Sony DCR-HC85 Camcorder Reviewby Nathaniel HansenPublished on Jun 4, 2004 6:00 PM 
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Sony's DCR-HC85 (Review, Specs, $593) Mini DV camcorder has a 1/3.6 inch-CCD with 1080K effective pixels for video and 1920K effective pixels for still photos. Additionally, the DCR-HC85 has a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T coated 10x optical zoom lens, an ultra-"Easy" mode, and a 3.5-inch touch-screen hybrid LCD. The camcorder has a MSRP of US$999.95, but can be bought online and in stores for US$849.95. The DCR-HC85 includes the same imager as last year's the DCR-TRV70 (Review, Specs, $744.99), which sold for nearly US$300 more. Sony has also increased the CCD size by 70.4% when compared to the DCR-TRV39, the model the DCR-HC85 replaces. We found a major defect with the DCR-HC85 we tested - if the defect is a problem with all DCR-HC85's than the camcorder is doomed, however it is a solid camcorder if you ignore this defect.
Video Performance (4.0)
Sony's DCR-HC85 has a 1/3.6-inch CCD with 1,080K effective pixels for video. The DCR-HC85 is also equipped with a 10x optical zoom and 120x digital zoom. There has been some complaint about the amount of noise showing up even at decent light levels, and I can say that this was also the case for the model on loan from Sony. The color chart images were fine when the light was intensely regulated, but around the office and outside, in any dark area of the picture, and when the HC85 made automatic adjustments to exposure, the noise and grain were abnormally excessive. The whole image looked as though the gain had been boosted. This is not a normal effect that we've seen in any other camcorder.
This problem has also been observed by users on the CamcorderInfo.com DCR-HC85 message board. One concern that some consumers have had with the DCR-HC85 is the noticeable grain and noise distortion on moving images under decent light. The color chart images do not show this as a problem, as the image is stabilized on a tripod. However, in our office, where the light fluctuates between 140-200 lux (two lamps, three windows and an overhead two-bulb fixture), the image was riddled with blue and yellow grain, as if the gain was disproportionately boosted. Boosting the brightness of the LCD eliminated this problem temporarily, but we checked the recorded images on the office television and the grain was very evident there as well. This is not a problem that we've seen in any camcorder recently, and we are communicating with Sony to get to the bottom of this peculiar problem. Watch the HC85 message boards and post related comments at the bottom of this article. We will make updates to this section of the review as more news and information comes available.
In the controlled environment, at 3000 lux, the DCR-HC85 performed very well. The color chart is crisp, and the resolution bars are focused. Each color tile seems distinct and appropriately saturated. I was impressed with the DCR-HC85's ability to replicate color, providing a virtually exact representation of the image I was seeing with my naked eye while the camcorder was recording. Sony states that the color accuracy can be attributed to the Carl Zeiss multicoated lens. The color I was least impressed with was yellow, which has a reddish brown hue, and does not stand out like the other colors. The green is decent, but is influenced heavily by the muddy yellow. The blacks are dense and the whites are brilliant. The corresponding grayscales in between are also distinct.
By way of comparison, the Panasonic PV-GS200 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1299) has a stronger green and a more lush red on the color chart, but the overall image is not as crisp as the DCR-HC85. The PV-GS200 has a slightly darker image all around, and the blacks and whites are not as vibrant as on the DCR-HC85. The yellow tiles, like on the DCR-HC85, are not accurate, and have a resultant brownish hue via the red tiles. In a word, better core colors (reds and greens) on the PV-GS200, more sharpness on the DCR-HC85 - if you ignore the defect found in a uncontrolled shooting.
The Front (8.0)
The front of the Sony DCR-HC85 is home to the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens. The lens has a filter diameter of 37mm and includes 10x optical zoom and 120x digital zoom capabilities. Under the lens, the stereo microphone spans the width of the front face. Beneath the microphone are the white balance and infrared remote sensors.
