Sony DCR-HC36 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom

Product Description

Box Contents: DCR-HC36 Camcorder, AC-L25 Power Adapter/In-Camera Charger, NP-FP30 InfoLithium(R) Rechargeable Battery, RMT-831 Remote Commander, Stereo A/V Cable, USB Cable, Lens Cap, CD-ROM with drivers and software
The Sony DCR-HC36 MiniDV HandyCam Camcorder makes trasnferring digital skills and mini-movies to your PC faster and more convenient. The powerful 1/6" HAD CCD provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video, and the 20x optical and 800x digital zooms brings tha ction close up from far away. The Super SteadyShot(R) feature removes camera shake, while Super NightShot(R) captures natural film in the lowest light. A digital still Memory Mode captures stills at 640 x 480 directly onto your Memory Stick(R) Duo. The attractive 3D Menu System lets you see menu options clearly. NightShot Plus for low-light filming - minimum of 0 lux Auto Exposure Modes - Beach & Ski, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Lesson, Spotlight, Sunset & Moon Picture Effect Modes - Monotone, Negative Art, Sepia, Polarize Fader Effects - Black, Mosaic, Monotone, White White Balance Modes - Auto, Indoor, One-push, Outdoor Aperture - f1.8-3.1 Focal Distance - 2.3-46mm Full Range Auto and Manual Focus Built-in microphone USB and i.LINK(R) ports S-Video connection Shutter Speeds - Auto, 1/60-1/4000 sec. (1/4000 in AE mode) Supplied Software - Picture Package 1.5 Operating Systems - Windows Me, 2000 Pro, XP Home and Pro Battery Type - InfoLithium(R) with AccuPower(TM) Meter system (NP-NF30) Dimensions - 2-5/8 x 3-1/8 x 4-1/2 (65 x 79 x 113 mm) Weight - 15 oz. (430 g) with tape & battery

Customer Reviews:

a little disappointed.......2007-03-03

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.......2007-01-31

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.......2007-01-10

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.......2006-11-25

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.

Great camcorder depending on what you want to do with it........2006-11-11

I just got this camera the other day. And so far, I'm in love with it. I am a photographer and a video artist, and I had a nicer Sony camera that broke, and I was seeking out a replacement. The DCR-HC36 has a much lower quality image than my old camera, however its exactly what i've been looking for. Small, portable, and grainy. I still would like to get a nicer video camera to replace the old one. But I think that this camera is what the Holga is when talking about medium format film cameras. It has its charm and you definatly get a certain look to what you record.

This camera seems like it would be good for someone who just wants to film their kids or family events. However, if you want something with better image quality, spend the money and take a step up. However, i would also recomend this camera for a video production student, its got plenty of manual features and the 20x optical zoom is great.

Product Description

Combining high-resolution optics and stylish, streamlined bodies with outstanding cost performance these binoculars offer excellent image quality and viewing comfort for most general-purpose applications, including wildlife, sports and theatrical observations.The UCF XII-series feature the PENTAX-original dual-axis eye-distance adjustment system to assure precise alignment of the lens barrels. Coupled with large 25mm objective lenses, high-refraction BaK4 glass prisms, multi-coated optical elements and aspherical eyepiece lens elements, they deliver high-quality images even under poor viewing conditions. Their compact, lightweight bodies are protected against dust and shock by full-body rubber housing. Other user-friendly features include a long 15-millimeter eye relief, a short minimum focusing distance of 1.9 meters/6.2 feet, extendible eyepiece rings, a fully retractable pop-up diopter adjuster, and a tripod socket.

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