I used to have a Canon Elura 2, but I despised its nightshot capability and the battery life was dismal. I discovered this camera searching several review sites and after seeing it in person, I was sold by its compact size.
br /
br /This camera is very easy to operate and the quality of footage taken with it is phenomenal. There aren't a lot of buttons on this camera, as most of the configuration settings are accessed through the screen-based menu system. I've read a lot of people find the menu system annoying, however I find that it's laid out quite nicely. Once you pick a setting, the camera will shut down other options that aren't applicable given the settings you've selected.
br /
br /I'm very happy with the nightshot mode. If you've ever watched Survivor, the night shots shots taken with this camera look like.
br /
br /The zoom control on the camera took some getting used to and I've found that using your right hand middle finger to control it works quite well. You'll also want to adjust the hand strap to firmly hold your hand to the camera.
br /
br /I have not used the software that comes with this camera and that seems to be where a lot of the whining comes from on CNet. If you're going to get a DV camera and you plan to edit the footage, invest in some decent video editing software (or buy an iMac).

Okay, here goes. This is my first real review, so I hope it helps.
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br /I've owned this camera since roughly May 04. I love it. I've used it for recording my kids, areas around Germany to include various castles, palaces, etc. Additionally, and probably something no other review can tell you is that I've used it to record various military airborne operations out of C-130s, and UH-60s. I've been able to get out on the tailgate of a 130 and record some great footage of guys going out the back of a bird. It has stood up to this with no problem. Additionally, when the 130 is closed up and it's somewhat dark inside, I've simply activated the nightvision and been able to record the preparations to exiting the aircraft. I've been able to record two promotions and one reenlistment that have taken place onboard the aircraft. Sound has been no problem either. Once you zoom in on an object it seems ot focus on the sound from that person.
br /
br /I've also taken it out to firing ranges and other various training and it has performed spectacularly.
br /
br /The size is perfect to fit inside a cargo pocket or the pocket on a BDU shirt. I simply attach 550 cord to it and I am not in the least bit concerned with it flying off me or whatever.
br /
br /As for the colors. Yeah, perhaps the colors are a bit washed out, but what it loses in that arena, it makes up for in ease of use and size. The colors are fine for what I'm using it for and and guys in the military who jump hardly ever get video of them jumping to show their family so they are ecstatic to get it no matter what it really looks like. Families love it too. I can't count how many guys who have been in over 20 years act like kids when they see themselves on it and all.
br /
br /Some other items of interest - don't buy it for the still photo ability. They suck basically. Plus, while you're videotaping, if you want to take a still pic, you have to stop the recording, switch to the memory card and snap the shot (if you're using the cassette - which is better recording then the memory card).
br /
br /Touchscreen controls are so much better than all the buttons I see on the other digital video cameras, this enables SONY to make the camera smaller.
br /
br /Replay of video is quick and easy. You can do so much editing right on the camera (not that I do - I wait till I get it home).
br /
br /It records in both wide and full-screen.
br /
br /The software the camera came with sucked to put it bluntly. Luckily, my computer came with ArcSoft Showbiz v2.0. If you don't have ArcSoft Showbiz - get it. Makes it easier to capture your video from this camera and turn it into a DVD.
br /
br /Which is a good segue into that element of the camera. The DVC is equipped with a USB 2.0 port, a analog video cam transfer port and a Firewire port (IE...whatever it is number). So there are two ways to capture video (basically). 1) record your video to the memory card and simply shove your memory card into your computer and bam - there ya go. ORrrrr 2) Purchase a firewire (it doesn't come with the camera - unfortunately, but it's all good). Then you plug the firewire into the camera and into your computer - ensure you have video capture software and bam - there ya go. It's that simple.
br /
br /I've known some folks with the DVD-RAM DVCs (with the RAM discs directly in the camera) and supposedly you can record directly onto a DVD or something. They've ALL - everyone one of them - have had problems with it. I have not. From the VERY first day, I've been able to easily record and transfer to the computer.
br /
br /Just another quick note about video capture software. To make sure this camera works with your computer, your computer needs a CD-DVD R/W and a firewire port (IEEE P1394 or something like that) and the hardware that goes with it.
br /
br /If it doesn't - you'll have problems.
br /
br /Additionally, when you purchase the camera, do yourself a favor and immediately purchase a few 8mm mini Digital videotapes and perhaps a 64mb memory card (remember this is a SONY proprietary item). This isn't a NORMAL memory card. This is a Sony Memory Stick Duo thing. So it comes in two pieces. The camera comes with a 8mb stick. Which is next to nothing for video time. Maybe 10 minutes if that. Don't purchase something real large - like we did (512mb or so) and realize we prefer the tape. Buy a firewire at the same time. Purchase good quality tapes - not cheap ones. We think we've come to the decision that it does make a difference on how the video looks afterwards. Also, go ahead and purchase another battery. The one battery has about 90 minutes of time and that is basically fine, but for using it for long periods of time during airborne operations, you definitely need more battery time.
br /
br /I'll be using this camera whenever I deploy to Iraq.
br /
br /Oh, and the analog video transfer port. This is great. It comes with the wire and you can plug it into your analog recorder (we had a old Hitachi 8mm camcorder) and we've transfered many of our old tapes to digital. The resulting picture is lousy, but that's a result more of analog vs. digital and editing software then the actual camera I believe.
br /
br /Anyway, I hope this all helps.

