Sony DCR-HC96 Mini-DV DV Camcorder

★★★★☆
4.4

based on 21 reviews  

 

Ratings Distribution

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2 star
 
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Category Average

★★★★☆
4.1

 

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Pros

  • Great picture quality (9)
  • Durable (8)
  • Great features (8)
  • Great sound quality (6)
  • Simple controls (6)
  • Versatile (5)
  • Comfortable to operate (4)
  • Lightweight (2)
  • Attaches securely (1)
  • Doesn't drain power (1)
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Cons

  • Complicated to operate (2)
  • Inadequate features (2)
  • Uncomfortable (2)
  • Poor video software (1)
  • Very small to hold (1)

Best Uses

  • Travel (9)
  • Home (7)
  • Special events (7)
  • Sports (4)
  • Family (3)
  • Office (2)
  • Weddings (2)
  • Home movies (1)
  • Movies/short films (1)
 
 
 

Provided by RitzCamera.com

Sony''s DCR-HC96 MiniDV Handycam camcorder stands out with high-end digital imaging features at an affordable price. Super NightShot Plus 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 (Sony IEEE 1394 connector) interface provides a connection from the camcorder to a variety of compatible devices.

  • 1/3-inch Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 2050K (effective) pixels
  • 2.7-inch Wide Touch Panel SwivelScreen LCD Display (123K Pixels)
  • 10X optical zoom lens with 120X digital zoom
  • Professional quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens
  • Digital Still Memory mode with Memory Stick Duo media

3.3 Megapixel (Gross) Advanced HAD CCD Imager - 1/3-inch Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 2048K (effective) pixels provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance. The Megapixel technology enhances your digital videos and digital still photography performance.

10X Optical/120X 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.

Professional Quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens - 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. The additional T* coating on the lens further reduces unwanted glare and flare.

2.7-inch wide Touch Panel SwivelScreen LCD Display (123K Pixels) - The 2.7-inch Wide (16:9) LCD screen 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, and the widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.

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 through the digital Handycam Camcorder directly into a PC via the i.LINK interface in real-time for easy PC editing of your analog footage.

Active Interface Shoe - Provides a location directly on the camcorder on which to add optional accessories while providing power and two-way communication to those accessories.

Battery Information - At the touch of a button, battery information is displayed on the LCD screen when charging and when the camcorder is turned off. The display will show how much the battery is charged, in 10% increments and the recordable time left when using the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

Digital Effects - Get creative when recording or playing back your video with Sony''s Digital Effect Modes, Effects available in Camera mode: Still, Flash Motion, Luminance, Slow Shutter, Trail, Old Movie, Delayed Motion Effect and Cinematic Effect. Effects available in Playback mode: Still, Flash Motion, Luminance, Trail, Delayed Motion.

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.

Digital Still Memory Mode with Memory Stick Duo Media - Capture still images at 2016x1512 (3.0 Megapixels) resolution, directly onto Memory Stick Duo Media for easy transfer to PCs for emailing, printing or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick devices.

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.

End Search - Automatically advances the video tape to the last 5 seconds of the recorded scene. This prevents accidentally recording over previously recorded videos.

Fader Effects - Enhance your personal videos by adding professional looking fader effects. Choose from Black, Mosaic, White, Monotone and Stripe.

i.LINK DV Interface2 - 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.

InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower Meter System - Charge the battery at anytime 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 either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

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 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.

MiniDV Recording - Offers up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution, 3X the color bandwidth and a significantly higher signal/noise ratio, to provide spectacular video performance.

On Screen Zoom and Record Controls - For additional control of the camcorder, the DCR-HC96 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.

One Touch Wide Angle Shooting - Easily switch between 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios for shooting, with just the touch of a button.

Picture Effects - Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony''s Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Pastel and Mosaic. Effects available in Playback mode: Negative Art, Sepia, Monotone and Solarize.

Picture Package Software - Easily organize still images and video, and turn them into stunning music videos using the supplied software.

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 or Sunset & Moon modes.

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.

Stamina Battery Power Management System - Using the optional NP-FP90 InfoLithium Battery, the DCR-HC96 can continuously record for up to 5 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.

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.

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.

USB Streaming - Stay connected to family and friends by broadcasting live video with audio over the internet using the USB interface. You can even playback your favorite recorded scene on the camcorder''s tape. It''s like having your own video conferencing system.

Specification Description
Model DCR-HC96, DCRHC96
UPC 027242688636
Digital Photo Mode Yes
Digital Zoom 120x
Format MiniDV
Interface USB
LCD Screen 2 inch
Optical Zoom 10x
Select Format DV (Mini DV)
Viewfinder Color

Sony DCR-HC96 Mini-DV DV Camcorder Questions

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Sony DCR-HC96 Mini-DV DV Camcorder

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Product Reviews

Last update: Sep 11, 2008

Sony DCR-HC96 Mini-DV DV Camcorder Reviews

 
 
 

Most helpful positive review

[4 of 4 customers found this review helpful]

Most helpful negative review

 
★★★★★
5.0
Impressive Performance, little pricey.

