Sony DCR-HC30 Camcorder Reviewby Nathaniel HansenPublished on Apr 6, 2004 12:00 AM 
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The DCR-HC30 was introduced at the 2004 Consumer Electronics Show. The HC30 is 25% smaller than its predecessor, the TRV19, and as a result suffered a reduction in CCD size as well. The DCR-HC30 is clearly aimed at the consumer who wants an easy to use, point and shoot camcorder. Sony claims to have maintained optimal video performance despite the chip size reduction, and as our test seemed to indicate, they may be right.
Video Performance (6.5)
The Sony DCR-HC30 has 1/6 inch Advanced HAD™ (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 340K (effective) pixels providing up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution. Sony claims the HAD™ CCD design reduces noise in the video signal, improving the overall signal-to-noise ratio. This is an all important factor on the HC30, and for Sony, as the chip size, in comparison to last year's TRV19 and 22, has been reduced from1/4 inch to 1/6 inch. The camcorder also includes a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 10x optical lens.
In our test, the HC30 performed well at 3000 lux, which is equivalent to any day lit scenario, and the color re-presented by the camcorder was adequately and realistically saturated. The HC30 handled well, even though it did feel a little small, and mobile video performance in full automatic was impressive. The Easy setting on the HC30 allows the user to have a relatively stress free shoot. Manual settings that might improve video performance while shooting, and the accompanying problems with navigating those options, will be discussed further in other sections of the review.
The Front (8.5)
Atop the front of the Sony DCR-HC30 is a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar combined power zoom lens. The HC30 has a 10x optical zoom range and 120x digital zoom capabilities. The filter diameter is 25mm (one inch), and at the front right, almost flush with the HC30's right side is the lens cover open/close switch: Flip the switch down for open, and up for closed. The flip switch is a great useful addition to the camcorder. Next to the lens cover switch is the HC30's memory card slot.
Directly beneath the lens is a raised Sony logo and about an inch beneath is the stereo microphone. Below the microphone is the infrared receiver and further down the recording tally light.
The Right Side (7.0)
The right side of the HC30, from a layout and design perspective, is pretty standard: Ports at the front, mode dials at the back and a strap along the side. But as with anything, when you get down to it it's a lot more complicated than that. Starting at the top front of the right side, the user notices the Night Shot Plus on and off switch. Right beneath the switch, running horizontally, is the port cover, which can be opened by prying a nail or finger into the half moon divot at the front. Opening the cover will reveal, front to back, LANC, AV (the HC30 ships with a proprietary cable to fit this port with the regular color coded AV extensions on the opposite end: yellow, red, and white), DV, and USB. The placement of these ports is smart as they are usually only accessed during editing or playback. The LANC (Local Application Control Bus System) is a remote terminal port and is a nice addition for consumer model camcorders as this allows the camcorder to be controlled by third party hardware such as a zoom/focus/record controller that affixes to the users tripod, or can be used by editing software to convert the camcorder into a playback deck. The port cover is made of sturdy plastic and snaps tightly in and out of place.
At the very front of the right side, almost onto the front of the HC30, is the lens cover slider and below that the MIC power/in. This port seems a little out of place, and should have been included with the other ports. Obviously the placement of these ports is technologically complicated, but in relation to the cold accessory shoe atop the HC30, it couldn't be any further away.
Parallel with the port cover, but at the back of the right side, are three small slots which, top to bottom, read Tape, Memory, Play/Edit. Each of these slots will light up separately depending on the mode the camera is in. This is a nice feature which adds to the HC30's ease of use and handling.
Below these lights is the mode dial which allows the user to first select power on or off/charge, and then by continuing to pull down on the dial with a trigger like motion, toggle between Tape, Memory, Play/Edit. The previously mentioned lights (fluorescent green) cue the user as to which mode the camcorder is ready for.
Below the dial labels (On, Off/Charge) is the small playback speaker. Running the length of the camcorder body is the all important strap, which is constructed of a suede, nylon and Velcro mix. For a strap, it is attractive and has a flat metal piece at the end to assist the user in adjusting the tightness. It looks a little thin, but does a good job keeping the camcorder snug to the hand. The metal end on the strap is a smart feature as it will keep the nylon ends from fraying after months of good use.
The Back (7.0)
Starting at the top of the back of the DCR-HC30 there is the color viewfinder which can be pulled out toward the user about an inch and a half. The viewfinder cannot be rotated. Directly beneath the viewfinder is the battery port and just to the right of the battery are the mode dial and record/start stop button. Directly below the dial and record button is the tape eject slider which is used by push/sliding the button down towards the base of the camera and then pulling away from the camcorder body with the strap. The tape housing takes up the bulk of the right side. Lastly, on the very bottom of the back, beneath the battery, is the DC in port covered by a hard plastic piece. This is a change from the TRV22 which had the DC port on the top right side of the back. This change makes sense and earns the back of the HC30 a slightly higher score.
The Left Side (6.0)
The Left side of the HC30 has one major component, the LCD screen. The 6.2cm LCD can be opened 90 degrees from the camera body, and then rotated to the desired viewing position. All of the HC30s menu/options are accessed by touch screen prompts, therefore there are no buttons revealed on the camcorder body when the LCD is flipped open. To the back of the left side, above the LCD when closed, are three metallic buttons: Back Light, DSPL/BATT Info, and Easy. These buttons are easily accessible and are actually useful to have on the camcorder body.
When the LCD is flipped out, it does have, on the far left, two buttons: Record Start/Stop and Back light. These correlate with the buttons that are found on the HC30 body, with the exception of the Easy button.
The Top (7.0)
The Top of the HC30 is simply laid out with a cold accessory shoe port, a still photo button, and a wide angle/telephoto zoom toggle. The accessory port has a plastic cover (very smart as it protects the port when not in use), which can be pulled out if the user wants to attach a MIC or light. Above the lens, on the top, Sony is still propagandizing the 120x digital zoom, which seems silly because as soon as the user enters the digital zoom realm, all hope for quality and picture stability is lost. Perhaps, however, that type of image quality is exactly what a user wants, a grainy distorted image. Quite seriously, trying to replicate that look in post production is not easy.
Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (9.5)
Sony's HC30/40 camcorders were designed with ease of use in mind. Therefore the automatic controls will not disappoint the user who likes to turn on and go. One nice feature introduced in last year's models was the spot focus and spot metering options. While shooting, the user can touch a spot on the LCD screen and the camera will make necessary adjustments to that area. This is a very cool feature, which takes the hassle and unpredictability out of fine tuning. In a variety of settings, this function performed quite well and with a little practice a dedicated user could become a regular focus racking machine. Ok, so the feature isn't that powerful, but for what it is, Sony deserves props. The only down side is that access to these cool features requires accessing the LCD menu first and then selecting spot focus or spot meter from the menu.
Another great feature new to the HC30/40 is the Easy button which allows the user to have the best of automatic functions in full swing, taking the headache out of perfect picture set up. For an HC30/40 user on the go, the Easy button makes up for lack of set up time. In addition to making the HC30 ultra easy to use, the menu selection is also truncated as many of the more in-depth manual options are hidden when the easy function is in use.
Overall Manual Control (3.0)
With all the talk about automatic and ease of use, it's no wonder that the manual controls find themselves on the bottom of the list of important features on the HC30. It is possible to have manual control over a variety of features, but making adjustments while recording is tricky at best. The placement of the manual controls within the LCD menu system is problematic, as it does not allow for easy access and invisible adjustments. If a user is recording and wants to make adjustments to the picture quality (exposure, focus, etc) s/he has to navigate through the touch screen menu system, and then continue to fine tune those adjustments by touching the screen. It doesn't matter how great the tripod, or how steady the hand, these physically demanding adjustments (in regards to the great deal of camcorder touching) will be picked up and forever recorded on tape. The manual controls are there, if the user is willing to dig for them, and if they are willing, ironically, to sacrifice overall picture quality in a haphazard pursuit to improve picture quality. With the exception of spot focus/spot meter, the touch screen menu seems cumbersome and I see them as a compromise for the user who likes manual control. Still, only compounding the problem further, there is no way to access the menu system outside of the LCD. This headache could be avoided if there was an alternative way to access the menus.
Zoom (6.5)
The DCR-HC30 has a 10x optical zoom, and a 120x digital zoom. The zoom control is located on the top back right of the HC30. The toggle is a little small, but is easy to grip with the index finger if holding the camcorder in a point and shoot posture. I found that variable zoom speeds were easily obtained, ranging from very slow, slow, moderately fast, and very fast. There is some gray area in the middle, and obtaining a medium zoom speed seemed to elude me.
Focus (4.0)
Focus is controlled through the LCD menu system manually, or can be set to function automatically. In automatic the focal response time was quick although, as expected, there is some lag time when the camcorder/shooter is moving around quickly or making extreme pans. The user will notice the camcorder trying to find a happy medium between focal distances when moving around or when in a low light setting. On a tripod, or in a steady hand, however, the HC30 focuses like a champ.
The spot focus option on the HC30 is a cool feature that allows the user to pick specific places (any place really) on the LCD that they would like focused. The function works quickly and is remarkably precise. The speed of the focal adjustment is quick, so if the user is looking for a slow shift in focus, they'll have to try their hand with the manual settings. The only drawback to the spot focus function is that it has to be accessed through the LCD menu. A button on the camcorder body, to expedite the process, would be a nice upgrade. Ideally, a user should be able to engage the function quickly and then touch the LCD screen (seems logical). Maybe next year?
