Sony DCR-HC65 Camcorder Reviewby Nathaniel HansenPublished on May 10, 2004 12:00 AM 
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Sony's DCR-HC65 Mini DV camcorder boasts a 3.5-inch LCD, 1/5 inch-CCD with 690K effective pixels, a 10x optical zoom, and ''Easy'' automatic mode. The camcorder has a MSRP of US$795, but can be found online and in stores for around US$699. Sony has shrunk the CCD size this year, but claims they have managed to maintain video and low-light performance. Sony's DCR-HC65 replaces last year's DCR-TRV38, which had a 1/4.7-inch CCD. Sony may have been able to maintain overall video and low-light performance despite the reduction in chip size, but their hold on the low-light market may be slipping. This year other camcorder manufacturers have upped the ante, many of whom consistently outperform Sony in this area.
Video Performance (6.5)
Sony's DCR-HC65 has a 1/5-inch CCD with 690K effective pixels. The DCR-HC65 also comes equipped with a 10x optical zoom and 120x digital zoom. While other manufactures are distributing camcorders with twice the optical zoom, these numbers seem to have become the standard for Sony lately, which is a disappointment. The DCR-HC65 replaces last year's DCR-TRV38, which included a 1/4.7-in. CCD. Sony made chip reductions of 11.6% this year, but assert that they have been able to maintain video performance as well as hold the level of performance in low light. This is an accurate assessment, as demonstrated by the other HC models that have been tested. However, where Sony has ''maintained,'' other manufacturers have improved, especially in low light.
At optimal light levels of 3000 lux, the Sony DCR-HC65 performed well, as was expected. The colors are rich and the image is crisp. The Sony DCR-HC65 does not suffer from under-saturation or the washing-out effects common on many camcorders when ample light illuminates the scene. The tiles on the color chart that were underrepresented were yellows and greens. The yellow and green corner tiles aren't as fully saturated and free from color bleed like the red and blue corner tiles. Differentiation between the yellow to green transition tiles is faint, and the yellow tiles appear slightly brownish, a result of red-orange bleeding from adjacent color tiles. Additionally, the green tile is more yellow in its hue than green.
The Front (8.0)
The front of the Sony DCR-HC65 is dominated by the Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens. The lens has a filter diameter of 30mm and includes 10x optical zoom and 120x digital zoom capabilities. Below the lens, spanning the width of the front, is the stereo microphone. Directly beneath the microphone are the infrared remote control sensor and the automatic white balance sensor.
The Right Side (9.5)
The right side of the Sony DCR-HC65 has several important features. Towards the front and near the top is the Super Nightshot Plus off /on switch. Directly below the switch, at the bottom of the Sony DCR-HC65, is an port cover shaped like an inverted ''L'' that hides the microphone in, headphone out, Mini AV, S-Video, and LANC. Running diagonally from the back-middle to the bottom-front of the Sony DCR-HC65's right side is the hand strap. At the very back of the right side, near the top, is the mode selector switch. Accompanying labels and three green LEDs let the user know in what mode the camcorder is set to perform.
The Back (8.0)
The back of the Sony DCR-HC65 is dominated by the battery port just left of center. At the top of the back is the extendable eyecup to the viewfinder. To the right of the color viewfinder is an additional metal bracket for attaching a shoulder strap. On the far right of the back is the silver/green mode selector and below that, towards the center of the DCR-HC65, is the silver/red record button. At the bottom of the back are the USB and Firewire ports and their accompanying rubber port cover. Left of these ports is the DC port; above it, the Memory Stick drive.
The Left Side (9.0)
The Sony DCR-HC65 is graced with a massive 3.5-inch, 123K color LCD. Its size is impressive only in relation to the overall size of the camcorder; the LCD is, quite literally, most of the left side. At the front of the left side are focus and back light buttons. This is a great place for feature buttons as they are easily reached by the thumb or index finger of the left hand while recording. At the rear of the left side one can find the Easy button and the battery display button. The LCD itself has a button at the back to unlock it from the camcorder body. Record and back light buttons are on the lower left side of the LCD. Opening the LCD reveals a small speaker.
