Sony Dcr-HC20 (Sony Handycam DCR-HC20)

Member Name: ross88guy

Product:	Sony Handycam DCR-HC20
Date:	23/06/05 (588 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Modern Look, More Reliable then dvd cameras, Light

Disadvantages: Can be costly transfering to dvd, becomes marked

One of the most flexible and compact dv Camera Sony have bought out.
I bought one of these when I visited America to capture some of the local sights and sounds. not having much video camera knowledge at the time I was tempted by the low price and stylish compact look that no other make of camera can match.
There are helpful guides included in the box and the usual 12 month warranty details just in case.

Look:
the camera is chrome and manages to achieve a modern look without being tacky or mistaken for something out of a star trek movie! the thinner touch screen is easier to view than previous models due to its increases size. the buttons are easy to press although it is difficult to open the shutter window with the same hand which is holding the camera which means you have to use your other hand and take your eyes of whatever you are looking at, a bit of a problem if you are filming moving objects.
It is light and compact which is a great advantage as you can film for long periods of time without your arm starting to shake. it is also a very respectable looking camera which would be perfectly at home in a business conference or wedding.
The problem with it being chrome is that you notice all the little scratches that it picks up.

Performance:
I have had the camera for a few months now and have taken it up mountains and to varying humidifies and temperature extremes and the camera has performed flawlessly.
The camera continues to function with no loss or interruption of recording which is a distinct advantage over the new dvd cameras.
The battery gives a good 90mins on full charge and I haven’t noticed any loss of charge.

To dvd:
I use a Fi-wire cable which connects the camera to the computer and then use windows movie maker to record the data off the tape. I don’t recommend this as 10mins of recording can eat up 2gig on your hard drive. an easier way is to directly link the camera to a dvd burner and record straight to dvd. a real time dvd burner can cost around £200 from curry’s, but is much easier and frees up your computer. also the time factor is reduced as there is no converting of the data as there is in a computer.

Summary: