1-megapixel CCD * digital photo mode * digital photo resolution options: 1152 x 864; 640 x 480 * compatible with Memory Stick Duo or Memory Stick PROĻ Duo (available separately) * 2-11/16" widescreen color touch-panel LCD *
1 Small & High Quality
The camera is nice and compact, smaller than it's competitors including Canon, easy to hold and carry around. Very high image quality - looks like broadcast quality when viewing on a television set. Very professional features - it may take some hunting and pecking through the manual to learn all the options. Light aperture can be adjusted manually or automatically or with general (pre-programmed)settings such as "high speed action" or the "beach," etc.. Runs quite long on the battery that comes with it. Built in lens cover makes it simpler. Overall a great camera. I also have a $3500 professional mini-DV and this one is virtually just as good.
2 Not worth the extra money...
Well I just got this model to test. I am returning it tomorrow as i find it no different than my refurbed discontinued HC20 I got for ultra cheap at the Sony Outlet. Picture quality in my opinion is exactly the same. Handling is the same with the HC42 having more options. So what about the 12x optical - its only 2x more than the HC20. Everything about this camcorder reeked overpriced.
I admit I bought this one mainly for the Analog to Digital passthru but after thinking it over it is not worth the extra cost at all. Half the options (still pic, memory stick, etc...) are things I will not use.
I honestly feel that this is an overpriced camcorder. I tested a Panasonic and it was cheaper and well if you need all these options it was a better buy to get a Panasonic GS35 (30x optical!)
As for the analog to digital passthru - i am going to stick with my old Sony D8 cam for that work. This is just not worth it. I'd look into the HC21/32 if you really want a Sony.
3 Sony is the best, again
After much searching for the perfectly priced, and well performing mini DV camcorder, I came back to Sony's HC42 model. I've owned a LOT of sony products over the year, and have yet to be disappointed. This is a solid camera, packing a touch screen, an upgraded lens, 12x optical zoom, and a docking station which connects your camera to the computer (via a firewire cord that YOU MUST PURCHASE separetly, it only comes with a USB cable for tranferring pictures) and is also a charging stand. It comes with some video editing software, but I would suggest Pinnacle 9 Plus, or a 3rd party if you are really into video editing. The picture quality is awesome, ease of use is great (it even has an 'EASY' mode, where high tech options disappear from the screen!). You cant go wrong at this price point. I wouldnt go for lower models, and the higher runs over 1000 bucks..this is the sweet spot. Enjoy
4 Be Careful!
The DCR-HC42 specification says that the unit has "external microphone" capability. In the past, both the Sony DV an D8 units accommodated external microphones, like lapel mics and powered portable mics. This unit's idea of an external mic is one that attaches to the shoe, which is attached to the camera (and is only sold by Sony $70-$150). If all you need is a point-and-shoot microphone, then the unit may be adequate for your needs, but it's not what past Sony units have been capable of.
5 Below-average movie quality on a widescreen TV
I have a very nice Sony W1 digital camera with an incredible VGA movie mode (640x480 30fps). However, since I recently purchased a 480p widescreen plasma TV, I decided to buy this camcorder just for the so-called true 16x9 recording mode.
Yes, it does record in 16x9, but the quality of the video is very poor. You see a fair amounts of noise and pixels ont he screen. I've tried several things:
- DV tape played back on the TV
- Indoor movie
- Outdoor movie (good amount of sun)
- DVD burning
- Same thing using my digital camera
Result: my digital camera takes the same quality (if not better) movies than this camcorder.
The only difference is the aspect-ratio: my VGA movies do get stretched while the 16x9 don't.
Conclusion: while I didn't expect HD quality of course, I did however expect a better movie experience than with my digital camera. Apart from the aspect-ratio being good, the quality of the movies recorded is grainy and pixelized.