The Top (9.0)
On top of the Sony DCR-HC65 are the hot accessory shoe at the front, zoom toggle in the middle, and the extendable color viewfinder at the back. To the right of the viewfinder is the oval shaped photo button, with accompanying label.
Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (9.0)
Sony has gone the extra mile to make users believe their camcorders are extremely easy to use. This is, for the most part, very accurate, but while ''automatic'' takes some of the guesswork out of getting that great moment on tape, it is not ''intelligent'' per se nor is it a substitute for good accessible manual controls. Technically, the Sony DCR-HC65 has two automatic modes: Automatic and Easy. By pushing the Easy button located at the back of the left side, novice and tech-intimidated users have restricted access to the menu system and other semi-automatic settings. Easy mode is for worry-free recording, and under good lighting it does a pretty good job making adjustments to white balance, focus, shutter speed (AE), and exposure.
Overall Manual Control (3.0)
The Sony DCR-HC65 offers their version of manual control over White Balance, Shutter Speed (AE Mode), Focus, and Exposure. While it is wonderful that these features are offered on the Sony DCR-HC65, the method of accessing these options is cumbersome and relegated to the LCD screen. Users must access these options by touching the LCD screen and engaging the menu, then scrolling to the appropriate feature or setting. Traditional alphanumeric measurements are not used in Sony consumer models. Instead, users are given bars with plus and minus for exposure, or icons of a person or mountains in the case of manual focus. These adjustments are again made by touching the appropriate spot on the LCD. The Shutter Speed function is a series of presets that range from 1/4-1/4,000.
Sony's all-touch LCD menu system allows users to make adjustments to the image by touching the screen. Through engaging the Spot focus and Spot metering functions, users can touch spots on the LCD screen that need adjusting. This very useful feature is unique to Sony. Adjustments are made quickly and quietly, although it would be nice if these functions had a button on the exterior of the camcorder body that, when pressed, instantly brought up the appropriate screen. As it is, users must sift and touch their way through the multitude of menu options.
Zoom (7.0)
The Sony DCR-HC65 has a disappointing 10x optical zoom and 120x digital zoom. The zoom toggle works well and is appropriately placed atop the camcorder body. For this price point it would be nice to see something closer to 20x optical zoom and 600x digital zoom. The zoom function works quietly and efficiently and variable zoom speeds can be achieved.
Focus (8.5)
Focus on the Sony DCR-HC65 can be controlled automatically or manually as well as with the Spot focus feature mentioned earlier. The focus button on the front of the left side can be used to get a scene or image quickly into focus. Manual focus is adjusted through the LCD and by use of the focus ring at the front. The LCD focus option may present some problems to image stability if the LCD is touched during recording. The focus feature responded well in automatic and made quick adjustments to focal length. The focus ring is a great option for a camcorder, and should be an option on every camcorder. It handles smoothly, and the ridges around the ring allow for decent grip.
Exposure (Aperture) (4.5)
Manual exposure on the Sony DCR-HC65 is controlled through the touch LCD menu system. Plus and minus icons on either side of a white bar indicate the 24 possible exposure settings.
Shutter Speed (0.0)
The DCR-HC65 offers no effective manual shutter speed control.
White Balance (7.0)
White balance is controlled automatically and manually on the Sony DCR-HC65. Options of indoors, outdoors, and one-touch are activated through the touch LCD screen menu.
Gain (0.0)
There are no gain options on the Sony DCR-HC65.
Still Performance (6.5)
The Sony DCR-HC65 is equipped to capture stills at 1152 x 864 or 640 x 480 resolution. Images are captured to the Memory Stick Duos. Stills captured were sharp and rich in color, but no substitute for a separate digital still camera. The DCR-HC65 includes a USB jack and cable for transfering the digital stills from the camcorder to the computer.
VCR Mode (6.0)
The LCD must be left open to access the VCR playback controls on the touch LCD screen. VCR mode is engaged by switching the spring-loaded mode switch/slider down until the LED next to Play/Edit is illuminated. When in VCR playback mode, standard VCR control icons are displayed at the bottom of the LCD.
