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Sony DCR-HC32 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom |  | Brand: Sony
Category: Photography
List Price: $499.99
Buy Used: $275.00
as of 9/2/2010 22:17 PDT details
You Save: $224.99 (45%)
Seller: Janacdotes
Rating:  29 reviews
Sales Rank: 5996
Media: Electronics
Batteries Included: No
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Optical Zoom: 20
Display Size: 2.5
Maximum Focal Length: 46
Minimum Focal Length: 2.3
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3
Dimensions (in): 4.4 x 3.5 x 2.2
MPN: DCRHC32
Model: DCRHC32
UPC: 027242669789
EAN: 0027242669789
ASIN: B0007M3PKI
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | 1/6-inch CCD imager with 680K (gross) resolution | | • | MiniDV recording format offers up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution | | • | 20x optical zoom with Super SteadyShot picture-stabilization system | | • | 2.5-inch touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD | | • | Super NightShot Plus Infrared System captures natural-looking video in low light |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Sony`s DCR-HC32 MiniDV Handycam(R) camcorder stands out with high-end digital imaging features at an affordable price. Super NightShot(R) infrared system enables you to capture natural looking video in low light conditions. The Super SteadyShot(R) picture stabilization system uses motion sensors to detect and correct camera "shake" for smoother video recording. Tele Macro Mode zooms in for close-up shots to bring out the subject in vivid imagery - making it stand out above the background. This fully-equipped camcorder comes with easy solutions to transfer images and video recording to your computer. USB Streaming allows you to broadcast live video to family and friends, and i.LINK(R) DV interface provides a connection from the camcorder to a variety of compatible devices. Memory Stick Duo(R) media compatibility provides yet another way to easily transfer still images and compact MPEG Movie EX video to your PC for emailing and printing.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 29
 Great camera, especially for the price! March 6, 2005
Andy (Redwood City, CA)
124 out of 131 found this review helpful
I almost purchased the 42 instead of the 32, but after checking them out at the store I decided on the 32. The Samsung 353 was also in the running but one look in the store and I knew Sony was the way to go. I am glad I decided on the 32 because the only real difference was the CCD, which is 340k instead of 680k effective. It turns out the 32 does such a good job with the 340k I can't tell the difference, and for $150 less. The other only real difference is the color viewfinder on the 42, but who uses a viewfinder anymore. It doesn't come with a firewire (iLink) cable so be prepared to purchase one, especially if you have a mac. I am happy with our choice and look forward to many edited videos to share with the family.
It Works For Me March 22, 2006
Lazyboy (South-Central Texas)
71 out of 73 found this review helpful
For some 50 years, beginning with a Leica IIIG I bought in the 1950's, I have used a variety of 35mm and digital still cameras. I figured it was time to try my hand at video.
I spent several days researching the variety of entry level video cameras and finally decided on the DCR-HC32. Given the slight difference in price between the bare camera and this package, I went for the package.
The handycam arrived a couple of days ago and I immediately put it to use filming one of my grandchildren. It was not long before I realized that capturing images on video is more complicated that when using a still camera. I put the Handycam down and picked up the Operating Guide.
After spending time reading the Guide and checking out the multitude of options this little camera provides, I called my grandchild back for more product testing. The results were gratifying.
It does not seem possible that such a small videotape can provide such crystal clear images, but it does. I experienced a bit of shake when zooming, even with SteadyShot turned on, but that may be at least in part attributed to these old hands.
I conducted most of my early video trials in my den at night, with a single overhead flourescent light providing the only illumination. Even without slowing the shutter the color was beautiful. I sent my grandchild to a shadowy corner about 20 feet from the camera to try out the Super Nightshot. It worked well. Color was thin but good. Then I turned out the light and shot with Super Nightshot Plus. What I got was an incredibly grainy black and white image that was recognizable as human, but that's about all. I have ordered an Infrared light to use in very dim to dark light.
Filming video outdoors on a bright sunny day, the results were crystal clear and the color was excellent. Sound pickup more than a couple of yards from the Handycam was disappointing. I wish this camera had a jack for an accessory microphone.
Still picture quality certainly could be better. However, I have a fine digital still camera to take care of usual still photography work The still images this Handycam creates may not be of studio quality, but the ones I made are certainly adequate for sharing or adding to a family album. I do not doubt that there will be times when using the Handycam that I would like to capture some special moment in a still picture. For this use, the Handycam works just fine, as far as I am concerned
I am well pleased with this little camera and unhesitatingly recommend it to anyone interested in buying a quality introductory level video camera. Using Sony's DVM60PR3 cassettes image color and clarity are surprisingly good. I urge anyone not familiar with small video cameras to heed Sony's suggestion and spend time with the Operating Guide while the battery is getting its first charge.