The Right Side (9.5)
At the front of the right side of the Sony DCR-HC85, users can access the Nightshot Plus switch. Several inches below this switch is an L-shaped port cover concealing LANC, Headphone, mic, and AV ports. Running diagonally from the middle of the back to the front bottom of the right side is the narrow strap. It feels a little thin for a camcorder of this size, but does its job just fine. At the back of the right side, at the top, is the main mode switch with accompanying labels. Above the mode selector are three oval LEDs and corresponding labels that light up separately to indicate the appropriate mode.
The Back (8.0)
The battery port takes up most of the back of the Sony DCR-HC85. At the top of the back is the extendable color viewfinder. An additional metal bracket for attaching a shoulder strap is located to the right of the viewfinder. The silver/green mode selector is to the right of the bracket and below that and to the left is the silver/red record button. At the very bottom of the back are FireWire and USB ports. To the left of these ports are the DC port and, above that, the Memory Stick drive.
The Left Side (9.0)
The Sony DCR-HC85's left side is mostly the 3.5-inch, 123K color LCD. Starting at the front of the left side, users can access the manual focus button and back light button. These are easily reached with the thumb of the left hand or another finger. The LCD is the main control center for most Sony camcorders these days, as the LCD doubles as a touch-screen menu system. A small speaker is the only thing revealed when the LCD is opened. On the LCD itself are an LCD backlight and the record button. At the very back of the left side, several buttons run the height of the Sony DCR-HC85: Display/Battery Info, Easy, and Flash.
The Top (9.0)
On top of the Sony DCR-HC85, beginning at the front, are the pop-up flash, intelligent accessory shoe just behind, zoom toggle towards the back, and the extendable color viewfinder at the rear. The still photo button is at the right of the zoom toggle, on a separate level from the rest of the top.
Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (9.0)
The Sony DCR-HC85 has two automatic modes: Automatic and Easy. Users can access the ultra-automatic mode by pressing the Easy button located on the left side of the camcorder. The Easy function puts the camcorder into a fully automated mode that restricts user access to certain aspects of the menu. Good for worry-free recording, Easy mode, under good lighting, does a pretty good job making adjustments to white balance, focus, shutter speed (AE), and exposure. The standard automatic mode makes the same adjustments, but does not restrict access to other features in the menu.
Overall Manual Control (4.5)
The Sony DCR-HC85 allows users to have manual control over White Balance, Shutter Speed (AE Modes), Focus, and Exposure. With the touch-screen menu system, several of these manual control features are better left in automatic if recording on the go. The best manual control feature offered, by far, is the focus ring. Manual focus can be engaged at any time by pressing the manual focus button on the front of the left side. Focal adjustments can then be made by rotating the ring in the either direction. White balance and shutter speed can be accessed through the touch screen navigation menu.
Sony's all-touch LCD menu system includes options of Spot Focus and Spot Metering, which allows users to touch points on the LCD screen they want adjusted. If there was a way to access these handy functions from outside the touch screen menu, perhaps with a "Spot" button that engaged that feature when pressed, the features would be much more useful.
Zoom (7.0)
The Sony DCR-HC85 has a 10x optical zoom and 120x digital zoom capabilities, which is somewhat disappointing for a camcorder in this price point. Sony bills the Carl Zeiss multicoated lens as their superior imaging answer. The zoom is controlled with the toggle on top of the camcorder. Its shape is a little awkward at first - a very deep center with sharply raised sides - but several variable zooms can be achieved with the toggle. It is within easy reach of the index and middle finger of the right hand.
Focus (8.5)
The Sony DCR-HC85 controls focus automatically or allows the user to control focus manually with the aid of a focus ring or the touch screen Spot Focus feature. Pressing the focus button at the bottom front of the left side allows the user to make focal adjustments with the focus ring in manual and automatic mode. (This feature does not work in Easy mode.) A focal measurement appears in the bottom left of the LCD screen, ranging from .1m to 900m at 0x. Spot Focus must be accessed through the touch menu, and is one of the first options to appear. When engaged, users can press any portion of a defined rectangular area and the camcorder will bring that subject into focus. It performs this task reasonably well, with varying focal lengths, although does jog a little when making the shift from distant object to objects several inches away.