Exposure (Aperture) (4.5)
The exposure settings can be set to automatic, which perform well, or to manual and can be accessed through the touchable LCD screen. There are no numerical associations affixed to the exposure setting, rather, the user is given a visual reference of a bar with - and + signs on the left and right respectively. To save you the trouble of figuring out how many steps there are, the total is 24. It would be nice to have some numerical reference for those who enjoy tinkering, as a user might find a particular setting to be right for a particular situation, etc., etc., and with the current system there is no easy way to reference the exact setting without manually counting.
Shutter Speed (0.0)
There is no manual shutter speed control on the HC30.
White Balance (7.0)
The HC30 offers automatic white balance settings of outdoor and indoor, and has a manual setting called One Push. To use One Push, the user can find something in the room or outside that s/he wants to represent true white; they get good and close physically or with the zoom, and then press and hold the button next to the one push button. It sounds more confusing than it really is. Again, it's nice to have these manual setting options, but getting to them through the LCD is a real pain.
Gain (0.0)
The HC30 offers no gain controls.
Still Performance (4.5)
The DCR-HC30 records still images at 640 x 480 pixel resolution to Memory Stick Duos. The stills are pretty low quality, the resolution is not very impressive and this camcorder is not something I would recommend if stills are important to you.
VCR Mode (6.0)
The VCR mode on the HC30 is engaged by pressing the mode dial down until the light corresponds with the label Play/Edit. Once in the VCR mode, the LCD screen has standard playback controls along the bottom: stop, rewind/fast rewind, play/pause, fast forward/fast-fast forward. On the extreme right is the P-Menu button which gives the user access to other VCR functions. These include: end search, volume, variable speed play back, record control, data code, LCD bright, display, Burn DVD, Burn VCD, beep, language, and P-Menu Set up.
Low Light Performance (4.5)
With shrinking camcorder sizes, its a matter of fact that the components that bring the moving images to life are shrinking too. With the HC line, Sony reduced the CCD chip size from 1/4 inch to 1/6 inch but insisted they were able to maintain decent low light performance. The HC20 (Review, Specs, $255) was tested at low light levels of 60 lux (6 fc), and at 15 lux (1.5 fc). Most manufactures insist that the minimum optimal light level for good video performance is 100 lux. The HC20 manual states that the absolute minimum for performance is 5 lux. As a frame of reference, a window lit room with the lights on during the day measures an average of 90 lx. At 90 lux the images looked a little under saturated, but at or near 5 lux, there isnt much video shot on the HC20 that would be worth keeping.
The low light test did demonstrate that Sony managed to maintain a level of low light performance despite the reduced chip size. The HC line overall showed marked improvement over the Canon ZRs which were exceptionally grainy. At these light levels, even professional camcorders struggle to accurately reproduce color, and it should be made clear that the noise and graininess at 15 lux is almost unbearable on any one chip camcorder. At 15 lux, the HC20 and the other HC camcorders produce grainy somewhat dulled images. The grain/noise at 15 lux does seem to be maintained, despite chip size reduction, when judging with the naked eye. This is potentially great news for consumers who want smaller camcorders. Just how far manufacturers will be able to push the chip reductions is still questionable. Only upon publication of more reviews and tests of the rest of this years camcorders, will users be able to see how the HC20 measures up to the competition.
LCD/ Viewfinder (9.0)
The LCD on the HC30 is its nervous system: practically everything, operationally speaking, has to be accessed through the LCD. This is a pain, and if the user wants to shoot in anything but easy mode, they will have to get used to the idea of fumbling their way through the touch picture/icon buttons in the LCD menus. The HC30 looses points for this in this area, and as the user has to rely so heavily on one navigation system, it is seen as the HC30's greatest weakness. Although the spot focus/spot meter options are a great idea for a touch screen, accessing them is awkward and detracts from the recording process. Technically speaking, the LCD measures 2.5 inches and features Sony's hybrid reflexive/translucent LCD technology. The screen maintains crisp visibility in a variety of light settings both in direct sunlight and out. As an LCD screen, not a navigation tool, the HC30's scores high marks in this area for implementing this technology.
The color viewfinder is located at the top/back of the HC30. It can be pulled back towards the user about an inch and a half, and has a focus adjuster on the right hand side. It's always nice to get some vertical range out of the view finders, especially those that extend back, but that might be asking for too much.
