Product Description

The DCR-HC40 MiniDV Handycam gives you all the features you'd expect from a Sony camcorder in an ultra-compact design that's as beautiful as the images it captures. It features a 1.0 Megapixel Advanced HAD imaging chip and a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens which combine to capture video with incredible detail and clarity, making every video picture perfect. It also includes a huge 2.5" hybrid SwivelScreen touch panel LCD display with a 3D menu system, Super NightShot Plus infrared recording, USB streaming, and digital still image capturing on MemoryStick DUO media. Only Sony could pack so many features in a camcorder so small.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4042 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Sony
• Model: HC40
• Dimensions: 4.92" h x 6.97" w x 8.66" l, 8.00 pounds
• Display size: 2.5

Features

• Sleek, compact MiniDV camcorder and digital still camera with 1-megapixel CCD
• 10x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 120x) with Super SteadyShot image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch rotating LCD and color viewfinder
• Low-light recording settings, Memory Stick Duo slot, and accessory shoe
• NP-FM50 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery

From the Manufacturer
The DCR-HC40 MiniDV Handycam gives you all the features you’d expect from a Sony camcorder in an ultra-compact design that’s as beautiful as the images it captures. It features a 1.0 Megapixel Advanced HAD imaging chip and a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens which combine to capture video with incredible detail and clarity, making every video picture perfect. It also includes a huge 2.5" hybrid SwivelScreen touch panel LCD display with a 3D menu system, Super NightShot Plus infrared recording, USB streaming, and digital still image capturing on MemoryStick DUO media. Only Sony could pack so many features in a camcorder so small.

The MiniDV Format offers more precise image detail and color accuracy than previously possible with analog camcorders. The superior quality of digital video results from:

• Higher Resolution -- up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution, on select models for sharper picture detail.
• Component Color Sampling -- preserves three times more color information than analog VHS and S-VHS video, for brighter and truer colors.
• Time Base Correction -- stabilizes the picture, eliminating video jitters.
• Error Correction -- fills in missing video data, providing seamless, professional-looking video.

Features of the DCR-HC40 include:

	Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating offering less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation and perfect renditions of subtle tones.		Digital Still Memory Mode: Capture digital still images directly onto Memory Stick media for easy transfer to e-mail, printing, or sharing with compatible Memory Stick devices.
	With a press of the Easy Handycam button, most of the advanced functions of the camcorder are "locked out" leaving only the buttons essential for recording operational.		Super NightShot Plus Infrared System: An advanced version of Sony's NightShot Infrared system that allows users to record natural color images in low-light conditions, but without the blurring common with other lowlight recording systems.
	Battery information is momentarily displayed without having to power on the camcorder. Quickly access the battery's status by pressing the Battery Info button. The Recording Time Available is displayed in minutes on either the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.		Sony's i.LINK DV (or MICROMV) interface gives you true digital-to-digital editing, without the "generation loss" of analog editing. And the i.LINK interface is compatible with a range of Sony digital VCRs, Sony edit controllers, and Sony PCs with editing software.
	MPEG Movie EX Mode: Unlike earlier MPEG1 Movies, MPEG Movie EX will allow you to record 320 x 240 resolution MPEG movies uninterrupted up to the capacity of the Memory Stick Duo Media. These movies are perfect for emailing to friends and family.		Stamina Power Management: the combination of low power consumption and an optional InfoLithium battery give Sony Handycam models incredible operating time. To keep tabs on battery life, Sony's AccuPower meter displays the number of minutes remaining -- right in the viewfinder.

And more:

This camera can connect directly to select printers. Learn more about PictBridge.

• 1.0 Megapixel (Gross) Advanced HAD CCD Imager 1/5" Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 690K (effective) pixels provides excellent detail and clarity, with exceptional video performance (up to 520 lines of horizontal resolution). Realize great looking digital still images utilizing 1000K (effective) pixels. The Megapixel technology enhances your digital videos and digital still photography performance.

• 10X Optical/120X Digital Zoom
  The optical zoom helps to bring the action up close from far away. In addition, the digital zoom interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.