"Great results, with a picture that seems as good as the 3CCD camcorders out there. Competitive with best in this price range. The picture quality is great, the 16:9 view works great. The analog to digital conversion is excellent. Worth for the money[...]. I strongly recomand you to have this camera if you are serious in buying a camcorder...." Read Full Review »

Dec 23, 2006 by Siby Mangalathu

See more positive Sony DCR-HC96 Mini-DV DV Camcorder reviews

★★★☆☆
3.0
Good small wonder with quirks

"The overal size of the camcorder is good for travel. The quality of the movies are good though not as sharp as previous versions of Sony camcorders. The non telescoping viewfinder is problematic when used with a high capacity battery. Battery capacity even with a high capacity battery drains quickly. The zoom switch is overly sensitive and does not allow for smooth zooming. The required docking base limits us..." Read Full Review »

Feb 05, 2007 by The Snoop

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Displaying 1 - 5 of 21 Reviews

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[4 of 4 customers found this review helpful]

Sony DCR-HC96 Mini-DV DV Camcorder Review

Impressive Performance, little pricey.

★★★★★
5.0

    Pros

  • Durable
  • Great Features
  • Great Picture Quality
  • Great Sound

    Cons

  • Uncomfortable
  • Very small to hold

    Best Uses

  • Home
  • Office
  • Special Events
  • Travel
 

"Great results, with a picture that seems as good as the 3CCD camcorders out there. Competitive with best in this price range. The picture quality is great, the 16:9 view works great. The analog to digital conversion is excellent. Worth for the money[...]. I strongly recomand you to have this camera …"  Read Full Review »

Was this Digital Camcorder review on the Sony DCR-HC96 Mini-DV DV Camcorder helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (4)  (0)  0 comments
Dec 23 2006
Siby Mangalathu
Chicago
Reviewed at:
 

Sony DCR-HC96 Mini-DV DV Camcorder Review

Perfect for the price

★★★★★
5.0

    Pros

  • Comfortable to Operate
  • Durable
  • Great Features
  • Great Picture Quality
  • Great Sound
  • More »

    Cons

  • None

    Best Uses

  • Family
  • Movies/Short Films
  • Special Events
  • Sports
  • Travel
  • More »
 

"This video camera is definetly worth it for the price. I use this camera to make short movies with my friends and it gets the job done perfectly. The picture is astounding for Mini DV and the accessory shoe comes in handy. The only thing that I would recommend if you are going to buy this camera is …"  Read Full Review »

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this Digital Camcorder review on the Sony DCR-HC96 Mini-DV DV Camcorder helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (0)  (0)  0 comments
May 11 2008
Danny Director
Chicago, IL
I am:
  • Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Reviewed at:
 

Sony DCR-HC96 Mini-DV DV Camcorder Review

I would recommend this camera

★★★★★
5.0

    Pros

  • Comfortable to Operate
  • Durable
  • Great Features
  • Great Picture Quality
  • Simple Controls
  • More »

    Cons

  • None

    Best Uses

  • Family
  • Special Events
  • Sports
  • Travel
  • Weddings
 

"I use the DCR-H96 along with a JVC GY-DV500U & a JVC GY-DV5000U for weddings, church services, etc.

The resolution is actually brighter than the more expensive camcorders, but I have filtered the lens and it is difficult now to tell the difference in the camcorders. It is small and can be used wher …"  Read Full Review »

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this Digital Camcorder review on the Sony DCR-HC96 Mini-DV DV Camcorder helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (0)  (0)  0 comments
May 1 2008
Troubador
Colorado
I am:
  • Professional
Reviewed at:
 

Sony DCR-HC96 Mini-DV DV Camcorder Review

Pretty good, but a few drawbacks

★★★★☆
4.0

    Pros

  • Lightweight

    Cons

  • Inadequate Features

    Best Uses

  • Home
 

"Sony does not include an S-video cable, even though the unit supports it. The picture quality in full zoom is significantly worse than in wide angle, which is exactly the opposite of some of their higher end lines, and personally, I think the menu system (for almost all the functions) sucks. I pref …"  Read Full Review »

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 Report Abuse  (0)  (0)  0 comments
Feb 5 2007
Ken
San Lorenzo
Reviewed at:
 

Sony DCR-HC96 Mini-DV DV Camcorder Review

Sony's HC96 gives good 4x6 digital stills & great outdoor video

★★★★★
5.0

"If you are buying a camcorder for the first time and you would like to record to cassette (MiniDV) then Sony's HC96 is for you. The star of this camcorder is its 1/3 inch Advanced HAD CCD. The cam has a small lens (only 30mm filter) but because of the size of the ccd it performs well indoors in room …"  Read Full Review »

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 Report Abuse  (0)  (0)  0 comments
Jun 24 2006
Amaro Ray
New York
Reviewed at:
 
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Sony DCR-HC96 Mini-DV DV Camcorder

Amazon   at Amazon.com
ebay
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