Audio (7.0)
The HC30 has 16-Bit (the same sound quality as compact discs) and 12-Bit audio recording options. 12 bit recording allows users to add one additional audio track provided they have compatible audio editing hardware (iLink) and software. The microphone on the HC30 is placed in the middle of the front of the camcorder body. With the decreasing size of camcorders, placing a microphone must be a challenge. However, if you have big hands, your fingers and possibly the strap (if it's extended out) will rub against the microphone. But, as with any camcorder, becoming aware of its potential weaknesses can be a shooter's greatest strength. As mentioned earlier, the mic/power in port is placed next to the microphone, on the right side of the HC30's body. It seems kind of oddly placed in relation to the cold accessory shoe at the top rear of the HC30. They couldn't be any further apart.
Handling (7.0)
The HC30 handles well, but in my slightly larger than average hands, it felt small. Secure, but small. The wide angle/telephoto zoom toggle feels too small but is easily used. In fact, several zoom speeds can be achieved with the toggle with a little effort. There is a nice lip on the top right side of the HC30 which helps in gripping the camcorder, whether in a point and shoot posture or other (two handed from the abdomen). The buttons, the few that there are on the out side, are intelligently placed and its obvious that much thought went in to placing them.
The LCD screen has to be listed as both a flaw under its own section as well as handling. So much of handling a camcorder with confidence depends on the accessibility of the menu/option navigation system. There is no secondary menu navigation option for users on the HC30. The user is forced to do everything through the LCD, the complications of which have been covered in some detail elsewhere in this review.
Ports (9.5)
The ports on the HC30 are hidden behind a gray plastic cover on the front right side of the camcorder body. Inside are the USB, DV, A/V, and LANC. Points were earned here with the addition of the LANC terminal. Overall, the hide away nicely and are equally accessible.
Other Features (6.5)
Super Night Shot Plus Night Shot mode on the DCR-HC30 with Super Night Shot Plus can be accessed on the front right of the HC30. The improvement over previous night shot features is that the image is no longer green. However, the shutter speed is slowed dramatically to maximize the light intake, so getting action shots in very dark settings might be difficult to achieve.
Analog-to-Digital Pass Through The DCR-HC30 is equipped for analog-to-digital pass through allowing the user to connect an analog video source to the camcorder and convert the video to a digital signal.
Battery Information This is a cool feature that allows the user to get instant and precise information pertaining to the battery. By pressing the battery information button, the user is shown on the LCD a graphical of overall battery power remaining as well as a numerical reading of operation minutes remaining with the LCD open and closed.
Picture Perfect Software Video editing software Sony is shipping with their camcorders.
Easy Record Mode Mentioned earlier in the review, this mode sends the camera into full automatic swing, while also limiting the number of options in the menu. The easy button has a blue light that when on, lets the user know the easy function is engaged.
16:9 widescreen mode The HC30 has a digitally manipulated 16:9 mode.
MPEG Short movies can be recorded to the memory card in MPEG format.
Who's it For
Point and Shooter's (8.5)
The DCR-HC30 is, hands down, for the point and shoot crowd. The automatic settings are quick and accurate, and the easy button allows the user a worry free recording session.
Budget Consumers (3.0)
For what it is, the HC30 is well priced.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (3.0)
As far as being a hybrid, the HC30 performs moderately. Not really designed with taking great pictures in mind, you should look for a model with more pixels.
Gadget Freaks (6.0)
The HC30 would please the gadget freak, undoubtedly. It's got a sleek appearance, plenty of options, and it's small to boot, 25% smaller than last years models.
Manual Control Freaks (4.5)
The Manual Control Freak will want to look to other camcorders to fulfill their controlling appetites. As noted earlier in the review, all manual control goes through the touch screen LCD, which is probably the HC30's most notable weakness.
Pro's / Serious Hobbyists (4.0)
A good back up camcorder/deck for the serious pro, and the HC30 has high enough picture quality under optimal lighting conditions that any director could make use of it for storyboarding or 'DVD extra' footage.
Conclusion
Sonys DCR-HC30 is a compact, stylish camcorder that has some intelligent features, namely the easy mode, the closeable lens cover as well as some of the internal features such as Night Shot Plus, spot focus/spot metering. For the point and shooter, or the consumer who wants to shoot good video with the least amount of hassle, the HC30 might be the answer. As pointed out in the low light performance section, Sony has, by all appearances, been able to maintain low light performance with a reduced chip size. As testing/reviews of other 2004 camcorders are published, users will have a much clearer view of how the HC30 stacks up against its competition.
The biggest down side to the HC30, and it may only be an issue for those who like a little control, is the touch screen LCD menu which forces the user to navigate manual options and settings by touching the LCD screen. This is a big problem that could be alleviated by a jog dial on the body of the HC30. Overall, the HC30 is a compact machine which performs well in a variety of settings.