I bought DCRHC40 because of the compact size and because it was a SONY product. But, I hate to say that the whole HC series of camcorders come with a motor noise when you put a tape in it, which gets recorded on tape also. You can hear the noise even when the unit is in standby mode. The noise goes away when you switch to Memory Stick mode. If you don't have too much noise around you when recording, you will clearly hear the motor noise on playback. I sent mine to Sony Service Center for repair, thinking it was only my unit that had the problem. But, the Sony technician told me that he tested out some other units and all of them have the motor noise. He said he even checked the DCRHC20 and DCRHC30 and they too have the motor noise. They sent it back to me saying "No Fault Found". I also went to the local store with my miniDV tape and checked out DCRHC40 and DCRHC65 (which is a larger model), and they too have motor noise. I called Sony Customer Support and even after talking to 5 different people and 2 weeks of arguing with them, they did not refund my money. They said they could not do anything about it because it "meets factory specifications". I asked them to tell me how much motor noise in decibels (dB) was in your specs. They had no answer for that, I told them that "specifications" means that you should have "specifics" on how much noise is allowed. Sony Customer Care was just using "meets factory specifications" when there are no specifications on the acceptable noise level at all.I did not expect this from a Sony product and Sony customer care. Please consider this motor noise issue before you buy any of the DCRHC series of SONY camcorders.

I bought this camera at a retail store the day before a trip to New Orleans. My original intent was to purchase a camera but I noticed that the DV recorder was only a little more and felt adventurous. Of course, I paid a hefty price but I wasn't able to go through amazon because it was the day before my trip. That being said, I was afraid that I had been suckered into buying something of lesser quality. Being a photographer and used to high definiton cameras I thought that the DV camcorder would be a great step down.. I hadn't really even investigated camcorders for at least 5 years. Now that I'm back from the trip having shot both indoor and outdoor scenes, and watched the results on my widescreen tv I can say that I was very pleased. The camera is very very easy to use (as are most SONY products) and the quality is superb. I'm not sure what the other reviewer is complaining about. Color and contrast are great. Low light scenes will be difficult regardless of the tool you use.. the camera can't make light where there is none.. the nightvision mode helps but takes away some color.. but overall a great camera.

I needed a cam to make some movies of my new daughter. I wanted something compact so that I would never hesitate to carry it around. I also wanted to make sure it was easy to use and took great video indoors. This narrowed my choices down to the Sony PC-105, TRV22 and the Canon Optura 300 / Elura 50. Except for the TRV22, all were the vertical style which while small, were awkward to use (the Sony being the worst with its horrible zoom control). The Canon's also do not have the IR-illuminated night shot capability. So, I was all set to buy the TRV22 especially since it has outstanding low-light capability when I tried out the HC40. The HC's form factor is just so great, I couldn't pass it up. It to me seems as small as the PC105 but is the much more hold-able horizontal style everyone prefers.brbrSo I bought both the TRV22 and HC40 and compared them at home. Yes, the TRV22 does shoot noticably better in low light conditions, but practically speaking the HC40 is good enough for me, and the form factor more than makes up for it. I'd give it 5 stars if 1) its low light ability was as good as the TRV22 and 2) if its auto focus responded a bit quicker.

I needed a cam to make some movies of my new daughter. I wanted something compact so that I would never hesitate to carry it around. I also wanted to make sure it was easy to use and took great video indoors. This narrowed my choices down to the Sony PC-105, TRV22 and the Canon Optura 300 / Elura 50. Except for the TRV22, all were the vertical style which while small, were awkward to use (the Sony being the worst with its horrible zoom control). The Canon's also do not have the IR-illuminated night shot capability. So, I was all set to buy the TRV22 especially since it has outstanding low-light capability when I tried out the HC40. The HC's form factor is just so great, I couldn't pass it up. It to me seems as small as the PC105 but is the much more hold-able horizontal style everyone prefers.So I bought both the TRV22 and HC40 and compared them at home. Yes, the TRV22 does shoot noticably better in low light conditions, but practically speaking the HC40 is good enough for me, and the form factor more than makes up for it. I'd give it 5 stars if 1) its low light ability was as good as the TRV22 and 2) if its auto focus responded a bit quicker.

