Camcorder Digital Cameras

This is a fantastic camcorder, I’ve had it for 6 months and have played with it a ton. We bought this camera as a replacement for our 8 year ancient Samsung Hi-8 camera. The first thing that astonished me was the size difference between the two cameras! The Sony HC26 was 1/4 the size when compared to the outdated (but well performing) dinosaur Samsung. We paid more 8 years ago for the Samsung Hi-8 than we paid for this outperforming, master of technology, the Sony HC26! I was so impressed by the level of improvements in technology and the space and compactness, I instantly was very pleased with this camcorder. I was hesitant about the touch screen controls, but have now fallen in like with that feature. It has enough features for the average user, it’s a fantastic camera for home use. If you’re not “averagely technological” to master the programmed settings, an “simple button” located on the inside controls when you open your viewing screen, makes a pro out of ANY new camera operator. My seven year ancient is able to operate the camera, and do quite a excellent job at it, so if that’s not user friendly, I don’t know what is! We compared it to the Panasonic, JVC, and Canon, but knowing that we had no need for the still camera, this was the best choice for us. It’s perfectly hand sized, buttons are easily reached to the “blind eye,” the zoom is awesome at 20 optical zoom and placed right under your right index finger, other models have the button placed awkwardly. Despite other reviewer comments, I detect no “noise” from the zoom even after reviewing the footage in playback. The best-selling feature on this camera is the impressive nightshot when compared to similar cameras under $500. It films in real time with a black and white image and really captures your subject clearly and brightly. No other camera came close to the image quality with the nightshot feature, most were too dark to distinguish your subject. The nightshot really only works up to about 5 feet away even though they claim up to 10 feet. The Carl Zeiss Lens captures vivid colors and crisp images and the sound quality is very excellent. If your wanting quality picture and sound, definately go with this mini DV tape Sony Handycam 26 camcorder! Just a note, the technology isn’t quite “there” yet for the disc recorders, you compromise on sound and picture quality by using the disc camcorders. This is a superior camcorder for the price! The fire-wire doesn’t come with the camcorder package, but is needed to download video.

UPDATED NOTE: 2006 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING QUIDE gives the Sony DCR HandyCam high marks as follows: picture quality-very excellent, ease of use-excellent, image stabilizer-brilliant, audio quality-excellent, battery life-80 minutes. I thought it was fascinating that they rated the JVC GR-DF450, the Canon Elura 85, and the Panasonic GS250 with HONEST audio quality, and all of these cameras are considerably more expensive but most competive with the Handycam. Of all the digital camcorders reviewed, the Sony Handycam outperformed and was the most affordable too!

HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rating: 5 / 5

This is a bare bones camcorder in that it comes with small more than a battery, a charging cord, a lens cap, and a video/audio cable to hook the camera to a TV. You will need a 4-pin to 6-pin Firewire cable (not included) to import to a computer.

I found using the touch screen to be simple and pretty intuitive. There are not a lot of extra features, but I found on previous cameras that I do not need special effects functions. It’s small size and low weight make it fantastic for travel.

Picture quality is not fantastic due to the small sensor. I have been using the 16:9 feature to record anamorphic DVD using iDVD ‘06. Long distance shots are very soft on a large screen 16:9 TV. Close ups look excellent. Audio quality is OK if you are not in the wind.

There are cheaper camcorders of equal recording quality. I went with Sony due to its lower rate of repair needs.

Making DVDs is very simple with a Mac and iLife ‘06. You do not need the Sony software. Just plug in the camera and iMovie recognizes and even operates playback of the camera.

In summary, this is an entry level camera at a low price for Sony. Highly demanding videographers will not be satisfied but the budget-minded traveler will find this excellent buy.
Rating: 4 / 5

Compact, fits in my hand very nicely. There are a lot of extras built in to the menu system (touch screen). The zoom is very clear but the picture does get shaky once you get into the digital zoom. I have yet to get an i.link cable (aka firewire) so for now I am useing the USB cable that goes to my camera. I was very pleased to see that there was no still shot with a memory card. Normally that feaure on ALL camcorders sucks, hence having a still camera seperate.

After charging the battery I had this small terrible boy up and running within 20 min, and 10 min after that I was able to use everything and know what the system was doing. The camera’s ease of use is fantastic. The touch screen makes the interface extremely simple to know. Connecting the camcorder to the television was also very simple, with the included cables.

I highly recommend this camera for a new user or anyone who wants a camera that is simple to use. You can’t beat this one for the price!
Rating: 5 / 5