40 vs. 21

[rhckm49]

The Vixia HF G40 and G21 look as close to the same cameras just with a different number on the panel. The 21 has a slightly smaller LCD panel but besides that I don't see one difference between the two models. Are there any when it comes to something like image sensor?

[shadowsports]

My opinion...  don't bother with a G40 (released) 2015

G50 does 4k 30p FHD vs G21 1080 (60p) HD

The G50 does 1080 at 60P too

G21 sensor resolution 3.09 MP (Still) 2.91 MP (Video)

G50 sensor resolution 21.4 MP (Still) 8.29 MP (Video)

Even if you don't have a 4k TV now, having the 4K option even at 30p is a better investment overall.  

G50 low light performance should seal the deal for you.  

https://youtu.be/hwRUG8oFZ5A

[Inapickle]

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@rhckm49 wrote:

The Vixia HF G40 and G21 look as close to the same cameras just with a different number on the panel. The 21 has a slightly smaller LCD panel but besides that I don't see one difference between the two models. Are there any when it comes to something like image sensor?

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HF-G40 has a 3.5" OLED (1.23 million dots) screen

HF-G21 has a 3" LCD (460,000 dots) screen.

The larger OLED screen on the HF-G40 makes a big difference in bright sunlight.

Also the HF-G40 has built-in WiFi connectivity, if that matters to you.

Otherwise, the sensor, optics and features are the same.

Of course the HF-G40 is a discontinued model whereas the HF-G21 is still current.

I have an HF-G40. Personally, I would only consider the HF-G60 as a worthy 4K upgrade. Stunning image quality, superior low light performance, fast autofocus. No WiFi, smaller LCD screen and 15x optical zoom (20x on the HF-G40/21) though.

[shadowsports]

Agree the G60 is nice, but also bumps to a higher pricepoint because of the 1in CCD.  

[Inapickle]

True, hence the reason why I haven’t upgraded yet. Doing too little videography with the Covid situation to justify it. Plus the HF-G60 is not available in Canada - I’d have to import from the US and at the current rate of exchange its just not worth it.

[rhckm49]

On a separate note, does either model have time and date stamping?

[Inapickle]

Yes, both do. See ‘Setting the Time Code’ on page 66 of the HF-G21 user manual. Can be viewed and downloaded on the Canon USA website.

[rhckm49]

I called support the other day and was told the G40 does not have the decoration function in menu settings where you can see the time and date in the screen.

[Inapickle]

Neither model has a ‘Decoration’ function. This feature is only available on the HF-R series camcorders.

[IamintheUK]

In the UK the G21 like the G40 is no longer available. There is the G26 though. Similar to the G40 the only differences are, no wi-fi, no remote control, 8 bladed iris instead of the 11 bladed one in the G40, non OLED screen.

I too, am considering an upgrade to 4k with the G60 as I want the higher frame rate.