The DCR-HC38 is officially a step up from the entry level DCR-HC28 in Sony's new range of MiniDV camcorders, but it is a very small step. At only $50 more than the DCR-HC28, you get a more powerful zoom and a USB connection. Admittedly the optical zoom is now a very impressive 40x magnification, which will undoubtedly make the extra worth paying for a lot of users.

Like the DCR-HC28, this DV camcorder is light, compact and extremely portable. Despite the step up, it offers little in the way of manual controls so will appeal only to first time DV camcorder buyers and budget conscious point-and-shoot enthusiasts. The optical set up is identical to the entry level unit. The DCR-HC38 features a 1/6 inch Advanced HAD CCD with 340K effective pixels for video. Consequently, aside from the more powerful zoom function, the video performance is identical. That is, good for a budget DV camcorder but nothing spectacular. The unit is equipped with Sony's NightShot Plus Infrared System for 0 lux shooting, although the subject needs to be within about ten feet of the lens for the system to work and the resulting images are inevitably very grainy and soft.

Sony's Super SteadyShot image stabilization system is electronic rather than optical so while it does an adequate job at removing minor camera shakes, it does result in some image distortion. Since the DCR-HC38 sports such a powerful optical zoom, we recommend employing a sturdy tripod if you intend to frequently zoom in from a distance.

The LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees and doubles as a touchscreen menu system. Manual controls are limited and difficult to access but the DCR-HC38 excels as a point and shoot camcorder. The Easy mode allows you to lock out all controls but the features essential for recording video, so even if you're a first time camcorder user, you won't end up accidentally pressing the wrong button. This MiniDV camcorder also offers a selection of Program AE modes, but like the DCR-HC28 it offers no memory card slot so low quality stills can be captured only to tape. The DCR-HC38 does offer a USB port for easy downloading or using the camcorder as a webcam or video conferencing tool and it is compatible with Sony's optional FH100 battery (though Sony's FH30 battery is included), which offers up to 14 hours of recording. The main reason for opting for the Sony DCR-HC38 over the entry-level MiniDV camcorder is the impressive 40x optical zoom.

Pros: Budget price, great automatic controls, powerful 40x zoom, USB port
Cons: Average video quality, little manual control, no memory card slot for stills

Warranty
90 days, labor; 1 year, parts