Sony DCR-HC96 First Impressions Camcorder Review

Zebra Patterning - As found on last year’s DCR-HC90, zebra patterning is available on the DCR-HC96. This feature, able to be set on two levels of intensity (70 and 100), shows zebra strips on areas of overexposure during on-camcorder visualization via either the LCD or the viewfinder.

Guideframes - Another feature carried over from last year’s DCR-HC90, Guideframes places a tic-tac-toe design, in white, over the screen during on-camcorder visualization. This allows the user to line up their composition more precisely.

Handycam Docking Station - Like some of the other Sony MiniDV camcorders this year, the DCR-HC96 ships with a Handycam docking station which allows for easy support during connection to either a VCR/DVD player or computer. The station itself plugs into a strip on the underside of the DCR-HC96 and features duplicates of all the camcorder’s ports, making for easier connectivity.

Telemacro - The Telemacro feature, also found on last year’s DCR-HC90, among other Sony camcorders, extends the zoom to its fullest extent. The user adjusts the zoom toggle and the cam locks focus onto an extremely close object, making macro recording easier and more convenient to achieve. This is good for recording bugs on flowers, as advertised in the manual.