Sony DCR-HC96 Camcorder Reviewby James MurrayPublished on Mar 10, 2006 2:15 PM 
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Compression rates for the Sony DCR-HC96 (Review, Specs, $516) are minimal when recording video to 6.35mm MiniDV tape and is still preferable to the compression levels produced when recording with DVD camcorders. The MPEG-2 format uses a high level of compression and will produce less than stunning video in comparison to that of MiniDV camcorders. In the future it could be possible that DVD and hard disk camcorders may be able to produce results that are equal to or improve upon tape performance. Unfortunately neither format can currently stand up to the low level of compression and high image quality found with MiniDV camcorders, and so in this respect the DCR-HC96 definitely has a leg up over these formats in 2006. Still images are recorded to the memory stick as JPEG files while video footage recorded to this media are MPEG files.
Media (8.0)
The Sony DCR-HC96 records to two separate media options, one for recording still images and the other for recording video footage. The camcorder records still images to MemoryStick Duo Pro, a media format used by Sony in exclusivity. These memory cards are sold separately with a maximum memory capacity potential of 2 GB. Still images have a maximum resolution of 2016 x 1512 with a minimum resolution of 640 x 480.
Video footage is recorded to 6.35mm MiniDV tape. Tapes, like MemorySticks, do not come included with the camcorder purchase. Buying media will raise the overall price of the camcorder a fair amount if a 2 GB card is purchased; thus much memory can run anywhere from $80 to $450 dollars depending upon place of purchase and previous ownership. It is possible to record movie clips to memory card, though the resolution is at an inferior 320 x 240 or 160 x 120.
Editing (8.0)
The Sony DCR-HC96 does come with editing software on CD-ROM for both MiniDV footage and still images. The software can run on both Windows and Macintosh platforms after a five to ten minute installation time. It captures video via the FireWire port. The editing capabilities are extremely rudimentary, as is the interface, so confusion shouldn’t be encountered when using this software.
Screen shots from the Picture Package Menu, software included with the DCR-HC96
Owners of both the DCR-HC96 and a Sony Viao computer with preinstalled “Click to DVD Ver.1.2” can connect their camcorder to their PC, and through this software application directly burn DVDs without a software system like DVD Studio Pro or other DVD creation applications. Like the included CD-ROM, this software is going to be rudimentary and users shouldn’t expect their results to be anything but functional.