|
 The Sony DCR-HC42 is an extremely compact megapixel DV Handycam with Memory Stick Duo, Handycam Station, DV In, Zeiss lens, Touch Screen LCD and true 16: 9 widescreen mode.
The DCR-HC42 makes transferring data a cinch via the included Handycam Station docking device. So you can easily connect to television for viewing and to a USB-compatible PC for editing and sharing digital images and video. Memory Stick Duo' media compatibility makes it simple for you to take your images with you wherever you go.
If you are buying a camera that works in true 16:9 and want to start doing some more interesting video, this is the camera for you. It is the cheapest Sony MiniDV camcorder this year to feature a 16:9 LCD screen (2.7"), an intelligent accessory shoe, and a enhanced widescreen mode.
The DCR-HC42 is the most expensive camcorder in Sony's HC series (HC 21 & HC32) this year. It features the same body type as the two lower-end models.
The DCR-HC42 ships with a better imager than that of the other lower-end HCs from Sony. A 1/5.5-inch CCD ships with the DCR-HC42; it has 1.07 gross MPs, with 690K effective for video and 1 MP for stills. This is over double the effective video pixels than found on the DCR-HC32 (and DCR-HC21) which features a 680K gross pixel CCD with only 340K effective pixels for both video and still. The increase in pixel count on the DCR-HC42 gives the camcorder the ability to provide a number of still sizes as well as a non-letterboxed widescreen mode, which is nice. In a way it also helps with the video quality of the camcorder. If you compare the video quality of the DCR-HC42 to that of the DCR-HC32 and DCR-HC21 at bright light levels, you?ll find that the DCR-HC42 produces a better image, showing a more balanced spectrum without the ?nuclear? colors seen on the other Sonys.
 And you can't connect to the camera directly..you need to place it on the plastic docking station it comes with. (See Picture) Not a big deal though...
The camera is very easy to use and charges up pretty fast. This camera was fine outdoors, but indoors, Sony needs to do some work on the picture quality. When recording indoors, the picture quality is horrible. The video is grainy, the LCD picture is a little grainy, and if you are standing in fluorescent lights, forget seeing the persons face. When you play back your video, you will hear the sounds that the camera makes which ruins you video. For example, the zoom button clicks. You will need an external light if you want to shoot indoors with good video quality or you may try the Night Shot Mode.
Still picture quality is just average and if you're hoping this video camera can replace your digital camera, or keep you from wanting one, it won't.
When I first bought the camera, it had a red dot on the LCD screen. I took it back to the store, and they told me that I was missing a pixel. Make sure that your LCD screen is red dot free.
Key Features:
 1/5.5" Advanced HAD CCD imager with 1 Megapixel still image capabilities
12X optical zoom lens with 480X digital zoom
Professional quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens
2.7" wide touch panel SwivelScreen LCD display
Digital Still Memory mode with Memory Stick Duo media
Details:
1.0 Megapixel (Gross) Advanced HAD CCD Imager
1/5.5" Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 690K (effective) pixels provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 520 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance. The Megapixel technology enhances your digital videos and digital still photography performance.
MiniDV Recording
Offers up to 520 lines of horizontal resolution, 3X the color bandwidth and a significantly higher signal/noise ratio, to provide spectacular video performance.
12X Optical/480X Digital Zoom
The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition the Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.
Professional Quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens
Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating that offers less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation and perfect renditions of subtle tones.
Progressive Shutter System
A mechanical shutter system that provides progressive scan performance while utilizing an interlaced scanning system. Digital still images will be sharp and clear with excellent definition.
Analog To Digital Conversion with Pass-Through
Convert and/or record any analog NTSC video source to digital video via the analog inputs. Analog NTSC video can also be passed through the digital Handycam Camcorder directly into a PC via the i.LINK interface in real-time for easy PC editing of your analog footage.
Super SteadyShot Picture Stabilization System
Picture stabilization system that uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for camera shake without compromising picture quality like some other digital stabilization systems.
2.7" wide Touch Panel SwivelScreen? LCD Display (123K Pixels)
Provides excellent viewing clarity for both 4:3 and 16:9 apsect with improved resolution. The high resolution 123K pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback.
Handycam? Station
The supplied Handycam Station provides quick and easy connections to a TV for viewing or to a PC for editing and sharing video. Just placing the camcorder on the Handycam Station instantly makes the connections. No need to search for cables or wires when charging or playing back.
