Sony DCR-HC26 Camcorder Review

by James Murray
Published on Feb 9, 2006 9:00 AM

 
Intro Performance
Format Tour
Auto/Manual Controls Still Features
Handling and Use
Audio/Playback/Connectivity
Other Features Comparisons/Conclusion
Specs/Ratings


Audio (2.5)
Audio control for the Sony DCR-HC26 is limited to the in-camera stereo microphone placed near the base of the camcorder’s front face. There is no audio input jack. The in-camera microphone allows users to select whether the camera records in either 12 bit or 16 bit recording modes through a submenu located within the administrative menu’s Tape Set submenu. It is also possible to dub audio once the camcorder has already captured video footage, a process which is activated by entering the camcorder into playback mode. Once in playback mode, the user must enter Page 3 of the Function menu and select the A Dub Ctrl menu setting. Once open, users will find that they are able to press Audio Dub, Play, Pause, and Stop when engaging this feature.

Also in playback, users may choose to increase playback volume levels by selecting the Vol control within Page 1 of the Function Menu. Users looking to purchase an inexpensive camcorder with a Mic port may wish to look at the Canon ZR500, a camcorder which although plagued with its own low-cost construction problems, at least allows users to engage an external microphone. There is an A/V-out jack located on the right side of the DCR-HC26 and theoretically could allow for headphone playback, although this would involve a series of additional cables, adapters or other interface devices which will lead to diminished audio quality. While this diminished audio quality won’t affect the audio recorded to tape, it will result in inaccurate monitoring of levels, signal, and noise.

VCR Mode (6.0)
When switched into VCR Mode, the Sony DCR-HC26 will immediately display the following controls along the bottom of the LCD screen: stop, rewind, play/pause, fast forward, and FN for Function Menu. These controls are standard options for reviewing MiniDV tape and allow users to navigate their footage with a linear format, which DVD camcorders have done away with in favor of a database thumbnail structure.

These controls are all activated via the touch screen interface and work with surprising efficiency. Playback audio may be heard through the speaker located in the cavity covered by the LCD screen when closed. Although it is possible to watch already recorded footage through the viewfinder, it isn’t possible to actually control playback unless the LCD is open.

The Function Menu in playback mode is structured the same way as the Function Menu in Shooting mode, but of course with different setting options. The first page displays the playback controls shown in the standard menu along with control over volume levels, end search, menu, and display guide submenus. These submenus appear as text descriptions inside of boxes which the user may interact with via the touch screen. The second page of the Function Menu allows access to the data code settings, LCD Brightness, Burn DVD, and Burn VCD. The last two options are only available to owners of Sony Vaio computers with preinstalled with Click to DVD Ver.1.2 or a later version, via the i.LINK (FireWire) cable. At the bottom of this menu page users will find that the VCR controls are still provided.

And finally the third playback menu page allows access to settings for variable speed play control tape navigation, audio dubbing control, and record control for when recording via another playback device. The administrative menu provides access to HiFi Sound, Audio Mix, LCD color, Wide Display, Rec Mode, Tape Remain, Clock Set, USB Stream, Language, World time, Beep, and Disp Out controls. This administrative menu is also structured to mirror the one users will engage when in the shooting mode.

 

Ports (4.5)
There are four ports located on the Sony DCR-HC26: three beneath a well designed port cover on the right side of the camcorder, and a power jack around back. The USB, FireWire-In/Out, and A/V-out ports are positioned with a comfortable amount of room between each one to allow access without unplugging other cables. On the back of the camcorder is a second port location next to the battery a for DC-in power, allowing the user to continue shooting even when switching from battery to outlet power. Other camcorders, like the PV-GS39 by Panasonic, place this port under the battery, forcing users to turn the camcorder off and back on when switching from battery to wall power. The HC26 has seen a substantial cut-back in ports since last year, when the HC21 offered a LANC jack as well as a cold accessory shoe.







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