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Sony DCR-HC32 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom
 
 
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Sony DCR-HC32 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom

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3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews) | More about this product

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Technical Details

  • 1/6-inch CCD imager with 680K (gross) resolution
  • MiniDV recording format offers up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution
  • 20x optical zoom with Super SteadyShot picture-stabilization system
  • 2.5-inch touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD
  • Super NightShot Plus Infrared System captures natural-looking video in low light
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Product Details

Product Manual [5.03mb PDF]
  • Product Dimensions: 4.4 x 3.5 x 2.2 inches ; 3 pounds
  • Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
  • Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
  • ASIN: B0007M3PKI
  • Item model number: DCRHC32
  • Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,512 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)

    Popular in this category: (What's this?)

    #36 in  Camera & Photo > Camcorders > Digital MiniDV
  • Date first available at Amazon.com: January 28, 2005

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Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Sony's DCR-HC32 MiniDV Handycam camcorder stands out with high-end digital imaging features at an affordable price. Super NightShot infrared system enables you to capture natural-looking video in low light conditions. The Super SteadyShot picture stabilization system uses motion sensors to detect and correct camera shake for smoother video recording. Tele Macro Mode zooms in for close-up shots to bring out the subject in vivid imagery--making it stand out from the background.

This fully-equipped camcorder comes with easy solutions to transfer images and video recording to your computer. USB streaming allows you to broadcast live video to family and friends, and i.LINK DV interface provides a connection from the camcorder to a variety of compatible devices. Memory Stick Duo media compatibility provides yet another way to easily transfer still images and compact MPEG Movie EX video to your PC for e-mailing and printing.

Features of the Sony DCR-HC32
1/6-Inch Advanced HAD CCD Imager, 680K Pixels Gross
1/6-inch 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.		 The Sony DCR-HC32
Super SteadyShot picture stabilization system corrects camera shake for smoother video recording.
MiniDV Recording
Offers up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution, three times the color bandwidth and a significantly higher signal/noise ratio to provide spectacular video performance.
20x Optical/800x Digital Zoom
The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than with previous types of digital zooms.
Super SteadyShot Picture-Stabilization System
Picture-stabilization system that uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for camera shake without compromising picture quality, as some other digital stabilization systems do.		 Professional Quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens
Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multilayer coating that offers less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation, and perfect renditions of subtle tones.
i.LINK DV Interface
A digital high-speed bidirectional interface provides Audio/Video communication between two compatible devices. This connection allows for pure digital transfer between devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, such as camcorders, digital VTRs, capture cards, and PCs.		 Analog To Digital Conversion with Pass-Through
Convert and/or record any analog NTSC video source to digital video via the analog inputs. Analog NTSC video can also be passed in real time through the digital Handycam Camcorder directly into a PC via the i.LINK interface for easy PC editing of your analog footage.
InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower Meter System
Charge the battery at anytime 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 either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.		 2.5-Inch Touch Panel SwivelScreen LCD Display (123K Pixels)
Provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The high-resolution 123K pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles, providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback.
Digital Still Memory Mode with Memory Stick Duo Media
Capture still images at 640 x 480 resolution, directly onto Memory Stick Duo Media for easy transfer to PCs for e-mailing, printing, or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick devices.		 Stamina Battery Power Management System
Using the optional NP-FP90 InfoLithium Battery, the DCR-HC32 can continuously record for up to 8 hours on a single full charge, providing extra-long battery life.
Super NightShot Plus Infrared System
With Sony's Super NightShot Infrared System you can capture natural-looking video, even when shooting in low light. Record subjects up to 20 feet away using the built-in infrared system, but without the overall monochrome color common with earlier low-light recording systems.		 Tele Macro Function
Useful for shooting close up shots, but without having the camcorder casting a shadow on the subject. Images shot in the Tele Macro Mode will have the subject properly focused with the background unfocused so that the subject stands out.
The Sony DCR-HC32
The included Handycam Station makes connecting your camera to a TV or computer a snap.		 Handycam Station
The supplied Handycam Station provides quick and easy connections to a TV for viewing or to a PC for editing and sharing video. Just placing the camcorder on the Handycam Station instantly makes the connections. No need to search for cables or wires when charging or playing back.
USB Streaming
Stay connected to family and friends by broadcasting live video with audio over the Internet using the USB interface. You can even play back your favorite recorded scene on the camcorder's tape. It's like having your own video-conferencing system.
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, and Sunset & Moon modes.		 End Search
Automatically advances the videotape to the last five seconds of the recorded scene. This prevents accidentally recording over previously recorded videos.
Picture Package Software
Easily organize still images and video, and turn them into stunning music videos using the supplied software.		 Fader Effects
Enhance your personal videos by adding professional-looking fader effects. Choose from Black, Mosaic, White, Monotone, and Stripe.
Battery Information
At the touch of a button, battery information is displayed on the LCD screen when charging or when the camcorder is turned off. The display will show how much the battery is charged in 10-percent increments and the recordable time left when using the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.		 Manual Focus
Allows the user to manually adjust the focus of the camcorder using the touch panel. Manual focusing also allows the user to control the focus in difficult situations in which either the environment or the subject does not allow the camcorder's autofocus to perform optimally, such as when shooting through a window or in a crowded environment.
Easy Handycam Button
Using a camcorder can be intimidating for some people, so with a press of the Easy Handycam button, most of the advanced features of the camcorder are "locked out," leaving only the buttons essential for recording operational. 		Picture Effects
Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony's Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Negative Art, Sepia, Monotone, Solarize, Pastel, and Mosaic. Effects available in Playback mode: Negative Art, Sepia, Monotone, and Solarize.
What's in the Box
Sony DCR-HC32 MiniDV Handycam camcorder, AC-L25 power adapter/in-camera charger, NP-FP30 InfoLithium rechargeable battery, DRCA-C121 Handycam Station, RMT-831 Remote Commander remote control, stereo AV cable, USB cable, lens cap, shoulder strap, CD-ROM with USB Driver (PicturePackage Software version 1.5 for Sony)