After looking at/researching cameras for a few months, I decided on this one. Here is what I was looking for (and what I got) in this camera.
br /
br /1. Small. I wanted to be able to carry it in my pocket for easy access. This is not much bigger than my digital camera. It's freakishly small.
br /
br /2. MiniDV. This appears to be the dominant home camera format, and I didn't want to be stuck w/ a format that would be out of date in a year.
br /
br /3. Easily transferrable to my laptop and/or DVD recorder. No problems here. Very, very simple to transfer video.
br /
br /4. Video quality. I wasn't comfortable paying a bit less for lower video quality. I'm glad I chose to pay a bit more. I'm very pleased w/ the quality. No washed out colors in my experience (as indicated in some other reviews). Very crisp and clear.
br /
br /5. Low Light Capability. A number of cameras in the under-a-thousand price range have trouble w/ low light. This one does a very solid job.
br /
br /A Couple of Caveats:
br /
br /1. I've had a bit of trouble with wind noise. Granted, I live in Oklahoma where there are perpetual 459 mph winds, but I am surprised at this. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's mildly annoying.
br /
br /2. Buying this through online services offering ridiculously cheap prices is annoying at best and dangerous at worst. I tried, no kidding, 6 different stores trying to 'get a good deal.' They all had something wrong--either it was a gray market product, or it didn't come with a battery, or it was going to take a month to get it. My strong suggestion is that you pay a bit more and buy this from someone you can trust.
br /
br /3. You may want to consider buying a spare battery. You're looking at somewhere in the hour and a half range for the battery, but if you're filming your daughter's 83 hour long dance recital, or if you don't have electrical access to recharge it, the extra battery is a good investment.
br /
br /BOTTOM LINE: If you're looking for a solid videotape-the-kids-at-the-beach-or-playing-t-ball camera that you can use indoors and outdoors, this is a wonderfully small, convenient, and fairly reasonably priced option.

If you're looking for a tiny miniDV camcorder, especially if you want to do widescreen 16:9 recording now or in the future, this is the model.
br /
br /The HC40 is about 32 cubic inches, and very lightweight.
br /
br /It can fit in a small-medium size camera bag, or in a large pocket. Much easier to take with you than larger camcorders.
br /
br /If you don't care about size, there are some discontinued models you might find for much less, like Panasonic DV-53, or the Sony TRV22 or 19.
br /
br /Unlike the HC20 or HC30, this model provides a high quality widescreen mode, with little or no loss of data when using widescreen. Instead of just putting black bars on the top and bottom of the screen, you actually record a wider area when in widescreen mode, and the image is stretched to fit normally on the tape, filling the screen with a distorted stretched image. You can then use your TV setting to compress the image to widescreen 16:9.
br /I've tried it, and don't notice any loss in quality compared to 4:3 mode. (To evaluate, I also looked at the stretched image compared to 4:3, to make a more fair comparison. It's hard to make a true comparison.)
br /
br /Doing direct A/B comparisons on an HDTV, the image seems a little better than the Sony TRV19 (19 is similar model to the 22) in medium indoor light, but much worse in low light.
br /However, the motor noise is much quieter than on the TRV19.
br /
br /If you want to do low light recording, less than 100 watts incandescent in small area, you might want to get a camcorder with a larger sensor. This sensor is only 1/5 inch.
br /
br /The menus are customizable, which is very convenient. You can make your own menus for each camera mode.
br /
br /The lens cover switch is a nice touch--no lens cap.
br /
br /The battery is small, but still has about the same capacity as last year's larger one.
br /
br /The LCD display has a new feature which makes use of external light. It is much more visible in bright sunlight, and you can turn the backlight off, saving the battery.
br /
br /An s-video/composite/audio cable is included. One end is a small plug similar in size to iLink, and the other end of the cable has audiovideo plugs.
br /
br /Unfortunately the viewfinder does not tilt upwards like other models. And, you can't slide it out halfway to make extreme diopter adjustments; you can only turn a dial to make the normal adjustment. I can't use the viewfinder without my eyeglasses, because I have a strong prescription.
br /
br /The photos are terrible; I wish camcorders would eliminate this feature, and focus on better video.
br /
br /The strap is nice, but cannot be removed. Makes fitting in a small bag more difficult.
br /
br /Sony camcorders are reputed to have great automatic point-and-shoot capability, including this model. When steadyshot is on indoors, the camera tries to set shutter speed at 1/100 to reduce blur. But if there isn't enough light, it will step down to 1/60. Gain is only applied after the aperture has opened completely and the shutter has reached 1/60. When using a tripod, you can shut off steadyshot, and the camera will automatically use 1/60 shutter, to allow a smaller aperture for better focus, or in low light, less gain for a better picture. These adjustments are made very quickly, and very intelligently. You can display the settings the camera chooses on screen while recording or in playback.
br /
br /Wonderful camcorder, glad I got it!

I just bought this camera, at first I was a little scheptical, cause I read on some reviews that it was kind of dificult to transfer the movie to your pc and then to record it on a DVD.
br /I bought it anyway, the camera is small, easy to use and has very nice features. Some people also said the image was washed out, I've had two minidv camcorders prior to this one, a sony and a canon, and I can tell the image, colors and brightness are the same quality as the others I've had.
br /Transfering video and audio to my pc was very easy, I used a firewire cable and a popular program to capture it and then to burn it on a DVD, very simple. Photos taken with this camera are not bad at all, (of course you cannot compare with photos taken with a megapixel digital still camera).
br /I gave it four stars just because I haven't used all the features on the camera, but I can surely recommend this camera for anyone who wants an easy to use and very high quality video camera.

