ReviewFinder Camcorders

Canon XA40

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4 Verified Hands-On Reviews

To combat fake reviews we only accept video reviews from verified channels. Each review must show the product and the face of the reviewer.

Expert reviews [4]

86
Total expert reviews: 4
  • with a score: 1
  • without a score: 3
Highest score by EP Films
86
Average score based on 4 reviews
86
Lowest score by EP Films
86

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
ReviewFinder: authentic product reviews summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Canon XA40 is a professional camcorder with impressive video quality, zoom capabilities, and connectivity options, making it ideal for professional videographers and enthusiasts in various use cases.

The Canon XA40 is a professional camcorder that offers a range of features for capturing high-quality video footage. It has a 3. 0-inch LCD touchscreen for easy navigation and control of settings. The autofocus feature includes facial recognition and tracking, making it ideal for capturing sharp footage of people in motion.

It also offers exposure control, with both auto and manual settings available. The camcorder has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for file transmission and management.

Experts praise the Canon XA40 for its impressive video quality, including its professional-quality 4K and UHD capabilities. It has a 1/2. 3-inch CMOS sensor that captures detail and produces high-quality recordings. The image stabilization feature reduces camera shake for smoother videos.

The camcorder is highly recommended for professional use and capturing high-quality videos in various settings.

The Canon XA40 has impressive zoom capabilities, with a 15x optical zoom range and wide-angle capability starting at 25. 5mm. It also has a digital zoom range of up to 300x, although this may result in some loss of image quality. The autofocus feature with facial recognition and tracking ensures subjects remain in focus even during movement.

It is recommended for capturing distant subjects and scenarios where zooming and tracking are crucial.

The Canon XA40 has a compact and lightweight design, making it suitable for shooting videos on the go. It is ideal for vlogging, documentary filmmaking, event coverage, and travel videography.

The camcorder has an average battery life of approximately 100 minutes, but users may need to invest in additional accessories for longer usage or more convenient charging options.

In terms of connectivity, the Canon XA40 offers two XLR terminals for professional audio equipment, a 3.5mm stereo mic input, dual SD card slots, and built-in Wi-Fi capabilities for wireless file transfer. It does not support NFC technology.

Overall, the Canon XA40 is a versatile and professional camcorder that excels in video quality, zoom capabilities, size, and connectivity options. It is suitable for professional videographers and enthusiasts in various use cases, including vlogging, documentary filmmaking, event coverage, and travel videography.

Features

The Canon XA40 is a professional camcorder with a range of features, including facial recognition autofocus and manual exposure control, making it ideal for capturing high-quality video footage.

The Canon XA40 is a professional camcorder that offers a range of features for capturing high-quality video footage. It comes with a 3. 0-inch LCD touchscreen, which allows for easy navigation and control of the camcorder's settings and features. The autofocus feature includes facial recognition and tracking, making it ideal for capturing sharp and well-focused footage of people, even when they are in motion.

The camera also offers exposure control, with both auto and manual exposure settings available. In manual mode, users have the ability to adjust the aperture or neutral density to control the exposure according to their preferences and the scene being shot. While the Canon XA40 does not have 3D capability or a built-in projector, it does have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for distant file transmission and management.

Overall, the Canon XA40 is a versatile and professional camcorder that is well-suited for a range of video recording needs.

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Video quality

The Canon XA40 is highly regarded for its professional-quality 4K video and sharp Ultra High Definition capabilities, although some experts note that manual adjustments may be necessary for optimal results.

The Canon XA40 is highly regarded by experts for its impressive video quality. It is praised for its professional-quality 4K video and sharp Ultra High Definition (UHD) video capabilities. The compact size of the camcorder makes its video quality even more impressive. However, it is worth noting that TinyGrab's review mentions that the video quality may not be as high as other options.

The Canon XA40 features a 1/2. 3-inch type CMOS sensor, which is highly effective in capturing detail and producing high-quality video recordings. The sensor performs well in terms of achieving accurate white balance and exposure in its fully automatic mode. However, experts noted that the image quality in fully automatic mode was described as "mediocre" or "so-so", suggesting that manual adjustments may be necessary for optimal results.

The camcorder is capable of recording videos in Ultra High Definition (UHD) resolution, providing a high level of detail and clarity. It can also record in other resolutions, such as 1920 by 1080p and 1280 by 720p, depending on the user's preference and needs.

The Canon XA40 is praised for its effective image stabilization feature, which reduces camera shake and produces smoother, more professional-looking videos. This feature is particularly useful for handheld shooting or capturing fast-paced action.

Overall, the Canon XA40 is highly recommended for its impressive video quality, especially considering its compact size. It is suitable for professional use, such as videography or filmmaking, as well as for capturing high-quality videos in various settings.

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Zoom capabilities

The Canon XA40 is praised for its impressive zoom capabilities, wide-angle option, and advanced autofocus features, making it a versatile camera for capturing distant subjects and maintaining focus during movement.

