Sony DCR-HC26 Camcorder Reviewby James MurrayPublished on Feb 9, 2006 9:00 AM
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Comparison
Sony DCR-HC21
The Sony DCR-HC21 has many if not all of the same primary features which are found on this year’s HC26: the same vague menu structure with the even more vague manual control layout of sliding scales without numerical representation, the same inaccurate touch screen spot controls, and limited overall manual control. It does however also have the same responsive and accurate auto mode design which has continued into this year’s HC26. It has an identical CCD and the same 20x optical zoom with ludicrously large 800x digital capability. Last year’s HC21 and this years HC26 also share the same 2.5 inch, 123K pixel count LCD touch screen, which will result in shaky images and inaccurate settings when using spot controls. Still image controls are identical from last year to this year and users will find that both models record 640 x 480 stills to tape. The old HC21 does have a cold shoe, a feature which was eliminated with the release of this year’s HC26, along with a LANC jack, which has also been left behind. The HC21 has a slightly larger body than this year’s HC26, so if portability and size are important aspects, the HC26 may be a better option.
Panasonic PV-GS29
The Panasonic PV-GS29 comes with a CCD which is identical in size and pixel count to the one found on the DCR-HC26—a 680,000 pixel 1/6-inch CCD. It does manage to provide an even larger zoom lens with a maximum level of 30x when shooting with optical zoom only. With A/V composite-out and FireWire, the PV-GS29 does not have a USB-out, one blow for this camcorder in comparison to the HC26. Unfortunately like the HC26, this camcorder doesn’t have a Mic-in port. This camcorder comes with a 2.5-inch LCD screen which is similar in size, although thankfully it is not a touch screen interface. The joystick control design on the Panasonic is an immense improvement, allowing users to logically and easily navigate linear menu structures in a manner which the Sony menu layout can only dream of achieving.
The similarities between these two camcorders end here; the manual control design, layout, and control options are far superior on the PV-GS29. The PV-GS29 has numerical settings for the plethora of included manual control options. This camcorder offers control over manual exposure, aperture, shutter speed, white balance, and gain. If manual controls are essential to your shooting and you’re on a budget, the Panasonic MiniDV camcorder line should be a definite consideration, especially when placed up against the auto-centric controls and interface found with the Sony camcorders.
Canon ZR500
The Canon ZR500 has several problematic designs, including a non-extending viewfinder, lower quality construction, and the placement of controls on the frame surrounding the LCD screen, making it yet another camcorder which will shake when the user navigates menus and control options. The one feature which really separates this camcorder from the HC26 and the other camcorders in the comparison section of this review is the inclusion of a Mic-in port. This camcorder does have a slightly larger LCD at 2.7 inches, but the pixel count of 112,000 indicates that overall quality will be less when placed next to the HC26’s crisp, clean offering (at least it’s clean until the touch-screen is used). Its physical build is larger than the HC26’s and although slightly more slender, the camcorder is definitely taller with a longer body. If manual controls are essential, it would be wise to look beyond this model due to the lack of real options and the barely adequate video performance results. All of these detractions and sub-par performance results may be acceptable to the infrequent user, but consumers with more video experience will certainly want to direct their attention to the middle and upper tier models from these two manufacturers.
JVC GR-D350
Also equipped with a 1/6-inch 680,000 pixel CCD is the JVC GR-D350, to be released in 2006. It is another lower-priced camcorder seeking to expand the boundaries of optical zoom up to 32x. The GR-D350 has a slightly lower slated retail price of $300 MSRP while still having comparable features like a 2.5-inch LCD and a simple Auto mode option. Unlike the extensive offering of manual controls found with the Panasonic camcorders, the JVC GR-D350 has the same stunted offerings found with the Sony DCR-HC26. This camcorder has manual control settings for focus, exposure, and white balance. Although the inclusion of a headphone jack is one improvement over the HC26, JVC unfortunately did not equip this camcorder with a Mic-in port, which could have potentially separated this camcorder and the HC26 from the rest of the competition.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (8.0)
For point-and-shoot users, the Sony DCR-HC26 is certainly a logical camcorder to select. With bright, over-saturated colors and an Easy mode in addition to a standard auto mode, the possibility of being overwhelmed is less than likely. The touch screen interface takes some time to acclimate to, and this may be the only area of real detraction since there are some menu settings that this market may find useful.
Budget Consumers (6.0)
The budget consumer will definitely find this a compelling camcorder option, especially if automatic controls are important and manual access is a nominal or undesired parameter. The camcorder is slated to sell at $349 MSRP and will drop in price as the year progresses. However, better camcorders can be found at this price range.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (0.5)
Capturing 640 x 480 resolution still images to tape is the best that the Sony DCR-HC26 offers. If users are looking for hybrid options, the first thing to do would be to look for a camcorder with a memory card and settings for Red-eye reduction, an in-camera flash, and other features which would indicate at least a nominal degree of hybrid functionality.
Gadget Freaks (1.0)
There really aren’t features on the Sony DCR-HC26 to catch the eye of the gadget freak. It is a basic MiniDV camcorder with stripped-down manual controls and a touch screen interface that is bound to leave gadget freaks unsatisfied and hungering for something more.
Manual Control Freaks (3.0)
With control of focus, exposure, and white balance being the only manual control options, the touch screen control system adds insult to injury. If manual control options are wanted and price is a concern, camcorders provided by manufacturers like Panasonic will provide a more extensive list of options.
Pros/ Serious Hobbyists (2.0)
There really wouldn’t be a reason for the serious or pro hobbyist to turn to this camcorder; the touch screen interface, minimal manual controls, and basic system make the Sony DCR-HC26 an option for an entirely different section of the market.
Conclusion
The Sony DCR-HC26 is the budget model for those demanding ease of use above all other concerns. The picture quality in bright light is fair to poor, while the low light performance is downright bad. The HC21, this camcorder’s predecessor, was one of the lowest ranked models last year for good reason, and the HC26 is similar in almost every regard. Now, however, even options like a cold accessory shoe have been stripped away.
But Sonys endure, due to their ease of use and automatic controls. If you want a camcorder to learn on, look at Panasonic which will give you higher end options once you've learned to bike without training wheels. The lowest-end PV-GS29 offers comparable performance with the additions of vastly better manual controls. The lowest-end Canon ZR500 has a similar ease of use and richer video. Even though the Canon feels cheap, the inclusion on a mic-input outweighs any leanings we might have towards the Sony.
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