HF series camcorders use flash memory and not tape;
and you are comparing an analog format (VHS) to a digital format, there will be different behavior.
I have not had a camcorder since 1999. The one I had back then recorded on a VHS tape. When I taped for a few minutes then stopped, I would be right where I left off when I began taping again. Is that still how it works on the Canon Vixia HF M40? If I watch the tape and want to began taping again, will I have to find the spot I stopped on or will the camera do that automatically?

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic