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Sony Handycam DCR-HC32 Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD - CCD

0.3 Megapixel Image - 0.3 Megapixel Video - 20x Optical Zoom - 800x Digital Zoom - Firewire - MPN: DCRHC32

Product Details of Sony Handycam DCR-HC32 Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD - CCD

Description

Sony's DCR-HC32 MiniDV Handycam camcorder stands out with high-end digital imaging features at an affordable price. Super NightShot infrared system enables you to capture natural looking video in low light conditions. The Super SteadyShot picture stabilization system uses motion sensors to detect and correct camera shake for smoother video recording. Tele Macro Mode zooms in for close-up shots to bring out the subject in vivid imagery - making it stand out above the background.

Summary

Product Title: Sony Handycam DCR-HC32 Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD - CCD

Manufacturer: Sony

Power Score: 3.8 | 20 Reviews

Reviews on Sony Handycam DCR-HC32 Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD - CCD

  • 5
  By member: bkopp - Mar 17, 2005

Sony Handycam DCR-HC32 Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD...

Strengths: The "easy" button is a great feature when handing this camera off to someone unfamiliar with its operation. I love the on-screen controls, and the built in lens cover is a great feature.

Weakness: The 'mode' button is a little low for my hand. I have to slip out from the strap to operate it. This isn't important when shooting, however.

I LOVE this camera. I don't like lugging around all kinds of gear, so compact size was important. This unit fits easily in a coat pocket. A tradeoff is that the mode selector is hard to reach (average-size man's hand), but this no big deal for me. The built-in lens cover is great, particularly because I don't use a camera case. Conventional lens caps often pop off when I shove them in a pocket....

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  • 4
  By member: New York Guy - Apr 16, 2005

Sony Handycam DCR-HC32 Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD...

Strengths: Small size,lightweight, easy to use. Not so cpomplicated not so simple.

Weakness: Still photo pixelcount is too low should be better.

The Sony HC32 is a good buy. After a large research over the web bought this Sony. The recording in low light conditions is much much better than the other brands in the consumer category and same level it might not be the perfect, but it is much better than all those I have tried. It has great options screen pad and the dock station are great. IT gives a comfortable hand form when you are using.

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  • 5
  By member: lightbane22 - Dec 31, 2005

Excellent buy

Strengths: optical zoom, night shot, super night shot, LCD panel zoom, touchscreen

Weakness: B&W viewfinder

Very solid camera. The only complaint I have had so far is the viewfinder is B&W. The easy button takes a lot of guesswork out of operation for new users, and manual control is available for experienced people. I like the weight, not too heavy and it seems perfectly ballanced. The 20X optical zoom is by far the nicest I have used in a while. I have used Sony camcorders before, and I am real...

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  • 5
  By member: dswang - Aug 3, 2005

Sony DCR-HC32 Camcorder

Strengths: Good quality on image, it is small, Light in weight, easy to handle and use

Weakness: Battery life is pretty short which is less than 60 min with LCD ON

I ordered from Amazon.com on July 17, and it delivered quickly on July 18, arrived on July 19,2005. I liked the quality of Sony Camcorder better than Canon since Sony Camcorder was featured a nice professional lens, I did like its touch screen LCD feature too. I am very happy with my Sony DCR-HC32.

  • 4
  By member: hirshah - Jun 22, 2005

Sony Handycam DCR-HC32 Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD...

Strengths: -Small, sleek - Light in weight - Touch screen LCD - Ease of Use

Weakness: Battery life is short(40 min with LCD) . This is the only complain I have. Well most camcorders have short battery life too, so its not unusual.

I liked its touch screen LCD feature. Moreover the night shot feature is fantastic. I have never seen such a great mode in other camcorders. This camcorder comes with all shooting modes and a docking station. I am planning on buying a Stamina battery for longer shooting. If you are looking for a cheaper option, Canon may be better, but you cannot compare the quality of Sony with Canon. I am very...

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  • 4
  By member: pgewirtz - Oct 21, 2005

Sony Handycam DCR-HC32

Strengths: Light weight, good zoom capability, good in low light, touch screen, lens cover

Weakness: Sony is notoriously cheap on extras - includes a poor battery and NO TAPE. Low pixel still camera is not really worthwhile, but then again, it's a camcorder, not a still camera.

This is a really good camcorder. At first, I was a little put off by the fact that most of the connections are on the detachable base - that means you need the base in order to connect a USB cable. However, the result is a noticeably lighter and simpler camcorder for its given features. The zoom has a higher capacity than some of their more expensive models, and the camera does very well in low...

