Sony DCR-HC52 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom by Sony
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Digital camera reviews of Sony DCR-HC52 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom
Digital camera Review: Nice camera NO USB
Summary: 1 Stars
I bought this camera, comes with Windows Computer edit software, but guess what? I does not have an USB port, I learn that the manual I checked was also for the DCR-HC54 which has USB, but this cam has not. Now I should pay expensive hardware in order to get to see my videos on computer.
I will not recommend this stuf, I whish I could change it!!
:(
Digital camera Review: Not recognized by computer (Firewire)
Summary: 1 Stars
I received this camera as a gift. It works fine to capture video. However, it is not recognized by the computer, so I cannot edit the images.
Yes, I connected it to the computer via Firewire and yes, I used a video capture software (tried IMovie and Final Cut on Mac, Movie Maker on Windows). None of these programs recognized the camera.
The Firewire port seems to be working, since the "DV in" info appears on the camera display when it is connected. However, the computer does not recognize the device ever. It is not possible either to transfer video from the computer to the camera (record).
Since no one else seems to have had this same problem, I believe it should be a defect of my camera. However, it is very frustrating. The camera becomes practically useless, and to fix it would probably cost more than buying a new one anyway.
Digital camera Review: Ok but not great
Summary: 2 Stars
This camera is just ok. I wish I had spent a bit more money to get something that would have had more bells and whistles. Also another reason for a bad review is that Sony has misinformation on their website about this camera. The Sony website links to a USB cable for this model of camera, and they have a USB cable for sale. BUT DON'T ORDER IT because it won't work. You can NOT use USB with this camera. The returns process for Sony is convoluted, and they won't credit shipping charges even when it is their mistake! They don't readily provide a customer service number on their .com site. Also, the user manual is lacking in information about the camera and misses several ideas for troubleshooting. It is also a noisy camera and has to be charged for every 2 hours of use. I have never purchased a Sony device before... if this is typical for Sony (misinformation on their website and a mediocre user manual), I won't again.Digital camera Review: Poor Quality in LP
Summary: 3 Stars
I purchased this camera for our first cruise. I am editing the video in iMovie and displaying it via my AppleTV on a 720p HDTV.
The video quality is poor when set to the LP mode, which I used for the extra time. Most of us know from the VCR days that longer modes have poorer video quality, but the poor quality was quite surprising. Lots of jagged edges and poor color saturation plague this camera. Even with the understanding that this is an entry level camera, this picture quality still looks poor to me. To be fair, some of this poor quality is also due to iMovie's implementation of stabilization, which zooms in on the video to increase stability. Unstabilized video looks ok, but it still isn't great.
If relatively poor video is ok with you...
This camera is lightweight, sips battery, and is small. It fits perfectly in one hand. The touch screen is a nice-to-have, but not a requirement. It does reduce the number of physical buttons, which is nice. I bought a larger extra battery, which adds some weight, but is well worth the price for the extra time.
The default settings use image stabilization. Even so, be careful of using the zoom. Things can get shaky very quickly when zoomed in. Luckily iMovie can do some stabilization.
This camera is great for those who just want to pop in a tape and start recording. It is definetly for the quick-starter types who don't read the manual. The price is great, but if you want DVD quality video, look elsewhere.
Digital camera Review: Reason for no Firewire cable
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a great beginner camera, and has some higher level features at an entry level price. It has a great picture and fine sound. The major complaint made in the reviews I've read was that there was no firewire cable included. Of course Sony likes to sell their proprietary iLink which is their name for the ieee 1394 cable. The reason I believe it's not included, is because they don't know which cable to include. If you have a laptop with built in firewire, you will probably need a 4 pin-4pin, if you have a PCI card in your desktop, you will probably need a 4 pin-6pin. Then there is the question of length, 3', 4',6'.etc. Everyone's needs are different so it's best to order the cable separately. Cables run from 5.00 - $45.00 so a good online search is recommended.
Some fault the camera for not haveing a still capture, but most of the camcorders that do have them are such low quality poor resolution that they are worthless. I use a separate digital camera of my choice for that.
My disapointment with it is that is does not provide a bridge between analog devices and my computer. For the price, I can live with it and just buy a bridge. I do miss my old camcorder but it cost about $2,000 when I bought it and this little camera has most (but not all) of the features I used.
For computer editing, I was able to connect and capture and edit using Nero 7, U-Lead Visual Studio 8 and Windows movie maker.
I would recommend this to a friend.