Sony DCR-HC32 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom, with BONUS Handycam Station & Extra NPFP50 Battery
Sony DCR-HC32 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder

Sony DCR-HC32 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom, with BONUS Handycam Station & Extra NPFP50 Battery

Manufacturer:
Sony

UPC:
027242229099

Avg. Rating:

Also available: Sony DCR-HC32 (Camcorder Only)
Features:
  • 2.5-inch touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD; 20x optical zoom with Super SteadyShot picture-stabilization system
  • Super NightShot Plus Infrared System captures natural-looking video in low light
  • 1/6-inch CCD imager with 680K (gross) resolution
  • MiniDV recording format offers up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution
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 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.

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 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, NP-FP50 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)
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Product Specifications
Product NameSony DCR-HC32 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom, with BONUS Handycam Station & Extra NPFP50 Battery
ManufacturerSony
Retail Price $649.99
EAN-130027242229099
UPC027242229099
Dimensions6 x 6 x 4 in.
Weight2 lbs.
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Reviews
4 Star Rating  "Great camera."2008-06-07
- Reviewed By rlidzy2
Bought this to digitize tapes shot on my procam. Now I use this more than the HDV camera. Has all the controls I need but I wish it had the audio functions I miss on the prosumer camera. Never thought I would prefer this over the big brother. I haven't had disappointments with the zoom but I did install a wide angle adapter for better room coverage. Keep it mounted ALL the time.
 
1 Star Rating  "Broken After 18 months, Otherwise *Great*, (note sarcasm)"2008-03-12
- Reviewed By mamet
I once thought this was a great camcorder for all the reasons already noted. Great video and audio quality, easy to use, good price.

But guess what? It's broken and out of warranty, and in order to even get a quote on the cost to fix it, I must send it to Sony, because Sony doesn't allow anyone but Sony repair their cameras any more. So, instead of going to one of the hundreds of capable and convenient repair shops in Denver, where I can get an estimate and repairs fast, I have to mail my camera to Texas. TEXAS!

So what's wrong with it? The camera refuses to properly load any miniDV tapes now - I get an error that says "Reload tape" and the error message won't go away no matter how many times I reload the tape. Apparently this is a common failure, a quick google search shows this same problem in discussion threads all over the net. And, believe it or not, the most common suggestion to fix this error is to smack the camera repeatedly on the side to "unstick" a stuck part. This did not work with my camera, but good luck to you if you buy this piece of junk.

This is the last Sony I will ever purchase. Been burned too many times by Sony now - a TV, a PDA, a digital camera, and now this. I'm buying a Panasonic PV-GS80 miniDV Camcorder to replace this doorstop. I bought an Olympus 790SW camera to replace my broken Cybershot, and it works great. I should have learned my lesson by now, but I'm brand-loyal to a fault. Sony pushed me too far this time. No more Sony. Never again.
 
1 Star Rating  "Not a very good camcorder"2007-11-18
- Reviewed By vamshi_m_2000
This camera is not very good - poor video resolution after recording it on a memory card. The software is horrible and Sony tech support just plain lousy.
 
3 Star Rating  "Its good"2007-09-01
- Reviewed By User: A3QICMU32H7INV
Working perfectly 3 years after I bought it with heavy use. Good quality videos too. Great buy.
 
5 Star Rating  "Great camera no problems"2007-03-19
- Reviewed By User: A2D3OVKV1V2Q75
Sony does a great job again. It could be a bit better in low light conditions, but with the 'back light' option it works well.
 
5 Star Rating  "Work well even after a few falls"2006-12-23
- Reviewed By User: AP5IVIHD2MJZH
The camera works really well and we've had it now almost 2 years. My wife dropped it on the road and cement floors a few times accidentally but it still works (although the exterior is banged up a bit). One person indicated that it's really hard to transfer video to a PC.. We have no problems at all using Pinnacle Studio to do transfers and then copy to DVD. (thru the doc station fire-wire)
 
3 Star Rating  "DANGER! PICTURE PACKAGE!"2006-09-17
- Reviewed By User: A36D0QVI8SLVQQ
Neither Sony nor Pixela, the makers of the Picture Package software that comes with some Sony camcorders with mini-disks tells you that the software IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH WINDOWS XP, SERVICE PACK 2! It will crash your computer or not work properly. DO NOT install the Picture Package software if you have run Windows XP. If you have a DVD player on your computer, you can download the photos from the mini-disk without this dangerous software. Shame on Sony and Pixela for selling it to Windows XP users.
 
1 Star Rating  "Worst Product"2006-05-24
- Reviewed By ddunn@mail.state.tn.us
This might be the worst product ever. What good is a camcorder if it is virtually impossible to get the video onto your computer. The support is horrid; the software is worse. Stay away from this one. Too bad really, most of my previous electronics equipment was made by Sony, but I will NEVER buy them again.
 
4 Star Rating  "Nice camcorder, some things to look out for."2006-04-24
- Reviewed By dsanan
The sony dcr hc32 is one of the sleekest cameras for it's price. However, I find the little touchscreen to be a tad difficult to use without a stylus (wonder why Sony couldn't include one). If you have stubby fingers like me, it takes a while to get used to the tiny menu buttons. Inevitably, the screen gets covered with thumbprints. I started using the top-eraser of a small pencil.
Sony is also notorious for not providing larger optical zoom, even on its high-end camcorders. In fact, this camcorder fares better than some of the more expensive Sony mini-dv's. Though 20x is probably okay for casual use, it would help to have some more. Lastly, be aware that the package with the extra battery and docking station is not worth much. I was irked to find that the battery can only be charged while its loaded onto the camcorder (which can then be set in the dock or take ac power directly). This stupid feature means you cannot charge a battery while simultaneously recording off a second one, basically defeating the purpose of an having extra battery.
I would recommend considering the Canon zr600 which is cheaper, has more optical zoom and widescreen recording capabilities. It is almost as small, but I think it still lacks an external battery charger.
 
5 Star Rating  "Broadcast quality but get the warranty"2006-03-27
- Reviewed By pam999
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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