Sony DCR-SX40 4GB Handycam Camcorder (Blue)
The Sony DCR-SX40 4GB Handycam Camcorder (Blue) is a great option for the budget minded. Not only is the SX40 easy on your budget, but it records to flash memory, meaning that there's no need to buy extra recording media. There is, of course, the option to use Sony's own Memory Stick PRO Duo media, should you need extra recording space or simply want the easy transfer that Memory Stick media provides. Flash memory lends itself well to Internet sharing through email or social media sites.
The DCR-SX40 comes with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens that features an impressive 60x optical zoom that's perfect for clearly capturing your child on the soccer field. Other features, like the 2.7" wide touch panel LCD, SteadyShot image stabilization, and the Easy Handycam Button work together to make shooting a breeze.
The SX40 is an easy to use camcorder that fits every budget.
- Hybrid Recording to 4GB Flash Memory or Memory Stick PRO Duo Media
- Record up to 2 hours and 55 minutes of video (LP mode) to the camera's 4GB embedded flash memory. Recording to Sony's Memory Stick PRO Duo Media offers added flexibility and easy transfer of video and still images to compatible computers and printers.
- 1/8" Advanced HAD CCD Image Sensor
- The 1/8" Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD image sensor captures crisp and clear video and still images.
- Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens with 60x Optical Zoom
- The professional quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens features precision ground optics for sharp, true-to-life image capture. The impressive 60x optical zoom captures far off subjects with no loss in image quality.
- 2.7" Wide Touch Panel LCD
- The generous 2.7" LCD gives you an accurate display on which to compose and playback your shots, while also providing an intuitive surface to navigate menus and other functions. The 270° rotation of the screen helps capture hard-to-get shots and aids in viewing upon playback.
- SteadyShot Image Stabilization
- Sony's SteadyShot cuts down on blur caused by hand-shake or a moving subject.
- Creative Control and Workflow Features
-
- Power on the camera by opening the LCD
- Direct Connection to optional VRD-P1 DVD burner
- One-touch disk burn to make DVD copies of your footage
- Built-in zoom microphone for recording crisp, clean audio
- Face Index Function: indexes your video footage by faces in scenes
- Film Roll Index: easily find the scenes you want in your video footage
- Sony PMB (Picture Motion Browser) Software for one-touch upload to social media sites
- Easy Handycam Button locks out most camera functions leaving only those needed for recording
- Power on the camera by opening the LCD
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/8" CCD |
| Lens |
1.8 - 108 mm f/1.8 - 6.0 |
| Zoom |
Optical: 60x Digital: 2000x |
| Filter Size | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Recording Media |
Internal Flash Memory 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo |
| Recording Time |
Internal Flash Memory HQ: 55 minutes LP: 175 minutes Memory Stick PRO Duo HQ: 235 minutes LP: 715 minutes |
| Video Format |
Standard Definition MPEG2 |
| Audio Format | 2-Channel |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LCD |
| Screen Size | 2.7" |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Lux | 6 (Auto Slow Shutter On, 1/30 shutter speed) |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Light - No Flash - No |
| Accessory Shoe | None |
| Tripod Mount | 1/4" |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs | None |
| Outputs |
1x USB 2.0 1x Analog A/V Output 1 Please Note:Analog A/V: RCA via A/V breakout cable. S-Video (optional): mini DIN via A/V breakout cable close |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Headphone Jack | No |
| General | |
|---|---|
| System Requirements |
Windows
|
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Power Adapter | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.09 x 2.32 x 4.45" / 53 x 59 x 113 mm |
| Weight | 10 oz / 284 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 12 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Great picture quality (9)
- Simple controls (8)
- Great features (7)
- Comfortable to operate (6)
- Great sound (6)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home movies (10)
- Travel (8)
- Movies/short films (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual user (7), Enthusiast (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great Litte Camcorder
Very small size, but HUGE optical zoom. Tripod or arm mounted, get shots and with extended battery and 16GB Memory Stick, over 5hrs of recording time.
At this price, very affordabl...Read complete review
Very small size, but HUGE optical zoom. Tripod or arm mounted, get shots and with extended battery and 16GB Memory Stick, over 5hrs of recording time.
At this price, very affordable to have multiple cams covering an event from numerous angles. Solid performer, highly recommended!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not as sharp as expected
I don't doubt that this little camera would be great for a family or any casual user, and maybe I expected too much. I bought this for use in our church to replace a ...Read complete review
I don't doubt that this little camera would be great for a family or any casual user, and maybe I expected too much. I bought this for use in our church to replace a 15 year old Sony Handycam which was ailing. Immediately we could see on our monitor that the image was not as clear as the elder model. That was a concern because we send DVDs of our meetings all around the country. Another problem was the Remote Commander we also bought. Although they are compatible, you can't use the remote (for zooming etc) while you are using the line-out AV cable since they share the same plug. When panning with the camera the image became choppy. We decided to pack it all up and return it[...]
