Sony DCR-HC39

I've had this Camcorder for a while now and it has served me well. I think the trick to these things is just looking after them. I have to say, mine has stood up to a few knocks and bumps over the years, but still works as it should.

The video quality is excellent, some grain creeps in when in low light, as with all camcorders I suppose. The nightshot mode is quite good, as the infared lamp is quite strong, although could do with being a bit more 'wide angled' to illuminate the far edges of the photograph. I have to say, I love the docking station. It cuts down on the amount of wires that go into the camcorder and you can lift off the dock in an instant without disconnecting anything.

The batteries packaged with these things are incredible. I still have my original one and after 7 years, it still holds a charge for 2+ hours of recording!!!

Like swtsh's1 review I was very pleased with the sound and picture quality of my Sony DCR-HC39E until for no reason it's cassette carrier also decided to malfunction. It would not close with a cassette inserted but would when cassette was removed. Eventually carrier would not open and my camcorder is now unusable. I've had quotes to have it repaired in excess of £125. There's obviously a weak point in the carriers mechanism which Sony ought to admit to and offer a more affordable repair service. After all the camcorder was not cheap in the first place and considering how carefully I have always treated it this cannot be an isolated problem.

Expect more from a Sony. If you consider buying the DCR-HC39, include the mark-up of a 3 year extended warranty.

The Sony DCR-HC39 is the best buy right now considering its price class! it has no big flaws, and for its price it really is perfect! To start with it is really small, and very solid. It kind of looks like it is too small for its good quality, and it really has good quality! With 1.7 megapixels, you get sharpness beyond your greatest dreams, and when you add the great steady shot, and the other digital functions to that, it really shows its real strength! This camcorder has it all! It has all the features that you will ever need, and it is very easy to use.