This is our 3rd video recorder in the last 5 years. Our first 2 were mini-DV's and they both stopped working properly. One was a JVC and the other was Samsung.
I decided to go with the better brand name in Sony and get one with a flash drive so it wouldn't have all the extra moving parts and things that could break. We elected to get the larger 8GB model instead of the 4GB one so we wouldn't need to buy an extra memory card right off the bat.
I was surprised at the tiny size of this camera. I also didn't realize that it had a fancy touch screen. 2 little bonuses. The battery life is great. With the mini-DV ones, we always had to charge it before we could use it whether we charged it after the last use or not. This thing is ready to go after sitting on the shelf all week.
The 60x zoom is great and the picture quality is pretty good. We only use the highest setting. (It's not HD, but it is good enough for family use.)

I wanted a camcorder that was small so I could take it with me most places and very simple yet took good video. The DCR-SX41 has been all of this. Yes, if I wanted the best picture, I would have spent four to five times as much and gotten an HD Camcorder. Simple, is what this camera is. When I have finished taking video I just plug it into the computer and record straight to a DVD. How much simpler can you get? The built-in memory takes apporx 2 hrs of video at the highest resolution, and you can add an additional memory stick to increase your storage. The last camcorder I had was a Sony that recorded to a small tape. It took good pictures but was a lot of trouble getting it to a DVD. I see all of these reviews where people are complaining about this camera not working with Mac's. Well Sony tells you up front that it is not Mac user friendly. If you are looking for something to take on vacation or taking video of the grand kids (that is what I do) you will love this camera for its simplicity and price. I am over 60 and not the most computer literate individual you will find. The picture is not HD, but it is as good as any non HD video I have seen. I would most definitely recommend this to my friends.

This is the first new camcorder I've bought in seven years. I liked my last Sony camcorder, but the tape drive did become fouled over the years and eventually caused the demise of the camera. I am not a techie. I need simplicity with good results. I got the SX-41 a few days ago and I'm a little depressed about what I now have.

First off, there's no built in light on the camera. And I've already read complaints that it doesn't do well in low light. My former Sony camcorder did pretty good in lower light situations. I guess the technology went backward, although I suspect it's all about being cheap. So, now I'll have to find some makeshift rig from some company like Sima in order to have any external light. Bummer.

Second, the lens is no longer protected automatically. The lens cover is manual now. The LCD viewfinder does tell you if the lens is covered, but the problem is that you can leave the lens cover open after use, without knowing it. They also don't provide a way you could install a small glass safety cover over the lens. This is a step backward.

Third, the 60X zoom was a big selling point for me. Most of the other brand harddrive/flash camcorders seem to have a max 37X zoom. Unfortunately, the camera is so light, that it's almost impossible to maintain image stability when you're standing still, let alone zooming in. I have to shoot a wedding real soon and thankfully it's outside (for better picture quality), but I'll have to use a tripod with this handycam for stability.

Fourth, the battery makes you feel like you're in a race with time. The second you open the LCD viewer the battery starts ticking off minutes even before you shoot anything. And by the way, they've also done away with a direct viewer. The LCD screen is the only way you can see what you're shooting, and it has to be fully open for the camcorder to turn on and remain on. So much for discreet shooting.

Lastly, the camera strap on the side of the camcorder is way too small for an average sized man's hand to fit through comfortably. To be fair to Sony, some of these problems don't seem to be unique to Sony. I couldn't find any of these new type of harddrive/flash camcorders with built in lights. All of them seem to be too light in weight for good image stabilization when shooting. But I can only judge this product. It's definitely not as good as my tape drive camcorder from a few years back. It's smaller, lighter, with a better optical zoom, only it's still not as good. And it costs more.

