Features:
1/6-inch CCD imager with 340K resolution
MiniDV recording format offers up to 520 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
Accessories:
Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 9
Corel VideoStudio Pro X2
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Version 12
Roxio Creator 2009
Sony Vegas Movie Studio 9 Platinum Pro Pack
Related Items:
Spotlight customer reviews:
Summary: Don't buy this camcorder!!!!
Comment: I had a similar experience with my Sony HC21. After less than two years the CCD failed and all I have is a a black to dark grey image. Sony refuses to accept responsibility for this flaw in their CCD. Do not buy this camcorder. My next camcorder will not be a Sony.
Summary: Horrible Camcorder
Comment: I used this camera a handful of times, I noticed that the lcd and viewfinder was black. I was able to hear audio but no video. I did some research and found out Sony had a lawsuit against them regarding the CCD on some of their cameras. Well they refused to fix the DCR HC21 because it was not on their list but the problem was exactly the same. I will never buy another Sony product again.
Summary: Sony's focus on repair revenue?
Comment: This is the first Sony product I've ever bought - paid $400 and a year later paid $310 to fix dead firewire port that only successfully completed one video transfer from camera to computer. It took them 3 months to fix it. How can I possibly buy another Sony?
Summary: No external mike port?????
Comment: I bought this camera a year ago for general family use. For that purpose, this camera is fine (a wider angle lens would have been nice). Its color capture is great, it's ergonomic, light weight, everything a camcorder should be--with one major exception.
No EXTERNAL MICROPHONE PORT!!!
Big deal. So what? The built in mike is mediocre at best. If you need to isolate a set of sounds or voices (say, recording a small group conversation, or interviewing someone in public), you're screwed--because this camcorder lacks the one feature included on most camcorders since the invention of camcorders--an external microphone port. Instead, they include a LANC port (not for microphones) that you can use to sync together multiple Sony camcorders. Most people I've talked to (including the store that sold me the camcorder) have no idea what a LANC port is nor what it does.
A microphone port would have made this camcorder functionally complete. Sony engineers included one on all of the other DCR-HC series--why not this one?
Dirty pool, Sony. Dirty pool indeed.
Summary: Great camera
Comment: The camera is great, the image cuality is awesome and the conection to the computer trough digital cable absolutely aginst dummys.
I recomend it.
Editorial reviews:
The DCR-HC21 MiniDV Handycam(R) Camcorder is a full-featured, compact MiniDV camcorder that offers custom features that make your home movies stand apart from the rest. The advanced CCD imager captures your footagein stunning detail and clarity. Its Digital Zoom and Carl Zeiss lenses provide close-up images with less glare and increased contrast. It's even got built-in Picture and Fader effects for creative and professional looking enhancements. Photo Mode captures and stores hundreds of individual still images, and Picture Package software helps you organize and edit still images and video. NightShot Infrared System records at 0 lux Mini video input/output, stereo&special audio input/output USB port with USB Streaming support Automatic one-push indoor/outdoor white balance Accessory shoe Touch panel exposure (24 steps) Dimensions(WxHxD) - 2 1/4 x 3 5/8 x 4 1/2 (54.7 x 90 x 111.7mm) Weight - 14.1 oz (400g) without tape and battery
