Sony DCRHC20 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

by Sony

Product Details

Product Manual [2.44mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0001BW0TC
• Item model number: DCR-HC20
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,468 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 22, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Sony DCR-HC20 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder packs big features in a small package. It features a large 2.5" hybrid SwivelScreen LCD display with touch panel controls, a high-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, NightShot Plus infrared recording system and USB streaming capabilities, all in a case that is 25% smaller than last years model. It even includes the innovative Easy Handycam button, which automates most functions and makes recording a snap.

The MiniDV Format offers more precise image detail and color accuracy than previously possible with analog camcorders. The superior quality of digital video results from:

• Higher Resolution -- up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution, on select models for sharper picture detail
• Component Color Sampling -- preserves three times more color information than analog VHS and S-VHS video, for brighter and truer colors
• Time Base Correction -- stabilizes the picture, eliminating video jitters
• Error Correction -- fills in missing video data, providing seamless, professional-looking video

Features of the DCRHC20 include:

	Stay connected with family and friends by broadcasting live video with audio, via the Internet with the USB interface. You can even playback your favorite recorded scene stored on tape. It's like having your own web camera or video conferencing system.		Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating offering less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation and perfect renditions of subtle tones.
	Using a camcorder can be intimidating for some people, so with a press of the Easy Handycam button, most of the advanced functions of the camcorder are "locked out" leaving only the buttons essential for recording operational.		With Sony's NightShot Infrared system you can capture natural looking video even when shooting in low light up to 10 feet away using the built-in infrared system.
	Battery information is momentarily displayed without having to power on the camcorder. Quickly access the battery's status by pressing the Battery Info button. The Recording Time Available is displayed in minutes on either the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.		Sony's i.LINK DV (or MICROMV) interface gives you true digital-to-digital editing, without the "generation loss" of analog editing. And the i.LINK interface is compatible with a range of Sony digital VCRs, Sony edit controllers, and Sony PCs with editing software.
	SteadyShot Picture Stabilization smoothes and steadies your images without degrading picture quality. Sony does it with motion sensors --- a more accurate system than many other camcorders on the market.		Stamina Power Management the combination of low power consumption and an optional InfoLithium battery give Sony Handycam models incredible operating time. To keep tabs on battery life, Sony's AccuPower meter displays the number of minutes remaining -- right in the viewfinder.

And more:

• 1/6" Advanced HAD CCD Imager, 680K Pixels Gross: The 1/6" Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 340K (effective) pixels provides stunning detail and clarity, with exceptional video (up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance.

• 10X Optical/120X Digital Zoom: The optical zoom helps to bring the action up close from far away. In addition, the digital zoom interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.

• 2.5" Hybrid SwivelScreen Touch Panel LCD Display (123K Pixels): This provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The 123K pixel LCD display makes images sharp and detailed during playback or when monitoring recording. The Hybrid Reflective-Transmissive LCD Screen provides accurate viewing in sunlight or bright light, virtually eliminating the "wash-out" common with traditional LCD Screens.

• InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower Meter System: Charge the battery at any time because unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony’s rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening "memory effect." Sony’s exclusive AccuPower meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes in the viewfinder or the LCD screen.

• 12-Bit/16-Bit PCM Digital Stereo: 16-Bit offers the same outstanding sound quality as a compact disc. 12-Bit recording enables you to add an additional audio track with compatible audio dubbing equipment or i.LINK®* interface compatible computers.

• Photo Mode: Using Sony’s unique Adaptive Frame Interpolation for better image quality, you can store hundreds of still images with 7 seconds of audio on the videotape.

• Program AE (Auto Exposure) Modes: Program AE modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Portrait, Beach & Ski, Sports Lesson, Landscape, Spotlight, Sunset & Moon modes.

• Accessory Shoe: Allows a position on the camcorder in which to place optional accessories.

Supplied Accessories
AC-L25 Power Adaptor/In Camera Charger, NP-FP50 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery, RMT-830 Wireless Remote Commander Remote Control, CR2025 Battery, Multi A/V Cable, LCD Cleaning Cloth, USB Cable, CD-ROM w/ USB Driver (Picture Package Software v.1.0 for Sony).

Product Description

MODEL- DCR-HC20 VENDOR- SONY CONSUMER FEATURES- MiniDV Handycam Camcorder The Sony DCR-HC20 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder packs big features in a small package. It features a large 2.5 hybrid SwivelScreen LCD display with touch panel controls a high-quality Carl Zeiss Vario- Tessar lens NightShot Plus infrared recording system and USB streaming capabilities all in a case that is 25% smaller than last years model. It even includes the innovative Easy Handycam button which automates most functions and makes recording a snap. Why settle for anything less than a Sony? Includes Camcorder AC-L25 Power Adaptor/In Camera Charger NP-FP50 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery RMT-830 Wireless Remote Commander Remote Control CR2025 Battery Multi A/V Cable LCD Cleaning Cloth USB Cable CD-ROM w/ USB Driver (Picture Package Software v.1.0 for Sony).* 1/6 Advanced HAD CCD Imager 680K Pixels Gross 1/6 Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 340K (effective) pixels provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance.* MiniDV Recording Offers up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution 3X color bandwidth (vs. VHS) and significantly higher S/N ratio to provide stunning video performance.* 10X Optical/120X Digital Zoom The optical zoom helps to bring the action up close from far away. In addition the digital zoom interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.* 2.5 Hybrid SwivelScreen Touch Panel LCD Display (123K Pixels) Provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The 123K pixel LCD display makes images sharp and detailed during playback or when monitoring recording. The Hybrid Reflective-Transmissive LCD Screen provides accurate viewing in sunlight or bright light virtually eliminating the wash-out common with traditional LCD Screens.* Professional Quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced o...

