Sony Handycam DCR-HC21 Mini DV Camcorder

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The DCR-HC21 from Sony gives you a full-featured, compact MiniDV camcorder at an entry-level price. Highlights include the Advanced HAD CCD... Read More

The DCR-HC21 from Sony gives you a full-featured, compact MiniDV camcorder at an entry-level price. Highlights include the Advanced HAD CCD imager, which captures stunning detail and clarity, and the Digital Zoom, which focuses on distant subjects providing clear close-up images with less distortion. The Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens offers less glare and increased contrast for vivid, more life-like color and tones. Minimize

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Product Specs

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Key Features
Recording System	NTSC
Camcorder Type	Digital
Recording Media	Mini DV
Optical Zoom	20x
Weight	0.88 lb.
CCD
Sensor Size	1/6"
Number of Pixels	680K pixels
Sensor Quantity	1
LCD / Viewfinder
Color Viewfinder	Without Color Viewfinder
LCD Screen Size	2.5 in.
Display Type	With LCD Screen
Lens
Optical Zoom	20x
Focal Length	2.3 - 46 mm
Attachment / Filter Size	25 mm
Digital Zoom	800x
Video Modes
Low Lux	5 Lux
Image Stabilizer	With Image Stabilizer
Night Shot	With Night Shot
Audio
Audio Format	12/16 Bit PCM Digital Stereo Audio
Memory Photography
Digital Still Shot Mode	Without Still Shot Capability
MPEG Movie Mode	Without MPEG Movie Mode
Interfaces
Output Interfaces	Composite (Video) • Audio (RCA) • FireWire / DV / i.Link • USB
Power Supply
Battery Type	Proprietary Lithium
Dimensions
Weight	0.88 lb.
Depth	4.5 in.
Height	3.6 in.
Width	2.25 in.
Warranty
Warranty	1 Year
Miscellaneous
Family Line	Sony Handycam
UPC	027242669819
Release Date	February, 2005
Included Accessories	Software • USB Cable • A/V Cable • Shoulder Strap • Driver • Lithium Propriety Battery • AC Power Adapter • Remote Control • Lens Cap
Product MPN
MPN	DCR-HC21

Product Review Summary

11 Reviews from Shopping.com

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By: dimagu
Jul 18, 2005

Great camera. Better than JVC.

Author's Rating:

Pros: Touch screen, Infrared night vision, Carl Zeiss lens, user friendly, great design, small

Cons: Bad software, no manual volume adjustment.

Bottom Line:
I recommend it based on crisp excellent quality image - isn't it the most important feature of a camera? Read More

By: keyrse
Jan 28, 2006

This camcorder is our pick

Author's Rating:

Pros: Small size, zoom is great, cost is reasonable

Cons: LCD touchpad worries me, batteries are large

Bottom Line:
We really like it. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to use it, cost was reasonable, and features can't be beat. Read More

By: codeblack
Dec 16, 2005

Very very good camcorder

Author's Rating:

Pros: Nightshot, SteadyShot, Lens Cap, Effects, Touch Panel Display, PRICE

Cons: Battery Life is fair and finger-prints

Bottom Line:
Just get it.. it's great for familes and great for memories Read More

By: canadarocks
Dec 16, 2005

Great Camcorder

Author's Rating:

Pros: NightShot, SteadyShot, Touch Panel, it's a Sony

Cons: Nothing yet Read More

By: wangofree
Feb 19, 2005

Full features and small size make this a "Handy" cam

Author's Rating:

Pros: MiniDV digital video quality, small size, good features for the price.

Cons: Lousy digital still resolution, no ext Mic jack, Firewire cable or tape included.

Bottom Line:
Stands above other "budget" MiniDV camcorders. Full features in small size. Read More

By: chrisbilal
Mar 8, 2005

Small in Size, Big in Price

Author's Rating:

Pros: Small, Nightshot, widescreen, lens cover

Cons: No Firewire, buzzing, no headphone, bad software

Bottom Line:
If you want a really small, expensive camera that can fit in your pocket and take great video that you can put on the computer get it. Read More

By: mheido
Jan 5, 2006

Good cam but some design miscues

Author's Rating:

Pros: Low price, takes great video, stylish.

Cons: Outdated accessory shoe, no memory card and bad documentation/software interface.

Bottom Line:
If you're on a budget this Handycam is a good fit. Otherwise spend a little more for the convenience afforded by a higher end model. Read More

By: bmvivek
May 21, 2005

Good picture, but falls short in most categories

Author's Rating:

Pros: God picture, decent nightsight

Cons: Lousy software, black and white viewfinder, lousy battery

Bottom Line:
Buy another brand, you may still get bad software, but you can get other features for the same price; for example, with a Panasonic, a color viewfinder and extra card-slot. Read More

By: pisdoff
Oct 16, 2007