Low Light Performance (4.5)
At 60 lux, the Sony DCR-HC65 performed pretty well. As expected, the saturation levels increased with the lights not as bright. The image is not as crisp as at 3000 lux, but the color representation is something of an improvement over the brighter setting. At this setting and at 15 lux, the resolution bars on the color chart are severely blurred and take on a bluish hue, which is something not evinced on other camcorders that we have tested. Looking back at the DCR-HC40 and other subsequent Sony models, this appears to also be a problem at 60 lux and at 15 lux. At 60 lux there is very little noise, but it is apparent.
Color representation is fairly consistent at 15 lux, although more muted and a lot darker (obviously) than at 60 lux. Noise and grain are very evident in the image and the overall presentation lacks the sharpness of lighter settings. The color representation of tiles on either side of the main corner tiles is poor, making it difficult to differentiate between varying colors. The first two tiles (excluding the skin tone tiles) on both sides of a corner tile, in the case of blue and green, are almost identical. As mentioned above, the resolution bars are blurry and have a bluish noisy hue.
LCD/ Viewfinder (9.5)
The Sony DCR-HC65 has a 3.5-inch 123K pixel LCD and a color viewfinder. Sony definitely has the best LCD on the market, and they use the technology they have implemented as a selling point. The LCD produces a great image from virtually any angle, making the need for LCD screen adjustments minimal. It transitions well from indoors to outdoors and, with the size and rotation possibilities of the LCD, users can't go wrong. The LCD has its record and back light buttons on the lower left side of the LCD, which is a great feature.
The color viewfinder can be pulled towards the user and rotated up 45 degrees and has a focal adjuster on the right side.
Audio (7.0)
The Sony DCR-HC65 has a microphone at the bottom of the front of the camcorder body that records 16 and 12 bit audio. The camcorder body is long enough to prevent wandering fingers from making an audio entrance to the scene. The Sony DCR-HC65 includes a hot accessory shoe on the top of the camcorder body, as well as a mic in port, headphone in, and AV in/out.
Handling (7.0)
The Sony DCR-HC65 handles relatively well overall. It's not too small, and the length of the body is great for larger hands. All important external buttons, switches, and toggles are intelligently placed and within reach of the appropriate digit. The strap is good sized and its diagonal placement enhances overall handling comfort.
The real down side to the handling is the touch LCD screen. This is not a bad option for a camcorder, but on the DCR-HC65 and on the other Sony models, it's not ''optional.'' It's the only way one may access the menu. This is problematic for recording live action, as touching the LCD screen repeatedly will certainly shake the image. Speaking of shake, another ''feature'' that is designed to improve overall handling is the image stabilization system. Perhaps it's because I am from a school of thought that demands steady hands, rather than features, to help me, but the difference between images when the feature is on or off is extremely subtle. I have a hard time recognizing the difference on any camcorder.
Ports (9.5)
The Sony DCR-HC65 has mic, headphone, S-Video, USB, Firewire, DC, LANC, and AV in/out ports on the camcorder body: back (DC, USB, Firewire), right side (AV, Mic, LANC, Headphone, S-Video).
Other Features (6.0)
USB streaming The Sony DCR-HC65 is equipped for use as a webcam or for streaming live video. Easy mode. Easy mode puts the camcorder into simplified automatic mode. Super Night Shot plus. For recording images in super low/no light scenarios. Picture Package Software. For editing DV movies and photos. Battery Display Info. This button displays minutes remaining with the LCD open and with the LCD closed.
16:9 widescreen mode The Sony DCR-HC65 has a digitally-manipulated widescreen option.
MPEG MPEG EX movies are recorded in two modes to memory sticks on the Sony DCR-HC65: Email and Presentation.
Analog to Digital Pass Through The Sony DCR-HC65 supports digital to analog pass through.
Comparisons
JVC GR-D93 The JVC GR-D93 is a competitive camcorder at this price point and, from an imaging perspective, has a lot to offer. The GR-D93 has a 1/4-inch CCD 1.33 megapixel. The imager incorporates a 3D noise reduction filter and performed much better than the Sony DCR-HC65 under low-light conditions. The GR-D93 also has a 10x optical zoom and 700x digital zoom. The JVC GR-D93 is smaller than the Sony DCR-HC65, so this is something to take into consideration. The GR-D93, like every camcorder, has its own peculiar handling issues, but these are made up for with excellent video and good performance in low light.