• 2.5" Hybrid SwivelScreen LCD Display (123K Pixels): Provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The 123K pixel LCD display makes images sharp and detailed during playback or when monitoring recording. The Hybrid Reflective-Transmissive LCD Screen provides accurate viewing in sunlight or bright light, virtually eliminating the wash-out common with traditional LCD Screens.

• Progressive Shutter: Mechanical shutter system that provides Progressive Scan performance while utilizing an interlace scanning system. Digital still images will be sharp and clear with excellent definition.

• Analog To Digital Conversion with Pass-Through: Convert and/or record any analog NTSC video source to digital video via the analog inputs. Analog NTSC video can also be passed through the digital Handycam camcorder directly into a PC via the i.LINK interface in real-time for easy PC editing of your analog footage.

• InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower Meter System: Charge the battery at any time because unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony’s rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening "memory effect." Sony’s exclusive AccuPower meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes in the viewfinder or the LCD screen.

• Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization System: An advanced version of Sony’s SteadyShot system that controls an even higher range of shake and vibration frequencies, to achieve an even higher level of smoothness without degradation of video like some other image stabilization systems.

• 12-Bit/16-Bit PCM Digital Stereo: 16-Bit offers the same outstanding sound quality as compact disc. 12-Bit recording enables you to add an additional audio track with compatible audio dubbing equipment or i.LINK interface compatible computers.

What's in the box:
DCRHC40 MiniDV Digital Handycam, AC-L25 Power Adaptor/ In Camera Charger, NP-FP50 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery, RMT-831 Wireless Remote Commander Remote Control, USB Cable, MSG-M8A Memory Stick Duo Media, MSAC-M2 Memory Stick Duo Adapter, CR2025 Battery, Multi A/V Cable, LCD Cleaning Cloth, CD-ROM w/Driver (Picture Package Software v1.0 for Sony)

Customer Reviews

Great home cam
I needed a cam to make some movies of my new daughter. I wanted something compact so that I would never hesitate to carry it around. I also wanted to make sure it was easy to use and took great video indoors. This narrowed my choices down to the Sony PC-105, TRV22 and the Canon Optura 300 / Elura 50. Except for the TRV22, all were the vertical style which while small, were awkward to use (the Sony being the worst with its horrible zoom control). The Canon's also do not have the IR-illuminated night shot capability. So, I was all set to buy the TRV22 especially since it has outstanding low-light capability when I tried out the HC40. The HC's form factor is just so great, I couldn't pass it up. It to me seems as small as the PC105 but is the much more hold-able horizontal style everyone prefers.

So I bought both the TRV22 and HC40 and compared them at home. Yes, the TRV22 does shoot noticably better in low light conditions, but practically speaking the HC40 is good enough for me, and the form factor more than makes up for it. I'd give it 5 stars if 1) its low light ability was as good as the TRV22 and 2) if its auto focus responded a bit quicker.

Perfect Digital Video Camera
Okay, here goes. This is my first real review, so I hope it helps.

I've owned this camera since roughly May 04. I love it. I've used it for recording my kids, areas around Germany to include various castles, palaces, etc. Additionally, and probably something no other review can tell you is that I've used it to record various military airborne operations out of C-130s, and UH-60s. I've been able to get out on the tailgate of a 130 and record some great footage of guys going out the back of a bird. It has stood up to this with no problem. Additionally, when the 130 is closed up and it's somewhat dark inside, I've simply activated the nightvision and been able to record the preparations to exiting the aircraft. I've been able to record two promotions and one reenlistment that have taken place onboard the aircraft. Sound has been no problem either. Once you zoom in on an object it seems ot focus on the sound from that person.

I've also taken it out to firing ranges and other various training and it has performed spectacularly.

The size is perfect to fit inside a cargo pocket or the pocket on a BDU shirt. I simply attach 550 cord to it and I am not in the least bit concerned with it flying off me or whatever.

