DCR-HC38 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder

Model number:

DCR-HC38

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

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.

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$ 329 .99

$299.99

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Features
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Specifications
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Reviews
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Accessories

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.

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.

USB Streaming⁵

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 system⁶.

NightShot® Plus Infrared System

With Sony's 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.

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 life².

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.

Picture Motion Browser Software

Easily organize still images and video, and turn them into stunning music videos using the supplied software.

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.

2.5" Touch Panel SwivelScreen™ LCD Display⁴ (123K Pixels)

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.

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". Sony's exclusive AccuPower™ meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

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.

Picture Effects

Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony's Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Mosaic and Pastel. Effects available in Playback mode: Monotone, Negative Art, Sepia and Solarize.

Battery Information

At the touch of a button, battery information is displayed on the LCD screen when charging and when the camcorder is turned off. The display will show how much the battery is charged, in 10% increments and the recordable time left when using the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

MiniDV Recording

Offers up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution, 3X the color bandwidth and a significantly higher signal/noise ratio, to provide spectacular video performance.

Super SteadyShot® Picture Stabilization System

Picture stabilization system that uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for camera "shake" without compromising picture quality like some other digital stabilization systems.

i.LINK® DV Interface¹

A digital high-speed bi-directional interface which provides 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.

Manual Focus

Allows the user to manually adjust the focus of the camcorder using the touch panel. Manual focusing also allows the user 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.

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.

Fader Effect(s)

Enhance your personal videos by adding professional looking fader effects. Choose from Black, Monotone, Mosaic and White.

Multi-Language Menu

Change the menu display from English to English (Simplified), Canadian French, Latin American Spanish, or Brazilian Portuguese.

Product Specifications

Convenience

Digital Picture Effect(s) : N/A
Easy Operation : Yes
Exposure : Touch Panel (24 steps)
Low Light Capability : NightShot® Plus system
Movie Mode(s) : N/A
Picture Effect(s) : Monotone, Mosaic, Negative Art, Pastel, Sepia and Solarization
Removable Flash Media Compatibility : N/A
Scene Mode(s) : Beach, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Lesson, Snow, Spotlight, Sunrise & Sunset and Twilight
Slide Show Mode : N/A
Still Image Mode(s) : N/A
USB Streaming : Yes
White Balance : Auto, Indoor, One-push, Outdoor

Exposure System

Minimum Illumination : 5 Lux (0 Lux with NightShot® Plus Infrared System)

Inputs and Outputs

Analog Audio/Video Input(s) : N/A
Analog Audio/Video Output(s) : Yes (Multi A/V)
Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output(s) : N/A
Digital Audio/Video Input(s) : Yes (via i.LINK®)¹
Digital Audio/Video Output(s) : Yes (via i.LINK®)¹
HDMI® Connection Output(s) : N/A
Headphone Output : N/A
LANC Terminal : N/A
Microphone Input : N/A
S-Video Input(s) : N/A
S-Video Output(s) : Yes (optional accessory)
USB Port(s) : Yes (1.1 compliant)
i.LINK® Interface : Yes¹

Marketing

B2B Marketing Information : Powerful capture and versatile use makes the DCR-HC38 the perfect camcorder for all occasions. A Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® Lens makes every frame picture, SteadyShot® built-in image stabilization keeps it clear and the 2.5"⁴ Touch Panel LCD Monitor lets you see it all.

