Sony DCR-HC96 First Impressions Camcorder Review

by Matt Culler
Published on Jan 7, 2006 9:00 PM

Intro Performance
Format Tour
Auto / Manual Controls Still Features
Handling and Use
 Audio / Playback / Connectivity
Other Features Comparisons / Conclusion


Handling
The DCR-HC96 has gone on a diet, as have all the update models from Sony this year. The design makes all the new MiniDV models (the DCR-HC26, DCR-HC36, DCR-HC46, and DCR-HC96) more portable than last year; however, handheld use might suffer, depending on the size of your hands. They will have to cram in and around the camcorder and might have problems reaching the zoom toggle comfortably.

There are two big pluses to the new body design of the DCR-HC96. One is the inclusion of a built-in lens cover, now making things less clumsy and more convenient; it’s one less thing to lug around or lose or choke on. Also, MiniDV tapes now load from the top which is a big step in convenience. Now, to change tapes during tripod use, the user no longer needs to take the camcorder off of the tripod.

LCD/Viewfinder
The DCR-HC96 features the same widescreen LCD featured on many Sony camcorders this year. The LCD is 2.7” in diagonal, and the widescreen feature can be switched on and off using the wide select button located on the LCD’s margin along with a secondary record button. The camcorder also features a 123K pixel color viewfinder. Unfortunately, the viewfinder only pulls directly back, instead of angling upwards.









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