Sony Handycam DCR-HC90 Mini DV Camcorder
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- Recording System: NTSC/PAL
- Camcorder Type: Digital
- Recording Media: Mini DV
- Optical Zoom: 10x
- Weight: 0.94 lb.
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The DCR-HC90 is 'Rock Solid'!
Pros
COMPACT size, excellent movie quality, clear sound, touch screen LCD, quick zoom and auto focus.
Cons
Awkward ergonomics, battery life, slow to focus when using nightshot.
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
I've seen several camcorders for more than $730.00 with the same if not fewer features. Still photo quality is about the best with this camcorder than any other too.
I received this camcorder today and was amazed myself at how small and compact it was.
BATTERY- I charged up the supplied battery and was a bit disapointed in discovering the battery indicator said I had only 80 minutes of power should I use the LCD display and a just as paltry 90 minutes if only the viewfinder is used. When I registered it on-line later, Sony made a decent offer of 20% off any one-time purchase for accessories made within 30 days. I took them up on this and ordered their extended battery.
BUILD QUALITY- The word tight comes to mind. This camcorder was built solid as nothing was loose or creaking and just had a 'good feel' to it.
The necessary buttons were appropriately placed around the unit as well. However, I was a little disappointed with ergonomics as it was a little awkward holding the camcorder while filming. It's not as feasible to use the zoom or record buttons found on the LCD display screen as it was on the main body. On the main body, the record button was appropriately placed contrary to the zoom toggle switch. The zoom on the main body feels too far back and would be better if it were more toward the front of the camcorder. The speed of the zoom helped me to not condemn the zoom entirely. I was happy to find that when you apply little pressure the zoom would begin and that the more pressure the quicker the zoom. I left the device on optical zoom only and when I went from no magnification to the 10X, it did it in what seemed to be only one second when the zoom was fully (quickly) applied. Not only that, the focus never lost a beat!
PICTURE QUALITY- Ah, the good part. The quality of the movie picture made me forget about that darn zoom toggle switch on the main body. I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of the film and couldn't believe how the colors stood out. I filmed both in and outdoors and found the quality to be consistent.
SOUND- Nothing abnormal noted in this department either. The camcorder allows you to also pick between 8-bit or 16-bit sound when recording. The fact that the stock clear sound can be expanded on with a surround sound external mic is a nice option. Can't wait 'til I can order one!
It was breezy today, I didn't hear the wind but once during a brief gust. Even then, it didn't drown out the surrounding sound like some camcorders I've had in the past.
Not once did I hear the motor or tape clicking during playback of my 32 minutes of film. From reading reviews on many digital camcorders, this one always seems to come up as either a camcorder having this nuisance or not. Not this one!
DIM LIGHTING- I purchased a $39 3-watt light with the camcorder and was amazed how such a small device threw out enough ample light for this camcorder. Without the light, the camcorder still picked up surrounding colors while keeping it's focus and producing very decent video. The light helped with getting rid of any shadows and for just $39, was worth it.
Overall, I am very pleased with this camcorder and highly recommend it.
BATTERY- I charged up the supplied battery and was a bit disapointed in discovering the battery indicator said I had only 80 minutes of power should I use the LCD display and a just as paltry 90 minutes if only the viewfinder is used. When I registered it on-line later, Sony made a decent offer of 20% off any one-time purchase for accessories made within 30 days. I took them up on this and ordered their extended battery.
BUILD QUALITY- The word tight comes to mind. This camcorder was built solid as nothing was loose or creaking and just had a 'good feel' to it.
The necessary buttons were appropriately placed around the unit as well. However, I was a little disappointed with ergonomics as it was a little awkward holding the camcorder while filming. It's not as feasible to use the zoom or record buttons found on the LCD display screen as it was on the main body. On the main body, the record button was appropriately placed contrary to the zoom toggle switch. The zoom on the main body feels too far back and would be better if it were more toward the front of the camcorder. The speed of the zoom helped me to not condemn the zoom entirely. I was happy to find that when you apply little pressure the zoom would begin and that the more pressure the quicker the zoom. I left the device on optical zoom only and when I went from no magnification to the 10X, it did it in what seemed to be only one second when the zoom was fully (quickly) applied. Not only that, the focus never lost a beat!
PICTURE QUALITY- Ah, the good part. The quality of the movie picture made me forget about that darn zoom toggle switch on the main body. I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of the film and couldn't believe how the colors stood out. I filmed both in and outdoors and found the quality to be consistent.
SOUND- Nothing abnormal noted in this department either. The camcorder allows you to also pick between 8-bit or 16-bit sound when recording. The fact that the stock clear sound can be expanded on with a surround sound external mic is a nice option. Can't wait 'til I can order one!
It was breezy today, I didn't hear the wind but once during a brief gust. Even then, it didn't drown out the surrounding sound like some camcorders I've had in the past.
Not once did I hear the motor or tape clicking during playback of my 32 minutes of film. From reading reviews on many digital camcorders, this one always seems to come up as either a camcorder having this nuisance or not. Not this one!
DIM LIGHTING- I purchased a $39 3-watt light with the camcorder and was amazed how such a small device threw out enough ample light for this camcorder. Without the light, the camcorder still picked up surrounding colors while keeping it's focus and producing very decent video. The light helped with getting rid of any shadows and for just $39, was worth it.
Overall, I am very pleased with this camcorder and highly recommend it.
