Sony DCR-HC46 Camcorder Reviewby John NeelyPublished on Jun 18, 2006 1:00 PM
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Audio (2.5)
Audio recording options on the Sony DCR-HC46 are extremely limited – the camcorder has an onboard stereo microphone and an audio dub feature, but nothing beyond that. This limitation a by-product of Sony’s relentless pursuit of a broad consumer market that wants shooting video to be a simple, no-fuss affair. In limiting audio input options on its mid-range camcorders, Sony is not alone. Panasonic’s PV-GS39 and JVC’s GR-D650 are similarly constrained, while the step-up HC96 adds a hot accessory shoe that is compatible only with Sony’s own microphones. Among camcorders mentioned in this review, only the Elura 100 boasts a mini microphone jack which opens up a universe of microphone options, from wireless clip-on mics to shotguns capable of gathering sound at a great distance.
Many consumers would not make use of a microphone input if Sony had built one onto the HC46: adding a microphone to a shoot adds complexity to the endeavor, and most people believe that it’s the picture that determines whether a video succeeds. In fact, researchers have shown that sound is more important than image because language conveys so much meaning. When you consider that small built-in mics can only capture decent sound under optimal conditions (positioned close to the sound source in a quiet setting) the sound gathering limitations of the HC46 and many other camcorders become clear.
That said, the HC46 provides a few audio options in its menu. Users can record audio in two modes:12 bit stereo, and better quality16 bit mono. Choosing your audio mode should be determined by what kind of audio post-production – if any – you intend for your footage.
The DCR-HC46 does include some on-camera editing capabilities, including audio dubbing during VCR playback mode. If you intend to add sound to your footage in-camera, you will need to select 12 bit audio – the dub feature cannot be applied to 16 bit audio. The dubbing feature is a cool addition, and even allows for basic level adjustments to the two audio tracks, but it’s a primitive audio editing tool. Adding insult to injury, the only audio monitoring option you have is the small built-in speaker behind the LCD screen. If you buy the HC46 and want to work on your audio, any non-linear editing software will be far superior to the camcorder’s primitive on-camera audio editing options.
VCR Mode (6.0)
Sony calls its VCR function Play/Edit Mode – something that may be confusing to users the first time they want to play back a tape. Turning the mode dial clockwise twice from Camera mode enters Play/Edit mode, in which familiar VCR icons for stop, rewind, play, and fast forward line the bottom of the touch screen. It is possible to zoom into footage up to 5x as it plays back and to pan around the video image by touching different parts. This is certainly a cool feature; it might be useful if you need to review footage during a shoot and don’t have the luxury of a large monitor.
If you are not using Playback in Easy mode (which oddly enlarges the VCR buttons to conceal much of the image), a menu button offers some additional functionality. Variable Speed Playback is a useful mode: it adds buttons for 2x , slow rewind, and forward speeds, as well as frame advance, to the LCD interface. Unfortunately, these buttons take up more screen real estate, and cover nearly half of the image when in use. The HC46 includes additional VCR/Edit functions, such as an on-screen display of record buttons, an Audio over dub function, and End Search, which shuttles the tape forward to the next gap in recorded video. Playback volume is another option accessed through the menu. This commonly used function would have been more useful if it were more accessible from the camcorder body.
Ports (4.5)
There are four ports on the body of the Sony DCR-HC46 (DC In, A/V, Memory Stick Duo Pro) and the docking station port) and four on the docking station (DC In, A/V, USB and Firewire). The location of DC In and A/V ports on both the camcorder body and the docking station offers some flexibility in terms of how those ports are used. On the right side of the camcorder body, the A/V port cover is located just in front of the MiniDV tape compartment. The cover itself is made of unusually tough plastic and connected to the body by a four-piece connector. While a seemingly minor detail, durable port covers are a nice touch because they suffer from lots of wear and tear and are prone to breakage. The DC in port is at the back of the camcorder and is protected by port cover made of the same durable plastic. This location makes it possible to switch between battery power and DC power without interrupting the shot. The MemoryStick Duo Pro slot is inside the LCD cavity, so swapping out the card does require that the LCD be open. The port connecting the camcorder to its docking station is located on the underside of the body and cannot be used when the HC46 is mounted on a tripod.
The AV port, located on the camcorder's front right side (left), and the ports of the HC46's base (right), which includes:
USB, DV, DC power, and AV out.
The Docking Station is made of seemingly flimsy plastic and has ports for DC In, A/V, USB and Firewire. It is intended to save users from the hassle of unplugging multiple connectors from the camcorder. Some users will sure appreciate the dock because it does indeed enable rapid deployment of the HC46 – but it is another item to lose, and reduces the camcorder’s portability. Some users may also find it annoying that they cannot access essential ports like USB and Firewire cannot be accessed while the camcorder is affixed to a tripod. For those users who appreciate having all ports on the camcorder body, Sony should have retained USB and Firewire ports on the HC46. While complete redundancy in ports between camcorder body and docking station may seem wasteful, it would allow people to choose between the differing conveniences of a docking station and an all-in-one design.
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