Sony Handycam DCR HC52E - camcorder - Mini DV

Description: The Sony Handycam DCR HC52E is a MiniDV-based, home-movie camcorder.Compared to other home-movie camcorders on the market, it is very inexpensive at around $220.

Pros: Has a 40x optical zoom, which is somewhat more powerful than some similarly priced camcorders.Provides manual focus control, whereas many camcorders have only auto-focus.In addition, frequent travelers will appreciate how relatively little it weighs, only 13.4 ounces.

Cons: Has only a 2.5-inch viewscreen.This camcorder lacks a remote control, which can be handy for video playback.

Suitability: A home-movie camcorder, suited for family use.

Value: In view of its very inexpensive price, this camcorder has great features for the money.

Suggestions: For more help selecting the right digital camcorder, visit CNET Reviews' buying guide.

CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.

• Manufacturer: Sony
• Part Number: DCRHC52E

• General

• Product Type Camcorder
• Digital Zoom 2000 x
• Optical Sensor Size 1/6"
• Optical Sensor Type Advanced HAD CCD
• Analog Video Format PAL
• Special Effects Sepia, Mosaic, Pastel, Monotone, Negative Art, Solarization
• Image Stabilizer Electronic (Super Steady Shot)
• Digital Scene Transition Black fader, White fader, Mosaic fader, Monotone fader
• Min Shutter Speed 1/50 sec
• Max Shutter Speed 1/3500 sec
• Shooting Programs Snow, Beach, Sunset, Sunrise, Landscape, Spotlight, Sports mode, Portrait mode, Twilight mode
• White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
• White Balance Presets Indoor, Outdoor
• Exposure Modes Program, Automatic

• Main Features

• Color Support Color
• Remote Control None
• TV Tuner None

• Memory / Storage

• Flash Memory None
• Media Type Mini DV
• Recording Speed LP, SP

• Lens System

• Type Zoom lens - 1.9 mm - 76 mm - F/1.8-4.1
• Focal Length 1.9 mm - 76 mm
• Lens Aperture F/1.8-4.1
• Optical Zoom 40 x
• Lens system type Zoom lens
• Min focal length 1.9 mm
• Lens Manufacturer Carl Zeiss
• Max focal length 76 mm
• Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
• Filter Size 30 mm
• Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
• Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive

• Additional Features

• DV input Yes
• Edit Functions Audio dubbing
• Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
• Additional Features Auto power save, Built-in speaker, Demonstration mode, Touch-screen control, Backlight compensation
• Remote control None

• Viewfinder

• Viewfinder Type Electronic

• Display

• Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.5 in - Color

• Microphone

• Type Microphone - Built-in

• Connections

• Connector Type 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire/i.LINK), 1 x S-Video output, 1 x Control-L (LANC)

• Audio Input

• Audio input type Microphone
• Microphone type Built-in
• Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
• Microphone Technology Electret condenser

• Miscellaneous

• Carrying Case None
• Cables Included A/V cable

• Power

• Power Device Power adapter - External

• Battery

• Supported Battery Sony NP-FH30
• Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 500 mAh ( Included )

• Viewfinder / Display

• Display Form Factor Rotating
• Display Format 123,200 pixels
• Viewfinder Color Support Color

• Physical Characteristics

• Width 2.5 in
• Depth 4.5 in
• Height 3.3 in
• Weight 13.4 oz

Sony

Manufacturer profile

• Website: http://www.sonystyle.com
• Address: 16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA. 92127
• Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
• Email: contact@sel.sony.com
• Fax: 941-768-7790