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Reviews from around the WebPowered by alaTest
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alaTest.com
Editors' rating: 85
Summary: alaTest has collected and analyzed 135 reviews of Sony DCR-HC52 from international magazines and websites. Experts rate this product 68/100 and users 81/100. Comparing these reviews to 104991 other Camcorders reviews gives this product an overall alaScore™ 85/100 = Very Good.
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news.com.au
Editors' rating: 60
Summary: The Sony DCR-HC52 is a perfectly capable little camcorder, but its recording format is beginning to show its age. Frankly, your money would be better spent on something younger and hipper. Mini DV, your time is nearly up.
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goodgearguide.com.au
Editors' rating: 65
Summary: The Sony DCR-HC52 is a perfectly capable little camcorder, but its recording format is beginning to show its age. Frankly, your money would be better spent on something younger and hipper. (Mini DV, your time is nearly up.)
CNET editors' buying advice
We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on Digital Camcorders. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of digital camcorder.
MiniDV format
Most consumer digital camcorders use MiniDV cassettes, which record DV-format video. The DV standard produces high-quality footage that is superior to video recorded by consumer analog camcorders and can deliver more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution, depending on camcorder quality. Consumer and semipro digital camcorders that capture high-definition footage record HDV-format video on MiniDV cassettes.
Best for: Budget buyer; trendsetter; home and vacation moviemaker; independent filmmaker; business videographer.
| Broad range of video cameras, from bargain to professional three-chip models |
| Widely supported by video-editing and -effects software |
| MiniDV decks and other hardware products widely available |
| CD-quality 12- and 16-bit PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) sound capture and audio dubbing |
| MiniDV camcorders may be connected to TV for display or to VCR for copying |
| Some video cameras provide analog-to-digital conversion for digitizing older video |
| MiniDV camcorders can't play analog 8mm or Hi8 cassettes |
| Cassettes with built-in memory chip for indexing video segments are relatively expensive |
Supporting manufacturers: Canon; Hitachi; JVC; Panasonic; Samsung; Sony.
Read more in the Digital Camcorder Buying Guide
LCD and electronic viewfinder info
More pixels usually mean better viewfinder and LCD image quality. Look for a sharp LCD that's easy to see in bright light; adjustable screen brightness helps, too. The larger the LCD, the easier it will be to see (and the more power-hungry it will be); for all but ultracompact camcorders, look for at least 2.5 inches. An EVF that you can tilt with a diopter lever for adjusting focus will give you more shooting flexibility. Almost all EVFs and LCDs on consumer camcorders display color, although some video enthusiasts prefer black-and-white EVFs, which can make it easier to judge exposure. Touch-screen LCDs have begun to appear on a few consumer video cameras, usually for menu navigation and spot focusing. Some users find them convenient, while others prefer not to have to use the LCD to access camcorder controls.
See more LCD products