Exposure (Aperture) (4.5)
Manual exposure on the Sony DCR-HC85 can be controlled through the touch LCD menu system in two ways: "manually," with plus and minus icons on either side of a white bar, or with Spot Metering. This function works the same way as the spot focus, only it adjusts image exposure. Adjustments are accurate and relatively seamless with the Spot Meter option. The other way, utilizing the bar, is a little more cumbersome as users must touch the screen to adjust between the 24 possible exposure settings.
Shutter Speed (0.0)
Automatic AE modes of Auto, Spotlight, Portrait, Sports, Beach & Ski, Sunset & Moon, and Landscape are accessible through the touch LCD screen menu.
White Balance (7.0)
White balance may be controlled automatically or manually on the Sony DCR-HC85. 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-HC85.
Still Performance (7.5)
The Sony DCR-HC85 captures stills to Memory Stick Duos or Memory Stick Pros at 1600 x 1200 or 640 x 480 resolution. Image quality settings of Fine and Standard are available. An 8MB card can hold 8 1600 x 1200 digital stills in Fine mode and 18 in Standard mode. The Sony DCR-HC85 is also equipped with a pop up flash which, like digital cameras, can be set to engage in various low light situations and at different levels. With nearly 2 million pixels dedicated to still photos, the DCR-HC85 is posed to perform as well as lower end digital still cameras on the market. The images captured are crisp, and with the focus ring, image crispness and overall focus can be fine tuned. The color saturation, like the image at 3000 lux, is true to life and not over or under saturated. The DCR-HC85 is controlled in the same way in still mode (through the touch screen LCD) as in video record mode.
VCR Mode (6.0)
When in VCR playback mode, standard VCR controls are displayed at the bottom of the Sony DCR-HC85 LCD. As a result, in order to access the controls, the LCD must remain open. This makes the Sony DCR-HC85 a decent standalone playback device, as the LCD can be opened, rotated, and recessed. VCR mode is engaged by switching the spring-loaded mode switch/slider down until the LED next to Play/Edit is illuminated.
Low Light Performance (5.5)
At 60 lux, the Sony DCR-HC85 performed better than average, with increased saturation and overall improved vibrancy of color representation. Although not as crisp as the 3000 lux image, and somewhat blurred by grain, the blue, green, and magenta jump off the chart and are more vibrant. Yellow is the color that again loses out, and as the lights are dimmed takes on a slightly brownish cast. Green is pushing towards neon, but not so much as to be a major distraction. There is very little noise at this light setting, but it is evident, particularly in the grayscales.
At 15 lux, the image is surprisingly similar to that seen by the naked eye. The image is obviously darker, and there is more noise, but the color information present is actually quite impressive. The resolution bars are not blurred, as on other Sony models, and the whites are only slightly discolored, taking on a faint brown. Noise and grain are evident in the image, but not nearly as much as I had anticipated. The camcorder does not boost gain to compensate for the lack of light, effectively minimizing noise and grain, and the color information manages to translate very effectively.
LCD/ Viewfinder (9.5)
The Sony DCR-HC85 has a 3.5-inch 123K pixel LCD and a moveable color viewfinder. As cited in other reviews, Sony has the best LCD on the market, and their marketing strategy proves that they know that, too. From virtually any angle and in a variety of light settings, the hybrid LCD delivers a bright, not overly saturated image. Included buttons on the LCD are record and back light buttons on the lower left side.
The moveable color viewfinder can be pulled towards the user at least an inch, and can be rotated up 45 degrees. There is a focal adjuster on the right side.
