Sony DCR-HC46 MiniDV 1MP Digital Handycam Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom (Includes Handycam Station) (Discontinued by Manufacturer)
| Brand | Sony |
| Connectivity Technology | Infrared, USB |
| Flash Memory Type | Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo |
| Color | Silver, Black |
| Special Feature | Infrared, Low Light |
| Screen Size | 2.7 Inches |
| Optical Zoom | 12 x |
| Included Components | Battery |
| Minimum Focal Length | 3 Millimeters |
| Lens Type | Zoom |
About this item
- 1/5.5-inch CCD imager; 1-megapixel still-image resolution allows for photo-quality prints to 6 x 8 inches
- MiniDV recording format offers up to 520 lines of horizontal resolution
- 12x optical zoom with Super SteadyShot picture-stabilization system
- 2.7-inch high-resolution touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD display rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles
- Super NightShot Plus Infrared System captures natural-looking video in low light
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Legal Disclaimer
Exchange will be given if the camcorder is not as described. Full refund will be given if replacement of the same model is not available. Missing or damaged accessories initially received will be replaced at sellers expense and does not qualify for a refund. 20% restocking for returns that are for reasons not caused by seller even with-in the 14day period. Returns are not covered against Water damage, Impact, Abuse.
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Compare with similar items
This item Sony DCR-HC46 MiniDV 1MP Digital Handycam Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom (Includes Handycam Station) (Discontinued by Manufacturer) | Sony DCR-HC42 1MP MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/12x Optical (Discontinued by Manufacturer) | Sony DCR-HC26 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom (Discontinued by Manufacturer) | Sony DCR-HC36 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom (Discontinued by Manufacturer) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating | 3.0 out of 5 stars (26) | 3.5 out of 5 stars (60) | 2.7 out of 5 stars (66) | 3.9 out of 5 stars (43) |
| Price | $120.00$120.00 | $130.00$130.00 | $150.00$150.00 | $150.00$150.00 |
| Sold By | Chumdog LLC | Chumdog LLC | Chumdog LLC | Chumdog LLC |
| Color | Black, Silver | Black, Silver | silver | Black, Silver, Grey |
| Screen Size | 2.700000 inches | 2.7 inches | 2.5 inches | 2.5 inches |
| Media Type | Mini DV | Mini DV | Mini DV | Mini DV |
| Optical Sensor Technology | CCD | CCD | CCD | CCD |
| Optical Zoom | 12x | 12x | 20 | 20 |
What's in the box
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Product information
| Package Dimensions | 12 x 12 x 12 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 16 ounces |
| ASIN | B000E0DU6M |
| Item model number | DCR-HC46 |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Customer Reviews |
3.0 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #545,378 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #2,222 in Camcorders |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | Yes |
| Date First Available | April 18, 2005 |
| Manufacturer | Sony |
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Product Description
From the Manufacturer
The DCR-HC46 from Sony gives you a full-featured, compact MiniDV camcorder at an affordable price. Highlights include the Advanced HAD CCD imager, which captures stunning detail and clarity, and 12x optical zoom with Super SteadyShot picture stabilization, which focuses on distant subjects, providing clear close-up images with less distortion. The Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens offers less glare and increased contrast for vivid, more life-like color and tones. A 1-megapixel sensor allows you to take still images that can be printed at photo quality up to 6 x 8 inches. Make your personal videos complete with additional customization features such as Picture and Fader effects for creative and professional looking enhancements. Picture Package software helps you easily organize and edit still images and video.
1.0 Megapixel (Gross) Advanced HAD CCD Imager1/5.5-inch Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 690K (effective) pixels provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 520 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance. The Megapixel technology enhances your digital videos and digital still photography performance.
MiniDV Recording
Offers up to 520 lines of horizontal resolution, 3x the color bandwidth and a significantly higher signal/noise ratio, to provide spectacular video performance.
12x Optical/800x Digital Zoom
The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up 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.
Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer 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.
