Sony DCR-HC38 Camcorder Review

-AC adapter
-Power cord
-A/V cable
-NP-FH30 rechargeable battery pack
-“Handycam Application Software” CD-ROM

Based on the battery performance, it wouldn’t be necessary to buy a backup pack as long as you stick to occasional shooting—though it’s always nice to have the option. Chances are, the gift shop on your Celebrity Cruise ship doesn’t stock them. You’ll also need to buy a MiniDV tape, which will run you a cool $8. Sony didn’t want to weigh you down by putting one in the box.

Other Features (2.0)
NightShot Plus Light –When it’s too dark to record, Sony’s NightShot Plus light can be used to brighten the field of view via an internal infrared light, hence the “Plus.” Manual Control Freaks
As if navigating through the quagmire Sony calls a menu isn’t bad enough, you only have control over white balance and exposure. The rest are presets. Manual control freaks will not enjoy the DCR-HC38.

Faders – The DCR-HC38 offers a decent array of faders—black, white, mosaic, and monotone. When selected, your shots will fade in and out in accordance with the starting stopping of the record process.

Battery Info- Sony’s InfoLithium battery packs store data that the camcorder can display when turned off. Just press the battery info button and you’ll see a blue screen with a neon green bar representing the battery charge level. The remaining recording time for the LCD and Viewfinder is also listed below. This screen only appears for 7 seconds, though, so you’ll probably have to press the button a couple times.

Picture Effects - The DCR-38 offers some gnarly picture effects: negative art, sepia, black and white, solarize, pastel, mosaic.