Product Description

Sony's DCR-HC32 MiniDV Handycam camcorder stands out with high-end digital imaging features at an affordable price. Super NightShot infrared system enables you to capture natural looking video in low light conditions. The Super SteadyShot picture stabilization system uses motion sensors to detect and correct camera "shake" for smoother video recording. Tele Macro Mode zooms in for close-up shots to bring out the subject in vivid imagery - making it stand out above the background.This fully-equipped camcorder comes with easy solutions to transfer images and video recording to your computer. USB Streaming allows you to broadcast live video to family and friends, and i.LINK DV interface provides a connection from the camcorder to a variety of compatible devices. Memory Stick Duo media compatibility provides yet another way to easily transfer still images and compact MPEG Movie EX video to your PC for emailing and printing.

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Customer Reviews

Average Customer Rating
3.4 out of 5 stars (29 customer reviews)
5 star:
 (11)
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 (5)
3 star:
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 (8)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
123 of 130 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great camera, especially for the price!, March 5, 2005
By Andy (Redwood City, CA) - See all my reviews
I almost purchased the 42 instead of the 32, but after checking them out at the store I decided on the 32. The Samsung 353 was also in the running but one look in the store and I knew Sony was the way to go. I am glad I decided on the 32 because the only real difference was the CCD, which is 340k instead of 680k effective. It turns out the 32 does such a good job with the 340k I can't tell the difference, and for $150 less. The other only real difference is the color viewfinder on the 42, but who uses a viewfinder anymore. It doesn't come with a firewire (iLink) cable so be prepared to purchase one, especially if you have a mac. I am happy with our choice and look forward to many edited videos to share with the family.
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70 of 72 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars It Works For Me, March 22, 2006
By Lazyboy (South-Central Texas) - See all my reviews
For some 50 years, beginning with a Leica IIIG I bought in the 1950's, I have used a variety of 35mm and digital still cameras. I figured it was time to try my hand at video.

