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

Details

• MiniDV recording make-up offers up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution
• Wonderful NightShot Plus Infrared System captures natural-looking video in low light
• 1/6-inch CCD imager

Description

CL) MU) SONY DCR-HC36 DV CAMCORDER

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Customer Reviews

A number transaction.
the first camera sent had problems. the seller assisted me in a hassle above-board return for a new camera.

2009-10-24 | quillan (murrieta ca usa) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Sony DCR-HC36...Client beware!!!
I purchased the Sony DCR-HC36 last December(2006) and while the dead ringer quality was just 'okay' for us, we were content for a year. Recently though when we try to collar 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 right-minded. I downloaded fresh drivers and installed them but nothing worked. We have only used the camera a totality of 25 times and it has never been dropped or banged around but it is putting garbage now and we can't seem to mould out why. The Sony site does NOT have a troubleshooting link to help figure this out and we pass by to put a dime into getting it repaiered since it really is not that good of a deal anyway. We do NOT push this camera to anyone. Do your research.

2008-05-19 | goodge (Illinois) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 2

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a hardly disappointed
The corporealization quality is good (just as any DV camera). Connecting the cables unswervingly 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 household, and you can even show recorded images on your tapes through as if it is a live image. The audio je sais quoi of the microfone rocks! (really really good) And it can also be used as USB microfone with the webcam.

Perhaps, I got saddened 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 fad.
- 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-operated is already charged. This is terrible when you are using the camera at home with the AC adapter: always remeber to slay the battery.
- Night vision is badly placed, so when you attach an extenal lens, the in consideration of is covered. Also, when not using an external lens, it only works when very close to the topic.

The last point i think is a general DV cams problem: don't waste your ready money with a 1GB or 512MB memory stick to store pictures. The picture property is terrible, it's only 0.3 megapixel (640x480). An old 64MB memory prick is enough, unless you want to store videos on it, but why you'll want to do that if you have DV tapes???

2007-03-02 (Fortaleza, CE, Brazil) | Helpful Votes: 6 | Rating: 3

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It's ok ... nothing valued. And the night vision is useless
I hardly bought this because my panasonic minidv broke (tape insert would not open). I prospect this would be cool, because of the built in night vision. However, this is a totally useless drawn in. It turns everything into black & white, and makes everyone's eyes look like big chalk-white dots like a deer staring into a headlight of the car. Certainly not a way you craving 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 star is useless. Overall, the camera records moview, so I guess it works select.

2007-01-30 | LS (NJ) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 3

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Fastidious Camcorder with Great Features
We replaced an older JVC miniDV camcorder with this one. I'm impressed with the Carl Zeiss Lens it comes with. It is tuneful 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 equal for what we're using it for. (Family movies).

2007-01-09 | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 5

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Sony DCR-HC26 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom

Details

• 2.5-inch squiffed-resolution touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD display rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles
• 1/6-inch CCD imager
• MiniDV recording size offers up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution

Description

Making acme-quality home videos has never been easier with the compact and stylish DCR-HC26 MiniDV Handycam® camcorder. An expandable 2.5" SwivelScreenâre far away from the action. Compact, stylish intent plot with brilliant video&sound Move in close with 20x Optical&800x Digital Zoom Execute like a pro w/ a Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® Lens Intelligibility&control w/2.5" SwivelScreen® Plus INFRARED System - low-light shooting Supplementary LCD Screen Controls - Zoom&record Color Viewfinder for utterly, colorful view of subjects 1/6" Advanced HAD® Vario-Tessar® Lens: An radical optical multi-layer coating that offers less glare and flare with increased Disparity, resulting in vivid image brilliance. 2.5" Touch Panel SwivelScreen® Bonus INFRARED System: Capture natural video when shooting in low light. Album subjects up to 20 feet away without the overall monochrome go red

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Customer Reviews

So gald I found this camcorder!
I am so delighted I found this camcorder! We bought this identical camera a couple of years ago, new. It was recently stolen from an outcome at my church. I still have the camera bag, cords and all my family tapes. We bought it because you can peg the camera up to your PC and transfer your tape to a DVD. I needed this camera in order to over the dozen or so tapes I had already recorded. Some of these tapes include family events and once in a lifetime trips. I wanted my camera back, and thanks to Amazon, I got it! This camera was virtually new and best of all, affordable!

2010-05-13 (St. George,, UT, US) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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widespread problems with copy door not working
Hi, I have had this for a connect of years but rarely use it. One day the door cassette door refused to seclude. I googled this problem and LOTS of Sonys have this problem, and Sony does not even direct this issue in the manual. I am afraid it is destined for the trash at this point, as it is not merit fixing. I really think Sony in general is not what it used to be. Stay to another place from this model.

