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

Average customer rating:

Did its job until it broke down
Was great - now can't record video only audio
Owned for 2 Years, It's Useless Now
Great camera
Not bad but it has since been discontinued...

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

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

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Sony WCS999 Wireless Camcorder Microphone for DCR-DVD101/201/301 & DCR-HC20/30/40/65/85
Sony VCLHA07A Wide Conversion Lens for Sony MiniDV & Hi8 Camcorders
Sony VCLHG0725 Wide Conversion Lens x0.7 for DCR-DVD101, 201, 301, 105, 205, 305, DCR-HC21, 32, 43, 26, 36 & 46 Camcorders
Lenmar LISP70 Rechargeable Battery Equivalent to Sony NP-FP70
Sony ECMCQP1 Wide Stereo Microphone for DCRHC20/30/40, DCRVX2100 & HDRFX1

Product Features:

Sleek, compact MiniDV camcorder and with a 680,000-pixel CCD
10x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 120x) with Super SteadyShot image stabilizer
2.5-inch rotating LCD and black-and-white viewfinder
Low-light recording settings, 12-Bit/16-Bit PCM digital stereo, and accessory shoe
NP-FM50 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery

ASIN: B0001BW0TC

Product Description

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

Customer Reviews:

Did its job until it broke down.......2007-05-07

I bought this camcorder for its blend of feature and good value for price. I used it mainly for auto track days, recording video from a suction mount and it performed adequately, returning good image and sound quality and acceptable battery life. Features like the microphone input jack and the IR remote control were precious in that usage model.
Unfortunately, the camcorder stopped working abruptly after 3 years of light and careful use, camera still functional but no image. So much for Sony's reputation for quality and reliability.

Was great - now can't record video only audio.......2007-04-23

We had this camera for about 1.5 years before it konked out. We can now only record audio. Every blue moon we'll get video for about a minute before it goes black. My husband works in the film industry and this camera was meant to be used at home for the kiddos and he spent hours researching video equipment 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 calling Sony for customer support.

Owned for 2 Years, It's Useless Now.......2007-03-13

Enjoyed it while it was working.
In December 2004, I purchased this Sony DCR-HC20 brand new from Best Buy. Less than average use, only the occasional weekend stuff and twice a year vacation. Always exercised great care in handling and kept it in a protected carrying case when not in use.

Within the first year after purchase, the touch-screen and side button controls began to lose function intermittently and a false error message began appearing saying the cover was not open. I sent the unit to the Sony center and was charged $257 for repair of the unit (labor only, parts were included within the 1-year warranty period).

Last week, attempted to capture some video to computer, and discovered the DV i.Link feature was no longer functioning. I tried other cables and a different device to no avail.

Finally, two days ago the unit's cassette mechanism failed and the unit no longer accepts cassettes. It sends the infamous C:31:40 error message (do a google). I tried resetting it, removing and replacing the battery, different cassettes. No dice. The unit is effectively useless at this point. The DV i.Link function is inoperable, the false error message about the open cover still appears, and the unit no longer accepts cassettes.

Bottom Line:

Paid $400 to purchase this product brand new plus another $257 for repair less than a year later. Within two years of purchase, the unit is essentially worthless.

Great camera.......2006-07-14

Someone complained about the battery draining. My battery isn't draining and works great. The only two negatives I can find is that the picture stabalization feature doesn't appear to work and all of the manual controls are on the lcd screen so they're hard to use without shaking the camera some.

Someone else said that it's not good to tocuh an LCD screen. This isn't a big deal. There is some kind of coating on the LCD so you aren't really touching the screen directly and you can clean screens.

Yes, this camera has an external microphone jack! The built in stereo micrphones are surprisingly good. They must have some sort of active noise cancelation built in.

The 7 second "delay" when taking a still photo: the photo is taken immediately and then copied onto the frames of the other seconds. You also get audio to go with the still.

Not bad but it has since been discontinued..........2005-04-19

Just got this at the Sony Outlet at an amazing price (they wanted to get rid of this model)for $280. The outlet only sells "refurbished" items so I was kinda nervous in purchasing this from them. I got the $20 3-yr repair plan (do not bother with the replacement plan! AON Risk is the carrier and they are a hassle) just to cover myself. There were a few tiny scuff marks on the refurbed HC20 but other than that nothing else. I tested it extensively and it works like a charm.

The picture is ultra crisp in daylight. At night time well, its not as good. But I mean its not horrible but its not the greatest (other MiniDV Cams can do better). The size of this cam is awesome, very lightweight and easy to tote around. The touch LCD screen may take some getting use to but it works well. Just don't push on it too hard!

Sound wise? Well there is a slight buzzing sound that can be picked up by the mic. When you are shooting a quiet scene you'll hear it so... The Canon ZR-100 is even louder! I returned that one for various things. Other than that it picks up sound well.

Optical zoom? Here's the downfall of this cam. 10x is pretty sad but it really all depends on what you are using this cam for. Me? I don't need a high optical zoom but today's model come with 20x standard. Who cares about digital zoom, what a waste!

I use the iLink / Firewire to import video to my iMac G5. Works like a charm. BUT this model you CAN NOT transfer VHS to MiniDV. That's a drag. I have another Sony Digital 8 TRV-520 that can do this - import VHS footage to digital. That cam has since been used just for that. Its actually a pretty good cam but the Digital 8 format is slowly being phased out. Plus its a monster to lug around.

Overall i am happy with this. If you are a gadget freek or someone that films 24-7 do not even look at this model. This is for people on a budget and just want a point and shoot MiniDV.

Actually this model is no longer being sold. The HC21 took its place and has the 20x optical zoom. If you are in the market for an affordable MiniDV cam look at the HC21. OR if you find a refurbished HC20 mine as well get it (Only if its from the Sony Outlet!!!!)

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Electronics