USB Streaming
Stay connected to family and friends by broadcasting live video with audio over the internet using the USB interface. You can even playback your favorite recorded scene on the camcorder's tape. It's like having your own video conferencing system.
i.LINK DV Interface
A digital high-speed bi-directional interface which provides Audio/Video communication between two compatible devices. This connection allows for pure digital transfer between devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, such as camcorders, digital VTRs, capture cards and PCs.
InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower Meter System
Charge the battery at anytime because unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony's rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening 'memory effect'. Sony's exclusive AccuPower meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.
Picture Package Software
Easily organize still images and video, and turn them into stunning music videos using the supplied software.
Digital Still Memory Mode with Memory Stick Duo Media
Capture still images at 1152x864 resolution, directly onto Memory Stick Duo Media for easy transfer to PCs for emailing, printing or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick devices.
Tele Macro Function
Useful for shooting close up shots, but without having the camcorder casting a shadow on the subject. Images shot in the Tele Macro Mode will have the subject properly focused with the background unfocussed so that the subject stands out.
Super NightShot Plus Infrared System
 With Sony's Super NightShot Infrared System you can capture natural looking video, even when shooting in low light. Record subjects up to 20 feet away using the built-in infrared system, but without the overall monochrome color common with earlier low-light recording systems.
Manual Focus
Allows the user to manually adjust the focus of the camcorder using the touch panel. Manual focusing also allows the user to control the focus in difficult situations where either the environment or the subject does not allow the camcorder?s auto focus to perform optimally, such as when shooting through a window or in a crowded environment.
Easy Handycam Button
Using a camcorder can be intimidating for some people, so with a press of the Easy Handycam button, most of the advanced features of the camcorder are locked out leaving only the buttons essential for recording operational.
Supplied Accessories:
AC-L25 Power Adapter/In-Camera Charger, NP-FP50 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery, DRCA-C121 Handycam? Station, RMT-831 Remote Commander Remote Control, Stereo AV Cable, USB Cable, Shoulder Strap, CD-ROM with USB Driver (PicturePackage? Software Ver. 1.5 for Sony)
Specifications
 Imaging Device: 1/5.5" 1070K Gross Pixel CCD
Video Actual: 690K Pixels
Still Actual: 1000K Pixels
F: 1.8 2.5
Focal Distance: 3' 350mm (Telemacro)
35mm Conversion: 48 576mm (4:3) Camera; 46 628.5mm (16:9) Memory; 40 480mm (4:3) Camera
Filter Diameter: 25mm
Optical Zoom: 12X
Digital Zoom: 480X
Carl Zeiss Lens: Yes, Vario-Tessar
Focusing: Full Range Auto/Manual (Touch Panel)
Image Stabilization: Yes, Super SteadyShot
Minimum Illumination: 7 Lux (0 Lux with NightShot Plus Infrared System)
Low Light Capability: Super NightShot Plus
Shutter Speed: 1/2 ? 1/4000 (AE Mode)
Viewfinder: Color, 123K Pixels
LCD: 2.7" Color1 (123K)
Accessory Shoe: Yes, Active Interface
Video Input/Output: Yes/Yes (Special)
Audio Input/Output: Yes/Yes (Stereo, Special)
Interface Connector for Handycam? Station: Yes
USB: Yes (On Handycam? Station)
USB Streaming: Yes
LANC (Accessory) Terminal: Yes
Memory Stick Compatibility: Yes, Memory Stick PRO Duo
Headphone Jack: N/A
Microphone Input: N/A
White Balance: Auto/Outdoor/Indoor/One-push
Exposure: Yes, Touch Panel (24 steps)
Power Consumption (VF/LCD/VF+LCD): 2.6W/3.0W/3.2W
Dimensions (W x H x D): 2 1/4" x 3 5/8" x 4 1/2" (54.7 x 90 x 111.7mm)
Weight: 14.5 oz (410g) w/out Tape and Battery
Pros:
 Small and compact -Great video -User friendly -Docking station
Excellent picture quality outdoors
picture stabilization is wonderful
default 16:9 format great for widescreen TV owners
Docking station is a new feature
1.07 gross MPs with 690K effective for Video
Battery life
12x Zoom
Cons:
Low light picture quality is just adequate
Only Sony accessories are compatible
1MP still photos
No SD Card support
Conclusion:
If you planned to buy a camera for your picnic (outdoor shooting), HC42 is the best choice. Not recommended to shoot your cute baby & for taking Still Photos.
Price Range: Rs.25,000 to Rs.29,000
Source: All Camcorder review sites
|
