Sony Handycam DCR-HC32 review

A minor but decidedly worthwhile update of the DCR-HC30, the Sony Handycam DCR-HC32 offers a much more powerful optical zoom, a killer docking station, an accessory shoe and a lower price tag. Plus, this MiniDV model carries over most of the features that made its predecessor a compelling family camcorder, including a compact design, friendly ergonomics and abundant manual adjustments.

Only image quality spoils the party: be prepared for tame colours and some noticeable noise in lower-light settings. If your budget can stretch to it, the next model up, the Handycam DCR-HC42, offers a bigger sensor that should improve image quality and more features, for only around £25 more.

Design
Physically, the Sony Handycam DCR-HC32 hasn't changed much. It's a dead ringer for its predecessor, the DCR-HC30 -- a positive thing, considering that model's svelte, lightweight design. In fact, the DCR-HC32 is a smidgen wider and heavier, but it's still very comfortable to hold and easy to slip into a coat pocket or a travel bag.

The NightShot Plus switch makes it easy to adjust to very low light levels

Like many of Sony's camcorders, the DCR-HC32 relies on a touch-screen LCD -- a love-it-or-hate-it feature if ever there was one. To its credit, this system keeps control clutter to a minimum. There are just a few buttons on the camera body, and they're clearly and logically labelled. Back Light, for example, adjusts exposure for heavily backlit subjects, such as someone standing in front of a window. The Disp/Batt Info button toggles between display options or, when the camcorder is off, activates a colourful, full-screen battery gauge that tells how much shooting time you have left. Finally, the novice-minded Easy button activates an eponymous mode that automates just about everything.

You can open and close the built-in lens cover with this switch -- a much better system than relying on an easy-to-lose plastic cover

Save for a convenient NightShot on/off switch, all other controls and settings reside within the touch-screen menu system. The highlight here is P-Menu, a customisable front end that lets you add or remove preferred settings for quick access. It's a bit awkward to configure but a definite asset once you've organised it to your liking. It also lets you steer clear of the main interface, a rather intimidating set of 'rolling' 3D menus and submenus. Novices will undoubtedly need to spend some time with the manual.

The few physical controls on the camera body include the Backlight, Display and Easy buttons