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" 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.

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

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

Picture stabilization system that 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 Display(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.

USB Streaming

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 Interface

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 life.

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 Sony's Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Mosaic and Pastel. 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.

Fader Effect(s)-2

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

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.

Picture Motion Browser Software

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

Multi-Language Menu

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

Specifications