Sony DCR-HC96

Last update: Review by PC World (26 May’07)

The Sony DCR-HC96 Camcorder features 1/3-inch CCD imager with with 3.3-megapixel resolution, up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution, 10x optical zoom with Super SteadyShot picture-stabilization system, Super NightShot Plus Infrared System captures natural-looking video in low light, and a 2.7-inch high-resolution touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD display rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles.

Sony DCR-HC96 Latest Price Info

Sony DCR-HC96 Reviews

PCWorld reviews the Sony DCR-HC96 and writes;

“The DCR-HC96 delivered impressive still images. Our panel of experts judged the test shots we took with the 3-megapixel unit as Superior, thanks to high marks for color accuracy, sharpness, and exposure. The Sony’s video quality was impressive, too. High marks for audio clarity and for video taken in standard light, along with middling scores for low-light video, yielded an overall video quality score of Very Good.”

Rating:

PCAdvisor reviews the Sony DCR-HC96 and writes;

“Our battery tests showed that the Sony DCR-HC96 was able to capture 85 minutes of video before shutting down. That’s about average. The Sony DCR-HC96 performs well and provides impressive still-image quality. Nice features such as a touchscreen LCD and an accessory shoe make it more attractive, but camcorders with better low-light video quality are available for less.”
Rating:

Macword reviews the Sony DCR-HC96 and writes;

“The Sony DCR-HC96 Handycam is a MiniDV camcorder that performs well and provides impressive still-image quality. Nice features like a touch-screen LCD and an accessory shoe make it more attractive, but camcorders with better low-light video quality are available—some of which, such as the Panasonic PV-GS320, cost less.”
Rating:

DigitalTrends reviews the Sony DCR-HC96 and writes;

“have no problem recommending the DCR-HC96 for the vast majority people who will use it for what most home video-making folks do—recording vacations, birthdays, babies, kids—the things camcorders are purchased for. Video quality is very accurate in daylight and under low light conditions. Now I get to answer one of the questions raised earlier—how does it compare to a DVD camcorder? Quality-wise it wins hands down. Ergonomics are better too. Yet eliminating the need to download clips to a PC is quite a bonus since most people don’t edit anyway. Although it doesn’t have the convenience of a DVD camcorder, DCR-HC96 makes up for with quality video—and if you’re taping your first child, quality is king (or queen). I must note that we just received a Panasonic VDR-300 DVD camcorder ($999). It uses three 800K CCDs and has the potential to close the quality gap with MiniDV. We’ll let you know as soon as we put it through its paces.”
Rating:

CNET reviews the Sony DCR-HC96 and writes;

“The good: Sharp, colorful video; compact size; decent photo quality. The bad: Poor battery life; cumbersome menus poorly matched with the small touch-screen LCD. The bottom line: Excellent video quality, a broad feature set, and decent photos make the Sony Handycam DCR-HC96 an excellent choice for those seeking a compact MiniDV camcorder. Navigating the small touch screen may encourage you to stick with its automatic features, however. “

Rating:

EasyCamcorders reviews the Sony DCR-HC96 and writes;

“The DCR-HC96 produces some great video, that much is undeniable, and the still features are an attractive bonus. If you want an easy to use camcorder with better picture quality than an entry-level model, the HC96 might be a good choice. But if you want a camcorder that allows some degree of manual control, this is probably not the one for you.The lack of analog or audio input and the non-proprietary accessory shoe are vexing. We strongly recommend considering the Panasonic PV-GS300 before you buy.”
(rating: n/a)

SimplyDV reviews the Sony DCR-HC96 and writes;

” As the figurehead in Sony’s 2006 range of consumer DV camcorders, the single CCD DCR-HC96 provides a good entry point for a newcomer - or even upgrader - looking for very useable features combined with ergonomic handling and ease of use generally. Widescreen shooting produces highly commendable pictures when played back directly on a 28″ CRT widescreen TV, although it would be nice to have been given an external mic input and headphone output on this model. All in all, the DCR-HC96 is a perfectly good 1CCD model that will satisfy the needs of many beginners and even some video-making enthusiasts. Recommended.”
Rating:

CNET.AU reviews the Sony DCR-HC96 and writes;

” As the figurehead in Sony’s 2006 range of consumer DV camcorders, the single CCD DCR-HC96 provides a good entry point for a newcomer - or even upgrader - looking for very useable features combined with ergonomic handling and ease of use generally. Widescreen shooting produces highly commendable pictures when played back directly on a 28″ CRT widescreen TV, although it would be nice to have been given an external mic input and headphone output on this model. All in all, the DCR-HC96 is a perfectly good 1CCD model that will satisfy the needs of many beginners and even some video-making enthusiasts. Recommended.”
Rating:

CamcorderInfo has a preview of the Sony DCR-HC96 and writes;

“If you buy the new DCR-HC96 instead of last year’s HC90, you’ll get a more compact camcorder (for better or worse), Click-to-DVD technology, and a built-in automatic lens cover. But that’s about it. The camcorder features the same imager as last year’s model, the same mediocre manual control options, and the same other features. The lack of upgrades on this camcorder is surely a sign that Sony is moving in the direction of the more fringe media of DVD and hard disc camcorders. That’s where the money is going, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see less and less of these MiniDV camcorders next year. The good thing is that these MiniDV camcorders still offer the best editing compatibility and better compression (or lack thereof) than either DVD or hard disc camcorders. “

Rating:

VIDEOS

Sony DCR-HC96 PRESS RELEASE

LAS VEGAS (CES, Booth #14200), Jan. 4, 2006 - Sony is taking the lead in bringing the focus on audio performance to the camcorder market with its new 2006 Handycam ® models.

Leading the pack are two high-end DVD models and Sony’s first hard disk drive camcorder. All models feature built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround sound and a unique center-channel microphone capability.

Pages: 1 2