As for the colors. Yeah, perhaps the colors are a bit washed out, but what it loses in that arena, it makes up for in ease of use and size. The colors are fine for what I'm using it for and and guys in the military who jump hardly ever get video of them jumping to show their family so they are ecstatic to get it no matter what it really looks like. Families love it too. I can't count how many guys who have been in over 20 years act like kids when they see themselves on it and all.

Some other items of interest - don't buy it for the still photo ability. They suck basically. Plus, while you're videotaping, if you want to take a still pic, you have to stop the recording, switch to the memory card and snap the shot (if you're using the cassette - which is better recording then the memory card).

Touchscreen controls are so much better than all the buttons I see on the other digital video cameras, this enables SONY to make the camera smaller.

Replay of video is quick and easy. You can do so much editing right on the camera (not that I do - I wait till I get it home).

It records in both wide and full-screen.

The software the camera came with sucked to put it bluntly. Luckily, my computer came with ArcSoft Showbiz v2.0. If you don't have ArcSoft Showbiz - get it. Makes it easier to capture your video from this camera and turn it into a DVD.

Which is a good segue into that element of the camera. The DVC is equipped with a USB 2.0 port, a analog video cam transfer port and a Firewire port (IE...whatever it is number). So there are two ways to capture video (basically). 1) record your video to the memory card and simply shove your memory card into your computer and bam - there ya go. ORrrrr 2) Purchase a firewire (it doesn't come with the camera - unfortunately, but it's all good). Then you plug the firewire into the camera and into your computer - ensure you have video capture software and bam - there ya go. It's that simple.

I've known some folks with the DVD-RAM DVCs (with the RAM discs directly in the camera) and supposedly you can record directly onto a DVD or something. They've ALL - everyone one of them - have had problems with it. I have not. From the VERY first day, I've been able to easily record and transfer to the computer.

Just another quick note about video capture software. To make sure this camera works with your computer, your computer needs a CD-DVD R/W and a firewire port (IEEE P1394 or something like that) and the hardware that goes with it.

If it doesn't - you'll have problems.

Additionally, when you purchase the camera, do yourself a favor and immediately purchase a few 8mm mini Digital videotapes and perhaps a 64mb memory card (remember this is a SONY proprietary item). This isn't a NORMAL memory card. This is a Sony Memory Stick Duo thing. So it comes in two pieces. The camera comes with a 8mb stick. Which is next to nothing for video time. Maybe 10 minutes if that. Don't purchase something real large - like we did (512mb or so) and realize we prefer the tape. Buy a firewire at the same time. Purchase good quality tapes - not cheap ones. We think we've come to the decision that it does make a difference on how the video looks afterwards. Also, go ahead and purchase another battery. The one battery has about 90 minutes of time and that is basically fine, but for using it for long periods of time during airborne operations, you definitely need more battery time.

I'll be using this camera whenever I deploy to Iraq.

Oh, and the analog video transfer port. This is great. It comes with the wire and you can plug it into your analog recorder (we had a old Hitachi 8mm camcorder) and we've transfered many of our old tapes to digital. The resulting picture is lousy, but that's a result more of analog vs. digital and editing software then the actual camera I believe.

Anyway, I hope this all helps.

Awesome compact Mini DV camcorder
I used to have a Canon Elura 2, but I despised its nightshot capability and the battery life was dismal. I discovered this camera searching several review sites and after seeing it in person, I was sold by its compact size.

This camera is very easy to operate and the quality of footage taken with it is phenomenal. There aren't a lot of buttons on this camera, as most of the configuration settings are accessed through the screen-based menu system. I've read a lot of people find the menu system annoying, however I find that it's laid out quite nicely. Once you pick a setting, the camera will shut down other options that aren't applicable given the settings you've selected.

I'm very happy with the nightshot mode. If you've ever watched Survivor, the night shots shots taken with this camera look like.

The zoom control on the camera took some getting used to and I've found that using your right hand middle finger to control it works quite well. You'll also want to adjust the hand strap to firmly hold your hand to the camera.

I have not used the software that comes with this camera and that seems to be where a lot of the whining comes from on CNet. If you're going to get a DV camera and you plan to edit the footage, invest in some decent video editing software (or buy an iMac).