The Canon XA40 is praised by experts for its impressive zoom capabilities. With a 15x optical zoom range, it allows users to capture distant subjects with clarity. Additionally, it has a wide-angle capability starting at 25. 5mm, which is useful for capturing a broader perspective in shots.

The camera also offers a digital zoom range of up to 300x, allowing for significant zooming in on subjects. However, it's important to note that digital zoom may result in some loss of image quality compared to optical zoom.

In terms of autofocus capability, the Canon XA40 is highly regarded. It features facial recognition and tracking, enabling the camera to automatically focus on the subject's face and keep it in focus as they move. This is particularly useful for capturing sharp and clear footage, especially in scenarios where the subject is constantly moving.

Overall, the Canon XA40 is a versatile camera that excels in zoom capabilities. It is well-suited for capturing distant subjects and offers a wide-angle option for a broader perspective. The autofocus feature, with its facial recognition and tracking capabilities, ensures that subjects remain in focus even during movement.

Whether capturing wildlife, sports events, or any scenario where zooming and tracking are crucial, the Canon XA40 is highly recommended by experts.

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Size and weight

The Canon XA40 camcorder is a compact and lightweight option that is ideal for shooting videos on the go, making it suitable for a range of use cases including vlogging, documentary filmmaking, event coverage, and travel videography.

The Canon XA40 camcorder has compact dimensions of approximately 4. 5 x 3. 3 x 9. 1 inches (or 115 x 84 x 231mm) without the lens hood, mic holder unit, and handle unit. With these accessories included, the dimensions increase to around 5. 2 x 7.

1 x 9. 1 inches (or 131 x 180 x 231mm).

In terms of weight, the body alone weighs approximately 730 grams, while the total weight with the detachable XLR handle unit, lens hood, microphone holder, and battery is around 1.2 kilograms.

Experts at EP Films highlight the lightweight design of the Canon XA40, making it a great choice for shooting videos on the go. This compact and lightweight camcorder is suitable for various use cases, such as vlogging, documentary filmmaking, event coverage, and travel videography.

Its portable size and manageable weight make it easy to carry and operate, ensuring convenience and flexibility for users in different shooting scenarios.

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Battery life

The Canon XA40 camcorder has an average battery life of 100 minutes, but users may need to purchase additional accessories for longer usage or more convenient charging options.

The Canon XA40 camcorder has an average battery life of approximately 100 minutes, according to expert reviews. However, it is important to note that the camera does not come with a battery charger included in the box. The battery needs to be charged while it is attached to the camera, which may be inconvenient for some users.

To address this issue, users have the option to purchase a third-party travel charger for $5 on Amazon. Additionally, third-party batteries (equivalent to Canon BP-828) are available for purchase, which can last for up to 300 minutes each. These batteries can be found on Amazon for $29.

95. Overall, the Canon XA40 offers decent battery life, but users may need to invest in additional accessories for longer usage or more convenient charging options.

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Connectivity options

The Canon XA40 camcorder offers professional audio connectivity options and built-in Wi-Fi for wireless file transfer, but does not support NFC technology.

The Canon XA40 camcorder offers a range of connectivity options to suit various needs. It features two XLR terminals, allowing for the connection of professional audio equipment such as microphones and mixers. Additionally, it has a 3. 5mm stereo mic input on the camera body for connecting an external microphone.

The camcorder also has dual SD card slots for recording and backup purposes.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the Canon XA40 has built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. This enables users to easily transfer videos and photos to their computer or mobile device without the need for cables. It also allows for distant file transmission and management. Furthermore, users may be able to control certain functions of the camcorder remotely using a smartphone or tablet.

However, it is worth noting that there is no mention of NFC capabilities for the Canon XA40. This means that it does not support Near Field Communication technology for quick and easy pairing with compatible devices.

Overall, the Canon XA40 offers a good range of connectivity options, making it suitable for professional videographers and enthusiasts who require flexibility in audio input and wireless file transfer capabilities.

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Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all camcorders.

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videomaker.com
1
- $505
Sony HDR-CX405
The Sony HDR-CX405 is a compact and lightweight camcorder that offers impressive video quality, a 30x optical zoom, and user-friendly features, making it suitable for a variety of uses.
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3
5
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2
2
1
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2
- Check price
Canon Vixia HF R800
The Canon Vixia HF R800 is a highly recommended camcorder that offers excellent video quality, impressive zoom capabilities, and a range of features to enhance the user's recording experience.
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2
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1
3
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3
- Check price
Panasonic HC-V770
The Panasonic HC-V770 is a versatile camcorder with advanced features, impressive zoom capabilities, and comprehensive connectivity options, making it suitable for vloggers, amateur filmmakers, and those who want to document special events or family moments.
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7
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5
1
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4
- $1099
Canon VIXIA HF G70
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1
3
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Canon XA40 did not receive any endorsements this month.