-- This Sony DCR-SX41 will definitely work with a Mac computer, at least a late model Mac.
-- For $[...], I bought this Sony DCR-SX41 flash memory camcorder with 8 gigabytes of non-removeable memory, a slot (empty) for more user replaceable memory, and a 60x optical zoom. This camera works really well with a Mac, once you get admitted to the Mac club and learn their secret rituals. LOL! I will later explain the details about how to get a camera to work with a Mac.
-- I am using a late model MacBook Pro with operating system OSX vers 10.5.7 and iMovie09 vers 8.0.3. I have never done video with a computer before. Many years ago, I shot videos with black and white VHS video tapes. That was a lot easier to figure out, but very expensive. Since I recently spent thousands on a Mac computer and peripherals, I thought I should get a camera as well, and break the ice on the YouTube video excitement, as well as embedding home videos in the pages of e-scrapbooks. I had the benefit of additional help from private tutors at an Apple retail store, from their "One-to-One" training service, which is $[...] a year, for approximately one hour a week of private tutoring. I don't think that I could have managed to get video working on a Mac, without their help. The tutors volunteered that connecting a video camera to a Mac remains one of the most challenging tasks for a beginner. Seriously, video on a Mac is quite easy, once you learn how. But learning how requires locating hard to find info, and doing some trial and error experimentation.

First, here are some details about the camera, which would apply to both Mac and PC users:
-- Although the camera is a good value, the instructions that come with the camera are very sketchy, almost unusable. I can't find any additional help at Sony's web site. For Mac computers, the instructions are insufficient. The Sony web site URLs mentioned in the manual, for Mac users, don't lead to any helpful info. Mac users will definitely need additional help. PC users might get confused, as well.
-- Some say that the picture quality is disappointing. I the found picture quality acceptable for entry level video, at the $[...] price level. For the purpose of embedding home-made videos in the pages of electronic scrapbooks, the resolution is quite good. Possibly the dissatisfied users were not using the highest resolution, called HQ? The alternatives are SP and LP, which extend the recording times, but do get awfully pixilated. Possibly the vague instructions caused confusion. I had to experiment quite a bit with the menus in the camera, figuring it out by trial and error, how to use the different resolutions.
-- It looks like the stabilization is not the best. I am new to this, and might be expecting too much. Just walking with the camera creates jitter that cannot be completely removed by either the software in the camera, or the software in the Mac computer. I tried the camera stabilization by itself. Then I turned the camera stabilization off, and tried the stabilization done by iMovie, inside the Mac computer. Neither treatment seemed to work very well with HQ resolution. I think that I see some stabilization with the lower resolution settings of SP and LP, possibly because the software cannot effectively process the larger amount of data in a HQ file. For the first trials, I did not use both stabilization treatments at the same time (camera and computer), since Apple claims this might cause other artifacts and problems. However, deliberately using both treatments on the same video file did not degrade the images, but it did not help, either.
-- Additionally, I am not yet able to figure out how to get the camera's "FACE SET" option to work. Anybody else get that working? Perhaps, it works only with the Sony software that is installed on a PC? (I am using a Mac.) The online info seems to hint that "FACE SET" will index video frames that contain human faces, and let you fast forward to those frames. I can't find any additional info at Sony. The meager paper manual that comes with the camera really says next to nothing about that "FACE SET" option, except that the option IS in the camera's menus, where I found it. But the option does not seem to work, at all.
-- But overall, at $[...], this Sony DCR-SX41 flash memory camcorder is very reasonably priced for entry level home movies. The DCR-SX41 works very well with the Mac computer movie editing software iMovie09.

Now, back to the mysteries of getting a video camera to connect with a Mac computer. For the benefit of Macintosh computer users, perhaps Amazon could post the following information in a more conspicuous place?

If you want a video camera for a Mac computer, I recommend that you start with the list of compatible cameras, on either of the following Apple support web pages. (But keep in mind, some newer cameras, like this Sony DCR-SX41, might not be on these lists.)
These camera lists include reasons why a particular camera might be only partially compatible, and possible workarounds. If the pages are moved, try searching Apple's web site [...] for the key words
" iMovie Camcorder Support ".
For iMovie09 compatible cameras-- [...]
For those who can't upgrade, and must use iMovie08-- [...]

Things to keep in mind when using a Mac computer with any video camera:
-- Between computer and camera, the best physical connection is probably made with the USB or FireWire cable recommended by the camera manufacturer.
-- Obviously, it is impractical to change whatever software is in the camera.
-- On the Mac computer side, things are complicated by the Mac computer not using the computer software that the camera manufacturer wrote for installation on a PC. On a Mac, the import of video is handled by the Mac system software and whatever general purpose video editing software you install, probably iMovie. Consider this: one installed version of Mac software needs (to try) to be able to download from any of hundreds of different cameras, even as new cameras are put on the market. That is why you need to keep updating your Mac software.
-- Making things more complicated, the Mac software does not just download, it does some file format conversions that are necessary to get data out of a camera intended for use with an completely different operating system. Shortcuts usually don't work, such as using the Mac "Finder" software to directly copy video files from the camera memory to the Mac computer's hard drive.