I evaluated a number of camcorders PC105, DRV38 and DRV22 when I came acroos the HC40 at the store. I fell in love with the look, the feel, and the great small size. It is not a vertical design, and it fits very nicely in your hand. I purchased it and brought it home.pThe first thing my wife and I noticed when we powered it up was how washed out the screen looked. The salesperson said it would look that way on the screen but that the colors would look perfect after downloading the video to my computer. That was not the case - it was just as washed out on my computer. In fact, the video looked worse than the 30sec clips I can take with my Canon S230 digital camera. I went back to the store and returned the camcorder.pI was still intrigued and wondered if I had just gotten a lemon. So I went to a different store, where the saleperson said a number of customers had mentioned how washed out the screens look (especially reds yellows - flesh tones look out of wack). I asked him to arrange the HC40 and the TRV33 side by side since I discovered that the TRV33 was also small, but not as small as the HC40 - we were astonished (along with other customers watching our impromptu demo) at how poor the HC40 screen looked. The TRV33 blew away the HC40 and it wasn't close by any means. It had much richer colors and captured the colors much more accurately than the HC40.pIf you're seriously considering this camcorder, I highly suggest that you put it side-by-side with another Sony not in the HC series and see what you think of the image - I, along with everyone at the store who watched our demo, obviously give this camcorder very, very poor marks for the image.pI gave this camcorder 2 stars b/c the rest of the camcorder seems great - great asthetics, strong ergonomics, nice features like a built-in lens cap - but the poor image defeats to purpose of all the great features especially at this price.

I love the new design of the HC40. The way it feels in my hand and the fact that it will fit in my pant pocket is a define advantage. The backlight on/off switch is useful when recording outside on sunny days. The record button on the side of the display is also an added advantage over the TRV33.
br /
br /My only complaint about the HC40 is that the eyepiece does not tilt up like the TRV33.
br /
br /My favorite feature that's not usually mentioned in reviews about the HC40 TRV33 is that you can use your camcorder to transfer old vhs tapes from the VCR to mini DV, or from VCR to camcorder to PC via firewire cable. I recommend Pinnacle Studio 9 to edit capture video.
br /
br /I would highly recommend this camcorder to anyone searching for a new camcorder. If you have a higher budget I would still suggest getting this camcorder spending the extra money on accessories.
br /
br /I was debating if I should sell my TRV33 and get the new Sony HC40, but opted not to only because I had received a lot of accessories I had for my TRV33 as a gift. I already have 3 batteries battery charger, 2X zoom lens, 256 mb Memory Stick Pro, infrared light extender, light flash. The only two accessories that are compatible with the HC40 are the infrared light extender and light flash. The next accessory I'm looking to get for my TRV33 which is also compatible with the HC40 is a marine pack (SPK-HC) so I can bring my camcorder underwater.

This camcorder is exceptional for the value. Plenty of features you would expect to see in a camcorder - and the widescreen mode is pretty nice as well. It's a true widescreen mode - not just chopped off at the top and bottom. I've been very pleased since the day I received it. Battery life is great, the LCD screen is large enough and very easy to see - even in bright sunlight. The sound quality is good, and the picture is outstanding. The image stablization also helps for beginners...

I researched a lot of digital camcorders and chose this because it appeared compact and easy to use. I received about 2 weeks ago and I am extremely pleased. I taped my kids soccer game the last 2 weeks and image is excellent, as well as the quality of the zoom. The stock battery is noted for its short life but I found I had at enough battery power and plenty left over after taping my kids soccer game. I haven't used some of the more advanced features, but its very compact and touch screen is simple to use.

I just recently returned my HC30 camcorder for the HC40; and, for the past few weeks, have never regret the decision. My roommate and I can tell a noticeable difference (for the best) in picture quality, though we're not neccessarily trained to do so.br I enjoy the added video resolution as well as the ability to take better pictures than the HC30 whenever I do not feel like reaching for my digital camera.br To put it simply, I am only a college student, far from being a trained "videophile", but I am happy with the feature set and picture quality. I would recommend this camera to those who could do without a manual control for every little nitpicking video aspect.

My husband and I just purchased this Handycam. I almost bought the DCRHC30 instead because in the store I also was concerned about the washed out looking images. When I compared the two and asked the salesperson for help he was not able to fix this problem. This bothered me so I walked away. I then went back to purchase the DCRHC30, but stopped again to look at the DCRHC40, talked with a different salesperson who was able to fix the problem on the sales floor and it looked just fine. It seemed to have a few more options, and we are extremely happy with it. Have not had a chance to use it much, but so far it is great. It will replace an old Digital8 Handycam that has had much use. Don't shy away because of the washed out images find a salesperson who is knowledgable to fix it for you.

