shake. Controlling rotational camera shake – horizontal, vertical and roll axis – helps ensure smooth, virtually distortion-free video, even when you’re walking while shooting.

Full Manual Control

Custom Key and Dial

A Custom Key and Dial feature allows you to assign functions to an easily accessible key and adjust the settings with a control dial. The functions include:

• Tv/Av: Use the dial to adjust shutter speed (Tv mode) or aperture (Av mode), as needed. In this mode the key has no effect.
• Manual exposure: When manual control is selected, the dial can adjust aperture, shutter speed or gain. Select items to adjust, such as aperture or other settings, with the key.
• Exposure Lock can be set on or off as can the AGC Limit.

Composition Aids

With the Level Marker feature, it’s easy to keep the camcorder level for more accurate framing. The Grid Marker provides a reference grid in your viewfinder. Depending on the background color of your shot, you can choose between two different colors (white or gray) for better viewing contrast.

Gain Control

Gain may be manually set from 0 dB to 24 dB in 1 dB increments. Additionally, Auto Gain Control Limit allows you to set the maximum gain limit for the image sensor’s sensitivity. With this function, brightness and noise can be balanced as required, and image quality can be maximized in low-light situations.

Power Zoom

Power zoom is available in Variable and Constant settings in 3 modes: Fast (approx. 1.9–60 seconds), Normal (approx. 2.5–180 seconds) and Slow (approx. 4.0–285 seconds). To provide added control, there are 16 predefined steps in Constant mode.

Ergonomic, Portable Design

Weighing approximately two pounds including the battery and lens hood, the VIXIA HF G40 camcorder is ideal for high-action shoots when both speed and mobility are essential, and where keeping a low profile is an added benefit. Though small in size, this camcorder sacrifices nothing when it comes to professional functionality. It features a “seesaw” style zoom lever, manual focus/zoom ring and joystick for easy control and an electronic viewfinder that can tilt up to 45° for low-angle shooting. It also has five Assign Buttons to help it fit to your operational needs.

High Definition Peaking for Focus Assist

To enhance focusing capability, the VIXIA HF G40 camcorder provides Focus Assist. It includes enlargement, which helps in capturing your subject in razor-sharp focus. It works by providing a 2x magnification of your subject, which is automatically cancelled when you start recording. Also included is color peaking, which shows the shooting object’s focused areas in actual colors.

Assignable Buttons for Custom Shooting

The VIXIA HF G40 camcorder is equipped with five assignable buttons so that the camcorder can be tailored to the specific preferences or needs of the user.

Connectivity to Various Inputs and Outputs

Not only does the VIXIA HF G40 camcorder provide the user with incredible control over the image, it also provides immense creative freedom when it comes to inputs and outputs, including:

• HDMI Output (HDMI mini connector, time code can be superimposed)
• Composite Video Output (3.5mm)
• USB Hi-Speed Terminal
• Microphone Input (3.5mm)
• Headphone Jack (3.5mm)
• Remote Control Terminal (compatible with LANC protocol)
• Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe

High-capacity Battery Included

The VIXIA HF G40 camcorder is powered by a high-capacity battery pack. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery not only lets you shoot for a long time, but features intelligent technology that accurately indicates remaining battery time for extra insurance that you won’t miss an important shooting opportunity.

Linear PCM Audio Recording2 and Audio Scene Select

Linear PCM Audio Recording2

Professional-quality 16-bit PCM* recordings offer enhanced sound quality and fidelity and are fully compatible with video- and audio-editing software.

* Only supported in 28 Mbps and 24 Mbps recording modes.

Audio Scene Select

Audio Scene Select offers five modes and one custom mode that automatically optimize settings based on the recording situation, making it easy to record realistic, immersive audio in a range of situations.

Compatible with Optional Canon WM-V1 Wireless Microphone

Canon helps you get more out of your camcorder with a range of optional accessories that inspire creativity and productivity. One such example is the Canon WM-V1 Wireless Microphone, which streams audio wirelessly from subjects up to 164 feet away. It can be ideal for adding your subject’s voice at times when you can’t get in close to shoot, and can also be used as a stand-alone transceiver to cue shooting and more.

Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe

The Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe allows you to attach optional Canon accessories, such as the Video Light VL-5, Directional Stereo Microphone DM-100 or 5.1-Channel Surround Microphone SM-V1.

Advanced Display Features: Zebra, Color Bars and Test Tone

Videographers with exacting needs will appreciate the VIXIA HF G40 camcorder’s range of functions designed to pinpoint focus adjustment and exposure control while helping you get professional-level quality from the camcorder. Zebra pattern indicates “blown out” or high brightness areas to help you set proper exposure. Color bars and test tone can be selected and recorded in order to adjust video and audio quality.

Slow and Fast Motion, including Interval Recording from 2x to 1200x

Slow and Fast Motion Modes allow the VIXIA HF G40 camcorder to record a different frame rate than the playback frame rate (only in MP4 recording modes), for a fast or slow motion effect during playback. Since the camcorder is recording real frames and modifying the playback rate, there is virtually no quality loss and maximum image quality is maintained. Additionally, interval recording allows the user to record frames at specified intervals, providing time-lapse recording of up to 1200x and slow motion down to 0.4x of the original speed.

Playback Frame Rate (Bit Rate) 59.94P (35 Mbps) 29.97P
(24 Mbps/17 Mbps) 23.98P
(24 Mbps/17 Mbps) Highest Recording Bit Rate 17.5 Mbps 48 Mbps
(at the 0.5x speed) 60 Mbps
(at the 0.4x speed) Recording Speed 1x 0.5x 0.4x 2x 1x 0.8x 2.5x 1.25x 1x Recording Speed
(Interval) 2x 4x 10x 20x 60x 120x 1200x

20x High Definition Optical Zoom Lens
Advanced HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor with Improved Low-light Performance
1080/60p Recording in MP4
Built-in Wi-Fi Technology with FTP Transfer Capability
3.5-inch OLED Viewscreen with 10,000:1 Contrast Ratio and EVF / Dual SD Card Slots, Using Readily Available, Consumable Media / Intelligent Optical Image Stabilization System with Powered and Dynamic Modes and Auto On/Off / High-capacity Battery Included