Sony DCRHC40 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

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).

This did not come with the power cord needed to operate it without batteries. Luckily this was a replacement, and I had the old power cord, which was included when I bought the original back in 2002. A separate shipment came with two batteries and a wall charger, but i still was wondering where my power cord is. Another defect is that even with the power off, the camera gets hot when the the battery still is on the unit and seems to constantly rewind the tape slightly by itself, even with the unit off. This makes me tape over things i just taped if I'm not careful to review what i just recorded and go past that point every time I use it. This did not happen with the original camera (same Model) i purchased in 2002. Was going to send it back, but I need this camera right now to shoot my sons baseball season, and upcoming vacations. How is this going to be rectified?

After shopping around comparing several models, I purchased this camcorder as an upgrade/replacement for a Sony TR-101 Hi8 Camcorder. My TR-101 was working great after 10 years, which helped sway me towards another Sony, but I wanted to go digital. I've had this camcorder for a few months now and it has been great. It's easy to use, the audio from the built-in microphone is descent, and the video is high quality. However, I've noticed lighting has a big impact on the video quality. The on-screen menu for changing setting isn't bad, but it does get confusing, especially when you click down two or three levels. I prefer the multiple buttons along the side, but I guess this camcorder is way to compact to do that. Most importantly, the camcorder's Firewire/iLink works great with my iBook and Final Cut Express as well as Vegas Movie Studio on my PC. I've had a great time making movies. Also, I purchased this with or subsequently the Sony ACC-DVP Accessory Kit, Sony BCTRP Battery Charger, Sony ECM-HS1 Microphone, and the Sony HVL-S3D Video Light.

I only received the DCRHC40 MiniDV Digital Handycam, Lithium Rechargeable Battery, with the wrong battery charger.Nothing else not even AC Power cord.

I had a Sony and was very satisfied, so got this one a week ago. This is a very handy little camera and takes great video.There is only one problem. The video in low indoor light is very poor.

We purchased this to play tapes from a broken JVC, works just fine

Why did you sell something that doesn't work. We charged the battery overnight. The battery doesn't even hold a charge, the video skips and makes a loud ticking noise. This was a waste of my money.

The camera does not work. The battery will not charge even after leaving it plugged in overnight for a long period of time. I am very disappointed in this product as I paid more than $120. I don't know of anyway I can recoup my money for a product that did no work when I received it.