2009-11-18 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 2

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Grotesque video quality
This video camera is so second-rate! Especially since Sony is usually pretty good. The quality of the video is unspeakable and lots like crap when you watch it on a large screen tv. I am also having problems with the battery-operated too. It doesn't seem to keep its charge more than 5mins!!! Stay away from this camera.

2009-09-04 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 2

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Horrible Until Video Head Malfunctioned
As warned, there is some flossy quality in bad lighting conditions and the colors are extra vibrant, but total this was an excellent video camera, especially for the low price of $280 (not assured why it seems to be much more on Amazon.com now). However, at just after a year, the video camera's chief malfunctioned, showing clear or grey horizontal lines across the shield. After doing everything the Sony technician recommended, including cleaning the head with a talent cleaner cassette, the head still gives me problems, especially at the start of taping (the captured video is root ruined). The cost of fixing it was close to the cost of getting another camera so I will have to find another video camera perfectly.

2009-07-09 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3

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Occupied to be a nice camera, Sony dropped support for VISTA!!!
A discriminative camera, worked well with XP, but Sony got cheap and dropped support for software drivers for USB use in VISTA. Sony tech frame continues their death spiral and is more or less worthless. More of the latest Sony "looks leading, works poorly" trend. Pity Apple does not lift a HAndyCam. Save your $$ and buy a Panasonic model. Better value, less ill support and it'll be more durable.

Astrobuf

2009-03-07 (St Paul, MN USA) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 1

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Sony DCR-HC28 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom

Details

• Wonderful SteadyShot image stabilization and NightShot Plus technology
• 2.5-inch come up to-panel SwivelScreen LCD monitor
• Carl Zeiss Vario- Tessar lens; 20x visual/800x digital zoom

Description

The Sony DCR-HC28 MiniDV HandyCam Camcorder delivers the right-wing mix of versatility and quality. Its compact and stylish design makes filming pictures easy and convenient. The a/6-inch CCD Imager provides stunning detail and limpidity, and the 20x optical and 800x digital zoom brings the action up close, with less distortion. Wonderful SteadyShot(R) compensates for camera-shake, while teh NightShot(R) system captures true to life video in the lowest light. The large 2.5-inch LCD blind lets you review your pictures and video to make sure it's the kindest. 20x optical, 800x digital zoom USB Streaming SteadyShot Figure Stabilization NightShot Plus for low-light filming - minimum of 0 lux Vehicle Exposure Modes - Beach & Ski, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Moral, Spotlight, Sunset & Moon Picture Effect Modes - Monotone, Antagonistic Art, Sepia, Polarize Fader Effects - Black, Mosaic, Monotone, Milky White Balance Modes - Auto, Indoor, One-press, Outdoor Aperture - f1.8-3.1 Focal Distance - 2.3-46mm Full Wander Auto and Manual Focus Built-in microphone USB and i.LINK(R) ports S-Video coupling Shutter Speeds - Auto, 1/60-1/4000 sec. (1/4000 in AE vogue) Supplied Software - Picture Package 1.5 Operating Systems - Windows Me, 2000 Pro, XP Nursing home and Pro Battery Type - InfoLithium(R) with AccuPower(TM) Meter system (NP-NF30) Freestyle Life - Up to 9 hours (viewfinder) or up to 8 hours (LCD) Dimensions - 2-5/8 x 3-1/8 x 4-1/2 inch (65 x 79 x 113 mm) Force - 14 ounces (420 grams) with tape & battery

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Customer Reviews

Bad buying conclusiveness
My video cam died and I needed something to fling my son's football games. This was a rushed purchase and a bad idea. It's a Sony...so it's not that it's a bad product, it's honest the the picture quality (resolution) is really bad. My fault for going penny-pinching??? Probably. But, be warned.
On different note, I bought a detached, non-Sony, battery as the battery supplied had miserable life...but that seems sadly usual for the batteries provided with camcorders from everyone, not just Sony.

2010-07-13 (San Diego, CA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 1

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Routine tape mechanism failure
The only percipience I gave it two stars instead of one is that I hear Sony may have fixed the problem in ones made after mid 2009. The record door won't close and, upon researching it on some support forum, I found what seemed like hundreds of populace having this same problem. Some were able to solve it using various methods (some by-the-enlist, some completely illegitimate), but it seemed like most people were stuck with a broken camera that Sony wants to assault to fix it more than what you will pay to buy it.

