Sony DCR-HC36 Camcorder Reviewby David KenderPublished on May 5, 2006 12:00 PM
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Sony DCR-HC26
The Sony DCR-HC26 is the lowest priced MiniDV camcorder produced by Sony this year and, although it offers fewer features, it does provide a compelling argument for some budget users. Major features not present on this $299 camcorder include the Tele Macro function, the Super NightShot Plus Infrared System, and the still image capture. The DCR-HC26 has the same 1/6th inch, 680K CCD, a 20x optical zoom, 123,200 pixel 2.5 inch LCD screen, camcorder body and physical design, and video recording to 6.35 mm MiniDV as the DCR-HC36 (Review, Specs, $309). While some users may find the hybrid abilities an incentive, the quality of 640 x 480 still image resolution is hardly stunning. If the marginal step-up features aren’t necessary, the DCR-HC26 can provide the Sony structure, layout and simplicity while saving the consumer a hundred dollars that can be applied towards a few years’ supply of MiniDV tape.
Sony DCR-HC46
With a slightly larger 1/5.5 inch CCD than the HC36, the HC46 has only 12x optical zoom. In addition to the enlarged imager, the HC46 provides16:9 formatting via the 2.7 inch LCD widescreen display. The camcorder body has a similar design, and users will find the same layout for microphone, zoom, tape compartment, and extendable electronic color viewfinder. This camcorder comes with the somewhat ironically named “Handycam” station that, while intended to expedite the camcorder connecting process, just tended to cause frustration and obscenities around the office. The HC36 also has still image capture abilities and improves upon the barebones resolution of the DCR-HC36 by providing a maximum resolution of 1152 x 864. Retailing for $500, this model T may be worth a second look for point-and-shoot users with a bit more of a budget. The improvement in image quality alone is worth the price.
JVC GR-D396
This model by JVC is has an MSRP of $380 but is currently being found online at a $499.95. It comes with a 1/6 inch, 680K CCD and an ultra-zoom level of 32x optical zoom which, while larger than the Sony DCR-HC36, will also inevitably show more camera shake. This camcorder has an electronic color viewfinder and a comparable 2.5 inch LCD screen to that of the Sony DCR-HC36. Manual focus settings include focus, exposure, iris, shutter, and white balance, thus making this camcorder a more tempting option for the budget manual control user. It doesn’t have a mic-in port or headphone jack, however, making its limited audio options similar to the paltry offerings of the DCR-HC36. The D396 positions manual controls within the LCD cavity, which can be just as aggravating as touch screen controls.. Look for a full review of this camcorder soon. In the meantime, our money is on the JVC. Their lower-end line should not be underestimated.
Canon Elura 100 (Specs, $379.19)
Users will find that this Canon, with an initial $399 retail price identical to the HC36’s, provides a compelling argument as an alternate purchase. Similar to the DCR-HC36 in some ways, this Canon has 20x optical zoom and electronic image stabilization. Improvements include the Elura 100’s larger 1/5th inch CCD with 880K effective pixels and control over focus, exposure, shutter speed, and white balance and a 2.7 inch LCD with wide-screen display. This camcorder also uses the SD memory card format instead of the Sony proprietary media found with the DCR-HC36. Benefits continue into the audio area of the Elura 100, thanks to the inclusion of a mic in port and analog-to-digital pass-through capabilities. One major detraction is the terribly designed and nearly useless electronic color viewfinder. But with superior image quality and more input/output options, the Elura is clearly the winner in this competition.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (8.0)
For the point-and-shoot user looking for a stripped down, auto-control friendly MiniDV camcorder, the DCR-HC36 is a reasonable choice. Its hybrid functionality is the primary component which will set this $400 model apart from the less expensive, video only, HC26.
Budget Consumers (6.0)
The DCR-HC36 retails for around $400 and is inexpensively priced. Its still image capture option sets it apart from lower priced models like the ZR500 (Review, Specs, $224.8) by Canon.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (3.0)
For the hybrid user, this camcorder is the barebones starter model that’s adequate for those less concerned with quality of still images. For greater flexibility and more options, be prepared to shell out more money.
Gadget Freaks (1.0)
This simple and basic MiniDV camcorder does not provide a compelling target for gadget freaks.
Manual Control Freaks (3.0)
With minimal manual controls that depend on the awkward and small LCD screen, the DCR-HC36 is not a recommended camcorder for manual control enthusiasts. Panasonic or Canon camcorders provide better manual control for nearly the same price.
Pros/ Serious Hobbyists (2.0)
This auto-friendly camcorder with minimal hybrid functionality is hardly a model for the pro or serious hobbyist, who will demand a logical interface, concise and complete manual control, and an imager that will provide crisp and accurate video quality.
Conclusion
In the end, the question of a camcorder’s merit often comes down to the wallet . At $400, what is the HC36 offering? Modest video performance, decent low light performance, great ease of use, terrible manual controls, and effective handling have all been nearly wrapped in a cheap body. If $400 is a major investment (and of course it is for a large segment of the population), the Canon Elura 100 has a lot more to offer at the same price. If Sony is your bag, the HC26 is $50 less, with the very minor loss of still captures to a MemoryStick. These stills are so small (640 x 480) that even the cheapest point and shoot digital camera captures at over 12x that resolution. You wouldn’t want to stick a 640 x 480 still in your scrapbook, believe us.
Sony has a good thing going for the non-techie portion of the population, but this particular camcorder is not the best deal. Shop around and compare. You’ll see that the under $500 has a lot of compelling choices--and you’ll likely want to steer clear of this one.
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