Canon ZR90 The Canon ZR90 can be acquired for about $100 dollars less than the DCR-HC65, and its offerings are close enough that careful consumers will want to look at this model. The Canon ZR90 has a 1/6-inch CCD with 340K effective pixel capturing capability. What sets this camcorder apart from others is the amazing 22x optical lens. Canon manufactures some of the best lenses on the market, so images captured through this lens at great distances have the potential to be very clear. There are not as many on-board features as on the DCR-HC65, but the two camcorders are comparable when it comes to manual control options. The ZR90 can capture stills at three resolution settings, and has VCR playback controls on the exterior of the camcorder body. Overall the ZR90 handles well, but performs poorly in low light scenarios, especially below 60 lux, the equivalent of a lamp lit room.
Panasonic PV-GS120 The Panasonic PV-GS120 is a comparable camcorder in the $700 price point category. The PV-GS120 has 3 1/6inch CCD's with 290K (x3) effective pixels. The PV-GS120 captures color very well at optimal light settings and performs moderately at light settings below 60 lux. The PV-GS120 has a 10x optical zoom and up to 700x digital zoom capabilities. It can take stills at various settings and captures to SD memory cards. Small and comfortable to hold, it's obvious that careful design went in to creating this model. Both the low light performance, video performance and manual control of the PV-GS120 are superior to the DCR-HC65, so it makes it an easy pick.
Who's it For
Point and Shooters (6.0)
The Sony DCR-HC65 is great for the point-and-shooter with its enhanced automatic Easy mode. This mode allows the novice, intimidated, or ''can't be bothered'' consumer to focus on the content of what they are recording, not having to worry about how it looks.
Budget Consumers(4.0)
The Sony DCR-HC65 is a bit on the pricey side for budget-minded consumers. Try the less expensive DCR-HC20 (Review, Specs, $255) with many of the same options at a fraction of the cost, or the JVC GR-D93 for great performance at a fair price.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid(3.0)
There are some options on board for the hybrid enthusiast. Sony's Memory Stick Duo is easily accessible for transporting to a PC for editing or emailing.
Gadget Freaks(5.0)
There are few gadgets to be found on the DCR-HC65.
Manual Control Freaks(3.0)
There is a good deal of manual control on the DCR-HC65, but manual control freaks beware; the LCD menu system is designed to keep control over you.
Pros/ Serious Hobbyists(4.0)
A decent camcorder for the pro or serious hobbyist, the DCR-HC65 has manual options and inputs/jacks that would make a pro feel at home. The addition of the focus ring is also a huge plus.
Conclusion
The Sony DCR-HC65 handles well in a variety of recording situations. With the 1/5-inch CCD and the Carl Zeiss lens, in addition to manual control options like the focus ring, users can potentially get great images out of the Sony DCR-HC65. In full automatic, the DCR-HC65 performed well under optimal lighting and sub-par below 60 lux. The intelligent, or hot, accessory shoe, along with mic-in, provide the possibility of better than average audio recording. The large and versatile LCD records on-the-fly like a dream, and the intelligent placement of buttons and straps makes holding the camcorder steady that much easier. The inclusion of a LANC terminal and other useful ports is becoming standard these days, and the DCR-HC65 has them on board.
Handling issues to consider are the touch LCD screen menu system that may impede capturing the best video possible. Although the Spot Metering and Spot Focus are great ideas and wonderful options, gaining access to these options will require some manhandling of the LCD. The Sony DCR-HC65 is much larger than the other HC models, like the HC40, so users should be prepared to carry around a decent sized camcorder that weighs in at just over a pound. The DCR-HC65 is a solid camcorder, but the low light performance and video performance as well as control could be improved. With such a good camcorder as the Panasonic PV-GS120 competing against the DCR-HC65, it makes it very hard to recomend this camcorder.