Sony DCR-HC38 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom

i own this camera after upgrading from my first sony: a HC21. I like it a lot. It takes clear outdoor videos, Indoors i have 2 turn on the "back light" features 2 get a clear pictures. Besides, i edit the video on pc. I love the firewire port 4 best video quality. I make my home video look like a profesional just with this non-profesional camera.
i have 2 extra batteries & an extra wall charger, 4 a serious amateur like me it is worthy ti get what i need. I dont want 2 run out-of power in the middle of an event.
So far i am satisfied. I can also do color correction if need it. digital efects & titles, then i burn in DVD.
I preffer Mini DV than HDD. In HDD every pause you do while recording, makes a thumbnail, when you transfer the video you may get about 200 thumbnails in a 2 hour video. It takes a headache 2 drop every thumbnail in the storyboard 4 video editing.
But using firewire you get just one thumbnail. altought it takes longer 2 transfer the video, you have 2 play it 2 transfer it, & it takes that long.

Great value, easy 2 use. Good quality video, can't beat the 40X & features. I would recommend this camcorder 2 anyone looking 4 a quality, easy 2 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 4 three years ago.

This is my second Sony MiniDV camera (my dad dropped & broke my first one). It works great & provides good quality.

There are lots of great comments & reviews out there, & I won't repeat all that stuff. Here are a few quick comments:

- It's small enough 2 fit in a belly-pack or fanny-pack. That means it's easy 2 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 2 hand-hold the camera at full zoom & 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 2 brace the camera on a ledge or something.

- Night vision (using an infra-red emitter 2 illuminate in total darkness) is a great feature, which most people overlook.

Great stuff, as expected, from Sony!

I have an HC32 camcorder & my LCD display just died without much notice (it flickered one day & became dark with red hue & died). I searched the problem & it appears that a lot of people have shared a similar story on the net. It happened 2 my when my camera was about two years old. Similar problems have been reported on HC42 model as well. You may want 2 research this problem. I am not going 2 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 2 be a widespread problem. Once the LCD display dies, you can't do much as most of the controls are through the touch screen.

I bought this camera as I wanted one that was easily carried because I travel a great deal. I read all the reviews prior 2 buying it & it has lived up 2 my expectations & 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 & 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 4 a little more money, Sony makes a model with this feature. All around good camera 4 the price. You won't be disappointed.

Powerful capture & versatile use make the DCR-HC38 MiniDV Handycam the ideal camcorder 4 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 & 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 & clear as day.