2.7-Inch Wide (16:9) Touch Panel SwivelScreen LCD Display (123K Pixels)
Provides excellent viewing clarity for both 16:9 and 4:3 apsect 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.
Progressive Shutter System
A mechanical shutter system that provides progressive scan performance while utilizing an interlaced scanning system. Digital still images will be sharp and clear with excellent definition.
Super SteadyShot Picture Stabilization System
Picture stabilization system that uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for camera "shake" without compromising picture quality like some other digital stabilization systems.
Handycam Station
The supplied Handycam Station cradle 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.
One Touch Wide Angle Shooting
Easily switch between 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios for shooting with just the touch of a button.
Charge the battery at anytime because unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony's rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries are not subject 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.
i.LINK DV Interface
A digital high-speed bi-directional interface which 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.
Digital Still Memory Mode with Memory Stick Duo Media
Capture still images up to 1152 x 864 resolution, directly onto Memory Stick Duo Media for easy transfer to PCs for e-mailing, printing or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick devices.
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 unfocussed so that the subject stands out.
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 where either the environment or the subject does not allow the camcorder's auto focus to perform optimally, such as when shooting through a window or in a crowded environment.
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.
On-Screen Zoom and Record Controls
For additional control of the camcorder, the DCR-HC46 features Zoom and Record buttons on the frame of the LCD screen. This allows the user more flexibility when holding the camcorder, especially in overhead or low angle shots.
Additional Features
- Stamina Battery Power Management system
- Program AE (autoexposure) modes
- Picture effects
- Fader
- USB streaming
- Easy Handycam button
- Battery information
What's in the Box
Sony DCR-HC46 MiniDV camcorder, power adapter/in-camera charger (ACL25), InfoLithium rechargeable battery (NPFP50), Handycam Station (DRCA-C151), Remote Commander remote control (RMT-831), stereo AV cable, lens cap, USB cable CD-ROM with USB driver (PicturePackage Software ver. 1.5 for Sony)
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Technically, the image capturing technology is the same as the hard drive-based DCR-SR80. However, MiniDV recording technology does not compress the digital images where hard disk and Mini DVD technologies do. Therefore when you transfer the data to your computer for editing, you avoid the uncompress process required by the latter two technologies. When you create the resulting DVD, that is the first and only compression to hit your video, meaning you get better image quality.
The cons? Well, the included software is woefully lacking. I'd like to author DVDs, but ImageMixer is a Video CD authoring tool. And VCD is so ten-years-ago. And the built-in 1 megapixel camera is truly a joke.
It works for seconds
then stops
Waste of money
I also noticed that there was a small but very prominent red speck on the LCD; the manual says that this is a "normal" result of the manufacturing process. Being somewhat familiar with this industry, I can tell you that it is more likely the result of lower QA standards to cut costs (how many of us have seen a color speck on a new laptop or desktop LCD?).
Before returning the camera, I went over to a local electronics store and shot similar footage with it and with a display model of a Panasonic PV-GS300. The quality of the video was far superior with the GS300; I noticed no graininess, the picture seemed to be steadier and always in focus, the colors more accurate.
My suggestion to all those thinking about buying this camera is to seriously consider spending the extra $100-$300 and purchasing the high end Sony HC96, the Panasonic GS300, or perhaps the GS500.
This camera is definitely the right purchase. The only reason I did not rate the camera a 5 is for two things:
1. The location of the zoom button is a little awkward under your finger. Probably because the camera is very small, but it probably could have been placed a bit better. It does get a little uncomfortable.
2. The battery life of the standard battery is poor at best. You really need to upgrade the battery if you want and reasonable amount of time.
Other than that, the camera is great. It works very nicely, takes very sharp, accurate pictures, and the color representation is great. I read some other reviews about some sort of "blue cast" on the image, but I really don't know what they were referring to.
I looked at JVC, Panasonic, and some others, and even though this camera has 1 CCD (instead of 3 like others are touting) I think this was a great purchase for the price.