Reviewed by 12 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-12
Pros
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Sony DCR-SX40 4GB Handycam Camcorder (Blue):
I bought this for my father who needed a good, simple, easy to use camera. I had read all the reviews at different sites online, and all said the same thing--this one delivers. My father and I both agree now as well. Best bang for your buck. For those not technically savy and who just need a good home video DCR, this is it. Haven't found any really cons yet.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Movies/Short Films
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony DCR-SX40 4GB Handycam Camcorder (Blue):
I bought this camera for my 16 year old son to fulfill his creative needs. Easy to operate, nice feel, durable and ez to transpose to laptop. Great little camera for the price!
Pros
Cons
- Poor Image Quality
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Sony DCR-SX40 4GB Handycam Camcorder (Blue):
I don't doubt that this little camera would be great for a family or any casual user, and maybe I expected too much. I bought this for use in our church to replace a 15 year old Sony Handycam which was ailing. Immediately we could see on our monitor that the image was not as clear as the elder model. That was a concern because we send DVDs of our meetings all around the country. Another problem was the Remote Commander we also bought. Although they are compatible, you can't use the remote (for zooming etc) while you are using the line-out AV cable since they share the same plug. When panning with the camera the image became choppy. We decided to pack it all up and return it[...]
Pros
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Sony DCR-SX40 4GB Handycam Camcorder (Blue):
very simple to use, size makes it convenient to cary. a very good value for the cost.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Sony DCR-SX40 4GB Handycam Camcorder (Blue):
I can't say enough about this camera. It's got a great pic, a decent sized internal memory, and it's super easy to use...Great first camcorder!
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Sony DCR-SX40 4GB Handycam Camcorder (Blue):
This is a really good camera and the price is amazing. It is a camcorder with basic functionality (no bells and whistles). It has great image quality, very small and light and easy to use.
If you are looking for a basic camcorder, you will not be disappointed with this model.
Pros
- "simple" features
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Sony DCR-SX40 4GB Handycam Camcorder (Blue):
So far I love this little camcorder. It's so small and convenient-- I keep it in my kitchen and purse (so small it's not in the way) for quick filming of moments I don't want to lose. I said "so far", because I haven't tried to download it onto my Mac computer. But I have connected it to my TV to view, which was very easy. My concern was that it's so small that it would be shaky at all times. It's not but zooming at the 60x, it is. I'll need a mono or tripod.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Sony DCR-SX40 4GB Handycam Camcorder (Blue):
I needed a camcorder for all of grandkids. The camera is small and light. It is easy to use. I like the ease of getting the video to the computer to a DVD.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Sony DCR-SX40 4GB Handycam Camcorder (Blue):
Needed a small camcorder for the grandkids. I am impressed with it's ease of use. Simple to get the video from the camera to the computer to a DVD. Very very small and light. I would recommend it to anyone wanting a camcorder that uses memory instead of disk or tape.
Pros
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
- Hard to steady
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Sony DCR-SX40 4GB Handycam Camcorder (Blue):
The videos are great! The 2000 zoom requires a mono or tripod. the camera is very light, practice is required to steady.
Pictures are not that good, cell photo camera is better. But the 2000 zoom, you can get up close and personal.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Editing
- Home Movies
- Multi input video shoots
- Travel
Comments about Sony DCR-SX40 4GB Handycam Camcorder (Blue):
Very small size, but HUGE optical zoom. Tripod or arm mounted, get shots and with extended battery and 16GB Memory Stick, over 5hrs of recording time.
At this price, very affordable to have multiple cams covering an event from numerous angles. Solid performer, highly recommended!
Pros
- Brand it's a SONY
- FIT FINISH ease of use
- Mpeg-2 format
- price
Cons
- A little too light
- Lack of a mike input
- Lack of a view finder
- Needs better resoulation
Best Uses
- Carry it with you
- Easy downloads
- Quick on the spot shootin
Comments about Sony DCR-SX40 4GB Handycam Camcorder (Blue):
I wanted a small flash drive with removable meda. Something I could use to e mail and facebook with.I really like my G9 and DCR 96 , but don't like to take them to work. And this litte one won't need any cords or special soft ware to save on my machine at work. I don't really plan on using it to burn dvd's to watch on the 42' plasma. For what I felt I needed it works great!
Displaying reviews 1-12
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What's in the Box
- DCR-SX40 4GB Handycam Camcorder
- AC Adapter (AC-L200)
- NP-FH30 Rechargeable Battery Pack
- A/V Connecting Cable
- Application Software/USB Driver/CD-ROM
- USB Cable
- 1-Year Parts & 90-Days Labor Limited Warranty
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