Sonys Ever-Shrinking MiniDV Line Offers 3 New Models

Sony DCR-HC48

January 7, 2006  - Today at the Consumer Electronic Show, Sony presented three standard definition MiniDV camcorders, down one from last year. The new models include the very low-priced DCR-HC28 ($280 MSRP), the DCR-HC38 ($330 MSRP), and the DCR-HC48 ($400 MSRP). Last year’s top-end DCR-HC96 (Review, Specs, $516) will be carried over into 2007. New features on today’s camcorder announcements are slim since Sony, along with most manufacturers, have shifted its attention to high definition. Of the new features Sony has included are the long-life H. Stamina batteries and on the DCR-HC38 a 40x optical zoom. The HC38 and HC48 also feature a new usage guide in the menu.  All models include electronic image stabilization but lack analog inputs and accessory shoes.

 

 

 

The DCR-HC28 is the entry-level model. It is clearly directed towards the budget consumer with a distinct absence of any new features. It offers a 1/6” CCD with 680K gross pixels that is the same chip found on most of Sony’s entry-level camcorders. The zoom is limited to 20x, comes equipped with the bottom-level 2.5” 123K LCD, a 123K non-widescreen EVF, and Carl-Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens. The sole upgrade from last year is the option to use the new H series Stamina battery that shoots for an estimated 14 hours. Current specs indicate that the HC28 actually ships with the older P series battery.

 

The DCR-HC38 features the same imager, but the zoom increases to 40x. The HC38 also uses the new “Usage Guide” function of the menu that acts as a helping hand to beginning users by explaining the effects of various camcorder settings. Also included are a “Click to DVD” function and a battery info feature that gives detailed information on remaining battery life. Finally, the HC38 has a USB port despite having no MemoryStick slot.

 

Sony DCR-HC38

 

The DCR-HC48 features a 1/6” CCD with an upgraded resolution (1MP gross pixels). This is the only new MiniDV camcorder to offer a MemoryStick Duo slot, as well as the only one to include a 2.7” widescreen LCD (123K resolution) and a HandyCam base station. A 25x zoom is included, expanded functionality in the Usage Guide, and Super Night Shot which uses infrared. The HC28 and HC38 are equipped with standard NightShot that does not incorporate infrared light.

 

Sony DCR-HC28

 

Last year’s DCR-HC96 will now be leading the MiniDV line, and its price has been dropped to an MSRP of $650. The HC96 has a much larger 1/3” CCD which in our tests produced good video quality. A complete review of the DCR-HC96 is available here.