» Sony DCRHC30 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

Sony DCRHC30 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom Reviews

Customer Rating:
Summary: Don't buy Sony DCR-HC30
Comment: DON'T BUY THIS CAMERA. Many Sony Camcorders that incorporate an image sensor device, CCD Chip, manufactured from October 2002 through March 2004 may exhibit the following condition:


When the Camcorder is used in camera mode, the LCD panel and/or electronic viewfinder will show either a distorted image or no image. You also might get a message that COVER is not OPEN

Sony has elected to offer a free repair to the owners of applicable Camcorders if the image sensor device, CCD chip, causes one of the above-mentioned conditions. WHEN I CALLED CUSTOMER SUPPORT, THEY TOLD ME THAT I HAVE TO PAY AT LEAST 170 to get this fixed. This is ridiculous since it's a known defect, but apparently the recall period has ended in March. DON't buy this camcorder.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Wrong Item sent
Comment: Item listed on Amazon was not the item received. Returned the item and received a full refund. No hassle other than having to mail the item back.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Sony Camcorder
Comment: Do not buy this camara.It looks atractive but it has big problems with the LCD becoming blank when you are about to recored.There is a big class action against Sony.A lot of people have these problems with this camara including me.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Great camcorder, TERRIBLE software
Comment: Do not buy this camcorder for the software! The camera works great but buyer beware - the software is useless. Sony could have done a much better job than the Picture Package software that is included. Help from the Picture Package website is virtually non-existant. If you want to edit video you need a firewire (not included) - but DO NOT buy it from sony. They are much cheaper on Amazon or elsewhere. A USB cable is included but is also useles unless you can tolerate the Picture Package software. An extra battery is a nice addition as well. And of course some sort of software to replace the Picture Package junk.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Good camera but doesn't last long
Comment: I was very pleased with the ease of use of this camera. It took great video and picked up sound through the built in microphone very nicely. It fits great in the hand and very lightweight. The only downside is the touch screen menu. At first, I thought it was a nice feature to have but it is very sensitive and doesn't last long. I've had my camcorder for 3 years and it still records (since that button is on the camera itself) but it will not rewind, play or any other function that you want that requires the touch screen menu. Of course, the camera has a limited warrantee and to have it repaired is a minimum of $200. My next choice of camera will be with the traditional controls on the camera itself.

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