Sony DCR-HC46 Camcorder Review

The most obvious technical distinction between these camcorders is in CCD size. The HC46 chip is slightly larger at 1/5.5 vs. 1/6 for the HC36, and does yield a noticeably sharper image. However the HC46 suffers from blotchy blue noise that will serve as a disincentive for some buyers. Due to its different optical mechanism, the HC46 also has less optical zoom power:1 2x vs. 20x. The HC46 does add a 16:9 formatting option and has a larger 2.7 inch LCD to accommodate widescreen display. Stepping down from the HC46 gets you a camcorder with all ports on-board, and on balance, we prefer the all-in-one model. Both camcorders record still pictures, but the HC46 produces images with nearly three times the pixel count of the HC36. Judging which of these two camcorders is the best buy is difficult, but if widescreen, still capabilities and video sharpness are important considerations, the DCR-HC46 has a winning edge.

Sony DCR-HC96
The price jump between Sony’s DRC-HC46 and its step up cousin is startling – the HC96 has an MSRP of $800, $300 higher than the HC46. The differences start with the HC96’s much larger CCD, 1/3” vs. 1/5.5” for the HC46. This larger chip yields better video performance, especially in low light. The HC96 also has much improved still photo capabilities: 3 MP vs. only 1 MP for the HC46. A hot shoe on the HC96 will accommodate only Sony accessories, including microphones – a universal mini mic jack such as the one on the Canon Elura 100 would have been better. In its favor, the HC46 has a slightly better zoom (12x vs. 10x) and is a bit smaller and lighter. Is the extra $300 worth it? We think not. For $100 less than the HC96, the Panasonic PV-GS300 provides a universal mic jack and additional manual controls. All in all, the HC46 is a better value than its pricier cousin.

Panasonic PV-GS59
At a significantly lower price of $379, the Panasonic PV-GS59 offers stiff competition for Sony’s DCR-HC46. While the Panasonic does have a smaller imager, at 1/6” vs. 1/5.5”, it shoots in both 16:9 and 4:3 like the Sony. It also boasts a whopping 30x optical zoom that trounces the HC46’s 12x. In the Sony’s favor, it has NightShot and is a very easy camcorder to use. In this race, it’s tough to get around the $120 price differential between these two camcorders ,so the PV-GS59 gets our vote.

JVC GR-D650
JVC GR-D650 packs a lot of features into this surprisingly affordable camcorder. At a mere $399 compared to the $500 price tag of the Sony HC46, the JVC is worth a close look. The JVC’s imager is larger at 1/5”; when combined with 3-D noise reduction and an F1.2 lens, it provides overall video performance that beats the HC46’s handily. The JVC takes marginally larger stills, functions as a web cam, has a better zoom at 15x, sports manual shutter speed adjustments, and ships with a remote control. In most other respects the camcorders are similar, though the Sony’s LCD is larger (2.7” vs. 2.5”), it has NightShot, and it wins on ease-of-use. It it’s hard to argue with the D650’s plethora of features and impressive light gathering capabilities. Once again, the HC46 comes up short.

Canon Elura 100
The DCR-HC46 encounters similar problems when compared to the Canon Elura 100, one of this year’s most impressive consumer camcorders. At an MSRP of $399 (matching the JVC GR-D650’s price), Canon has produced a camcorder that boasts excellent video performance. The HC46 bests the Canon in a few areas, notably in ease of use, handling and battery expandability, but as a package, it falls short. The Elura’s imager is larger (1/5” vs. 1/5.5”), it has a universal mic input (there’s none on the HC46), a better optical zoom (20x vs. 12x), records to SD cards (a more common format than Sony’s Memory Stick) and better manual controls (shutter speed, controls more accessible). So while the Elura 100 is by no means perfect and the HC46 is definitely easier to use, the Canon simply gives you much more camcorder for your money.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (8.0)
Sony camcorders are easy to use and very solid performers in Easy mode – and for the point-and-shooter, the HC46 a good choice. The options it adds over the step-down HC36 will be worth the extra $100 for many customers, and at $300 less than the HC96, it’s a good value.

Budget Consumers (5.0)
The HC46 is not a cheap camcorder at $500, and budget consumers will simply get more for their money if they opt for the Panasonic PV-GS59 ($379), the JVC GR-D650 ($399) or the Canon Elura 100 ($399).

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (3.5)
This camcorder is a serviceable hybrid, but if you are interested in capturing quality stills, there are better options – the HC96 is a much better hybrid, as it captures larger, sharper stills, and PV-GS59, GR-D650 and Elura 100 perform comparably at much lower prices.

Gadget Freaks (1.0)
This is a camcorder for soccer moms and dads – other than NightShot, the HC46 offers the gadget freak little to get excited about.

Manual Control Freaks (3.0)
Manual control freaks will only find frustration with the HC46 – a camcorder that is wholly geared to the Easy mode user. Even dabbling in this camcorder’s image control features is a chore, so anyone who wants even decent manual control over focus should look elsewhere.

Pros/ Serious Hobbyists (2.0)
Pros and serious hobbyists would be better off with any camcorder mentioned in this article other than the HC36. The HC46 offers less in the way of control and flexibility over the video image than just about any camcorder on the market other than lower-end Sonys.

Conclusion
The DCR-HC46 will sell well, that much is almost certain. It’s the middle-of-the-road MiniDV model from the most recognizable name in camcorders – Sony. If the salesperson is successful is swaying you out of the $400 and below market, this will surely be a strong contender in the sales pitch line-up. But does it deserve that attention?

Sony camcorders are simple machines to operate. Their Easy mode and their touch screen LCD menus have a powerful draw for the beginners and technologically disinclined. These conveniences come at a steep cost, however. Manual controls are curtailed, and do not include shutter speed, aperture, or gain. More importantly, the performance was worse than we were expecting. While most of the 2006 Sony MiniDV camcorders managed to shed the old problem of blue noise, the HC46 missed that crucial fix and continues to produce very noisy video. 

The Canon Elura 100 gives the HC46 its tightest competition, and we have to place our favor with the Elura. It’s cheaper, it has better video, and it offers more options, including a mic input. For many shoppers, it’s a Sony or nothing world, but we urge you to shop smart and consider the Elura 100 before you buy.