I recently purchased this cam for a trip to Japan. I wanted something I could put in my pocket (trousers) with good video resolution, easy to use and decent resolution on zoom. This is my second digital Cam. previous one was JVC GR2000, an excellent cam. This cam exceeded my expectations. Very light. It easily fits in my pants pockets. I can reach in pants , retrieve it, turn it on and activate recording with one hand and my thumb, while walking without breaking stride. This helps to not miss shots. I easily took 90 minutes of tape of different entertaining clips. The resolution is good. Zoom, although digital , is very good. At full zoom, it pixilates very badly, as all other digital zoom cams, however, zooming up to 75% gives great telephoto with no pixilation. Steady shot is very good. Night vision at first I thought was a gimic, but on the first night of my visit, I went to a club (very dark) and was able to take some great shots of our group of people in action. Highly recommend.

I recently purchased this cam for a trip to Japan. I wanted something I could put in my pocket (trousers) with good video resolution, easy to use and decent resolution on zoom. This is my second digital Cam. previous one was JVC GR2000, an excellent cam. This cam exceeded my expectations. Very light. It easily fits in my pants pockets. I can reach in pants , retrieve it, turn it on and activate recording with one hand and my thumb, while walking without breaking stride. This helps to not miss shots. I easily took 90 minutes of tape of different entertaining clips. The resolution is good. Zoom, although digital , is very good. At full zoom, it pixilates very badly, as all other digital zoom cams, however, zooming up to 75% gives great telephoto with no pixilation. Steady shot is very good. Night vision at first I thought was a gimic, but on the first night of my visit, I went to a club (very dark) and was able to take some great shots of our group of people in action. Highly recommend.

This camera does a great job for home video. The size and video resolution is what sold me. Being much smaller than my old "HI 8 camera, I tend to use it a lot more than I did before. This camera can actually fit in your front pocket without much trouble. Makes it convenient to use during my childrens' sporting events and while on vacation. The "easy pic" setting makes it simple enough for my children to point and shoot and still come out with great looking videos. The software that comes with the camera is not even worth loading. My Dell came with a video editing program that that works seamlessly with this camera. Top notch video in a small package.

This camera does a great job for home video. The size and video resolution is what sold me. Being much smaller than my old "HI 8 camera, I tend to use it a lot more than I did before. This camera can actually fit in your front pocket without much trouble. Makes it convenient to use during my childrens' sporting events and while on vacation. The "easy pic" setting makes it simple enough for my children to point and shoot and still come out with great looking videos. The software that comes with the camera is not even worth loading. My Dell came with a video editing program that that works seamlessly with this camera. Top notch video in a small package.

i ordered this camera, and was pleased with the feature set and the price. however, the first time i tried to use it, it gave the message "dirty head", and would not record properly. if i turned it off and then on again, it would usually record until i pressed the pause(record) button, and then if i tried to record again, i would get the same message. i wouldn't give a product a bad review on the basis of one bad unit. however, i sent the unit back and got a new one, and it did the same thing. there is no way the head can be dirty on a new unit.
br /
br /there seems to be some sort of design flaw in the head of this particular camera. i have found several reviews that note the same problems that i had.
br /
br / when i tried to talk to sony about the problem, they were totally unhelpful, and would only tell me to clean the head. by the way, i tried this, (with a sony head cleaner) and it still told me it was dirty. i was told that my only other option was to mail the unit in to have it serviced, or send it back to the retailer. fine, luckily, i was barely within the 30 day warranty period for the reseller.
br /
br /the other thing i noticed about the second camera is that when i went to play back some of what i had taped, there was a 10 minute blank gap in my footage. i have been using video cameras for years, and i am not an idiot. i know i was taping, and there is nothing on the tape. very suspicious. after i returned the second camera, i decided on the new panasonic 3ccd camera. it actually works. unfortunately, i really wanted a sony because of the nightshot, which i needed for my work. my main fear about the sony was that after two apparently bad units, i might get another bad unit, or possibly one that didn't go bad until a few months later.
br /
br /not really a chance i wanted to take with a new baby on the way!

Small compact camera, easily fits into your hand. I got it two weeks ago.
br /Whos it for: Family, fun, party filming. Quality is great for a small camera.
br /Pros:
br /-Sharp Image - Steady shot.
br /-Night Vision - great for Paris Hilton style home movies ;)
br /-Easy use - record, rewind, watch. Easy mode helps out the technologically challeneged.
br /-Interracts easily with the computer
br /-Hooks up easily to my Sony DVD-R Player
br /Cons:
br /-No light back up for dark areas (Night Vision substitutes for that) Flash attachment piece is available from Sony.
br /-Pictures feel like 1 meg shots. If you want great quality pictures - I would recommend 5meg Sony Cybershot photo camera instead.
br /
br /I would recommend to read the manual to use this camera for its full potential. A lot of hidden features. I generally use this camera for family movies and for catching action at parties. I am glad I got this small camera! Email ayevdo@yahoo.com for any specific Q's!

