Suhit Gupta
03-21-2004, 07:00 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.dvspot.com/reviews/sony/hc40-review/index.shtml' target='_blank'>http://www.dvspot.com/reviews/sony/hc40-review/index.shtml</a><br /><br /></div>"The DCR-HC40 is right in the middle of Sony's 2004 MiniDV lineup. Its 1 Megapixel CCD separates it from the HC30 below it, while the HC65 above it has a larger 3.5" LCD display. While the HC-series looks much different than last years models, in terms of features the HC40 most resembles the TRV33 from 2003. In addition to a new, more compact design, the HC40 also features the new hybrid LCD display (which is actually usable outdoors), a new Nightshot Plus mode (which promises color video in low light), and it uses smaller Memory Stick Duo cards."<br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/dcrhc40.jpg" /><br /><br />This article is an excellent and very detailed review of the Sony DCR-HC40. The camera appears to have a good video quality in a compact body, a nice LCD display and built in analog-to-digital conversion. However, the article does point out that the Nightshot Plus (a mode which promises color video in low light) doesn't show true color unless there's a lot of light, the still picture quality is not great and suffers from poor battery life.