2009-12-29 (Scottsdale, AZ) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 2

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Supreme FOR A USED PRODUCT
I bought the DCR-HC28 occupied, through Amazon. I already own the exact same camcorder, purchased several years ago for nearly $400.00. This one was priced at $125.00. I needed a relocate one for my Paranormal Investigations and was looking for a bargain. And WHAT A BARGAIN I got!! The seller's produce description stated that it was "like new". I thought "yeah, I've heard that insist on before". I was thouroughly impressed and delighted when I opened the package. The camcorder was not only "like new", it looked as though it came as the crow flies out of the box. It works like a charm and includes the iLink cable (which I didn't own), a steed, battery, and carrying case. I immediately contacted the owner to let him recognize how pleased I was and that there ARE some honest people left in the world. Thank you, Amazon, for bringing me this most sterling camcorder at an incredible price.

2009-11-26 | Craig (Oakdale, CT USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Well-founded so far!
I sanctuary't used it much yet. I'm having a baby any day now so that will be the true test.

2009-01-06 | UCLA Diva (Los Angeles, CA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Im getting me this!
I have a hc21 camera that my son dropped and poor. I cant find that one any more, I assume this is the upgrade or the replacement in the line for that one. My hc21 was excellent for the video distinction I took. Mostly vacation vids and kids videos. I am not that much of a snob that I poverty to have the DVD type. I actually like this idea better because I admit I have not researched the dvd pattern recorders, but I know that DVD's always seem to get scratched around my house and if my only video was on the dvd and its scratched then your stuck proper? You don't have that problem with a tape. I was not thrilled with the mike in windy weather, but if I submersed it a bit it was better. Anyway this is only 99 bucks at circuit city and the batteries for my 'old' one fit it so I don't indigence to buy anything new. If this is as good as the other camera I had its way worth 99 bucks. Go get yourself one today like I will!

2008-08-21 | Mom on 2 wheels (Boston,Ma) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Sony DCRHC20 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

Details

• 10x visual zoom lens (digital zoom to 120x) with Super SteadyShot image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch rotating LCD and lowering-and-white viewfinder
• Low-silly recording settings, 12-Bit/16-Bit PCM digital stereo, and accessory shoe

Description

The Sony DCR-HC20 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder packs big features in a unpretentious package. It features a large 2.5" hybrid SwivelScreen LCD expose with touch panel controls, a high-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, NightShot Extra infrared recording system and USB streaming capabilities, all in a case that is 25% smaller than last years paragon. It even includes the innovative Easy Handycam button, which automates most functions and makes recording a click. Why settle for anything less than a Sony?

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Customer Reviews

Remarkable Little Camera
I've had this camera since Christmas of 2004, and it is still contemporary strong. I've thought about replacing it, but with the picture quality still good I clear against it. The only problem I ever had with it was the battery which i replaced last year. After using it for 5yrs it was expected for the freestyle to not last as long. Even though it uses casset tapes the picture is amazing. It has a teeny design that makes it easier to lug around. Overall I am very impressed with this Handycam and don't plan on replacing it until it breaks. Definantly got my monies advantage out of it.

2010-06-04 | prinsesblu2 (MI, USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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camcorder
I place of safety't really used the camera yet. The batteries are not keeping a charge but the camera will favourable to it's purpose and that is to transfer my tapes to DVD. I had to purchase a cord because it didn't understandable with one. When I asked the seller a question about the product after delivery, I never got a response.

2009-12-08 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3

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CAMCORDER GIVES Incorrect MESSAGE OF LENS COVER BEING CLOSED
WE ONLY Tempered to THIS CAMERA THREE TIMES....BOUGHT IT EXACLTY 3 YEARS AGO AND I TRIED TO USE IT THE OTHER DAY AND THE Sift APPEARS BLACK & A MESSAGE APPEARS SAYING "LENS Contain IS CLOSED" - WHICH IS NOT TRUE.

IT ONLY RECORDS AUDIO NOW AND YOU CANNOT SEE WHAT YOU ARE RECORDING - Pointless! FROM READING THE OTHER REVIEWS I REALIZE THAT SEVERAL OF US HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS PRODUCT - IT IS OBVIOULSY Improperly MANUFACTURED. WE HAD JUST PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY TOO BECAUSE THE ORIGINAL ONE WAS COMPLETELY Lifeless.

2007-07-27 | Designer | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 1

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Did its job until it short down
I bought this camcorder for its merge of feature and good value for price. I used it mainly for coupй track days, recording video from a suction mount and it performed well enough, returning good image and sound quality and acceptable mobile life. Features like the microphone input jack and the IR secluded control were precious in that usage model.
Unfortunately, the camcorder stopped working roughly after 3 years of light and careful use, camera still functional but no image. So much for Sony's notorious for quality and reliability.

