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| Sony DCR-HC38 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom | 
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| Brand: Sony
Category: Photography
List Price: $339.99
Buy New: $239.95
You Save: $100.04 (29%)
Buy New from $239.95
Avg. Customer Rating:  (20 reviews)
Sales Rank: 9458
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: No
Optical Zoom: 40
Display Size: 2.5
Maximum Focal Length: 76
Minimum Focal Length: 1.9
Warranty: 1 year warranty
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3.2
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 7 x 4.8
MPN: DCRHC38
Model: DCRHC38
UPC: 027242701809
EAN: 0027242701809
ASIN: B000M3LUPO
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens; 40x optical/2000x digital zoom | | • | 1/6-inch Advanced HAD CCD imager | | • | 2.5-inch touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD display | | • | NightShot Plus technology and Super SteadyShot picture stabilization system | | • | USB streaming; i.LINK DV interface |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
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 make every frame perfect. And the 2.5" touch panel LCD monitor makes sure you see it all, no matter what environment you're in. For dimly lit areas, the NightShot Plus feature keeps your video bright and clear as day.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 15 more reviews...
 Sony DCR-HC38 Review March 30, 2008
Great value, easy to use. Good quality video, can't beat the 40X and features. I would recommend this camcorder to anyone looking for a quality, easy to use product on a low budget. But don't be fooled by the price, this camcorder has a better quality picture than my JVC that I paid $700.00 for three years ago.
 Great quality and compact size March 24, 2008
This is my second Sony MiniDV camera (my dad dropped and broke my first one). It works great and provides good quality.
There are lots of great comments and reviews out there, and I won't repeat all that stuff. Here are a few quick comments:
- It's small enough to fit in a belly-pack or fanny-pack. That means it's easy to bring along. Cameras left at home don't deliver very good results!
- I thought having the 40x optical zoom would be awesome. It is, but here's my caveat - it's virtually impossible to hand-hold the camera at full zoom and get a decent picture - even with the great image stabilization feature turned on. When you get past about 25x, you'll need a tripod or to brace the camera on a ledge or something.
- Night vision (using an infra-red emitter to illuminate in total darkness) is a great feature, which most people overlook.
Great stuff, as expected, from Sony!
 LCD Blows out March 2, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have an HC32 camcorder and my LCD display just died without much notice (it flickered one day and became dark with red hue and died). I searched the problem and it appears that a lot of people have shared a similar story on the net. It happened to my when my camera was about two years old. Similar problems have been reported on HC42 model as well. You may want to research this problem. I am not going to buy another SONY camcorder (it was my 3rd Sony Camcorder in 17 years...one of them still works). I was very happy with it till it worked. But, the LCD problem appears to be a widespread problem. Once the LCD display dies, you can't do much as most of the controls are through the touch screen.
Good Camera for the Money February 13, 2008
I bought this camera as I wanted one that was easily carried because I travel a great deal. I read all the reviews prior to buying it and it has lived up to my expectations and the quality of the videos taken is excellent. I had second thoughts about it not having a light but it takes good videos in low ambient light conditions and the "night shot" feature works well.
It is a very user friendly camera right out of the box. The only negative feature would be lack of a remote control but for a little more money, Sony makes a model with this feature. All around good camera for the price. You won't be disappointed.
Not a bad deal January 8, 2008
I had researched for 2 weeks before I made a purchase on this video camera. I was started to look for one using USB connection but the picture quality is not what I wanted. I came across with the HD type as well but according to what I read it may not have the quality I wanted and the disk space usually save up to only 30 mins of good quality video.
Anyway I back to the basic and get a Mini DV. In short I brought this according to all different review.
I'm satisfy with the camera. It's not really a snap to use. I had to read the manual a little bit before I know how to do play back and get it connect to the PC. That part could be because I'm not a Sony person.
By the way, I also brought the fire wire card along with this camera in Amazon. My PC don't have the interface and that's the only way you could transfer the video into the PC.
The only draw back I had on this camera is the software come with the camera. It's not that user friendly but I was warned by others so I'm prepared for that. It's a kind of struggle. The software isn't easy to use but I get by it. I able to view the video in the PC and save as AVI that could be just viewed with Windows Media player. I wish the software is a little more user friendly.
One more thing I wish is a little more people will talk about on the accessories. I didn't know there are any accessories could be purchase until I got the camera. On the box there is a leaflet about spare battries, universal charger, light, etc. I think that's alright though because after I registered the product with Sony they gave me a 15% off coupon.
Another thing to note is on still picture quality. I know there are millions of people wishing to get a DV to take still picture as well. As far as my knowledge there isn't any DV able to do any high quality still picture. I tried on this one and it only able to make 640 x 480. I really think if people want good quality still picture they should get a Digital SLR instead of a DV to do the job.
The overall rating isn't bad for this camera in my opinion.
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