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  • 4
  By member: angie_funky - Mar 29, 2005

Sony Handycam DCR-HC32 Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD...

Strengths: Very handy in terms of size and weight, the size is perfect for a small girl like me. It can be used both ways for video filming and photo taking. The zoom is more powerful than I expected

Weakness: The quality of the photos are not as good as the video clips. Without a tri-pod, it is not easy when trying to take a picture of myself. Objects seem a bit closer than reality.

As for a non-hi-tech girl like me, this handycam works perfect for me. This is my first own digital camera and it works well over my expectation. All functions are easy-enough to use and the different modes can be set via the touch screen. The small size and light weight of this handycam are what i'm happy with the most. Maybe it's not suitable for a big hand person. It's definitely a convenient...

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  • 4
  By member: klaudete - Mar 11, 2005

Sony Handycam DCR-HC32 Digital Camcorder - 2.5" LCD...

Strengths: Really small,cute,Easy to use,

Weakness: Sound is bad...Sony says it is STEREO... Iam not sure...

I had a previous model (HC-20 ) and I have got this one because you get double zoom (20) and you can connect to a VCR and copy your old VHS-C to MINI DV. After that, you can tranfer to your PC and burn to DVD. Forget about the Sony software , I use video Studio 8 and it is great. Picture is great outside, inside not really but I don't think you can get better picture for a less than U$$ 500.00...

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  • 4
  By member: bgriff008 - Jan 16, 2006

HC32

Strengths: Compact Small/Lightweight Great recording picture/Color/Options

Weakness: Audio Video Jack/Port

The Audio Video cable and Jack. The port connector is not deep to enough to secure the AV cable. Also, Sony does not sell a AV cable with a 90 degree connector. So the AV cable protrudes out causing it to catch on something. Other than that, I think the camera is awesome. Does everything I need it to do and more.

  • 4
  By member: cjw7 - Oct 26, 2005

Great Camcorder

Strengths: I love this camcorder! Compact, great zoom, easy LCD screen, and more.

Weakness: I am having difficulty trying to transfer DV tapes to my computer. Will comment later if I find a way to do this.

I really enjoy using this camcorder. It is compact and very simple to use. I love the super 20X zoom...I can really sneak up on the kids while taping. The editing/viewing is simple on the LCD screen. Nice camcorder.

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  • 3.0
  reviewgist.com - May 22, 2010

ReviewGist for Sony Handycam DCR-HC32 Mini DV Digital Camcorder

Video is Good according to 7 Camcorder experts. -- "The best image qualities are most notable in tight close-ups."-videomaker.com -- "images stayed clear in outdoor and extremely well-lit indoor environments"-reviews.cnet.com -- "decent color reproduction"-videomaker.com Read more to find expert opinions on more features like Optics, Battery, Interface, etc.

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  • 3.6
  testseek.com - Feb 9, 2009

Sony DCR-HC32

Testseek.com has collected 10 expert reviews for Sony DCR-HC32 and the average expert rating is 72 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use Testseek.com to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions.

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  • 3.0
  easycamcorders.com - Sep 20, 2005

Quick Review Camcorders: Sony DCR-HC32

The Sony DCR-HC32 is the middle-of-the-road model from Sony’s low-end HC series. Everything is middling about this camcorder, in fact. At around $420, we wish it could perform a little bit better. The camcorder definitely has a leg up over the lowest-end DCR-HC21, with a touch screen, MemoryStick Duo capability, a Handycam station for outputting signals, and digital to analog pass-through.

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  • 3.5
  CamcorderInfo - Sep 2, 2005

Sony DCR-HC32 Camcorder Review

Sony’s DCR-HC32 is the middle offering of Sony’s new lower-end HCs this year. It shares the same basic body type of the DCR-HC21 and the DCR-HC42, with a few adjustments on last year’s DCR-HC30’s model to make it a bit prettier. Of the non-cosmetic improvements on last year’s model, the DCR-HC32 doesn’t have too many. It does double last year's optical zoom to 20x, includes a Handycam...

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  • 3.0
  Macworld.com - Jun 29, 2005

Sony DCR-HC32

The 20x optical zoom lens on the Sony DCR-HC32 offers more range than most, but there’s little else to recommend about this mediocre camcorder.

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  • 3.5
  videomaker.com - Nov 30, -0001

Sony DCR-HC32 Mini DV

This is a compact and lightweight camcorder perfect for a traveler or family shooter. It features a 20x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens that can get up close and personal from long distances. Although the electronic image stabilization works well, consider using a tripod for the long shots. The effects of camera movement at telephoto lengths become especially apparent in the still photo feature....

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