2007-05-07 | ze_shark (USA/Switzerland) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 2

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Was giant - now can't record video only audio
We had this camera for about 1.5 years before it konked out. We can now only EP = 'extended play' audio. Every blue moon we'll get video for about a minute before it goes awful. My husband works in the film industry and this camera was meant to be second-hand at home for the kiddos and he spent hours researching video gear before he bought this product. I can't stand spending money fixing a camera that was $400 and from the looks of other reviewers, I won't be employment Sony for customer support.

2007-04-23 (Austin, TX) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 2

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Sony DCR-HC38 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom

Details

• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens; 40x visual/2000x digital zoom
• 2.5-inch have reference to-panel SwivelScreen LCD display
• 1/6-inch Forward looking HAD CCD imager

Description

CL) V4) SONY DCR-HC38 DV CAMCORDER

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Customer Reviews

Throw away
First I kept getting re-tip-in the tape messages, now it won't even load the tape. Also, it now keeps giving me re-affiliate power source messages. Have been very careful with it, it worked OK for about a year. This is my flawed Sony camcorder, it will be the last.

2010-02-28 | builder (Aspen, CO) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 1

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bad suffer
I had a bad observation with this camera. The mini dv "tape" got stuck in the camcorder and would not eject depiction it useless and too expensive to repair. I also found it cumbersome and extremely difficult to use with my Mac. I fair-minded purchased a Flip Mino HD which is much better suited to my needs...

2009-03-17 (Denver Colorado) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 2

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Horrific camera, bright videos.
i own this camera after upgrading from my first sony: a HC21. I like it a lot. It takes unequivocal outdoor videos, Indoors i have to turn on the "back light" features to get a vault settle pictures. Besides, i edit the video on pc. I love the firewire port for overwhelm video quality. I make my home video look like a profesional very recently with this non-profesional camera.
i have 2 extra batteries and an extra wall mare, for a serious amateur like me it is worthy ti get what i need. I dont want to run out-of power in the central of an event.
So far i am satisfied. I can also do color correction if need it. digital efects and titles, then i light in DVD.
I preffer Mini DV than HDD. In HDD every pause you do while recording, makes a thumbnail, when you transmittal the video you may get about 200 thumbnails in a 2 hour video. It takes a bother to drop every thumbnail in the storyboard for video editing.
But using firewire you get honest one thumbnail. altought it takes longer to transfer the video, you have to horse around it to transfer it, and it takes that long.

2008-08-20 | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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Sony DCR-HC38 Examination
Gigantic value, easy to use. Good quality video, can't beat the 40X and features. I would back this camcorder to anyone looking for a quality, easy to use product on a low budget. But don't be fooled by the value, this camcorder has a better quality picture than my JVC that I paid $700.00 for three years ago.

2008-03-30 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Loving terrible quality and compact size
This is my damaged Sony MiniDV camera (my dad dropped and broke my first one). It works great and provides gracious quality.

There are lots of great comments and reviews out there, and I won't repeat all that fiddle-faddle. Here are a few quick comments:

- It's small enough to fit in a belly-pack or fanny-store b quit. That means it's easy to bring along. Cameras left at home don't present very good results!

- I thought having the 40x optical zoom would be daunting. It is, but here's my caveat - it's virtually impossible to hand-hold the camera at full zoom and get a nice picture - even with the great image stabilization feature turned on. When you get last about 25x, you'll need a tripod or to brace the camera on a ledge or something.

- Night understanding (using an infra-red emitter to illuminate in total darkness) is a superior feature, which most people overlook.

Great stuff, as expected, from Sony!

2008-03-24 | metzmatt (Scottsdale, AZ) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Rugged CaseCrown Compact Camcorder Case with Shoulder Strap for the Sony DCR-HC36 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom

Details

• Without doubt attach shoulder strap to convert it into a shoulder slip bag
• Safety for the Sony DCR-HC36 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom
• Padded to minister to protection from scratches, dust, and mechanical damage

Description

The CaseCrown Close Camcorder Case with Shoulder Strap is the perfect carrying lawsuit for your recording device. Perfectly sized to hold your device and indispensable accessories such as batteries, tape, SD card, flash drive, etc. The hook strap in combination with the reinforced zipper securing system will make foolproof that your device is secure and safe from damage. The exterior offers an supplementary compartment and the interior offers a mesh pocket for extra storage for accesories. The bottom is pronged, sacrifice additional shock absorbing support and to set it upright. When on the go, snap on the unmandatory shoulder strap to make into the ultimate mobile sling bag! Correct for traveling, vacations, projects, home use, and everywhere else!

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