I primarily bought this little thing for family archival records and digitizing my HI8 tapes from years past. so far it works well. I connect my Canon HI8 seamlessly to the HC40. pI feel that the LCD Screen has fine clarity and while SONY has packed alot into this Camcorder it acts logically. pIt would be nice to see the HC50 (or whatever) to have the 20X Zoom!pThe HC40 is not especially easy to 'Palm' and my hand's aren't that large. There is a ridge at the top of the Camera that is supposed to be cupped by the edge of your fingers to balance the camera. You have to work at holding onto it in this manner.pNo, complaints otherwise. It's a 'Keeper' for a few years!

They give you this manual (actually two manuals). The first manual refers to you to the other manual. Then the other manual tells you in three places that the method for achieving USB stream (web cam and conferencing) is different depending on the model. That's all they tell you! Honest. The manual says "SET USB STREAM IN THE MENU SETTINGS OF YOUR CAMCORDER TO ON. The procedure of the menu settings varies depending on the model." Well, what's that supposed to mean? Then you go to the webpage and there's nothing in the knowledge base and when you try to email them it malfunctions after you spend all the time on writing the email.

I just needed a small camcorder for making video game movies and this fits that. My laptop recognized it right away. Transfer is good and I have not had any problems with this DV Camcorder. The only complaint that I do have is the touch screen. I prefer actual buttons, but the camcorder is still easy to use.

I just purchased this camera about a week ago and I received it a few days ago.
br /
br /The camera is absolutely wonderful. Even though people say the bottom loading tape is bad, I think it is actually a good feature. It makes the camera less bulky and it is so easy to carry around because the tape isn't top loading.
br /
br /I love the size and it's so convenient. I'm used to bulky cameras and this is way better.
br /
br /The touch screen feature is great. People say it is inconvenient, but I don't think it is. I think it's because I'm used to having cameras with the controls in the LCD itself. The touch screen is neat, and it means you don't have to press a gajilion buttons like some cameras to control the camera.
br /
br /Although people say the LCD screen looks "washed out" if you mess around with the LCD brightness and stuff light that, it'll look less washed out and it will look pretty good.
br /
br /Also, I learned that if you used your middle finger to use the zoom toggle, you have more control over it and it doesn't make the "zoom toggle noise" that gets recorded if you don't control it.
br /
br /The fact that this camera takes pictures is cool. Although they are not "digital camera" sort of pictures, what do ya expect? This camera is mainly used for recording, not pictures. But I love how you can take pictures with the nightshot on and it looks pretty awesome.
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br /I bought this camera primarily for its analog through digital passthrough and its amazing. Its so easy to transfer your videos to the computer. (via firewire, it doesn't come with the camera, but you can find some on amazon that are under five bucks) The software that comes with the camera isn't that great when it comes to transferring. I recommend ArcSoft ShowBiz and its really easy to use. I haven't used Microsoft Movie Maker for transferring it yet, but it will most likely work.
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br /It doesn't do well under low light, but that's what the super night shot plus is for. The supernight shot plus feature is awesome. I've never had a camera like this before that could do that. I went into a dark room to test it out, I could see almost everything that I couldn't see without the super night shot plus.
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br /The problems I had with this camera is its instructions on using analog through digital pass through. I never used a camera with this feature, so I didn't know how to use it. I spent 2 hours trying to figure it out through the manual that came with the camera, which didn't help much. I was so frustrated that I looked on the net on how to do it. Guess what? In less then five minutes from looking, I found the instructions and it worked. If only I had looked on the net first instead of wasting 2 hours of my time on how to do it... But, when I finally digitized my old analog tapes, they came out perfect.
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br /Another thing that I don't like about this camera is that the viewfinder doesn't tilt up, even though it pulls out.
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br /Other than that, this camera is amazing. I like the the zoom because I've used it to watch and record a play. With the zoom up all the way, it was very clear and it felt like I was sitting close up to the stage with this useful gadget.
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br /Sony is such a great brand and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another camera from them in the future.
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The Picture Package software that comes with these Sony's is terrible - incompatible with most DVD/CD-R writers, meaning that you can't get your video off the MiniDV cassette tapes onto either your computer or a DVD or CD-R. I spent over 10 hours on the phone with Sony and Picture Package tech support, and ultimately learned that it is incompatible with my DVD/CD-R writer (in my Compaq Presario computer), and now am having to try to find some other solution for getting my videos off the cassettes to some other medium. The manuals are no help, and tech support is extremely time-consuming and ultimately found no solution other than telling me to use Microsoft Movie Maker - which takes FOREVER and I'm not even sure it really works. Before you buy this model - I highly recommend you seriously research whether it is compatible with your DVD/CD-R writer, and get some certainty about how you will be able to transfer the video tapes to computer or DVD or CD-R. I WOULD NOT buy this camcorder knowing what I now know.
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Despite gentle use, the screen has broken after only 7 months. Unfortunately the 1 year warranty only covers parts. The labor costs $216 flat charge (half the price of the camcorder). I thought of Sony as a quality brand.... but no more.

