The Sony DCR-SX40 is the entry-level Memory Stick format model in the 2009 Handycam camcorder lineup. In addition to recording video to removable Memory Stick Duo media (sold separately) , the DCR-SX40 can also record up to approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes of video footage (in LP mode) to 4GB of embedded flash memory. Additional features include a 60X optical zoom lens for capturing extreme close-ups from far away, direct connection with the optional VRD-P1 Express DVD burner for easy video transfer without a PC, and an ultra-compact, lightweight design that allows for easy portability. The DCR-SX40 comes in three colors — silver, red, and blue. The DCR-SX40 appeals to those who want an ultra-compact, highly portable camcorder and simple touch panel operation, as well as the extended reach of the 60X optical zoom lens.
Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #14923 in Camera & Photo
Color: Silver
Brand: Sony
Model: DCRSX40
Dimensions: 4.10" h x
7.60" w x
6.00" l,
2.40 pounds
Display size: 2.7
Features
4GB embedded memory
60X Optical / 2000X Digital Zoom
Professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens
Hybrid Recording to 4GB memory or Memory Stick media (sold separately)
2.7” wide touch panel LCD display (123k pixels)
Editorial Reviews
Manufacturer's Description
Make the memories last in style. The ultra-compact DCR-SX40 Handycam camcorder can record video to 4 GB of embedded memory or handy, removable Memory Stick Duo or Memory Stick PRO Duo media. A professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens delivers sharp, high-resolution images and 60x optical zoom lets you bring the action closer with impeccable detail.
DCR-SX40 Handycam Highlights
4 GB embedded memory 4 GB of embedded memory can record and store up to approximately 2 hours 55 minutes of video footage (LP mode).
60x optical/2000x digital zoom Ideal for sporting events, wildlife, or distance shooting, 60x optical zoom brings you closer to the action, so you can capture extremely tight shots, even from far away. In addition, Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming (up to 2000x) is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.
Professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens The Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens is designed specifically for compact camcorders, and utilizes precision ground optics to maintain the sharpness and contrast found in larger lenses.
Hybrid Recording to 4 GB memory or Memory Stick PRO Duo media (sold separately) Hybrid recording technology delivers a new level of flexibility of capturing and transferring your video footage and digital photos from the camcorder to compatible viewing devices. Record to 4GB embedded flash memory or choose instead to record to removable Memory Stick PRO Duo media (sold separately). You can even select from various dubbing functions to easily copy video or still images from the embedded flash media to theMemory Stick PRO Duo media media - without using a PC.
1/8-inch Advanced HAD CCD imager A 1/8 inch Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD imager with 410K (effective) pixel resolution delivers stunning detail and clarity for exceptional video and still image performance.
Direct connection to DVD burner (sold separately) The DCR-SX40 supports a direct connection to the VRD-P1 DVD burner (sold separately), which allows you to burn DVDs directly from your camcorder without the need for a PC. And because the VRD-P1 is powered by your camcorder, you don't need an additional AC power cable.
2.7-inch wide touch panel LCD display (123k pixels) The 2.7-inch wide touch-panel LCD display provides exceptional viewing clarity with 123K pixels resolution. The display rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles, as well as provides sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback. The convenient touch panel allows easy access to menus and additional functionality such as spot focus and spot metering.
Power On by opening LCD display Power on your camcorder by simply opening the LCD display.
Built-in zoom microphone The built-in zoom microphone focuses audio recording on your subjects with the camera's zoom lens, helping memories ring true with clear dialogue and crisp, discrete sounds.
Includes Sony PMB (Picture Motion Browser) software Sony Picture Motion Browser software offers a simple, intuitive way to transfer, sort, and view your video and still images on your compatible PC. In addition, multiple output options let you burn your memories to DVD (sold separately), as well as take advantage of one click upload to a number of popular video and photo sharing sites.
One Touch Disc Burn Easily burn a DVD copy of your footage using the supplied PMB (Picture Motion Browser) software. Simply connect the camcorder to your compatible PC via a USB cable and press the One Touch Disc Burn Button.
Easy Handycam Button Using a camcorder can be intimidating for some people. With a press of the Easy Handycam Button, most of the advanced features of the camcorder are locked out, letting you focus only the buttons essential for recording.