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

91 of 92 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Ultra-Portable Camcorder, May 1, 2004

By 

Bobby Kwan "office monkey" (Northern Virginia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony DCRHC20 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

This is a great little camcorder. It feels sturdy, is lightweight, and I can hold it in one hand securely. The video is also quite excellent.

I was debating whether to buy this or one of the Canon ZRs. Even though I was not sure if I would be shooting a lot indoors or not, I like knowing that I can, especially with the Sony's infrared light. The reduced zoom compared to the Canons was a minor issue for me, but I thought that the improved low-light quality of the Sony compensated for it.

The touch screen only functionality of this cam took some getting used to, but as this was my first camcorder, I was not used to any other system. It does not appear that LCD-only buttons is a major drawback, and in fact, I got used to it quite quickly. Also, I can appreciate that there are fewer buttons on the body itself to add to a cluttered appearance.

The built-in lens cover is quite nice as there is no losing it, and also, I think, could be useful for quick manual transitions when shooting.

The camera itself is very compact, and slim. About 2" thick, I can slip this baby into my pocket and go, albiet, large pocket, but it's still amazingly small.

The zoom is very rapid, and the rocker allows variable-speed zooms.

The photo function is nice to have, but I wish that the 7-second audio with each picture was variable, or could be turned off altogether, but as with all camcorders, the photo function is just a nicety, and serious photos should be taken with a real camera, not a video camcorder.

All in all, this is a great miniDV camcorder. I have no basis for reference as this is my first, but I love it, and have no regrets in spending $460 of my limited college-student budget =) on this. I recall three years ago my friend and I were making a film for science class with his hi-8 camcorder, especially the pain of having to manually control a VCR to tranfer the film onto a regular VHS tape. But no more, with miniDV, I can edit and output a film in just a few minutes. WIth the help of a firewire cord (sold separately), on the first day I was able to import the film onto my computer and make a short film clip using Windows Movie Maker. It worked beautifully, so I didn't bother installing the software that came with the cam, since I've heard that it is useless.

PROS:
Lightweight and compact
Excellent film quality
Infrared Lamp
Bright, functional LCD

MINOR CONS:
Constrained still-photo function
Relatively short zoom

56 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Camera for size, quality and price, December 9, 2004

By 

D. Webster "writer, story-editor" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony DCRHC20 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

In my pursuit of the perfect camera, at the right price, I spent way too long pouring over online reviews, Consumer Reports articles and digital camera magazines. After a couple of weeks of labor (which included actually going out to the local stores and getting a "feel" for each camera -- a practice I highly recommend before purchase) the Sony DCR-HC20 came out on top of the rest by a full head.

Forget any of the complaints you might have read about the 7 sec delay on still shots: camcorders shouldn't be used for real photos anyway and any half-decent editing software comes with the ability to save still images straight from your footage. Also forget any complaints you might have heard about the bundled editing software: yes, it's nearly useless but again the basic software your home computer likely shipped with is all you will need to start putting together beautiful home-movies yourself (just don't forget you'll need to buy a fire-wire seperately).

The bottom line is this camera is about as light, sleek and easy to use as they come and the manufacturer was able to pack a heck of a camera into the small unit because they didn't waste time on unecessary extras like high resolution still photo shooting and the like. If you're looking for the highest quality and most user friendly camera you can find under $500, then this is the camera for you. Period. I know this sounds like a sales pitch but the truth is I'd just like to save any of you like-minded consumers out there a little bit of time and let you know the camera that perfectly fit my bill: home-movies, amateur film shorts and family documents all on an extremely doable budget.

Enjoy!

(p.s. -- in case you don't want to take my word for it: the HC20 is, by far and away, the highest rated camcorder under $500 and the ONLY recommended buy of the current Mini-DV line...)

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars DCRHC20, A great camcorder, and a great value, May 22, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Sony DCRHC20 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I received my Sony DCRHC20 Handycam a couple of days ago, and it is everything if not more than I expected. I needed a relatively inexpensive, compact, digital camcorder. The HC20 is one of the smallest Mini DV format camcorders to hit the market this year. It also comes with a price tag comperable to other Mini DV camcorders that are considerably larger at $499. Here are the pros and cons:

Pros:
-Small size

-Built in lens cap so you never again pick up the sound of the lens cap hitting the side of the camera.

-Record Button on the LCD screen is a nice touch

-Touch Screen LCD provides a sleeker, less cluttered look to the camcorder, and as a PDA user, I got used to the screen very very quickly.

-Remote Control is great! I use it to review tape in playback mode. It could also be great for taking group shots at a family reunion or something where you want to be in the photo.

-One thing I never saw online while shopping for camcorders is that this model comes with two really unique modes. One allows the camcorder to take time lapse video and the other takes 6 frames of video every time you press record allowing you to do stop motion animation (The type of animation used to do claymation like Gumby or Wallace and Grommit).

Cons:

-No anchors for a shoulder strap. If you want to carry it around a theme park or something you need a case. However this ins't a major problem due to it's small size.

-It doesn't come with a firewire cable. This also isn't a major deal because you can just use the supplied USB. I have seen ALOT of reviewers say you have to have a firewire etc. YOU DO NOT NEED A FIREWIRE TO IMPORT TO A PC. YOU CAN DO IT WITH THE USB. I do not reccomend using the hideous software provided by Sony, but I hooked up the USB, installed the drivers and I was importing into Adobe Premiere within 10 minutes.

As for a case to keep it all in. I bought a Lowepro EX 120 camcorder case, and it fits the camcorder, remote, 2 tapes, and charger unit perfectly. It could hold a spare battery too. Just in case anybody is looking for a good case for their purchace, it was about $20.