Pros & Cons
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- Good quality audio and video; new controls on LCD panel
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- Some usability issues
Sony DCR-HC40 MiniDV Handycam Specs
| Video Recording Format: | DV Tape |
The Sony DCR-HC40 MiniDV Handycam is our Editors' Choice in the $501-to-$800 price range. It fits easily in a purse or large jacket pocket, produces very good audio and video, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. It does have some minor usability issues, but those are offset by nice touches like an internal lens cover, an intelligent accessory shoe, and an external mic port.
On our still-image tests, the HC40 scored 465 lines of resolution and a mediocre pixel transition ratio of 5.1 percent. Predictably, our simulated-daylight still life exhibited some jagged edges and was soft in a couple areas, but details were present and exposure and colors were good.—JO
Final Thoughts
Sony DCR-HC40 MiniDV Handycam
The Sony DCR-HC40 produces good video quality for an entry-level camcorder.