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Sony DCR-HC38 MinDV Handycam Camcorder Information Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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May 8, 2007 I was asked to used this camera to videotape a school play. I had never used a digital video camera before. I really liked this camera. I couldn't believe all the features on it. I have not seen the finished product but the viewing screen is very large and showed some very clear images. It has a 40x optical zoom and and 2000x digital zoom. I did not get to try out the  2000 digital zoom but I am sure you lose a lot of quality.

 

I have a new camera due to arrive on May 11, 2007. I have a user page created for that  at
http://www.IdeaPhotos.com/Panasonic/SDR-S150.html   and the owners manual at:
http://www.IdeaPhotos.com/Panasonic/SDR-S150-Owners-Manual.html

 I will compare the easy of use once I get it and will report my findings in a review on both this page and on the  http://www.IdeaPhotos.com/Panasonic/SDR-S150.html page.  If you have any experience with either of these cameras send you review to me. I will post your letter here for others to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of these cameras. This camera records to a mini digital tape which can not be plugged directly into the computer for further processing with out going through another step or two for which I have zero experience.  Brian Nelson Houston,  TX   713-467-3025

Click: E-mail me.

To Go To The Main Site Simply Click on:
Welcome to my compendium website about: Sony DCR-HC38 MinDV Handycam Camcorder

The important words found on this site include:

Video Camera Camcorder, Customer  Reviews, Refurbished,  Memory, 3CCD, MPEG2, Optical, Zoom, 2GB, 4GB, Recording, Computers, Hard Disk, Opitical Image Stabilizer, O.I.S. Leica, Dicormar,  Multi-coated, Low-Dispersion, Broadcast, Youtube,  Gyrosenesors,  Battery, USB Cable,  Macintosh, Accessories,  Pixels, Motion, Editing,  Picture, Quality,  Transfer, Text, Title,  Memory, Cards, SDHC, Photography, Secure Digital. Tape.

Contact information for this Website:
Brian Nelson
Webpage Marketing Consultant 

31 Gessner Rd. ,  Houston, TX 77024
713-467-3025  

Click: E-mail me


You can find this site again by typing in the Google search engine  the very unique word " 1          "  which is  "          1"  backwards.

Article Word Count                                    MSW

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Directory of Video Sites
Blue Box 1
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Click Brian Nelson's www.PartyTentCity.com for party tents, canopies and awnings. Today's Sale 26'x40' Tarp.   Silver. Regular price is $104.00. With this ad it is on sale for only $88.00. Shipping is $15. No charge for shipping if tarp is picked up at  31 Gessner Rd.  in Houston, TX  77024  Use PayPal to Brian@NelsonIdeas.com or Call Brian 713-467-3025.  
Blue Box 1 Contact Brian at 31 Gessner Rd. Houston, TX  77024 Tel. 713-467-3025 Cell 713-927-4479 Click: E-mail me 
www.IamFightingCancer.com   Bookmark this page now!   Anything Internet   
http://www.NelsonIdeas.com/Directory-All-Websites/Alphabetical.html

  09/24/2009 02:35 PM -0500

 

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 Directory of Sites
Blue Box 2  Brian Nelson

 Do you need a party tent of white or silver tarp? Go to www.PartyTentCity.com or to see all my links go to:  http://www.PartyTentCity.com/PTC/Websites.html

Today's  special sale: Business is slow. Call me right now while this include page is up and get a 23% discount off any www.PartyTentCity.com  order.  No charge for shipping if picked up at  31 Gessner Rd.  in Houston, TX  77024 Use PayPal to Brian@NelsonIdeas.com or Call Brian 713-467-3025. http://www.NelsonIdeas.com/Directory-All-Websites/Alphabetical.html
Blue Box 2  Bookmark this page now!  
Contact Brian at 31 Gessner Rd. Houston, TX  77024 Tel. 713-467-3025 Cell 713-927-4479
Click: E-mail me 
www.IamFightingCancer.com   
 

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You are at: http://www.IdeaPhotos.com/Sony/DCR-HC38-MinDV-Handycam-Camcorder.html     ud 08/28/2009 04:26 PM -0500  Bookmark this page now!

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 Page Title, Keywords  Description Metas,  BB1 BB2

DCR-HC38 MiniDV Handycam® CamcorderspacerDCR-HC38
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Make each video picture perfect with DCR-HC38 MiniDV Handycam® camcorder. Simple controls and crystal clear quality let you call the shots like a pro.

 
 
Compare models  Send to a friend
Locate a dealer Find a Retailer Print this page
 
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Features Specifications   Accessories  
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Product Description
Powerful capture and versatile use make the DCR-HC38 MiniDV Handycam® the ideal camcorder for any occasion. No matter where you are, the 40x optical/2000x digital zoom always lets you be right in the middle of the action. Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® Lens and Super SteadyShot® built-in image stabilization make every frame perfect. And the 2.5”2 touch panel LCD monitor makes sure you see it all, no matter what environment you’re in. For dimly lit areas, the NightShot® Plus feature keeps your video bright and clear as day.
Feature List
1/6” Advanced HAD™ CCD Imager, 680K Pixels Gross
 
1/6” Advanced HAD™ (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 340K (effective) pixels provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance.

