Typical price: £270
What is it: Mini DV digital camcorder with 20x optical zoom
What we think: Unless this camcorder's low-resolution, low-quality stills are important to you, you might as well go for Sony's less expensive DCR-HC26
What you need to know
Reviewed on: 9 August 2006
Tags: Sony, Sony Handycam DCR-HC36, remote control, resolution, left side
We like:
Very compact size; lightweight; easy to use; low price
We don't like:
Mediocre video quality; short battery life; no accessory shoe; low-quality stills
CNET UK judgement:
Unless this camcorder's low-resolution, low-quality stills are important to you, you might as well go for Sony's less expensive DCR-HC26
Full review:
The differences between Sony's entry-level MiniDV camcorders, the Handycam DCR-HC26 and the DCR-HC36, don't add up to much. The biggest is the HC36's Memory Stick Duo Pro slot for still-image recording. But, since the camera's 1/6-inch CCD outputs stills at a resolution of 340,000 pixels, you shouldn't expect to get decent prints from it. So, unless you really enjoy emailing drab, low-res images to your friends, that feature won't help you much. The other main difference is the HC36's remote control, which might come in handy when watching your tapes, but probably isn't worth the difference in price. Continue Reading...
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