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Sony Handycam Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD - CCD

0.3 Megapixel Image - 0.3 Megapixel Video - 10x Optical Zoom - 120x Digital Zoom - Firewire - MPN: DCRHC20 See Product Details

Product Details of Sony Handycam Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD - CCD

Description

Renowned for innovative style and technology, Sony has redesigned the MiniDV Handycam camcorder lineup. Starting with DCR-HC20 its new elegant, ultra-slim design means that it's incredibly portable no matter where you record video memories. Touch-screen technology gives you easy access to the camcorder,s menu system. Favourite features have been advanced like the Super NightShot Plus system that records more natural video colour in dark situations. The new Easy Handycam operation button resets the camcorder's settings to automatic mode so novice videographers can enjoy basic recording and playback features easily.

Quick Glance

Recording Media: Tape Media, MiniDV

LCD Screen Size: 2.5 in

Interface Type: 1 x USB, 1 x IEEE 1394, 1 x Video Out, 1 x Audio Out, 1 x DC Power In

Image Stabilization: Digital

Optical Zoom: 10

Weight: 13

Summary

Product Title: Sony Handycam Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD - CCD

Manufacturer: Sony

Power Score: 3.2 | 18 Reviews

Image Processor

Image Sensor: CCD

Image Sensor Quantity: 1

Image Sensor Size: 1/6"

Lens Features

Optical Zoom: 10 X

Digital Zoom: 120x

Filter Diameter: 25 mm

Video Recording

Recording Media: Tape Media, MiniDV

Video Capture Format: MPEG

Minimum Lux Rating: 5 lux

Image Stabilization: Digital

General Features

LCD Screen Size: 2.5 in

Interface Connection: 1 x USB, 1 x IEEE 1394, 1 x Video Out, 1 x Audio Out, 1 x DC Power In

Additional Features: Built-in Speaker, Date Code, Viewfinder

Power

Power Source: AC Input, Lithium, Rechargeable Battery

Battery Life: 2.08 Hour

Dimensions

Height: 3.5 in

Width: 2 in

Depth: 4.5 in

Weight: 13.00 oz

Dimensions: 3.50" Height x 2" Width x 4.50" Depth

Warranty

Warranty Information: 1 Year

More Info

URL: Manufacturer Link

Additional Specifications

Frequency Band: Built-In Lens Cover LCD Record Button Multi-Language Menu

Exposure Control: Program AE

Viewfinder Type: Electronic

White Balance Modes: Auto Outdoor Indoor One Push

Product Series: DCR

Effective Image Resolution: 340 Kilopixel

Effective Video Resolution: 340 Kilopixel

Total Camcorder Resolution: 680 Kilopixel

Longest Shutter Speed: 1/60 Second

Shortest Shutter Speed: 1/4000 Second

See All Product Specs

Reviews on Sony Handycam Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD - CCD

  • 5
  By member: nonousa1970 - May 23, 2005

Sony Handycam Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD - CCD

Strengths: Compact, easy to use, great lens.

Weakness: Tape not easily accessible

This camcorder was a nice upgrade from my old JVC VHSC camcorder. Smaller, it fits fine in the hand, but the touch screen would be hard to use for someone with big fingers. The stabilizing system is great and night vision fun to use. Makes beautiful bright outdoor videos. A great product for a very small price.

  • 4
  By member: mjjohn5 - Sep 25, 2004

Sony Handycam Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD - CCD

Strengths: This is a great general use camcorder with a small size. It has all of the features that I need.

Weakness: Could come with a longer lasting battery and a i.link cable. The provided editing software could be better. You really need the i.link cable to properly use it.

Most of my photography is with still images for both play and work. My camcorder use is usually for family events. I have an old vhs "monster" camcorder that I wanted to upgrade and found that the HC20 fit my needs. I did not need any still image features as I already have several digital cameras so I went with the HC20 rather than the HC40. It is small so I will take it more places and use it...

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  • 4
  By member: hjdeal - Nov 12, 2004

Sony Handycam Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD - CCD

Strengths: compact size, spot focus, tough screen control, battery info,

Weakness: Night shot plus mode coule be better.

I bought the DCR-HC20 for the trip of my wife and me to Vegas and Grand Canyon. It did not disappoint us. We both love its compact size and shape. The buttons are put in a way that it is not frightening to learn to use. Actually, all the manual controls can be obtained through the touch screen. It may take a little while to learn to use them yet. Some people may find it annoying that this...

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  • 4
  By member: forrestkluu - Jun 1, 2004

Sony Handycam Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD - CCD

Strengths: Compact/small-size, nice styling, great performance for its price, FireWire (i-Link) transfer, ease-of-use...

Weakness: Manual lens cover, accessories (batteries, chargers) are expensive...

After an extensive research - both online and in stores, I decided to go with this camera - because of its price, features, and overall reviews/ratings. I have a digital camera already, so I saw no need for the two other more expensive models (HC30 and HC40) - which has the Sony Memory Card and Megapixel features. I took this camera on my camping trip this Memorial weekend, and it was a pleasure...

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  • 3
  By member: sbjman - Dec 15, 2004

Sony Handycam Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD - CCD

Strengths: small. integrated lens cover. looks good.

