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Sony Handycam DCR HC38

Sony Handycam DCR HC38
alaScore 76

73 reviews

Apr, 2024

alaTest has collected and analyzed 73 reviews of Sony Handycam DCR HC38. The average rating for this product is 3.4/5, compared to an average rating of 4.0/5 for other Camcorders for all reviews. People really like the design and zoom. The price and portability are also appreciated, whereas there are some critical views about the connectivity and viewfinder.

usability, portability, price, zoom, design

battery, reliability, viewfinder, connectivity

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Camcorders the Sony Handycam DCR HC38 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 76/100 = Good quality.

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Review analysis

(Based on 73 reviews)

Expert Reviews  

User Reviews  

Showing 70 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews

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Showing 1 - 60 of 70 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (3)

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Sony Handycam DCR HC38

 

alaTest has collected and analyzed 50 user reviews of Sony Handycam DCR HC38 from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 3.2/5, compared to an average user rating of 3.9/5 for other Camcorders on Amazon.com. Reviewers are impressed by the image quality and zoom. The price and portability are also appreciated, whereas there are some critical opinions about the connectivity and design.

usability, portability, price, zoom, image quality

reliability, design, connectivity

68% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Expert review by : Good Gear Guide.au (goodgearguide.com.au)

Expert Review

 

The Sony DCR-HC38 is a low-end, standard-definition handycam with an assortment of design glitches. Nevertheless, if you're after a cheap camera that can capture adequate looking footage, you'll probably be able to live with its faults.

40x optical zoom, affordable price, surprisingly decent audio

Unhelpful menu layout, no stills mode, sub par visuals, boxy design

Oct, 2009

Expert review by : Michael Perlman (camcorderinfo.com)

Sony DCR-HC38 Camcorder Review

 

The Sony DCR-HC38 is a tiny step up from Sony's actual entry-level, the HC28. The primary difference, a 40x optical zoom, may actually be the most compelling reason to buy it. The manufacturers know that people respond to big numbers, and 40x is about...

Jun, 2007

Expert review by : Michael Perlman (washingtonpost.com)

Sony DCR-HC38

 

The MiniDV format is being ushered out of the camcorder world at an alarming rate as DVD and hard disk drive (HDD) camcorders rapidly take over the market. It appears Sony is aware of this trend, for its middle-of-the-road MiniDV model, the DCR-HC38,...

Aug, 2007

Expert review by : Michael Perlman (reviewed.com)

Sony DCR-HC38

 

The Sony DCR-HC38 is a tiny step up from Sony's actual entry-level, the HC28. The primary difference, a 40x optical zoom, may actually be the most compelling reason to buy it. The manufacturers know that people respond to big numbers, and 40x is about...

Jun, 2007

Consumer review (ciao.com)

Handycam for Everyone !!!

 

The land of the Sakura, Sony always makes the best products due to their lifelong expertise and dedication to perfection. About Handycam "Handycam" is the term referred by Sony to mention their prosumer Video Camera Recorder series of products. It...

Ease of Use, High Quailty Product

Basic Functions

Nov, 2008

Consumer review (ciao.com)

Basic Handycam by Sony

 

Is a "basic" version of Sony Handycam line of products. It offers a standard 40x optical zoom, a miniDV recorder and a nightshot plus mode. Why basic? because it offers the most basic functions of a handycam - to record a movie, and it still uses the...

Has all the basic functions needed

Nov, 2008

Consumer review (ciao.com)

Sony Handycam fanatic!

 

My mum bought this cute handy camcorder last year. She's a gadget buff and don't want to be left behind with the trend. Although its a little bit pricey she considers it a treasure and we too agreed to that. It's handy yet classy, very convenient to...

compact design, light, classy

little bit pricey

Oct, 2008

Consumer review (shopping.com)

Great Mechanics, No frills

 

Overall the camera is very compact and easy to use. It has intuitive controls that are accessible via the LCD as a touch pad. The built in zoom is one of the best features of the camera, boasting a 40x optical and 2000x digital zoom. The 2000x range is...

40x Optical Zoom, 0 Lux Night Shot, Compact Design

Viewfinder doesn't work, when LCD screen flipped. Doesn't remember to save

Nov, 2007

Consumer review (epinions.com)

Great Mechanics, No frills

 

Overall the camera is very compact and easy to use. It has intuitive controls that are accessible via the LCD as a touch pad. The built in zoom is one of the best features of the camera, boasting a 40x optical and 2000x digital zoom. The 2000x range is...

40x Optical Zoom,0 Lux Night Shot,Compact Design

Viewfinder doesn't work, when LCD screen flipped.Doesn't remember to save setting for fade effects

Nov, 2007

Consumer review (epinions.com)

Great Mechanics, No frills

 

40x Optical Zoom,0 Lux Night Shot,Compact Design

Viewfinder doesn't work, when LCD screen flipped.Doesn't remember to save setting for fade effects.

Nov, 2007
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Price comparison for Sony Handycam DCR HC38