Sony Handycam DCR-HC36 review

We were generally happy with the DCR-HC36's performance. Both the autofocus and autoexposure systems responded quickly and turned in accurate results, even while panning. Image stabilization was effective to just past the first half of the camera's 20X optical zoom range. Though larger capacity batteries are available separately, Sony rates the included 500mAh lithium-ion rechargeable to provide about 40 to 50 minutes of typical recording time, or as much as 105 minutes continuous. That's a bit short for our taste, so plan on buying a bigger battery, especially if you're going to bring this camcorder on vacation.

Unfortunately, despite its many pleasing aspects, the DCR-HC36's video quality is decidedly mediocre. We noticed grain even in well-lit scenes, and it became much more noticeable in dimmer situations. Colors seemed accurate but oversaturated. Naturally, the 640,000-pixel sensor, 340,000 of which are actually used to record video, doesn't deliver the same level of detail offered by megapixel-plus sensors. In our sample footage, fine details, such as hair or the texture in a cloth, turned out fuzzy.

In the end, it's difficult to recommend the Sony Handycam DCR-HC36. If your budget allows, you'll be better served stepping up to something along the lines of the Sony Handycam DCR-HC46 or Canon's Elura 100. If your budget doesn't allow the step up, you're still probably better off saving some cash with the Sony DCR-HC26 unless the HC36's remote is that important to you. After all, the extra cash could help buy that spare battery.