IMHO, a lot of issues can be resolved by installing all of the operating system updates that your Mac computer can accept. Second, if your Mac supports it, spend the $[...] to upgrade to iLife09, which includes iMovie09. This software update cures a multitude of file incompatibilities.

Additionally, don't take Apple's lists of compatible cameras as infallible or exhaustive. They are only a starting point. I found that the Sony camcorder DCR-SX works fine on a Mac, although it is not yet on Apple's list of compatible cameras. One possible shopping strategy, for a portable Mac, is to take your computer to a retail store that will let you connect their camera to your computer, for a test download.

With updated Mac software installed, all that I need to do, is-- connect the DCR-SX41 camera with the Sony USB cable, and ask the camera to connect, with a finger press on the camera's menu screen, on the correct icon. (Later, I'll go over the confusion over which camera icon to press.) Of course, the Mac operating system (OS) needs to be booted up and running. If iMovie is not yet running, the Mac OS will start up iMovie. IPhoto will usually also start, since this DCR-SX camera can also take still photos. If all is running as it should, the Mac will display a list of files on the camera, and ask the user to select files for download. It's completely automatic, once you figure out which icon to press, on the camera.

The possible pitfall is that on the menu screen of the Sony DCR-SX41, there is a choice of either downloading from the permanent camera memory, or downloading from the user removable memory slot. Selecting the incorrect icon might cause the Mac computer to ignore the camera. I wonder if some users got discouraged and gave up trying to download from a camera memory section that was empty? ...while the other section of memory held their videos! I deliberately gave that a try, and found that the Mac computer will not try to connect to the camera's removable memory slot, when that slot is empty. Worse, the Mac computer will just sit there and not give any error message or hint that a camera is plugged into the computer and ready to download from other memory inside the camera. To download from the camera's non-removable memory, you need to be careful to click on the correct icon, which has the label "USB CONNECT" along with a symbol that looks like an integrated circuit chip. For the user removable slot, there is another icon that looks very similar. Unfortunately, it also has the label "USB CONNECT" along with a symbol that is only slightly different, closer to looking like a plain rectangle, without the iconic wires that that symbolize connectors emerging from an integrated circuit.

Another issue that is probably very difficult to find in either the Mac help files or the camera manuals: To avoid getting warnings from the Mac computer that data is being lost, you might need to virtually "eject" the camera's cable connection from within the Mac computer's "Finder" software, before telling the camera to disconnect, or physically disconnecting the cable. Do this by going to the Mac Finder, and making menu selection "Go", "Computer". A window will appear with a list of memory devices. Find the camera on the list, and mouse click on the eject button beside the camera name. This eject button will show a message "click to eject this volume" when you hover the mouse cursor over that button. The camera might be on the list, hidden in plain sight, as my video camera is displayed as device "NO NAME". (Again, while in that "Finder" window, don't try to directly copy any video files that you might see. That shortcut will probably result in damaged files.)

Overall, most trouble seems to originate with Sony not providing clear instructions. At $[...], the camera, as a piece of hardware, is very good for entry level video. People are probably having trouble getting this camera to work with Mac computers because of the camera's sketchy and confusing instructions, and possibly because their Mac computer needs an install of the latest software, in order to work with this late model camera. (Of course, if you have an older Mac that cannot accept the software updates, you probably can't use this DCR-SX41 camera.)

I bought this unit from Best Buy for $299 on June 6, 2009. I have never owned a camcorder, so, I did a lot of research before buying and decided to rely on the Sony brand name. I've never had any issues with Sony, and, of course, Sony always works with my Macintosh computer. I've used it twice during the past weekend. The picture quality is very good, not great, but very good. I would assume that if you want an absolutely flawless picture that you would have to pay the extra two, three, or four hundred dollars and get an HD camcorder. I was not willing to do so given that I have never owned a camcorder before and really don't know how much I will use it, how easy they can be to use, and how the iMovie '09 software functions. Right now, I'd say that this unit is a great investment. It is very easy to use and works well with iMovie. I'm very pleased. Perhaps in a year or two I will upgrade to an HD unit if warranted.

