Sony DCR-HC40

Pros: Quality video camcorder. Ability to capture still photos. Good low light capabilities. Computer friendly.

Cons: Camera must be removed from the tripod to change tapes which are only 60/80 minutes.

The Bottom Line: This camcorder is recommended for someone who wants quality video at a low cost that is easy to use and also desires the ability to record in low light.

Review: My DCR-HC40 camcorder is about 14 months old and is still recording in good quality. I have not had the problems that some others seem to be experiencing. I recorded my grandchildren's school play and transferred it to DVD using firewire and ulead "dvd ...

Pros: Image quality; build quality; ease of operation; brilliant LCD; true widescreen

Cons: night mode only good at very close range;software very dated and limited

Review: This is a brilliant camera. The Zeiss lens and relatively large CCD pick up colours and details very well indeed. The True Widescreen Mode enabled me to produce sensational, full-quality 16:9 movies. It is so easy to use and connects into popular ...

Pros: easy to use,16:9,i-link(firewire),very small,

Cons: comes with no carrycase, tape makes slight buzz(big deal!)

Review: i spent about 2 weeks looking at all the mini dv camcorders on the market and found it very hard to choose i finally decided on this one and all i can say is i'm over the moon with it, NO battery drain rubbish the quailty is amazing i put my ...

Pros: Easy to use in auto mode, excellent video performance, features

Cons: Difficult to access and use manual controls, price, still picture performance

The Bottom Line: If you want an easy-to-use camcorder with excellent video quality and features, the HC40 is a good choice. But if you want more easily accessible manual control or good still...

Review: As time goes by, consumer electronic products get smaller, lighter and cheaper while adding features at the same time. Unfortunately, nothing is free. The S ony DCR-HC40 is a digital camcorder that uses MiniDV ...

Pros: Easy to use, compact, touch-screen LCD

Cons: Expensive, weak on manual controls, rival manufacturers offer very competitive products at better prices

The Bottom Line: If Sony decides to price their camcorders better, then it would be a much better value. Else for an entry-level camcorder it's pretty pricey.

Review: "I need to replace an old camcorder that I have from years ago with something new." "What are you looking for in a camcorder? Any particular features or specifications?" "I'm looking for something that's good quality and easy to use. I don't want ...

Pros: Easy to use, Digital, takes photos and video, touch screen LCD.

Cons: Not comfortable for big hands, poor resolution, digital camera quality is poor.

The Bottom Line: This is a family friendly camcorder that is easy to use.

Review: This is a consumer friendly camcorder that records a digital signal onto a tape medium. It has the usual features like an LCD screen, playback, as well as simple editing. You can download your data to the computer from either the memory card or the ...

Pros: Crisp video, great sound, nice options for upgrading

Cons: The still digital photos are just OK, Sony refuses universalism

The Bottom Line: Before you invest in a Sony product, you should read this review to make sure it would be the right product for you.

Review: My Sony Handycam DCR-HC40 is an upgrade for my family from a JVC SVHS video camera. My JVC was OK while it lasted, but it needed to be repaired more than once, and when my warranty expired and the same problem arose and it was to cost over $150 to fix ...

Pros: Easy to use, Sony, still capability, long battery life

Cons: Stills are grainy, hand-strap too thin length made for big hands (not many cons)

The Bottom Line: This is the best overall, easy-to-use, feature-full camcorder for family memories for now ('04), but wish the still shot feature was better - they're still too grainy.

Review: When I set out to buy a camcorder last summer ('04) to record our first child, I did a TON of research - partly because no clear "winner" quickly emerged among the Mini-DV newer camcorders. Being the type of person who wants to get all possible features ...

Pros: Sony quality, good video, small size

Cons: $200 more than other very nice sony models.

The Bottom Line: Nice camera but out of my target price range

Review: This is a very nice digital camcorder. Its got all the do-dads, and gee wiz stuff. But when looking for a camcorder the one reason you should be looking in my opinion is how good a video does its shoot. DISCLAIMER I didn't buy this camera. I looked at ...

Pros: Small size, great body, video quality all the required connections

Cons: Poor still images, battery life, expensive accessories

The Bottom Line: Its a good buy, sony has gone down the middle on almost everything, CCD size, stills, price, zoom, only things that are excellent are video quality and ofcourse sony brandname.

Review: I bought the HC40 for a variety of reasons. I wanted a small sized camcorder, and sony has the best reputation, I have had a good experience with other sony products. Though the sony products tend to be more expensive than similar products from other ...