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
Forget any of the complaints you might have read about the 7 sec delay on still shots: camcorders shouldn't be used for real photos anyway and any half-decent editing software comes with the ability to save still images straight from your footage. Also forget any complaints you might have heard about the bundled editing software: yes, it's nearly useless but again the basic software your home computer likely shipped with is all you will need to start putting together beautiful home-movies yourself (just don't forget you'll need to buy a fire-wire seperately).
The bottom line is this camera is about as light, sleek and easy to use as they come and the manufacturer was able to pack a heck of a camera into the small unit because they didn't waste time on unecessary extras like high resolution still photo shooting and the like. If you're looking for the highest quality and most user friendly camera you can find under $500, then this is the camera for you. Period. I know this sounds like a sales pitch but the truth is I'd just like to save any of you like-minded consumers out there a little bit of time and let you know the camera that perfectly fit my bill: home-movies, amateur film shorts and family documents all on an extremely doable budget.
Enjoy!
(p.s. -in case you don't want to take my word for it: the HC20 is, by far and away, the highest rated camcorder under $500 and the ONLY recommended buy of the current Mini-DV line...)
Buy Sony DCRHC20 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom Now
I've had my HC20 camcorder for a little over 6 months (just past the extended warranty from my Visa card! Darn it!). Just the other day, I noticed that my camera was dead even though I charged the battery completely just 2 days earlier. So I charged it again last night and it was fully charged and fine. This morning, I turn it on and it has only 8 minutes of recording time left! And I noticed the Camera lamplight is flashing green, which I never noticed before. I asked Sony about it and they don't know what I'm talking about. But from reading other discussion groups, it appears the flashing light is slowly draining my battery life. (See www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/t107753.html)Sony claims they have no record of this problem and suggests I pay the $216 to get it sent and "factory reset" by sending it their technicians. I was surprised they have never heard of this problem despite what I've read in forums about the HC40 and HC20 with this problem. How can they expect us to pay almost 50% of the price of the camera for a problem that seems to be inherent in their technology.
This is ridiculous. I have a Sony PDA and digital camera as well. But these will be my last Sony products I buy!
Read Best Reviews of Sony DCRHC20 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom Here
I purchased the HC-40 about 4 months ago. It is a very nice compact camera, great quality pics/videos. However, I too have battery drain problems. Camera won't charge batteries, and the ones I charge in the optional charger I bought are dead within a day (when left in the camera and the camera is turned off). Sony refuses to acknowledge that they are aware of the problem and they say I have to pay $216 for labor since I am past the 3 month labor warranty. Again a nice camera, too bad it is made by a company who won't stand behind their product. Either buy the extended warranty, or sock away an extra $216 for repair, or just save yourself the headache and BUY ANOTHER CAMERA.UPDATE. Sony has waived the $216 repair costs. Still you may wish to consider buying the extended warranty when your buy this camera.
Want Sony DCRHC20 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom Discount?
I bought this camera for my sister -she had no camcorder experience. This camera is designed with that customer in mind, although it also has features that appeal to the amateur cinematographer. Perhaps the best feature is the hybrid touch-screen LCD. Instead of clustering a hopelessly confusing array of buttons next to the LCD (where you can't see them) Sony made the LCD viewscreen touch-sensitive. Depending on what you're doing (play/record) there are different options on the screen to touch. This is not only good for beginners, but also extremely convenient for people who are experienced. Additionally, Sony made the camcorder super-easy to turn on and recordpress the "on" button once for record, twice for play. Other manufacturers have an assortment of little icons on a miniature wheel you have to turn to select functions. This makes it difficult (especially at night) to see what you're selecting. No such problem. In fact, there are only 6 buttons on the whole camcorder. And if this elegantly simple design isn't enough for grandma to use the camcorder, Sony thoughtfully included an "Easy" button. This button enlarges all the text on the screen ("Play", "Battery life", etc.) so that people who have poor eyesite can use the device with ease. In making it easy to operate, Sony didn't nix all the features that amateurs moviemakers want, though. The camera still has a Program AE mode, full manual focus control (via touchscreen buttons) and NightShot Plus for filming in complete darkness. It also has a built in lens covera nice feature, as many other camcorders have a snap off cover, resulting in a clicking noise as it slaps against the side of the unit while you record Little League games. Picture quality is good, and the camera does a good job adjusting between lighting and motion situations. Color is particularly well saturated for a camera in this price range. Overall I would say this product is extremely well designed, easy to use, and provides satisfactory picture quality (above average for the pricepoint). I would recommend it to any family as a good choice for family movies.
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