Sony DCR-HC52 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom
by Sony
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List Price: Our Price: $169.00 You Save: $80.99 (32%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Digital Camera See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sony DCR-HC52 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom
Customer Review: Decent Camera, But Horrible Color Saturation
Summary: 2 Stars
I bought this product to replace one of the first Sony Digital8 Camcorders that ever went on the market (DCR-TRV510). I've had that camera for 9+ years and have loved it. I bought this camera because because the reviews were decent, the price was good, and I like Sony products. I've had the camera about two months now and I'm very disappointed with the color of the videos. They are very dark compared to what they should be.
My most recent project was filming a basketball game where I had four different Sony digital camcorders in use on the same court (I film a complete game once a year). The other three Sony camcorders (all older, different models) produced far better color than this one. The colors produced by this camera are, quite simply, terrible. The one caveat to that is outside on a bright, sunny day will produce a rich color saturation. Other than that, though, you're out of luck.
I originally thought it was maybe just my camera, but another reviewer also talks about bad color saturation in his review, so I guess it is product wide problem. Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere.
Customer Review: Ok but not great
Summary: 2 Stars
This camera is just ok. I wish I had spent a bit more money to get something that would have had more bells and whistles. Also another reason for a bad review is that Sony has misinformation on their website about this camera. The Sony website links to a USB cable for this model of camera, and they have a USB cable for sale. BUT DON'T ORDER IT because it won't work. You can NOT use USB with this camera. The returns process for Sony is convoluted, and they won't credit shipping charges even when it is their mistake! They don't readily provide a customer service number on their .com site. Also, the user manual is lacking in information about the camera and misses several ideas for troubleshooting. It is also a noisy camera and has to be charged for every 2 hours of use. I have never purchased a Sony device before... if this is typical for Sony (misinformation on their website and a mediocre user manual), I won't again.Customer Review: Cannot transfer video to a PC
Summary: 2 Stars
I own 4 different Sony camcorders. I bought this one because all of the others stopped having the ability to transfer video to a PC using the IEEE 1394 firewire (iLink) cable. Right outta the box, this one is not recognized by 3 different PCs, all having firewire ports, all having WinXP, tried with a variety of 4-pin to 6-pin cables. I'm done with SONY. The reason I kept purchasing SONY was to transfer SONY video. I used a Samsung camera to transfer video but the codecs caused choppy video. My camcorders are all $300 and below in cost. If you search the Internet forums you'll see that SONY has serious problems with their firewire ports. Another SONY for my useless collection.Customer Review: noisiest camera I ever owned
Summary: 2 Stars
I have had 3 Sony Camcorders, including two mini-dv handhelds. None of them make the noise this one does. I bought it as an extra camera to record some of my psychotherapy sessions, but the motor is so loud I cannot use it. I could hear it from across the room of my office. Maybe I just have a dud. Sony has always been a good brand and I am going to try one of their solid state media low end cameras instead. At least then it should not be noisy. The video quality seemed ok - about what I would expect. I would not recommend it.Customer Review: old style handycam
Summary: 2 Stars
the screen sometimes gets blury and you cant focus with it, the battery lasts for 1 hour, "unless you buy the extended battery" that lasts for 5 hours. and its old the anolog suck's and the dv version is 50-100 bucks more so dont waist your hard earned dough on this!