I spent several days researching the variety of entry level video cameras and finally decided on the DCR-HC32. Given the slight difference in price between the bare camera and this package, I went for the package.

The handycam arrived a couple of days ago and I immediately put it to use filming one of my grandchildren. It was not long before I realized that capturing images on video is more complicated that when using a still camera. I put the Handycam down and picked up the Operating Guide.

After spending time reading the Guide and checking out the multitude of options this little camera provides, I called my grandchild back for more product testing. The results were gratifying.

It does not seem possible that such a small videotape can provide such crystal clear images, but it does. I experienced a bit of shake when zooming, even with SteadyShot turned on, but that may be at least in part attributed to these old hands.

I conducted most of my early video trials in my den at night, with a single overhead flourescent light providing the only illumination. Even without slowing the shutter the color was beautiful. I sent my grandchild to a shadowy corner about 20 feet from the camera to try out the Super Nightshot. It worked well. Color was thin but good. Then I turned out the light and shot with Super Nightshot Plus. What I got was an incredibly grainy black and white image that was recognizable as human, but that's about all. I have ordered an Infrared light to use in very dim to dark light.

Filming video outdoors on a bright sunny day, the results were crystal clear and the color was excellent. Sound pickup more than a couple of yards from the Handycam was disappointing. I wish this camera had a jack for an accessory microphone.

Still picture quality certainly could be better. However, I have a fine digital still camera to take care of usual still photography work The still images this Handycam creates may not be of studio quality, but the ones I made are certainly adequate for sharing or adding to a family album. I do not doubt that there will be times when using the Handycam that I would like to capture some special moment in a still picture. For this use, the Handycam works just fine, as far as I am concerned

I am well pleased with this little camera and unhesitatingly recommend it to anyone interested in buying a quality introductory level video camera. Using Sony's DVM60PR3 cassettes image color and clarity are surprisingly good. I urge anyone not familiar with small video cameras to heed Sony's suggestion and spend time with the Operating Guide while the battery is getting its first charge.

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39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Broadcast quality but get the warranty, March 27, 2006
By PM "pam999" (Van Nuys, CA United States) - See all my reviews
This camera is fantastic. I also own a $3500 Sony mini-dv and the picture quality of this camera is virtually identical. Transfer what you've shot to DVD, or just play it right off the tape onto your TV and you will be blown away by the broadcast quality of the image. It's very small, and has some great easy-to-use features for shooting in the sun, shade, action,etc., and even extreme darkness. A built in lens cover is also convenient.
After owning this camera for only about 5 months though, I got an error reported with other Sony mini-dv's "dirty tape head." Well, the tape head was actually fine but the damn message wouldn't go away no matter what I did, so I had to have it repaired. I had bought it at Sears but wanted to use Sony for the repair and after telling them the truth and that I was very disappointed, blah blah - the $212.00 to fix the camera I just bought for $450.00 was not fair - they agreed to take the camera and fix it for no charge. (The point is that Sony is making an effort, I believe, to satisfy their customers.) Nonetheless, because of the problem I had, I feel compelled to recommend that a person purchasing this camera go ahead and buy the SONY warranty - directly through Sony before the 90 day manufacturers warranty is up. (It's only $117 for 3 years and you'll have piece of mind.) Should you have to buy a warranty? No. Do things break? Yes. Hell, I've had plenty of stuff break that just became useless.
The point is, this camera is really awesome and worth owning. You can charge it without using the dock however the dock is cool for transfering to your computer or any other source. The battery that comes with it lasts really long too. This camera also has analog capabilities which can be handy for transferring old VHS tapes to mini-DV.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars Sony DCR-HC32 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom, Handycam Station, & Extra NPFP50 Battery (Purchased on 10/27/2008
Sony DCR-HC32 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom, Handycam Station, & Extra NPFP50 Battery (Purchased on 10/27/2008)
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