Talkin' About a Resolution

The DCRHC40 is small in size, but it delivers big with its 1.0 Megapixel (gross) Advanced HAD CCD imager. The 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). You'll also realize great looking digital still images utilizing 1000K (effective) pixels. The Megapixel technology enhances your digital videos and digital still photography performance. It's all about helping capture your memories in exceptional detail.

MiniDV, Many Advantages

Mini may be a bit misleading if we're talking about the capabilities of this format. 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 a few things. First, there's higher resolution of up to 520 lines of horizontal resolution for sharper picture detail. Then, there's Component Color Sampling, which 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. And finally, Error Correction fills in missing video data, providing seamless, professional-looking video. So check out the DCRHC40 and experience its many, mini advantages.

Memory on a Stick

The DCRHC40 is compatible with Memory Stick PRO Duo Media. This means you can accomplish even more with your MiniDV camcorder. For instance, you can capture still images at 1152 x 864 or 640 x 480 resolution, directly onto Memory Stick DUO Media for easy transfer to PCs for emailing, printing, or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick devices. Digital still images will be sharp and clear with excellent definition thanks to the progressive shutter system. This mechanical shutter system provides Progressive Scan performance while utilizing an interlace scanning system. You can also record MPEG EX movies onto Memory Stick. Unlike earlier MPEG1 movies, MPEG EX movie mode will allow you to record uninterrupted to the capacity of the Memory Stick Duo media. These movies are perfect for emailing to friends and family.

Life Through a Lens

So who is this Carl Zeiss guy anyway? We've never had the pleasure of meeting him, but we know he can design an amazing lens. 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. 10X optical zoom capability in the DCRHC40 is great if you can't get closer to the action, like at a sporting event, or if you simply don't feel like getting up and moving. The 120X digital zoom really lets you zero in, and the DCRHC40 features interpolation that makes extreme digital zooming clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.

Watch Where You're Going

The DCRHC40 makes it easy to see what you're recording. The 2.5" Hybrid SwivelScreen Touch Panel LCD Display delivers excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The 123K pixel LCD display makes images sharp and detailed, whether you're playing video back or 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. So watch where your video is going with this bright, sharp screen.

All Charged Up

Running out of juice at the wrong time can be more than a little frustrating. Luckily, the DCRHC40 makes every effort to keep you from hurtling it against a wall in utter frustration. Sony Stamina recording just might keep going longer than you do. The combination of low power consumption and an InfoLithium battery gives the DCRHC40 incredible operating time. To help you keep tabs on battery life, Sony's AccuPower meter displays the number of minutes remaining right in the viewfinder. 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. By making every effort to keep you supplied with power, the DCRHC40 helps keep you from getting all charged up.

Making Good Things Even Better

Let's face it. Rarely are home movies viewed without someone saying "Oh, this part is kinda boring. I'll fast forward to the good stuff." It happens to the best of videographers (guaranteed Spielberg has placed more film in the trash than in the theater). Well, you don't have to be a victim of boring video burnout. Improve your memories with digital video editing on a PC or digital VCR. Sony's i.LINK 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. So instead of a drawn out mini series, you can go straight to the highlight reel. The DCRHC40 also features USB Streaming, helping you stay connected with family and friends by broadcasting live video with audio, via the Internet with the USB interface. You can even play back your favorite recorded scene stored on tape. It's like having our own web camera or video conferencing system. And who wouldn't want that?

Extra, Extra! (Read All About It)

There are even more exciting picture-improving features to the DCRHC40. Sony Super SteadyShot picture stabilization is an advanced version of the 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 stabilizations sytems. So you can capture the truly moving experiences, and eliminate the shaky ones. With Sony's Super NightShot Plus Infrared system allows you to record natural color images in low-light conditions, but without the blurring common with other low-light recording systems. Another great feature on the DCRHC40, especially for those who just want to shoot video, and not spend hours studying the informative owner's manual, is the Easy Handycam button. With the press of this button, most of the advanced functions of the camcorder are locked out, leaving only the buttons essential for recording operational.

Included With Purchase

Power adaptor/in-camera charger, NP-FP50 InfoLithium rechargeable battery, Wireless Remote Commander remote control, USB cable, MSG-M8A Memory Stick Duo Media, Memory Stick Duo Adapter, CR2025 battery, multi A/V cable, LCD cleaning cloth, CD-ROM w/driver (Picture Package Software v1.0 for Sony).

Comparison Specifications

• 10x Optical/120x Digital Zoom
• MiniDV Recording System, 1.0 Megapixel (Gross) Advanced HAD CCD Imager
• 2.5" Hybrid Color LCD Touch Panel View Screen
• i.LINK Interface, USB Connection
• Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization System
• Program AE (Auto Exposure) Modes
• Super NightShot Plus Infrared System
• Digital Still Memory Mode with Memory Stick Duo Media
• Wireless Remote Commander Remote Control Included

Additional Specifications

• Progressive Shutter System
• Analog-to-Digital Conversion with Pass-Through
• InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower Meter System
• MPEG EX Movie Mode
• USB Streaming
• Memory Stick PRO Duo Media Compatibility
• Professional Quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens
• Full Range Auto/Manual (Touch Screen)
• Shutter Speed: 1/4 - 1/4000 (AE Mode)
• Color Viewfinder

Manufacturer Specifications

• Video Input/Output (Multi AV, Special), Audio Input/Output (Stereo, Special)
• 12-Bit/16-Bit PCM Digital Stereo
• Mic. Input (Stereo)
• White Balance: Auto/Outdoor/Indoor/One Push
• Exposure: Manual, Touch Panel (24 Step)
• Easy Handycam Button
• Intelligent Accessory Shoe
• Battery Information, Stamina Power
• Built-In Lens Cover, PictBridge Compatibility
• Digital Audio/Video Fader, Digital Program Editing

Dimensional Specifications

• 14 oz.
• 2" x 3 1/2" x 4 1/2"

Sony DCR-HC40 Warranty Details

1 Year Parts, 90 Days Labor

A keeper

Reviewed By: Dan Haynes - Three Forks, MT

I'm a Panasonic fan in general, but got this for the analog inputs. I hook the composite input to the external helmet camera mounted on on my motorcycle. This thing has bounced around in my tankbag for many miles from Montana to Maine and back again plus another few thousand miles around town and off road. Never a hiccup even in high humidity, high heat or extreme vibration.
The video quality is excellent. The still images aren't particularly great. The audio quality is absolutely top-notch. I didn't think the stereo mics would make much if any difference... but they definitely do. Video of motorcycles going by and airplanes taxiing past is very definitely directional... and of exceptional quality.
The one minor disappointment - it uses an MS Pro Duo card - not compatible with previous types of memory sticks and it's limited to 512MB. Since it can record .mpg video directly to the stick i.e. without a tape in it a 1GB or 2GB max would have been better.