Broadcast quality but get the warranty March 27, 2006
PM (Van Nuys, CA United States)
39 out of 41 found this review helpful
This camera is fantastic. I also own a $3500 Sony mini-dv and the picture quality of this camera is virtually identical. Transfer what you've shot to DVD, or just play it right off the tape onto your TV and you will be blown away by the broadcast quality of the image. It's very small, and has some great easy-to-use features for shooting in the sun, shade, action,etc., and even extreme darkness. A built in lens cover is also convenient.
After owning this camera for only about 5 months though, I got an error reported with other Sony mini-dv's "dirty tape head." Well, the tape head was actually fine but the damn message wouldn't go away no matter what I did, so I had to have it repaired. I had bought it at Sears but wanted to use Sony for the repair and after telling them the truth and that I was very disappointed, blah blah - the $212.00 to fix the camera I just bought for $450.00 was not fair - they agreed to take the camera and fix it for no charge. (The point is that Sony is making an effort, I believe, to satisfy their customers.) Nonetheless, because of the problem I had, I feel compelled to recommend that a person purchasing this camera go ahead and buy the SONY warranty - directly through Sony before the 90 day manufacturers warranty is up. (It's only $117 for 3 years and you'll have piece of mind.) Should you have to buy a warranty? No. Do things break? Yes. Hell, I've had plenty of stuff break that just became useless.
The point is, this camera is really awesome and worth owning. You can charge it without using the dock however the dock is cool for transfering to your computer or any other source. The battery that comes with it lasts really long too. This camera also has analog capabilities which can be handy for transferring old VHS tapes to mini-DV.
Great camera for the Point and Shooter July 2, 2005
Pieter G. Einthoven (West Chester, PA)
28 out of 29 found this review helpful
I wanted a miniDV camcorder that had a Analog to Digital passthrough capability so that I could convert all my old Hi8 tapes to DVD's. I wanted one that was small and light, had a large zoom range, and was good on batteries. After agonizing over choices between Canon ZR, Elura models or the Sony HC32 I finally settled on the Sony. So far, no regrets.
- The video looks great. Colors appear very accurate and bright. I just turn on the camera and it does all the work. I don't mess with manual features much. If you do, this is probably not the best choice of cameras.
- The management of the battery is uniquely good with Sony camcorders. You get a constant rundown of how many minutes of battery life you have left that is pretty accurate. The optional extended batteries are expensive, but provide amazing battery life. Even the small battery that ships with the camcorder gives me over an hour of use.
- The camcorder is very small yet is still comfortable to hold.
- The LCD screen is top notch.
- The Analog to Digital Passthrough works great. I converted a 2 hour tape to my Mac with no problems. The audio and video remained in sync for all two hours.
- I cannot hear any camera noises on the tape. Some people complain about the built in microphones picking up camcorder noises on these little camcorders. I looked for it and did not hear any, even after transferring video to my computer.
Some other thoughts on the camcorder.
- The touch menu system is not so bad, easier than most other camera menu systems. The only problem is that certain options go away when you are not in the correct mode.
- The camera does fine with low light until it is dark enough to want lights on in the room. The night shot really goofs up the colors (like a poorly colorized movie). My old Hi8 camcorder actually does better when it gets dark out (I guess this is not surprising since the CCD is bigger yet it has less pixels).
- The docking station is fine if you only connect the camera to one TV or device. If you need to move it around, then I would perfer not to deal with it but this is a pretty minor detail.
- The camera is a bit expensive and accessories are even more expensive. The Canon ZR-200 is very similar in capabilities (not sure if the video quality is as good) and a good bit less expensive. I borrowed a friends ZR-85 and thought the video qualitiy was not as good especially in less than ideal lighting. I think Canon improved the low light video for the ZR-200's however.
CCD Imaging problem not present in this model January 14, 2006
Julie J
21 out of 21 found this review helpful
Just an FYI for some of the previous reviewers: the problem of CCD failure that affected earlier versions of this Sony camcorder line is not an issue in the 2005 models. For complete information on the Sony CCD problem, see;
http://www.imaging-resource.com/badccds.html
Functionally, this is a great camcorder for the price. The ergonomics are particularly nice - very comfortable and easy to use. Good low light performance. Just wish it had a colour viewfinder and that Sony had included a small Memory Stick.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 29
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