5stars
11ratings4stars
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Easy to use100% agree
Good image quality100% agree
Lightweight100% agree
14 reviews
My Sony Camcorder
am happy with this camera because it has what I need. I needed a camera that takes crisp and clear video with nice vibrant color. There are limitations to the camera, such as the Sony handicaps that won't allow universalism, and the constant changing of modes when you wish to do utilize the other options.
With the camera's capture capabilities, and the accessory microphone that I picked up, for me this is a great camera, and will last years in my house. I have compared this camera's video to that of DVD cameras, and I like the video capture picture of mine a lot better.Read full review...
Handycam HC40
I believe this camcorder is no longer in production. There are two main reasons why I purchased this unit: 1) Its compact size and 2) the "LANC" feature. So readers must take that into consideration. I needed a small enough unit so that I can carry it while doing adventure sports (snowboarding and mountain biking). The LANC feature allows me to stow the camcorder in a backpack and operate it remotely with a LANC remote cord that can be purchased separately(esentially start/stop record function). The times I've used it for this it did an awesome job! However, there are many other features I enjoy about this camcorder. The swivel LCD screen turns 360 degrees forward so that I can watch myself record of all things..myself! The digital effects like "old movie" or "slow motion" recording are great and it also functions like a digital camera (comes with memory stick). The A/V input allows the camcorder to be used like a VCR and the DV/USB inputs allows direct video capture to a computer (with the right software). It uses DV mini tape format which I find the most useful and convenient. Of course it has a microphone port which I've actually used with a semi-professional mic to conduct student produced interviews and works good in this capacity. I've attached a wide angle lens and light to extend its capabilities with great satisfation. This is actually my second Handycam (the first one was stolen and was an HC-30). The HC-30/40 are essentially the same camcorder from what I can tell. The nightshot plus feature works well in low light settings, but does affect the color obviously, its low light. The the backlight features does a great job of filtering out light and focusing in on the foreground. I use the larger battery that is purchased separetly and last about 3 hours, and I wished this battery was smaller. It comes with a battery that last 1.5 hours. Overall, I great little camcorder!Read full review...
sony handycam dcr hc 40
+long battery life
+design is excellent
+picture quality is good
+easy to use
+easy menu
-below average performance in low light
-poor still picture
-motor noise
Wanted to keep my DCR-HC40 alive a bit longer!
This has been a great little camcorder. We bought this one to help with a problem in our original DCR-HC40. It has stopped charging the battery. Now that we have this one, It has been determined that the problem is in the camera not the battery or charger. The price and included parts make this a really good way to extend the life of a fairly dependable product from Sony. We have enjoyed the performance of this handy little device. Ebay has come through for us again!Read full review...
sony dcr-hc40 mini dv camcorder
I purchased this camera because I need a camera with a color viewfinder,so I can video deer in the wild. They are much more easy to find in the bush with a color viewfinder. The small size of the handycams make them very portable while outdoors. An added bonus of the 40's is the doubling of megapixels. The only regret is that the optical zoom is just 10X. I purchased my hc-40 on e-bay, used, but in excellant condition, for a very resonable price.Read full review...
Nice Mini DV Camcorder
I know this is not the best camcorder out there, but it's a great piece. It's pretty compact, and not too heavy. It has plenty of features, without being complicated to use. The video quality is excellent, certainly not a professional quality unit, but should make home video enthusiasts very pleased.Read full review...
sony hc40 best dv camera made
1/5" ccd makes for clears beautiful picture and excellent in low light recording
hot shoe works great with the infrared light
fits great in hand and i have a large hand
buttons are properly placed for easy access
dislike the bottom loading tape tray because i have to dismantle the tripod base to change tapes. Not that big a deal but that is one of the things i understand they fixed on newer Sony handycams.
Dont like that you have to send it to sony for repair and that there is a flat 240 dollar fee
had a HC20 which was nice (not as nice as this one though). but the lens started acting up. I bought this upgrade for nearly 100 dollars less than repairing from sony and i have to think that is sony intent. Repair fee way to high.Read full review...
Handy Cam purchased does not work properly
I purchased a sony handycam, here are the issues
- Main reason for purchsing this camera was to upload videos thru firewire. I wasted atleast 30 hours debugging why this product is not recognized by computer when connected via firewire port. It still does not work. I tried multiple computers, multiple cables and Windows XP, Vista and Mac with no luck. The same model number that I purchased 3 years ago works. I checked the menu settings menu by menu.
- product does not come with power supply brick. This was a surprize. It comes with battery charger and 1 hour battery.
I feel terrible about purchasing this product.Read full review...
Great Camera
i go this as a replacement for my camera which was droppe dand broke. Great size and very good videoes. The menu system take a little getting used to. The photo quality is average at best.
A plus
My first Sony DCR hc40 was stolen and I purchased the same model again. I use it for taping golfers and bowling students. I find this model so easy to understand and use; the quality upon playback is great and it exceeded my expectaions when used in low light surroundings.Read full review...