| Sony DCR-HC36 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom | 
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| Brand: Sony
Category: Photography
Buy New: $499.99
Buy New from $499.99
Avg. Customer Rating:   (23 reviews)
Sales Rank: 14752
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: Yes
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Optical Zoom: 20
Display Size: 2.5
Battery: 1 Lithium
Maximum Focal Length: 46
Minimum Focal Length: 2.3
Warranty: 1 year warranty
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3.3
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 7 x 4.8
MPN: DCR-HC36
Model: DCR-HC36
UPC: 027242688667
EAN: 0027242688667
ASIN: B000E0DU62
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | 1/6-inch CCD imager | | • | MiniDV recording format offers up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution | | • | 20x optical zoom with Super SteadyShot picture-stabilization system | | • | 2.5-inch high-resolution touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD display rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles | | • | Super NightShot Plus Infrared System captures natural-looking video in low light |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Sony's DCR-HC36 MiniDV Handycam camcorder stands out with high-end digital imaging features at an affordable price. Super NightShot infrared system enables you to capture natural looking video in low light conditions. The Super SteadyShot 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 DV interface provides a connection from the camcorder to a variety of compatible devices.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 18 more reviews...
 Sony DCR-HC36...Buyer beware!!! May 19, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I purchased the Sony DCR-HC36 last December(2006) and while the picture quality was just 'okay' for us, we were content for a year. Recently though when we try to capture the video on any one of our computers (via USB)the picture is broken-down into digital squares and unlegible as well as there is no sound. I downloaded fresh drivers and installed them but nothing worked. We have only used the camera a total of 25 times and it has never been dropped or banged around but it is putting garbage now and we can't seem to figure out why. The Sony site does NOT have a troubleshooting link to help figure this out and we refuse to put a dime into getting it repaiered since it really is not that good of a deal anyway. We do NOT recommend this camera to anyone. Do your research.
 a little disappointed March 2, 2007
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
The image quality is good (just as any DV camera). Connecting the cables directly to the camera with no need of any base or cradle is also very good. With USB connection you can use this camera also as webcam when at home, and you can even show recorded images on your tapes through as if it is a live image. The audio quality of the microfone rocks! (really really good) And it can also be used as USB microfone with the webcam.
Perhaps, I got disappointed with some important features:
- It does not have any led light that shows if the camera is recording of not (VERY BAD!).
- It can not take shots if you are recording in widescreen mode.
- If you don't want to mess up your battery, you have to take it off from the camera, because it does not detect that the battery is already charged. This is terrible when you are using the camera at home with the AC adapter: always remeber to remove the battery.
- Night vision is badly placed, so when you attach an extenal lens, the light is covered. Also, when not using an external lens, it only works when very close to the subject.
The last point i think is a general DV cams problem: don't waste your money with a 1GB or 512MB memory stick to store pictures. The picture quality is terrible, it's only 0.3 megapixel (640x480). An old 64MB memory stick is enough, unless you want to store videos on it, but why you'll want to do that if you have DV tapes???
It's ok ... nothing special. And the night vision is useless January 30, 2007
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
I just bought this because my panasonic minidv broke (tape insert would not open). I thought this would be cool, because of the built in night vision. However, this is a totally useless feature. It turns everything into black & white, and makes everyone's eyes look like big white dots like a deer staring into a headlight of the car. Certainly not a way you want to remember family events, which is what I purchased this for. If I can do it over again, I would buy something that has a light mounted on the front of the camera. This nightvision feature is useless. Overall, the camera records moview, so I guess it works fine.
 Nice Camcorder with Great Features January 9, 2007
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
We replaced an older JVC miniDV camcorder with this one. I'm impressed with the Carl Zeiss Lens it comes with. It is pretty small but I'm getting used to that. I'll get another Sony when I'm ready to upgrade this one but it won't be for awhile because this one is more than adequate for what we're using it for. (Family movies).
 Incredibly bad November 25, 2006
10 out of 16 found this review helpful
Shortly after I purchased this camcorder (within hours), I returned it to Best Buy. I think my old Hi8 Sony camcorder had better picture quality then this one. It has good features, and I liked the sleek design, but in the end, the quality of the video is ultimately what I am looking for. The video it recorded was very pixelated and grainy. I have been told there is other options to make the picture better by a best buy customer service rep, but there is none. I had reservations about buying another Sony product, but everyone was telling me Sony leads the pack with their camcorders. Those folks were wrong. I bought the Canon Elura 100 and is much happier with that products video capabilities. I think my experience with this Sony product was the final nail in the coffin, I won't be buying anymore Sony products. My advice is, stay away from this unit. You will regret it, just read all the other customer feed back on CNET and you will understand.
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