Not sure if I'm getting this submitted correctly since the "how do you rate it" link dids't seem to allow for input.....But I'm giving the Sony DCR-SX40 the FIVE STARS it deserves - not just the Four Stars that ended in the preview of my review (can't seem to change the darn thing). I've read a number of negative comments on other sites about picture quality being so-so, with visible purple fringing around images, blurring on zoom, and other comments referring to the camera as having "not very good quality". Also have heard negative comments about the Sony software requiring XP users to have Service Pack 3 installed. In my brief experience thus far with this camera, none of the above are true. We just got the camera last night and used it for the first time this morning. We immediately burned what we filmed onto DVD and played it back on our TV through the DVD player. The picture was absolutely wonderful....and just in ordinary indoor lighting. The images were crisp with none of the dreaded 'purple fringing' in evidence. In fairness though....we did not attempt to view directly from the camera to the TV, so maybe that's where some of the problems arise for some people. The zoom was smooth as could be, with no loss of focus. The sound recording was excellent and true-to-life. One thing I would most definitely recommend is a fluid head tripod so that panning is smooth. Our tripod panhead was a tad jerky, and it showed on the video. Haven't tried just walking around with it to test for smoothness of filming....but then I don't know of any camera (within this price range anyway) that won't echo your body movements when you walk with it. As for XP Service Pack 3 being required.....well that IS what the manual seems to be saying, and even subsequent online live chat with Sony customer support was a bit confusing on that issue. But I finally called and talked to a live person who informed me that Service Pack 3 is NOT required. He was obviously correct, because I installed the PMB software that comes with the camera, and had no problems at all with the installation. Burned our first practive filming session using the 'One Touch Disc Burn'. Could not possibly have been simpler, and it looked fantastic on our TV, which is a Samsung 56" DLP. The footage we were filming was my magician husband performing with his flea circus (you read that correctly). So there was lots of backing away and zooming in very close to capture images of the fleas themselves. The picture was well lit, sharp, with no visible pixilation that I've heard people complain about. The zooming was smooth and crisp and the focus was fantastic....we're talking filming fleas here! I did film in HQ, but will try out the other modes as well. Since we've had this little beauty less than 24 hours, we still have lots to experiment with, but from what we've seen so far, it is as much camera as we're ever likely to need. Just one more comment before I go play with our new toy some more......one reviewer complained about the lack of a seperate manual lens cover. Having had that style on a previous camera, I can't imagine why such a thing would be desireable.....you either end up losing it, or (if tethered to the camera) having it flip up in front of the view finder if a breeze happens by. The lens cover on the DCR-SX41 is built into the camera, is opened and shut with a simple flick of the finger, and the camera TELLS you whether the lens is covered or not. How much more convenient can it get?

We would recommend this camcorder. The size of this is so easy to carry and use. The picture is pretty good, but it is not a HD but then again either is the price.

This camcorder is state of the art technology which has about 12 hours of battery life, has x60 optical zoom, solid state memory of 8 gigabytes (No moving parts), does photos, has manual settings available to the lens with exposure with white balance and more, LCD touch screen with easy to navigate menus, and weighs about as much as a soda can. It's USB 2.0 which everyone is moving towards (Although some of us video folks like our Firewire 800) so it's not that big of a deal- technology is shifting to simplicity. I'm a Mac user myself and I've done many file conversions before. I don't think this will be an issue for people who are editors in video and if you are you're a beginner since I'm a cinema student at SF State and have no problems with conversions (Stop whining and learn the technology you should be familiar with already). I'll be updating the review for Mac users to convert files with free software. So if you have a Mac and aren't familiar with basic file conversions then you may want to look into another camcorder. Windows users shouldn't have any problems which is the majority of the market. Although this is made for family videos it's still definitely a super awesome camcorder worth looking into for beginners and amateurs of film making.

I just got back from best buy where I picked up this for $149.99... They have it clearanced so you'll have to find one near you (im in Mesa, AZ). For me they took it out of one of their pre-wrapped bundle deals they had. Haven't had a chance to use it yet but will update my review when I do just thought I'd share the price break.

I am in complete awe of this camcorder. It's so small and takes amazing videos. I am able to capture our memories and easily transfer the video to our computer.