Customer Reviews:
  THEY DON'T TELL YOU HOW TO GET THE USB STREAM January 2, 2006
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
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.
 Great Camcorder December 7, 2005
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
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.
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.
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.
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.
 Screen broke after 7 months September 25, 2005
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.
Beware of Sony April 12, 2005
9 out of 12 found this review helpful
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=59&threadID=53316&messageID=1064984 and see for yourself how Sony treats their customers.
Once again, don't be blurred by pretty design. The inside is piece of crap.
Sincerely.
The Sony DCR-HC40 Rocks April 10, 2005
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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