Sony Handycam DCR-HC26 review

What you need to know

Reviewed by: Denny Atkin

Reviewed on: 5 July 2006

Tags: Sony, Sony Handycam DCR-HC26, tripod, analogue, LCD

We like:

Extremely compact; lightweight; low price; very easy to use; top-loading tape compartment

We don't like:

Poor video quality; short battery life; no accessory shoe; no memory slot for photo capture

CNET UK judgement:

The Sony DCR-HC26 provides impressive size, zoom power and features for a bargain-basement camcorder, but its substandard video quality is disappointing

Full review:

The Sony Handycam DCR-HC26 packs a powerful 20x zoom into an extremely compact, lightweight chassis at a very low price. But while this easy-to-use, touch-screen-controlled MiniDV camcorder won't break the bank, its grainy footage and poor low-light performance won't win any awards, either.DesignIt wasn't long ago that you'd have paid a premium for a camcorder this compact. Weighing just 419g with tape and battery, the Sony DCR-HC26 slips easily into a small bag or a jacket pocket. In a nice improvement over last year's Handycam DCR-HC21, this camcorder has a top-ejecting tape slot that lets you change tapes without removing the unit from a tripod. The Sony Handycam DCR-HC26 has few buttons or controls, handling most functions with touch-screen menus Continue Reading...