 
 
MiniDV Recording
 
The DCR-HC38 offers up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution, 3X the color bandwidth and a significantly higher signal/noise ratio, to provide spectacular video performance.

 
 
40X Optical/2000X Digital Zoom
 
The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up 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.

 
 
Professional Quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® Lens
 
Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating that offers less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation, and perfect renditions of subtle tones.

 
 
Super SteadyShot® Picture Stabilization System
 
The picture stabilization system uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for camera “shake” without compromising picture quality like some other digital stabilization systems.

 
 
2.5” Touch Panel SwivelScreen™ LCD Display2 (123K Pixels)
 
The touch panel screen provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The high resolution 123K pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback.

 
 
USB Streaming1
 
Stay connected to family and friends by broadcasting live video with audio over the internet using the USB interface. You can even playback your favorite recorded scene on the camcorder's tape. It's like having your own video conferencing system.

 
i.LINK® DV Interface2
 
The i.LINK DV interface provides a digital high-speed, bi-directional interface which enables audio/video communication between two compatible devices. This connection allows for pure digital transfer between devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, such as camcorders, digital VTRs, capture cards and PCs.

 
 
InfoLithium® Battery with AccuPower™ Meter System
 
Charge the battery at anytime because unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony's rechargeable lithium ion batteries are not subject to a life shortening “memory effect”. The exclusive AccuPower™ meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

 
 
NightShot® Plus Infrared System
 
With NightShot Plus Infrared System you can capture natural looking video, even when shooting in low light. Record subjects up to 10 feet away using the built-in infrared system, but without the overall monochrome color common with earlier low-light recording systems.

 
 
Manual Focus
 
With manual focus, you can manually adjust the focus of the camcorder using the touch panel. Manual focusing also allows you to control the focus in difficult situations where either the environment or the subject does not allow the camcorder's auto focus to perform optimally, such as when shooting through a window or in a crowded environment.

 
 
On Screen Zoom and Record Controls
 
For additional control of the camcorder, the DCR-HC38 features zoom and record buttons on the frame of the LCD screen. This allows the user more flexibility when holding the camcorder, especially in overhead or low angle shots.

 
 
Stamina® Battery Power Management System
 
Using the optional NP-FH1000 InfoLithium® battery, the DCR-HC38 can continuously record for up to 14 hours (viewfinder) or up to 12 hours (LCD) on a single full charge, providing extra long battery life1.

 
 
Scene Selection Modes
 
Scene Selection modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from beach, candle, fireworks, landscape, portrait, sports lesson, spotlight, and sunrise & sunset.

 
 
Picture Effects
 
Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Picture Effect modes. Effects available in camera mode: mosaic and pastel. The effects available in playback mode: monotone, negative art, sepia and solarize.

 
 
Easy Handycam Button
 
Using a camcorder can be intimidating for some people, so with a press of the Easy Handycam button, most of the advanced features of the camcorder are “locked out” leaving only the buttons essential for recording operational.

 
 
Additional Features
 
Fader Effects
 
Battery Information
 
Picture Motion Browser Software
 
Multi-Language Menu

 

Sony


 

Sony  - DCR-HC38 Mini DV Camcorder, 40x Optical/2,000x Digital Zoom, Color Viewfinder

Powerful capture and versatile use make the DCR-HC38 MiniDV Handycam the ideal camcorder for any occasion. No matter where you are, the 40x optical/2000x digital zoom always lets you be right in the middle of the action.

 

Add on features Available
Optics  Wide Angle & Telephoto Add on Lens
25mm 2x Telephoto Lens
Create better videos of outdoor action, recitals, and other ac...
25mm Wide Angle Lens
Ever take a picture and couldnt fit the whole family in the pict...
Our Price: $99.99
 Handycam Basic Accessory Kit
2.5 HR- Hi Capacity Info-Lithium Ion Battery FP50
The action doesn't stop when your c...
5PK 60min DV Tapes
Note :Most camcorders don't Include tapes Always keep some extra ...
Samsonite Ultra Protective Photo / Video Carrying Case
Samsonite has been producing t...
Lens Cleaning Kit
Protect your camera and lens and take smear free photos. This lens ...
Our Price: $59.95
 Handycam Advanced Accessory Kit
5 HR- Hi Capacity Info-Lithium Ion Battery FP70
The action doesn't stop when your cam...
Samsonite Ultra Protective Photo / Video Carrying Case
Samsonite has been producing t...
5PK 60min DV Tapes
Note :Most camcorders don't Include tapes Always keep some extra ...
25mm Multi-coated UV Filter
Protect your lens from all dust, dirt, scratches and fing...
Lens Cleaning Kit
Protect your camera and lens and take smear free photos. This lens ...
Our Price: $99.95