Audio (7.0)
The Sony DCR-HC85 has an on-board microphone situated at the bottom on the front of the camcorder body. Capable of recording 12-bit or 16-bit audio, perhaps a better option would be mounting an external mic via the intelligent accessory shoe port on the top of the camcorder. The accessory can draw power from the camcorder (sometimes called "phantom power") eliminating the need for AA or AAA batteries. A headphone jack is located under the L-shaped port cover at the lower front of the right side.
Handling (7.0)
The Sony DCR-HC85 is a good-sized camcorder, but handles pretty well. It's long enough to prevent fingers from covering the mic or lens, and heavy enough to remind users they are carrying around something expensive. The plastic exterior feels a little cheap and kind of hollow, but the well-distributed weight of the camcorder makes up for that in the end. The mode selector on the back of the camcorder is difficult to engage initially, but once "on" switching between modes is a breeze. The strap is narrow, but does its job well enough. If it was any bigger, it might be overkill. The focus ring is a dream, and the numerical display informing users when they have reached the end will keep them from endlessly rotating the ring.
The touch LCD menu is the only real drawback to handling the Sony DCR-HC85. The real downside to this feature is that it's the only way to access the menu, and in that sense is somewhat restrictive. Access to various functions inside the menu system from outside the LCD would be a huge improvement. The Spot features are wonderful, but getting to them requires a bit of fumbling. If only there was an alternative way to run through the menu… even a jog dial.
Ports (9.5)
The Sony DCR-HC85 has mic, headphone, S-Video, USB, Firewire, DC, LANC, and AV in/out ports: back (DC, USB, FireWire), right side (specialized AV/S-Video, mic power, LANC, Headphone).
Other Features (6.0)
USB streaming. The Sony DCR-HC85 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-HC85 has a widescreen option.
MPEG MPEG EX movies are recorded in two modes to memory sticks on the Sony DCR-HC85 in two modes: Email and Presentation.
Analog to Digital Pass Through The Sony DCR-HC85 supports analog-to-digital pass through.
Comparisons
Panasonic PV-GS200 The Panasonic PV-GS200 is a comparable camcorder in this price point category. The PV-GS200 has 3 1/6-inch CCDs with 800K (x3) effective pixels. The PV-GS200 captures color very well at optimal light settings and performs moderately at light settings below 60 lux. The PV-GS200 has a 10x optical zoom and up to 700x digital zoom capabilities. The PV-GS200 also includes a focus ring. It captures stills at various settings to SD memory cards. The PV-GS200 is smaller than the HC85, and has a top-loading tape mechanism. Both camcorders have popup flash mechanisms and automatic control settings, but the PV-GS200 offers more manual controls than the HC85. There is more color information available with the PV-GS200, as the colors are more deeply saturated at 15 lux, but as far as overall image "quality" is concerned, at those levels the HC85 and the GS200 are probably equal. At 3000 lux the PV-GS200 beats the DCR-HC85 in test conditions.
DCR-TRV39 Sony has two other camcorders that are somewhat comparable from last year: the Sony DCR-TRV39, which the HC85 replaces, and the Sony DCR-TRV70 which has an identical imager to the HC85. Both are last year's models, and are available for around the same price, if not less, as the HC85. The DCR-TRV39 (identical except Bluetooth to last year's DCR-TRV38) has a 1/4.7-inch CCD with 690K effective pixels for video. It also has a 37mm (filter diameter), 10x optical zoom lens, with a focus ring surrounding the end of the lens barrel, and the same sized 3.5 inch LCD. The menu is navigated via the touch-screen LCD, and the manual controls available are comparable to the HC85. The DCR-TRV70 has a 1/3.6-inch CCD with just over 1000k effective pixels for video. The DCR-TRV70 also comes with a 10x optical zoom lens, and has a focus ring. Again, the manual controls are comparable to the other Sony camcorders mentioned.
For the same price, users could also pick from several different makes of DVD camcorder. Discussed here are the Sony DVD201 and the recently reviewed Panasonic VDR-M70 (Review, Specs, $703.99).
