Sony DCR-HC21 Camcorder Review

Ease of Use (9.0)
Sony camcorders have become the Kodaks of the camcorder world. They market these models to camcorder users who are not familiar with concepts like shutter speed, aperture, and maybe even manual focus. The camcorders have rounded edges, both literally and figuratively - they're designed so you can do no harm with these models. Features like the ease of use button, the spot metering and spot focus, and the general lack of manual options on the DCR-HC21 make it very easy and uncomplicated to use; however, the downside is that you are very limited in what you can do with the camcorder beyond point and shoot.

 Handling (7.0)
The DCR-HC21 handles pretty well. It is certainly a portable camcorder, and with all of the important ports located on the camcorder itself (as opposed to a docking station) it is a good travel camcorder. The strap is also very easy to adjust, though it may irritate the outside of the index knuckle. One other complaint has more to do with personal preference; I had to control the camcorder’s zoom with my index. The DCR-HC21’s designed for middle finger zoom control and index finger photo control. Although it’s possible to use one’s index finger for the zoom control, it feels unnatural.

Portability (8.0)
The DCR-HC21 is very portable. A good travel camcorder, it has all the necessary ports located directly on the camcorder, as well as a built-in lens cover. The camcorder can also be used with a battery or with a power cord; other camcorders use battery power only.

LCD/Viewfinder (9.0)
The DCR-HC21 features a 2.5 inch (6.2 cm)LCD screen, with a 123, 200 pixel count (560 x 220). It also includes a black and white viewfinder, which may be a nice change in some instances, though it is measured as an example of a ‘lack of technological advancement’ by many. Sony’s LCD screens have often be lauded as being the best in the industry as they don’t solarize when viewed from an angle like so many others before them. This is true with the DCR-HC21’s screen as well.

 Battery Life (10.5)
The DCR-HC21 includes a NP-FP30 InfoLithium Battery. To charge the battery, the user must use the camcorder as a charging device, plugging both the camcorder and battery into an external power supply. When properly charging, a yellow/orange indicator bulb lights next to the upper right corner of the LCD screen. When recording with the LCD screen open and without using the zoom toggle, the DCR-HC21 recorded for approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes, and 10 seconds. This is slightly more than was specified in the written material that accompanied the camcorder. Nice.