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Sony DCR-HC21 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder Review

Sony DCR-HC21 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder Review

Looking for a compact and affordable camcorder? The Sony DCR-HC21 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder is a great choice. Packed with features and offering impressive performance, this camcorder allows you to capture stunning videos and still images with ease.

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Based on customer reviews, the Sony DCR-HC21 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder offers excellent value for its price. Users have praised its compact design, ease of use, and impressive video quality. However, there have been reports of touchscreen issues and short battery life. It is recommended to handle the camcorder with care to avoid any issues with the touch screen. Additionally, some users have found the included software for transferring digital movies to be insufficient, but there are alternative freeware programs available to simplify the process.

Cons

  • Some users reported issues with the touch screen not working properly

  • Limited battery life

  • LCD panel on the camcorder may become non-functional

  • Software provided for transferring digital movies to computer is inadequate

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight design, perfect for travel

  • Advanced HAD CCD imager ensures stunning detail and clarity

  • MiniDV recording format provides exceptional video performance

  • 20x optical zoom allows you to capture distant subjects

  • Super SteadyShot picture stabilization ensures steady footage

  • User-friendly 2.5-inch touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD

  • Super NightShot Plus Infrared System for low-light video capture

  • Customization features like Picture and Fader effects

  • Photo Mode for capturing and storing still images

  • Easy organization and editing with Picture Package software

The Sony DCR-HC21 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder comes equipped with a 1/6-inch Advanced HAD CCD imager, which delivers exceptional video and still image performance with stunning detail and clarity. It has a resolution of 340K pixels, providing up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution. This means your videos will be sharp and vibrant.

With the MiniDV recording format, you get up to 520 lines of horizontal resolution, three times the color bandwidth, and a significantly higher signal-to-noise ratio compared to other formats. This ensures spectacular video performance.

The camcorder features a 20x optical zoom and an 800x digital zoom. The optical zoom allows you to capture distant subjects with clear close-up images, while the digital zoom interpolation ensures clearer, less distorted zooming compared to previous digital zooms.

To ensure steady footage, the Sony DCR-HC21 is equipped with the Super SteadyShot picture stabilization system. It uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for camera shake, resulting in steady and shake-free videos.

With the 2.5-inch touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD, navigating through menus and capturing footage is easy. The screen is responsive and user-friendly. Additionally, the camcorder features the Super NightShot Plus Infrared System, which captures natural-looking video in low-light conditions.

The Sony DCR-HC21 also offers customization features, such as Picture and Fader effects, allowing you to add creative and professional enhancements to your videos. The camcorder's Photo Mode enables you to capture and store hundreds of individual still images.

With the included Picture Package software, organizing and editing your still images and videos is a breeze. It simplifies the process, making it easy for you to create fantastic memories.

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Sony DCR-HC21 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder In-Depth Review:

Sony DCR-HC21 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder Review Specs:

  • 1/6-inch CCD imager with 340K resolution

  • MiniDV recording format offers up to 520 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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