My little advice - Beware of Sony. The quality has decreased over past years badly and customer service and technical support is very bad too. Not to mention the warranty plans and costs to fix things. I just owned a nice handycam DCR-TRV19 that died after one year of seldom use. Something that is obvious factory defect (since many people experience exactly the same problem) costs more than half of the camcorders price to fix at sony service. I advise you to have a look at http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-6142-0.html?forumID=59threadID=53316messageID=1064984 and see for yourself how Sony treats their customers.
br /Once again, don't be blurred by pretty design. The inside is piece of crap.
br /Sincerely.

This is my third camcorder and I am very happy with this purchase. Friends call me a home theater freak because I am extremely picky about black details and color accuracy. This camcorder produces highly accurate colors and grey scale. The picture quality is close to DVD (480i) quality. I have compared the HC40 with HC30 and other Sony models (e.g. TRV22 and TRV33). This one is clearly a BIG winner. If you want to watch your video on a big screen TV, forget about the HC30 becuase the HC40 doubles the video resolution. I have tried both and the difference is huge.pNote: For someone who complained about the picture that looks washed out, he or she clearly does not understand the importance of accurate gray scale calibration in the color decoding process. The picture produced by the HC40 is highly realistic and the real life is NOT so colorful.

After shopping around comparing several models, I purchased this camcorder as an upgrade/replacement for a Sony TR-101 Hi8 Camcorder. My TR-101 was working great after 10 years, which helped sway me towards another Sony, but I wanted to go digital.
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br / I've had this camcorder for a few months now and it has been great. It's easy to use, the audio from the built-in microphone is descent, and the video is high quality. However, I've noticed lighting has a big impact on the video quality.
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br / The on-screen menu for changing setting isn't bad, but it does get confusing, especially when you click down two or three levels. I prefer the multiple buttons along the side, but I guess this camcorder is way to compact to do that.
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br / Most importantly, the camcorder's Firewire/iLink works great with my iBook and Final Cut Express as well as Vegas Movie Studio on my PC. I've had a great time making movies.
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br / Also, I purchased this with or subsequently the Sony ACC-DVP Accessory Kit, Sony BCTRP Battery Charger, Sony ECM-HS1 Microphone, and the Sony HVL-S3D Video Light.

I love my Sony camcorder! i think it works very well and recording movies is so clear and easy! It was also clear on my tv! If u r looking for a really good digital camcorder it is the Sony DCR-HC40!! I once bought a Canon thinking it was really nice but i had to return it cause it was so blurry when i recorded! Then i ran into the Sony! it is so great. The only thing it is bad at is taking a still photos it is ok but not a good as a normal digital camera. But I think that the sony is very nice! I love the small shape,and it is so easy to hold!

This is one of the very good Camcorders I have used. I initially had a Canon camcorder and a JVC before that. After using them I got this one. There was a vast difference between Sony, especially in the Video Quality and usability.
br /It is sleek, Compact and very ergonomically designed. It is comparitively steadier to take Videos. The LCD panel has 180 degree swivel and that makes taking the Videos and Photos with Self-Timer very useful. You can see what is going-on. The Touch screen LCD panel is lot easier that messing around with 100 buttons in a small space.
br /The Video Effects are very good and the Auto Focus works wonderfully. 120x Digital zoom is very useful to capture videos at very long distances. Night Vision is very good.
br /Ease of Use and ease to hook on with computer make t one of the best Camcorders at affordable prices to capture the Best moments of your life.

Over the past 35 years that I have been shooting video, it has come a long way. Comparing this to the RCA TK-76 "Minicam" that I shot tv news with on 3/4" in 1977 is fun: 1/100 the cost and double the scan lines. Oh, and 1/80th the weight not including the 40 pound recorder. At first, I didn't think something this size could work this well. I needed something quick and inexpensive to do video cuts for inserting into PowerPoint. My boss was too cheap to buy equipment for the department and I needed training tapes. So I just bought a HC40, shot the material, edited it on my HP a622n and inserted into the PP. And then did it about a dozen more times on other training material. It looks surprisingly well 10' tall through a 2000 lumen projector. A handheld or wireless mic is a must. At least a key light, if not key, base and fill are a must. My Lowell Totalight kit works perfectly with a few scrims. Not broadcast quality of today although surpassing broadcast quality of 30 years ago. Just border line for industrial or PP if lit well with good sound. I am satisfied with it and it travels well.

