Sony Reduces MiniDV to Two Models

by Michael Perlman

Published on Jan 6, 2008 2:30 PM
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Sony DCR-HC62

  

 
Today Sony announced two new MiniDV models for 2008 at CES. The DCR-HC52 ($249 MSRP) and DCR-HC62 ($299 MSRP) are the two remaining pillars of Sony’s entire MiniDV fleet—a dynasty that has whittled significantly over the last four years. The inevitable high definition siege has increased in 2008. MiniDV camcorders are now rivaling web-sharing cams in terms of price, and upgrades are scarce. As to be expected, Sony has not revamped the construction or features. The DCR-HC52 and DCR-HC62 are geared toward shooters who are on a tight budget, yet want to be able to do some minor editing and archive safely.

The DCR-HC52 (specs) is equipped with a 1/6-inch, 680,000 pixel CCD, just like last year’s DCR-HC38 (Specs, $279). In fact, both camcorders are nearly identical, offering a 40x optical zoom, electronic image stabilization (EIS), a retractable viewfinder, and Easy mode. The DCR-HC52 actually gets demoted, and offers a 2.5-inch touch screen LCD rather than a 2.7-inch screen.

The DCR-HC62 (specs) receives most of the upgrades, including a 1/6-inch, 1,070,000 pixel imager, 2.7-inch wide LCD screen, and MemoryStick PRO Duo slot. The DCR-HC62 also ships with a slightly larger battery pack and features Smooth Interval Recording.


Sony DCR-HC62 side view

The DCR-HC52 and DCR-HC62 will ship toward the end of January for $249 and $299, respectively.


Sony DCR-HC52