SONY DCR-HC40 MiniDV PAL Handycam(R) Camcorder

Rating:
Summary: Painfully dissappointed
Review: I bought this camera partly because it was a Sony. I've never had as much trouble with an electronic device in my entire life. Within a week of purchase, it simply stopped working. No functions worked. It spent a month in the repair shop. I was told that the main switch was the problem and that they had replaced it. I got it back and the same problem happened. I sent it back... yet another month without a camera.

I thought that perhaps moisture was the problem. I purchased the expensive Sports Housing. I went on a seven-day mountain climbing trip and the camera worked for only the first two days. I was planning on taking it back to the dealer, but wouldn't you know it, it started working again.

I can't stress how dissappointed I am with this camera. It does take good footage when it finally decides to work. I've missed my daughter's university graduation, my nephew's highschool graduation and six days of a wonderful mountain climbing trip in Southern Thailand.

I don't recommend buying this camera. The only reason I gave it two stars is because it does produce good footage when it works.

Sony support doesn't seem to care about my problem as they've given me no helpful advice or made any recommendations. My camera is only three months old. I'll never buy another Sony product for as long as I live.