Sony DCR-HC38 Mini DV Camcorder
Sony Electronics - DCRHC38Release Date: Mar 2007
Powerful capture and versatile use make the DCR-HC38 MiniDV Handycam the ideal camcorder for any occasion. No matter where you are, the 40x optical/2000x digital zoom always lets you be right in the middle of the action. Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens and Super SteadyShot built-in image stabilization ... Read Moreake every frame perfect. And the 2.5" touch panel LCD monitor makes sure you see it all, no matter what environment you're in. Minimize
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( $344.07 - $348.12 )
Summary of User Reviews
Number of Reviews: 8Positive Reviews: 88%
Negative Reviews: 12%
Positive Review
Reviewed by: haleone on 01-Jun-08
Strengths: Cheap. Small.
Weaknesses: None!
Summary: I got this camcorder to record videos of my newborn. I couldn't have asked for anything better for the price I paid! 40x optical zoom is outstanding. No frills and it does the job.
Positive Review
Reviewed by: daveleone on 18-May-08
Strengths: Price, touch-screen LCD, high optical zoom, ridiculously high digital zoom
Weaknesses: None
Summary: I love this camera. For it's price range, it is about the best I could find. I wanted something with high optical zoom and this definitely fits the bill. 2.5" Touch-screen LCD comes in handy. I don't use the digital zoom feature because at high zoom it is impossible to hold the camera steady enough to maintain a steady picture (would need to be on a tripod, which I don't use), but 2000x is incredible capability wise. All in all - excellent price/performance ratio here.
Positive Review
Reviewed by: yong0450 on 27-Jun-07
Strengths: 40x Opt, Great Image stabilizer, Good video and audio quality
Weaknesses: Small LCD (2.5")
Summary: It is the 3rd Camcorder I have. Compare with the Hi-8, it is compact, and compare with my another brand of Mini DV, it is much better. It can get the focus quickly (thanks to the image stabilizer?), and the 40x Opt Zoom also makes a lot of differences, you can get the details easily. The video and audio quality is great, it is a SONY.
Positive Review
Reviewed by: ramaraot on 19-Apr-07
Strengths: Good clear image. Audio Quality. Nightshot Plus. Ilink. Small size. Ease of Use. 40x Optical zoom.
Weaknesses: No headphone jack. No accessory shoe. Cannot control playback except via touch screen LCD. No firewire cable supplied. Cannot charge batteries off camera without purchasing a seperate charger
Summary: All in all, I am pleased with it so far in terms of video and audio quality. the camera however, has all of its menu on a touchscreen. so if you don't have small fingers, it will be very difficult to navigate the menu. also the focus is touch screen
Positive Review
Reviewed by: kkushagra26 on 15-Apr-07
Strengths: sleek camera, 40x opticaal zoom, easy to use...
Weaknesses: no weaknesses so far
Summary: The camera is worth the price I brought it for...The optical zoom is really excellent. The picture quality is good enough. The functionalities are relly easy to use for this camcorder...
Negative Review
Reviewed by: mwlaursen on 14-Mar-07
Strengths: 40x Zoom, Size, Tape storage, Top Loading
Weaknesses: Missing LANC, still shots
Summary: I mount my video camera on my motorcycle windshield, and use a lanc remote, and have a tripod with the remote. The remote feature is nice, I have the camera mounted so that I can move it 360 degrees and the buttons on the camera are not always in the best spot. I have the camera that I have now connected to an external monitor to see what I am shooting and the remote to control the camera.
Positive Review
Reviewed by: dkso_1121584234 on 14-Mar-07
Strengths: 40X Optical Zoom; lightweight
Weaknesses: Small LCD screen
Summary: In these days, most camcorders are already very advance and matured. The general feature distinction is mostly focused on the zoom capability. The DCR-HC38 allows 40X optical zoom and it is very good. The model itself is also lightweight. Buttons (like Record, Zoom) can be accessed from either left/right hands. The video quality is excellent.There is one thing that I would like to see them improved is the screen size. In Playback mode, the Play/Rewind/FF buttons on the touchscreen are too small. For those who are older, you may have trouble with it.The DCR-HC38 uses mini-DV tapes and they are relatively cheap. The only drawback is that it is harder to edit the videos using tape unless you unload the videos to the PC.The camcorder market is in the transition to "merge" with digital cameras in a couple years. But if you are simply looking for a camcorder that does video best, this is the model you should consider.
Positive Review
Reviewed by: joe_knowitall on 13-Feb-07
Strengths: 40X optical zoom, easy functions, light weight, compact size
Weaknesses: If the lcd is turned around 180 degrees then you cannont view what you are recording out the viewfinder. I have not found anything else to this point.
Summary: This sony so far has lived up to my expectations. The design is trendy and makes it more easy to use. The size and weight are a positvie for me as well. I would recommend this camcorder if you want a high optical zoom for a decent price.Updated 3/20 Camera still works great. Picture looks great and is very easy to use for beginners and pros.
