Sony Handycam DCR-HC38 Digital Camcorder

Great low-end camcorder

Strengths: Price, touch-screen LCD, high optical zoom, ridiculously high digital zoom

Weakness: None

I love this camera. For it's price range, it is about the best I could find. I wanted something with high optical zoom and this definitely fits the bill. 2.5" Touch-screen LCD comes in handy. I don't use the digital zoom feature because at high zoom it is impossible to hold the camera steady enough to maintain a steady picture (would need to be on a tripod, which I don't use), but 2000x is...

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Descent Camcorder with excellent video quality

Strengths: 40X Optical Zoom; lightweight

Weakness: Small LCD screen

In these days, most camcorders are already very advance and matured. The general feature distinction is mostly focused on the zoom capability. The DCR-HC38 allows 40X optical zoom and it is very good. The model itself is also lightweight. Buttons (like Record, Zoom) can be accessed from either left/right hands. The video quality is excellent. There is one thing that I would like to see them...

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40x Opt and Great Image stabilizer

Strengths: 40x Opt, Great Image stabilizer, Good video and audio quality

Weakness: Small LCD (2.5")

It is the 3rd Camcorder I have. Compare with the Hi-8, it is compact, and compare with my another brand of Mini DV, it is much better. It can get the focus quickly (thanks to the image stabilizer?), and the 40x Opt Zoom also makes a lot of differences, you can get the details easily. The video and audio quality is great, it is a SONY.

Sony HC38 camcorder

Strengths: sleek camera, 40x opticaal zoom, easy to use...

Weakness: no weaknesses so far

The camera is worth the price I brought it for...The optical zoom is really excellent. The picture quality is good enough. The functionalities are relly easy to use for this camcorder...

Good Value For Money

Strengths: Good clear image. Audio Quality. Nightshot Plus. Ilink. Small size. Ease of Use. 40x Optical zoom.

Weakness: No headphone jack. No accessory shoe. Cannot control playback except via touch screen LCD. No firewire cable supplied. Cannot charge batteries off camera without purchasing a seperate charger

All in all, I am pleased with it so far in terms of video and audio quality. the camera however, has all of its menu on a touchscreen. so if you don't have small fingers, it will be very difficult to navigate the menu. also the focus is touch screen

Sony DCR HC38

Strengths: 40X optical zoom, easy functions, light weight, compact size

Weakness: If the lcd is turned around 180 degrees then you cannont view what you are recording out the viewfinder. I have not found anything else to this point.

This sony so far has lived up to my expectations. The design is trendy and makes it more easy to use. The size and weight are a positvie for me as well. I would recommend this camcorder if you want a high optical zoom for a decent price. Updated 3/20 Camera still works great. Picture looks great and is very easy to use for beginners and pros.

Looking for a Long Lens

Strengths: 40x Zoom, Size, Tape storage, Top Loading

Weakness: Missing LANC, still shots

I mount my video camera on my motorcycle windshield, and use a lanc remote, and have a tripod with the remote. The remote feature is nice, I have the camera mounted so that I can move it 360 degrees and the buttons on the camera are not always in the best spot. I have the camera that I have now connected to an external monitor to see what I am shooting and the remote to control the camera.

Good camcorder for the money!

Strengths: Cheap. Small.

Weakness: None!

I got this camcorder to record videos of my newborn. I couldn't have asked for anything better for the price I paid! 40x optical zoom is outstanding. No frills and it does the job.