Recording

Video Actual (Pixel) : 340K Pixels

Video

Analog-to-Digital Converter : N/A
Video Recording System : 2 Rotary Heads, Helical Scanning System
Video Signal : NTSC color, EIA standards

Advanced Features

Image Stabilization : Yes (Electronic)

Convenience Features

Fader Effect(s) : Black, Monotone, Mosaic, White
Multiple Language Display : Yes
Remote Control : N/A
Tilting : N/A

General

Imaging Device : 1/6" Advanced HAD™ CCD
Pixel Gross : 680K
Recording Media : MiniDV Cassette (sold separately)
Recording and Playback Times : SP: up to 60 min., LP: up to 90 min.
Still Actual : 340K Pixels

Interface

Accessory Shoe : N/A
PictBridge Compatible : N/A

Optics/Lens

35mm Equivalent : 36 - 1440mm (4:3 Camera Mode), 39 - 1560mm (16:9 Camera Mode)
Aperture : f1.8 - 4.1
Digital Zoom : 2000X
Filter Diameter : 30mm
Focal Distance : 1.9 - 76mm
Focus : Full Range Auto, Manual (Touch Panel)
Lens Type : Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar®
Optical Zoom : 40X
Progressive Shutter Mode : N/A
Resolution : N/A
Shutter Speed : Auto, 1/60 - 1/4000 (Scene Selection Mode)

Service and Warranty Information

Limited Warranty Term : 1 Year Parts; 90 Days Labor

Weights and Measurements

Dimensions (Approx.) : 2 1/2" x 3 3/8" x 4 5/8" (63 x 85 x 115mm)
Weight (Approx.) : 15 oz (450g) with Tape and Battery

Audio

Microphone : Yes (Built-in; Stereo)

Display

Viewfinder : Color (123K Pixels)

Hardware

Docking Station : N/A
Light/Flash : N/A

LCD Display

LCD Type : 2.5" (123K Pixels) SwivelScreen™ LCD Display⁴

Power

Power Consumption (in Operation) : 1.8W/2.1W (VF/LCD)
Battery Type : InfoLITHIUM® with AccuPower™ Meter System (NP-FH30)
Power Requirements : 7.2V (battery pack); 8.4V (AC Adaptor)

Software

Operating System Compatibility : Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional, XP Home, XP Professional
Supplied Software : Picture Motion Browser ver. 2.0

In the Box

Stereo AV Cable

Power Adapter/ In-Camera Charger (AC-L200)
Application Software

InfoLITHIUM® Rechargeable Battery (NP-FH30)
Enjoy Handycam DVD

Product Profile

Support

Find related product support and help in Sony eSupport

Product Warranty

Limited Warranty

Lightweight Tripod

$49.99
Lightweight Tripod

$34.99
Infrared Light

$99.99
Rechargeable Camcorder Battery Pack

$159.99
InfoLithium V Series Battery Pack

$59.99
Rechargeable Camcorder Battery Pack

$99.99
InfoLithium H Series Battery Pack

$59.99

DCR-HC38 2.5 5 2 2

Totally fine product i really like the cam. i have had it for about 3 years now and it has not had any problems(knock on wood) so all in all the product is great and i do recommend it March 18, 2010

broken after a few hours Ok so i bought this camcorder a few months ago and have used it for maybe 3 hrs of recording time, maybe. Just look on google for the error code c32: 11 and you will see this is a common problem. Do not buy it will break soon and you wont be able to use it!!!!!!!!!! July 25, 2009

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VIEW FOOTNOTES

6. A broadband connection is required along with third party services, which may require a subscription fee and/or other service fees.

1. i.LINK is a trademark of Sony, used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connector. All products with an IEEE1394 connector may not communicate with each other.

2. Actual battery life may vary based on product settings, usage patterns and environmental conditions. Designed for use with compatible Sony InfoLITHIUM® batteries.

4. Viewable area measured diagonally.

5. Not all products with USB connectors may communicate with each other due to chipset variations.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony, AccuPower, Advanced HAD, Handycam, i.LINK, InfoLITHIUM, like.no.other, Memory Stick, the Memory Stick logo, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, NightShot, Remote Commander, Stamina, SteadyShot and SwivelScreen are trademarks of Sony. Carl Zeiss and Vario-Sonnar are trademarks of Carl Zeiss. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Features and specifications subject to change without notice. Non-metric weights and measures are approximate and may vary.

Screen Image Simulated