Realy it is a very powerfull Mini-DV camcorder but:
br /Positive Points:
br /Video Quality = High
br /Video Resources, like effects, editing,etc.= High
br /Battery duration = High (I will not buy other one)
br /Dummie mode operation = Very Cool
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br /Negative Points:
br /Poor quality images when you take picture
br /Be careful to not loose the CD with Installation software, because you will not find this on the internet (Picture Package. If you have this software, please send to me at juliofabio@yahoo.com). (Windows XP all ready have the driver);
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br /OBS:
br /Unfortunatelly I lost the remote control+ AV Cable (I still looking for it on the internet).
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if you think SONY is a quality brand....YOU ARE CORRECT
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br /too bad i dont know how to use all the features....and you will use a camcorder less than you think....so dont spend too much....and buy a good still camera...the stills on this is low resolution

This is truly an awesome little camera. It is a computer, camcorder and low resolution still camera all in one.
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br /However, it is made for (1) people with small hands; (2) people who have a month, full time, to learn how to use it; (3) people who can memorize a hundred page manual and work with contra-intuitive menus.
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br /This is classic Japanese engineering at its most excellent. However, if you buy this it had better be your only professional tool or hobby or you won't have the time to learn how to use it.
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br /Sony made an great attempt to give it a "point and shoot" feature. However, if you are a man with large hands, you will need to stop anything you are doing and concentrate on hitting buttons and menu items with your finger with such precision that it will take you at least a minute to set up for a shot.
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br /In terms of the learning curve . . . I would estimate a novice photographer (like me) could become proficient in Mircrosoft Office faster than learning how to use this nice device.

I had a Sony and was very satisfied, so got this one a week ago. This is a very handy little camera and takes great video.
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br /There is only one problem. The video in low indoor light is very poor.

This is a great camera for filming! I love the size, the oh-so-easy-to-use lcd touch panel (nifty) and the auto-focus is not so bad. Of course, it takes pictures also, but keep in mind that the main purpose for this gadget is FILMING! It takes good enough videos with the memory stick, great sound!
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br /Not so great pictures at night, but wonderful images during the day.
br /I recommend it.

After spending many hours reading through the manual, I was unable to transfer video from the camera to my computer. If you have a CD or DVD burner, it is supposed to be possible to transfer video from the camcorder to a CD or DVD. Unfortunately, when I tried to do this, Sony's software kept prompting me to insert a CD into my burner even though there was already one in there. I could not get around this problem, and never was able to transfer video from the camera. Also, if you want to transfer video from the camcorder to your hard drive, think again. Sony's software package will strip your audio, add its own soundtrack, and shuffle your video images around for artistic effect. I could not believe that there was no way to transfer video, as is, to the hard drive. I have returned the camera, very frustrated.

This is the best a person can have to capture his best momments

I am the reviewer of the Chicago Soundtrack and Ereth's Birthday. I Love movies and cameras and all kinds of gadgets. I thought it was so generous of my parents to buy me a video camera! It's the best camera out there, all the advertisers and critics say! And i agree! To Record, press The Red Button and camera, to play, press the red button to turn it of when you're finish filming, and to play it, turn the dile on camera, to VCR! I hope my review was helpful to people in need for a video camera! It makes and excellent present! You can get one at Best Buy! That's where I Found mine! But, Amazon has very, very, nice unused video cameras in boxes! Enjoy!

Yo compré la HC40 muy entusiasmado por las especificaciones. Y son ciertas!!! El NigthShot tiene un muy buen desempeño, aunque el Nigth Shot Plus no. La calidad de la filmación en ambientes muy bien iluminados es alta. Pero tiene problemas con falta de luz. Aquí es que se tiene que comprar un accesorio de iluminación... uno bueno es caro!!! La batería, aún cuando es liviana es poco conveniente para acontencimientos de una buena duración. Pero para salidas casuales donde sólo filmarás pequeños tiempos funciona bien. Yo compré la batería FM-90 porque necesitaba mayor duración.brDefinitivamente se tiene que comprar un Memory Stick decente. El que trae realmente es pobre.pSe tiene que contar con un puerto IEEE-1394 si se desea obtener videos en DVD de muy buena calidad, casi igual al que se puede ver en el playback en la cámara. Eso quiere decir que se tendrá que comprar una tarjeta FireWire 1394 y el cable 1394 (i.Link) porque con USB la calidad del video es realmente decepcionante. Se pierde toda la inversión en esta gran cámara si se guardan los videos utilzando el cable USB.pEl software es desastrozo. Sólo te permite guardar el video con música. Yo recomiendo comprar software de otro fabricante que no te amarre a comprar sus librerías y que te permita guardar el sonido de lo filmado.pSe debe utilizar mucho el balance de blancos para interiores. Ayuda mucho a la definición de colores.pPor otro lado la correa parece débil y no cuenta con la mejor posición posible. Es difícil coger la cámara con una sola mano.brPero el tamaño es bueno, la puedo llevar traquilamente en mi casaca.pEn conclusión: con muy buena luz la calidad de filmación es asombrosa y utilizando i.Link para pasar los videos a una pc y luego a DVD, se conserva la calidad original del video.brNo recomiendo para nada el uso del cable USB para guardar el video.brLamentablemente al comprar esta cámara hay que comprar accesorios como mínimo: tarjeta de memoria, luz, batería y cable i.link .