Sony DVD201 The Sony DCR-DVD201 (Review, Specs, $549) has 1/5-inch CCD with 690K effective pixels for video. The DVD201 is also fitted with a 10x optical zoom, and has a few more manual control options than on board the VDR-M70. After being formatted, the Sony DVD media is playable on any DVD player, unlike the VDR-M70. This is also a camcorder for the gadget loving consumer who loves to say they have the latest in digital technology.
Panasonic VDR-M70 The VDR-M70 has a 1/4-inch CCD with 400K effective pixels for video (960K for still) a 38mm lens, 10x optical zoom, and the ability to record to DVD-ROM discs. The picture quality doesn't compare with the Mini DV camcorders in the price range, but these camcorders may be good for consumers who want the "latest and greatest."
Canon Optura 30 (Specs, $595.88) The recently released Canon Optura 30, offers an impressive 2.2-megapixel CCD as well as several photo-related features. It differs from the Optura 40 (Specs, $4117.72) in two ways: price and focal length. The Optura 30 has a 12X zoom, and Optura 40 has a 14x. Graced with Canon's optics, perhaps the strongest feature of any Canon camcorder, the Optura 30 is poised to perform very well in optimal lighting conditions. The Optura 30 has a 1/3.6 inch CCD, a 2.5 inch LCD, and over a million effective pixels for both video and still performance. The Optura 30 offers a flash on the front of the camcorder body, as well as print/share buttons for PC connectivity. Additionally, the Optura 30 is equipped with a focus ring for fine tuning focal adjustments.
Who it's For
Point-and-Shooters (6.0)
The Sony DCR-HC85 is a point-and-shoot camcorder for the consumers who want some of the high-end consumer technology offered by Sony. The inclusion of a focus ring, and the larger 2.1 Megapixel CCD are simply great bonuses on an easy-to-use camcorder.
Budget Consumers(4.0)
The Sony DCR-HC85 is not a good camcorder for the consumer on a budget. Although well worth the price, fiscally conservative consumers may want to look further down the HC line, or at other manufacturers.
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 (Review, Specs, $569).
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-HC85 is a good-sized camcorder that is well equipped for great image acquisition. The 1/3.6-inch CCD with 1080K effective pixels for video performs well (under controlled well-lit scenarios) at 3000 lux, and the colors produced are rich and accurately saturated. Like all recent Sony camcorders, the DCR-HC85 is designed for point-and-shoot recording, but unlike some other models has added features like a focus ring with numerical association, an intelligent accessory shoe, and several automatic features to improve image quality, like Spot Metering and Spot Focus. The image stabilization is pretty effective, and we are attempting to devise a test to test this feature accurately. Sometimes even a bump or shake that would not be noticed by the naked eye is overcompensated for with a soft gliding motion. When set up on a tripod, and the tripod leg is bumped, for example, the electronic image stabilizer overcompensates for this and the resulting bump is now very evident.
From a handling perspective, the DCR-HC85 is comfortable to hold, but somewhat of a pain to control by navigating through the touch-screen LCD menu. The DCR-HC85 is perhaps best used in automatic, not Easy, mode, where the user has "on camera body" access to features such as focus and backlight. Ideally, this backlight feature would be replaced with an exposure button or a button that allowed access to the "Spot" features.
The Panasonic PV-GS200 provides very strong competition to the Sony DCR-HC85, with better low light, better video performance and better handling than the DCR-HC85. The PV-GS200 is a great camcorder which I would pick over the Sony, however the Sony is still very strong, and is the strongest camcorder in the Sony lineup - if the problem that we saw in the video performance section is only a problem with our one model. However, if this is a widespread bug, the DCR-HC85 could be doomed. I am holding off on recommending this camcorder until we have flushed out some of the potential technical complications outlined in the Video Performance and Low Light sections of the review. Updates to the review will be made as soon as information is made available.