 

Sony DCRHC38 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder

Sony DCR-HC38 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens; 40x optical/2000x digital zoom
1/6-inch Advanced HAD CCD imager
2.5-inch touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD display
NightShot Plus technology and Super SteadyShot picture stabilization system
USB streaming; i.LINK DV interface
Sony DCRHC38 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder details
   
Brand Sony
 
Type Digital
 
Recording Format Mini DV
 
Recording System NTSC
 
Memory Still Resolution 6.8 Megapixels
 
Optical Zoom 40x
 
Digital Zoom 2000x
 
LCD Panel Size 2.5 in
 
Lens Focal Length Minimum focal length: 1.9 millimeters Maximum focal length: 76 millimeters
 
Recording Speed LP
SP
 
Audio Format Stereo
 
Output Interfaces USB
A/V Output (mini)
IEEE-1394
 
Input Interfaces IEEE-1394
Multi AV Cable
 
Microphone Type Built-in
 
Lithium Battery Life Lithium ion
 
Image Stabilizer Electronic Image Stablizer
 
Night Shot With Night Shot
 
MyShopping Categories Sony Camcorders
600 X and More Digital Zoom
40x Optical Zoom
MiniDV Recording Media
 
 
Price Range $442 - $500 at 5 stores

 

 

 

 
    Amazon Reviews.

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

More on HC-38, April 14, 2007
 

Reviewer: Art Vandelay "Redbike" (MSP) - See all my reviews

I agree with the first review posted here for the most part. I will add that I have tried the software and was not impressed. First, upon installation I received an error message that said the software was not Windows certified, and that the installation could cause my system to become unstable. Well, it did. After installation, my system crashed on a daily basis. I have sensed uninstalled and contacted Sony. They basically said it doesn't matter that it is not Windows certified because it is Sony certified. Alrighty then. Once I uninstalled, the crashes stopped. Will be looking for 3rd party SW to use. It also worth noting that the camera is equipped with a USB port, which I was told at Best Buy could be used for downloading video to your PC. The cable is not included of course. When I did have the software installed, it did not recognize the camera when hooked up to USB port. In the PDF and hardcopy manuals included, the USB interface is poorly documented. In the chapters where it mentiods the IEEE interface, it says this must be used to download the video. Does not mention USB as an alternative. When I took it back to Best Buy for answers, it even stumped the Geek Squad. According to Sony, you have to select the USB Stream function on the on the cameras integrated menu. I still cannot get it to work after following Sony instructions. Usually, USB ports on a camcorder are reserved for downloading still shots on cameras that have a slot a for flash memory. The HC38 has no such slot. They should have left off the USB port and put in a mic/earphone jack. Plan on installing a firewire capable expansion card if you don't have one and forget any ideas of downloading via USB.

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35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

Good Value For Money, March 1, 2007
 

Reviewer: Ian May "Eyebee" (North Charleston, South Carolina United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

I have had a sony Hi-8 Camcorder for ten years now, and was genereally pleased with it. However, I wanted to go digital. I didn't want to spend too much money, certainly not on my first digital venture. I did a lot of online reading, and got the impression that HDD cameras didn't perform too well, and mini DVD limits your time, so went for miniDV.

I have had the camera just over a week at the time of writing.

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

Cons: Sony Accessories, particularly batteries are far too expensive. I shall be looking for 3rd party sources. 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.

Comments.

It comes with some basic editing software on CD, but I cannot comment on this, as I have Adobe Premiere 1.5, and I am using this with no problem at all. If you want to transfer your video into your computer, you need a firewire cable. Usually for a PC you need a 4 pin to 6 pin one. You can buy them on Amazon MUCH cheaper than the local stores, so I recommend ordering one if you decide to buy the camcorder.

All in all, I am pleased with it so far in terms of video and audio quality. One annoyance. If you buy another battery, you also need to buy a charger, as the power supply you get with the camera will only charge the batteries whilst they are in the camera. This isn't much use if, for example, you want to charge a battery at home, while you use a fresh one outdoors. The extra chargers are around $40, as well as the cost of another battery of course. By the time you buy an extra battery, that off-cam charger, a case, a couple of filters, and a firewire cable, you can almost double the cost of the cam itself!
 

Blue Box 1 Scan Below

Click Brian Nelson's www.PartyTentCity.com for party tents, canopies and awnings. Today's Sale 26'x40' Tarp.   Silver. Regular price is $104.00. With this ad it is on sale for only $88.00. Shipping is $15. No charge for shipping if tarp is picked up at  31 Gessner Rd.  in Houston, TX  77024  Use PayPal to Brian@NelsonIdeas.com or Call Brian 713-467-3025.  
Blue Box 1 Contact Brian at 31 Gessner Rd. Houston, TX  77024 Tel. 713-467-3025 Cell 713-927-4479 Click: E-mail me 
www.IamFightingCancer.com   Bookmark this page now!   Anything Internet