Weakness: need to buy a bigger battery. gives a greenish cast in indoor lighting sometimes.

i really like this one's size. before deciding on this one, held the new comparable jvc's but they were too fat for me. this one puts a greenish cast in the video in indoor lighting sometimes, like on my 2yr old's face when she gets really close to the camera. and this with the nightshot plus off. if thats on, then it happens more and colors get pretty washed out. i bought this to replace my...

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  • 4
  By member: tanheng78 - Dec 11, 2004

Sony Handycam Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD - CCD

Strengths: very handy, nice night shoot and touch screen

Weakness: The baterry can last longer

I bought this camcorder based on the other reviews. And after using it, I am very satisfied. This little thing provides usb 2.0 interface, which few other brands really have. Since my computer is a laptop with no 1394, it saves a lot of hassle for buying new accessory. And it is light weight with a lot of control feature. Some of them I may never even need . For other higher end models, they...

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  • 4
  By member: wangdl - May 12, 2004

Sony Handycam Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD - CCD

Strengths: Very cute, and have all the basic functions needed in daily life. Video and audio quality are very good.

Weakness: Software is not very easy to use, because programs are not very popular, maybe just some freeware.

Overall I love this camcorder. Very small. Night light shot and super steadyshot are two super pluses. Both iLINK connection and USB connection are supported, one is for high-speed editing and data transfering, the other for easy connection with PCs. I have a very nice digital camera, and I am not a big camcorder fan, so I think Sony DCRHC20 is the best choice for an entry level consumer like me.

  • 4
  By member: jeffreyaven - Apr 24, 2004

Sony Handycam Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD - CCD

Strengths: Great picture quality, very easy to use, lightweight and small, excellent for night or low light shooting

Weakness: None found so far

I was originally looking at the Sony Handycam DCR-TRV19 MiniDV Digital Camcorder (which had received very high ratings) but I went with its successor, the HC20. I have not been disappointed so far, this is a great camcorder for general family use and is excellent value.

  • 3
  By member: mtvu - Jan 4, 2005

Sony Handycam Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD - CCD

Strengths: Small and compact. Good video and sound resolution. Easy to capture tp PC for DVD burning but only with a third party software.

Weakness: Software came with the camcorder (Picture Works) is useless. Video is good but not excellent. Cannot use USB port to capture video. Video capture works only with firewire.

I got this camera over Christmas. It is small and compact that you can fit into your pocket. At first, it was kind of difficult to zoom in/out, pressing record button because it was so small and you can shake your hand doing it. But after getting use to it, you have better control. Video and sound are good but was not superior but you cannot expect this for a $300+ camcorder. For the price and...

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  • 4
  By member: venisettykiran - Dec 21, 2004

Sony Handycam Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD - CCD

Strengths: Low cost, good quality and ease of operation

Weakness: doesnt have the capability of still camera

The camcorder was good and the only thing is it doesnt have the capability of still camera. But battery power is good and life time is good. The clarity is very good. The otical zoom is good and another advantage is remote operation and touch panel screen.

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  • 2.8
  TopTenREVIEWS.com - Jul 16, 2008

sony handycam dcr-hc20 mini dv digital camcorder

Sony Handycam Dcr-hc20 Mini Dv Digital Camcorder receives an overall TopTenREVIEWS score of 2.25 out of 4.00. It is ranked the #107 MiniDV camcorder of all time. The overall rating represents an intelligent balance of features, value as a function of price to features, and a summary of reviews from a variety of sources. The TopTen REVIEWS' formula gives a picture of important consumer features,...

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  • 2.0
  easycamcorders.com - Aug 30, 2004

Quick Review Camcorders : Sony DCR-HC20

Sony’s DCR-HC20 is the lowest of this year’s DCR-HC models; the DCR-HC30 and DCR-HC40 succeed it. The DCR-HC20 is a stripped-down version of the DCR-HC30. It includes the same CCD, which is a 1/6-inch chip with comparable optical zoom. That said, the DCR-HC20 is a good bet for decent performance from a point-and-shoot camcorder that costs less than the DCR-HC30, albeit with slightly fewer...

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  • 2.0
  CamcorderInfo - Apr 6, 2004

Sony DCR-HC20 Camcorder Review

At the 2004 Consumer Electronics Show, Sony introduced three new camcorders under the DCR-HC line: the DCR-HC40, the DCR-HC30 and the DCR-HC20. The HC20 is on the bottom end of this line at $499.99 and has a few less options than its more expensive siblings. With the new HC line, Sony has reduced the CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) size to 1/6 inch or 3mm. Despite this reduction in size, Sony...

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  • 2.0
  CamcorderInfo - Apr 6, 2004

Sony DCR-HC20 Camcorder Review

At the 2004 Consumer Electronics Show, Sony introduced three new camcorders under the DCR-HC line: the DCR-HC40, the DCR-HC30 and the DCR-HC20. The HC20 is on the bottom end of this line at $499.99 and has a few less options than its more expensive siblings. With the new HC line, Sony has reduced the CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) size to 1/6 inch or 3mm. Despite this reduction in size, Sony...

Read Full Review

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