Sony DCR-SX41

Sony Handycam DCR-SX41

The Handycam DCR-SX41 is Sony's flash-memory-based standard-definition camcorder. Its main attractions are its small size, 8GB of internal memory backed by a Memory Stick slot for expansion, and a 60x megazoom lens. It's also easy to use partly because of the touch-screen-based menu navigation and because of its dearth of shooting options. However, as with most camcorders in its class, the video results are mediocre--especially if you're watching them full screen on a large HDTV or have gotten used to the detail of high-definition content. If you're not terribly concerned with video quality and want a reasonably priced camcorder that's easy to use, will let you see people and things near and far, and can fit in a coat pocket, this Sony is worth checking out. Available in blue, silver, or red versions, the SX41 is a cute little camcorder. Its physical controls are textbook camcorder design with a start/stop button at the back and easy-to-control zoom rocker up top in front of a shutter release for snapshots in Photo mode. Off to the left of that is a Mode button for switching between shooting movies or stills. The whole package is roughly the size of soda can.