3 Megapixel Image - 2.1 Megapixel Video - 10x Optical Zoom - 120x Digital Zoom - Electronic IS - MPN: DCRHC96
Strengths: Compact size, touch screen LCD, good quality video
Weakness: low night performance not up to expectation, only 10X zoom
I've done a lot of research on a camcorder that would do well indoor at low night, so I was excited about this camcorder since I've read a lot of good reviews on the old model (HC90) that this one replaces. Most reviewers said this is camcorder is one of the best camcorder for low night. However, I'm disappointed about the low night performance. It's marginally acceptable. My 12-year-old Sony Hi8mm camcorder has a better low light performance than this camcorder.
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TopI agree. I have an old hi8 Sony that blows this camcorder away in low light situations. I don't understand why reviewers are saying the HC90/96 is so good in low light. My 10 year old camera can see things perfectly in low-light when all this piece of junk shows is grey. If you are buying this camcorder for its low light performance, you might be disappointed.
Strengths: Ltwt. Good optics. Nice screen.
Weakness: Firewire/USB/AV outputs on cam station and not on camera.
Generic battery either defective or not compatible but ibuydigital.com replaced it with an OEM battery for free. InfoLithium battery charge can be monitored on screen and aid in managing video production. Beware of accessories listing to make sure filter/lens sizes are compatible. Not all similar items from different webstores have the same components. My lens combo didn't have a step-up adapter ring which was listed as included on another webstore page and the lens sizes were incorrect. The webstore updated the proper sizes after my email to them. Zoom function on the camcorder is very sensitive and fast. Still photo function slow compared to dedicated digital camera but I am not planning to use it much. Great color. Might be too small for people with very large hands. Memory Pro Stick a little tricky to eject. This is my third camcorder and the best by far. Buy the older DCR-HC90(essentially the same) if you don't want to deal with the cam station or external battery. Technically a highly recommended digital camcorder.
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TopStrengths: Light weight,Zoom,Compact,Clarity-3.3 MP,Good video quality, widescreen,memory stick duo
Weakness: low light performance,battery charge
Overall I would recommend this camcorder.Excellent value for the price offered.The video quality is very good but the low light performance is not that worth speaking.
You can take still pictures and store them in memory stick duo.The camcorder is compact and the ease of use is amazing.
The docking station might be a hassle,kind of an extra attachment.Could have given a better zoom like 15X or 20X. Battery life is just horrible.You do need a backup one.
This is the just the right one for a beginner with great features which makes video recording more enjoyable.
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TopStrengths: 3.3 Mega pixel, widescreen 16:9, usb, Input/Output Connectors, Docking Station
Weakness: No Neck Strap included. Poor Battery life
This is a great camcorder with all the features included. It has all the input/output connectors including usb,s-video and mic. Touchscreen menu navigation (allthough not very user friendly). Great Movie and picture quality. Not to mention records movie into a memory stick duo.
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TopStrengths: indoor quality low light colors and sharpness one button easy touch for simple ready to go recording smallest and lightest out there.
Weakness: how many menu items do you really need? no strap included to hang around neck,do you trust velco? can only charge battery on camer? what's up with that? you simply must buy "extra" charger
I have always used sony cameras for video. this is a nice unit that is built for small hands and long fingers. price i paid was 700 with free shipping.(sony style)18 months free finance was reason i overpaid.
fairly easy to use but you gotta delete so many items to have a quick menu, shouldn't the fader be on the side and not after a menu search?
if you want to use 3mg still camera you gotta buy memory it is not internal or included.
bottom line is that it takes great video in low light and crisp clear colors on bright sunny days as well!
buy extra batteries.
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TopStrengths: Very large light sensor. Great Carl Zeiss T* lens. Vibrant colors. Ease of use.
Weakness: Touchscreen is very easy to use but needs cleaning once in a while.
I bought this camcorder from Butterflyphoto and received it in 2 days.
I was called after ordering the product. I was asked to buy extended warranty, but when I turned it down, my order was in process quickly.
After all, I am very happy with this camcorder, and I would recomment this to anyone who likes to make a lot of indoor shooting.
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TopStrengths: very strong low-light performance, good video recording quality, easy control, CCD is good
Weakness: it is not convenient to carry the handycam station
This is a very decent camcorder for the family use. It is pricy but it deserves. IT has great video performance, color quality. The cons are the station which is kind of negative thing for the sony
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TopStrengths: Low-light video, widescreen lcd.
Weakness: LCD gets fingerprints.
This is a great video camera. Great video, especially in low light, which is usually one of the major downfall of camcorders. It also has a very nice widescreen LCD, although you will need to clean it of fingerprints once in awhile.
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Video is Good according to 10 Camcorder experts. -- "The DCR-HC96s 3-megapixel images look sharp and detailed, with accurate color reproduction and a low level of noise."-reviews.cnet.com -- "Reported colors were bright and strong."-easycamcorders.com -- "The Sonys video quality was impressive, too."-pcworld.com Read more to find expert opinions on more features like Optics, Battery, Interface,...
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Testseek.com has collected 13 expert reviews for Sony DCR-HC96 and the average expert rating is 75 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use Testseek.com to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions.
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The Sony DCR-HC96 Handycam is a MiniDV camcorder that performs well and provides impressive still-image quality. Nice features like a touch-screen LCD and an accessory shoe make it more attractive.
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The DCR-HC96 is Sony's flagship consumer MiniDV cam this year, and by the looks of it, Sony has all but given up innovation in this medium. The HC96 is the same camcorder as last year's HC90, with most ports relocated from the body to a Handycam station (causing some to swoon, others to cringe). Hey, we liked the HC90, but improving product is the name of the game. Will Sony make us happy again?
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Very Good Camcorder
Strengths: Zoom is very good, Light weight.
Weakness: You have to buy another battery.
This is really nice camcorder to own. Light weight and powerful. You can save your images to Memory Stick Duo as well as to Mini Dv. But for long time usage, you need to buy another battery.
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