Film Roll Index Like chapters in a book, Film Roll Index helps you easily find desired scenes in video footage. When using this feature, the camcorder previews the beginning of scenes and can create scene indexes set at specified display intervals (3, 6, or 12 seconds and 1 or 5 minutes).
Face Index function Face Index makes it easier than ever to find and play back the right video scene. Using Face Detection technology, Face Index indexes your video footage according to the faces detected in each scene. When it's time to play back video, simply search for what you want by selecting from among the detected faces displayed in the index.
USB 2.0 interface A USB 2.0 interface provides an easy way to connect your camcorder to a compatible PC for fast transfer of video and still images for editing.
What's in the Box DCR-SX40 Standard Def Flash Camcorder, AC adaptor, rechargeable battery pack, A/V connecting cable, application software, USB cable and owners manual.
Customer Reviews
sony handicam My first impressions of this small camcorder are very good. The size is perfect as it fits in your purse so it is available at all times. How many times have you thought I wish I had my camera. The battery last about one and a half hours,it is a infolithium battery, which means that you can see how much time you have left on it. Plus it will hold and retain its charge over time. The record time on sp is about 85 minutes. This camcorder will accept up to a 16 gig memory card. And, you can purchase additional batteries with longer record time. The number of the batteries range between np-fh50 to np-fh100. The touch screen is simple and easy to use. It is powered up when the lcd screen is opened. The controls all have a good placement.The zoom is great works quietly and quickly. The sound is also very good(I could hear every bite the cat ate,the screech of the rocking chair and even the tv which was turned low.)No it is not hd but the picture is very good. This camcorder has a quality build and a Carl Zeiss lens. Because of the features, you would expect this small beauty to be more expensive. So in the end you get quite a lot of bang for your buck.I wanted to add that with a 8 gig card you get an additionl 174 minutes(nearly 3 hrs. additional record time.The npfh50 battery gives you 3 hrs of additional charge. When this two items are added you have nearly 4 and a half hours of record time. Also, the camcorder allows you to choose to record on the internal memory or the memory stick. Plus Amazon has the best prices on the battery and memory card.
Easy, portable, but some knotty movie file issues I was torn between the Sony SX40 (or SX41) and the Canon FS200. They were similar in price, and the reviews here and elsewhere offered comparable raves and rants. I went with the Sony SX 40 because it comes with internal flash memory: even if you lose or corrupt your data stick, you can still film right to your camera. For the Canon you can only film to a data stick; this adds about $50 to the price because you must purchase it separately. Also, the Sony SXs save their files as MPEG-2s, which I have heard are more compatible with various software than the Canon's MOD files.
I love the SX40's compact size, the feather lightness, the intuitive simplicity of filming, and the clarity of the movies on our TV screen. I do not love the short battery life and long recharge time.
I was also troubled by camera's filetype and the bundled Picture Motion Browser software. Other reviewers have made similar complaints, so I was ready for the glitch but still frustrated. The problem here is that the MPEG-2 files the camera creates have special DVD encoding. They require a top of the line computer system if you want to view them and edit them, even with the included software.
I'm running Windows XP Service Pack 3. My film files appeared in the Picture Motion Browser as a white screen with a grey "broken" icon. I had to download DirectX9 from Microsoft, and also download the most up-to-date graphics card driver, in order to view my files through Picture Motion Browser. I had no luck at all viewing the files in Windows Media Player. You can pay Microsoft for a download of the correct decoder for Windows Media Player, however:
[...]
Everything worked fine on my husband's newer Windows Vista system -- no tweaking required.
Takes great video and easy to use Tried for the first time at a school concert where I sat at the back of the auditorium as I do not want to disturb others as I might be fussing with the unit. With the 60x optical, it came out very well. Even managed to zoom into the individual face. Picked up the music played clearly without any problems. The battery that came with the unit has maximum of abt 1 and half hours. Not enough for most and would need to buy a higher capacity battery. Would need additional memory as 4Gb would not be enough - at least for me.
The unit is so small, it fits onto your palm nicely. Probably too small for those with big hands!! When watched taped movies using my analog TV, it is much clearer than the old tape camcorders. Still pictures taken was just as good, obviously without the results as a still camera.
No conversion issues/problems. The software that came with the unit simply provides the managing of the taped contents to your hard drive with ease.
No frills, great simple camcorder that takes good movies without the worry of messing with controls, settings etc.
