Updated Mar 16/10
Check out some footage shot on this camera here
Scroll down the page to see video accessories for this camera.
CANON VIXIA HV40 - Reg $999 - Sale
$849 - on back order
Add a 4 year extended warranty for $69 - offer ends
Mar 31/10
Demo model in store for viewing.
The Canon VIXIA HV40 HDV Camcorder, a replacement to the highly acclaimed VIXIA HV30 camcorder, shares the core components found within the VIXIA line, but also offers a Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens and 2.96 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor. What’s more, the camcorder allows consumers to record in native 24p Mode, a feature previously found only on Canon’s professional camcorders. Native 24p allows consumer to capture and record 24 progressive frames per second to a DV tape. Another add-on feature, Custom Key Mode button on the lens barrel for multiple manual control functions, enables consumers to assign commonly used functions to a single button on the camcorder for easy access, including focus, exposure and audio level. Instant AF provides incredibly fast and accurate auto focus, while Focus Assist aids manual focusing. The HV40 also has a 2.7-inch LCD screen.
Accessories That Can Be Used With The HV40
Canon WD-H43 Wide Angle Lens - the WD-43 wide-angle adapter screws into the front of the zoom lens to provide an even wider angle of coverage (0.7x) for those times when you are shooting in a confined space or for shooting scenics.
Filters - the HV30 takes a 43mm filter. We stock a 43mm UV and a 43mm Circular Polarizer.
Batteries:
Canon BP-2L24H - $149 - in stock
2400 mAh battery for the Canon HV30/40, HG10, DC310, DC330, DC320.
Users report battery life to be around 90 mins to 2 hours depending on
usage.
Canon CA-570A - $99 - in stock
Compact power adapter for the HV20. HV30, HV40 Canon camcorders.
Mini Rover by VideoSmith
This versatile inexpensive support bracket is the most popular accessory
we've been selling as it helps stabilize your handheld shooting and
allows you to add a light or a mic to your camera or even the receiver
for a wireless set.
Find more camera supports here
Rode VideoMic - the HV30/40 camcorders have a mini-jack audio input and the best mini-jack shotgun mic on the market for under $200 is the Rode VideoMic. For those who find the VideoMic too large, Sennheiser makes a smaller shot gun microphone.
To connect an XLR shotgun mic like the Rode NTG-2 to this camera you will need either an XLR to mini-jack cable or a Beachtek XLR adapter which attaches to the bottom of the camera.
All-in-one Tripod - with a small camcorder like the HV40 most people opft for the less expensive video tripods from Slik or Velbond and if you don't do a lot of tripod work you can even consider a monopod to start.
LED Camera Light - You can use a light as well as a shotgun by adding the Mini Rover above or by using a hot shoe adapter which allows you to add extra accessories.
Camera Bags - there are a wide variety of protective bags, backpacks and cases available from Petrol, Kata or Tamrac. The size of the bag you will need depends on how many accessories, filters, cables, etc. you need to carry with your camera. Another option is to use a photo bag if you want something smaller and don't have a lot of accessories to carry. Many photo bags and backpacks also have a compartment for a laptop and are a bit less conspicuous and less expensivethan a pro video bag. The nice thing about the HV40 is it's small size makes it easy to carry in any kind of photo or video bag or backpack. You can even use a holster bag like the Kata H-14 which will nicely accomodate the HV40 with the Rode VideoMic attached to the camera.
Other things you may need:
Tape Stock and Storage - because the HV40 records HDV to regular Mini DV tapes your shooting costs will be lower than some of the pro cameras that shoot to expensive cards and even with a tapeless solution, you have to factor in the costs of hard drive back-up and storage for all your digital footage. With DV tapes you can oprganize them and store them using Bryco tape racks which can be wall mounted or be put in a drawer.
FireWire Hard Drive - an advantage to shooting to tape is that you always have the tape as your bakcup copy provided you store your tapes well but it's always good to have lots of storage for your video footage. If you have a tower you can put a drive inside your computer but laptops or computers like the iMac require external storage drives for capture or backup.
Raincover
Something you can tuck away in your gear bag for a rainy
day.
Firewire cable to attach your camera to your computer for editing. Camera companies don't include this cable with the camera for some reason though they do include a USB cable so you can upload stills taken on the camera.
Extended Warranty - we sell Mack Camera warranties that extend your coverage past the 1 year Canon offers. These warranties are transferable if you ever sell the camera and provide world-wide warranty service so you can have your warranty repairs covered even if you leave Canada and more elsewhere in the world. These are the same warranties used to cover high end professional video cameras. Mack warranties must be purchased and registered online within 30 days of the camera's purchase.