Sony Handycam DCR-HC38 MiniDV Camcorder

Format: Camcorders come in several different formats. The most common are MiniDV, MiniDVD, DVD, hard drive, Hi8 and VHS-C. See our Click & Learn library to find out which is the best format for you and your family.

LCD screen size: LCD screens allow you to frame, playback, and edit whatever you're shooting without looking through an eyepiece.

Remote control: Indicates a remote control is packaged with the unit for remote operation.

USB 2.0 output: USB is a standard connection port on most PCs. This will allow you to quickly and easily connect and sync the device with your computer.

Firewire output: Also called i.Link and IEEE-1394, this connection transmits image and video data from your camera to your computer at speeds up to 400Mbps.

Analog input: An analog input allows you to connect your analog camcorder or VCR to your digital camcorder and copy old tapes into a digital format.

Optical zoom: Optical zoom is a measure of how close to your subject the camera can focus using the physical lens assembly.

Digital zoom length: Once a camera reaches the limits of its optical zoom range, it can use the digital zoom to blow up the information being captured by the image sensor. Digital zoom can get you in closer than optical zoom, but often at the expense of picture quality.

HD Recording: High-definition camcorders use a larger image sensor than standard camcorders to capture video at true high-definition resolutions. This requires at least a 2.07 megapixel video sensor. Video captured with an HD camcorder will look great on your HDTV.

Advanced imaging sensor: CMOS sensors create much less video noise and consume less power than traditional sensors. 3CCD cameras use 3 image sensors to capture images, then combine the information to create an image that's much better than a single sensor could create.

Low light mode: Low-light mode allows you to capture video in conditions with less than ideal lighting.

Built-in light: Camcorders with a built-in light will give you better results in low light conditions. Most built-in lights can be set to turn on automatically when needed.

Image stabilization: Electronic and optical image stabilization systems compensate for normal hand shakiness and movement for clearer pictures and smoother videos.

Digital still capability: A camcorder's ability to capture still images and store them on a memory card like a digital camera.

Resolution: Refers to the number of pixels a device is able to assign to pictures. The more pixels you have, the sharper the picture will look.

Memory card slot: These slots allow you to capture or transfer still photos to a memory card.