Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This is a great little camcorder. It feels sturdy, is lightweight, and I can hold it in one hand securely. The video is also quite excellent.
I was debating whether to buy this or one of the Canon ZRs. Even though I was not sure if I would be shooting a lot indoors or not, I like knowing that I can, especially with the Sony's infrared light. The reduced zoom compared to the Canons was a minor issue for me, but I thought that the improved low-light quality of the Sony compensated for it.
The touch screen only functionality of this cam took some getting used to, but as this was my first camcorder, I was not used to any other system. It does not appear that LCD-only buttons is a major drawback, and in fact, I got used to it quite quickly. Also, I can appreciate that there are fewer buttons on the body itself to add to a cluttered appearance.
The built-in lens cover is quite nice as there is no losing it, and also, I think, could be useful for quick manual transitions when shooting.
The camera itself is very compact, and slim. About 2" thick, I can slip this baby into my pocket and go, albiet, large pocket, but it's still amazingly small.
The zoom is very rapid, and the rocker allows variable-speed zooms.
The photo function is nice to have, but I wish that the 7-second audio with each picture was variable, or could be turned off altogether, but as with all camcorders, the photo function is just a nicety, and serious photos should be taken with a real camera, not a video camcorder.
All in all, this is a great miniDV camcorder. I have no basis for reference as this is my first, but I love it, and have no regrets in spending $460 of my limited college-student budget =) on this. I recall three years ago my friend and I were making a film for science class with his hi-8 camcorder, especially the pain of having to manually control a VCR to tranfer the film onto a regular VHS tape. But no more, with miniDV, I can edit and output a film in just a few minutes. WIth the help of a firewire cord (sold separately), on the first day I was able to import the film onto my computer and make a short film clip using Windows Movie Maker. It worked beautifully, so I didn't bother installing the software that came with the cam, since I've heard that it is useless.
PROS:
Lightweight and compact
Excellent film quality
Infrared Lamp
Bright, functional LCD
MINOR CONS:
Constrained still-photo function
Relatively short zoom
Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony DCRHC20 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom
MODEL- DCR-HC20 VENDOR- SONY CONSUMER FEATURES- MiniDV Handycam Camcorder The Sony DCR-HC20 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder packs big features in a small package. It features a large 2.5 hybrid SwivelScreen LCD display with touch panel controls a high-quality Carl Zeiss Vario- Tessar lens NightShot Plus infrared recording system and USB streaming capabilities all in a case that is 25% smaller than last years model. It even includes the innovative Easy Handycam button which automates most functions and makes recording a snap. Why settle for anything less than a Sony? Includes Camcorder AC-L25 Power Adaptor/In Camera Charger NP-FP50 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery RMT-830 Wireless Remote Commander Remote Control CR2025 Battery Multi A/V Cable LCD Cleaning Cloth USB Cable CD-ROM w/ USB Driver (Picture Package Software v.1.0 for Sony).* 1/6 Advanced HAD CCD Imager 680K Pixels Gross 1/6 Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 340K (effective) pixels provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance.* MiniDV Recording Offers up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution 3X color bandwidth (vs. VHS) and significantly higher S/N ratio to provide stunning video performance.* 10X Optical/120X Digital Zoom The optical zoom helps to bring the action up close from far away. In addition the digital zoom interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.* 2.5 Hybrid SwivelScreen Touch Panel LCD Display (123K Pixels) Provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The 123K pixel LCD display makes images sharp and detailed during playback or when monitoring recording. The Hybrid Reflective-Transmissive LCD Screen provides accurate viewing in sunlight or bright light virtually eliminating the wash-out common with traditional LCD Screens.* Professional Quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced o...
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