Sony Handycam DCR-HC26
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: DCR-HC26
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Sony DCR-HC26 provides impressive size, zoom power, and features for a bargain-basement camcorder, but its substandard video quality is disappointing.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/02/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Sony Handycam DCR-HC26 price range: $549.99
- Reviewed by: Denny Atkin
- Edited by: Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 03/27/2006
- Released on: 01/19/2006
The good: Extremely compact; lightweight; low price; very easy to use; top-loading tape compartment.
The bad: Poor video quality; short battery life; no accessory shoe; no memory slot for photo capture.
The bottom line: The Sony DCR-HC26 provides impressive size, zoom power, and features for a bargain-basement camcorder, but its substandard video quality is disappointing.
It wasn't long ago that you'd have paid a premium for a camcorder this compact. Weighing just 14.8 ounces with tape and battery, the Sony DCR-HC26 slips easily into a purse or a jacket pocket. In a nice improvement over last year's Handycam DCR-HC21, this camcorder has a top-ejecting tape slot that lets you change tapes without removing the unit from a tripod.
Press the Easy button and everything's fully automatic. Turn off Easy mode, and you'll find that the DCR-HC26 gives you a reasonable amount of manual control. It offers a variety of program autoexposure modes, such as Sports and Portrait, as well as manual settings for exposure and focus. The spot-focus and spot-meter controls let you specify a portion of the touch-screen image for the camera to use when determining focus or exposure. The NightShot Plus infrared mode lets you shoot in total darkness. While it gives everything a ghostly, greenish cast, it's generally more effective than the slow-shutter modes on many camcorders, which result in unusably blurry footage.
Though the DCR-HC26's 2.5-inch LCD screen is on the small side, it's reasonably sharp and viewable, even in direct sunlight. You can give your subject a look at the shot by flipping over the LCD; however, doing that doesn't activate the color viewfinder, so you have to shoot blind. And while the camera includes video and S-Video outputs, it lacks analog inputs, which means you can't use it to transfer your old analog tapes to digital format. There's no memory-card slot, either; you're limited to shooting VGA-resolution stills on MiniDV tape.
For features on an entry-level camera, the Sony Handycam DCR-HC26's automatic focus and exposure perform quite well, reacting quickly and accurately after you pan to a new subject. Image stabilization works effectively through the first half of the zoom range, though shake becomes increasingly evident as you approach 20X magnification. The included battery is rated for just 45 to 55 minutes of typical shooting, so a larger-capacity battery would be a wise purchase for the vacation-bound.
The Sony DCR-HC26's low-end design is most evident, unfortunately, in its video quality, which is noticeably grainy even in bright light and extremely so under dimmer conditions. Colors hues are accurate but overly vibrant. The small 1/6-inch, 640,000-pixel CCD can't capture the level of detail obtained by higher-end cameras--a limitation evidenced by a general fuzziness in areas of high detail, such as grass, hair, and textured cloth.
Unless your budget is extremely tight, we suggest you move up a price class to around $400; the video quality of products priced below that mark isn't yet ready for vacation time, much less prime time.
User reviews
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Great for beginners
by Brynt237 on December 31, 2006
Pros: Easy to use, video playback on television is awesome
Cons: Battery is only good for an hour
Summary: I love this camcorder, because it was easy to use. I am a novice and having all the important tools like zoom in/out, record, and battery information readily available ...
Summary: I love this camcorder, because it was easy to use. I am a novice and having all the important tools like zoom in/out, record, and battery information readily available was helpful. Additiionally, for the price the addition of a touch screen makes taking advantage of other features - volume, brightness, and fastfoward/rewind is value added to the device. Everything needed for computer, VCR, and television playback comes with the camcorder. Finally, the price for all this is very reasonable. I was happy with my purchase. The only reason that I gave this product an 8 was due to the battery life. At this time I do not know the cost of the extended life battery or the the increase in time that one would receive due to using that battery.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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cool...best for the bucks
by dreamz1882 on July 25, 2006
Pros: This is the best cam Ive ever had
Cons: extravegent
Summary: Awesome cam for awesome price!!!worth the bucks!
Summary: Awesome cam for awesome price!!!worth the bucks!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great quality
by Trinh_4 on March 24, 2006
Pros: Very Compact, Great Quality in Lighting, Touch Screen, Night-Shot
Cons: Grainy Pictures, Little Grainy Videos at Low Lightings
Summary: This is great little camcorder for someone who is a budget buyer. The touch-screen makes everything that much more simple. The tape is inserted from the side instead of the ...
Summary: This is great little camcorder for someone who is a budget buyer. The touch-screen makes everything that much more simple. The tape is inserted from the side instead of the bottom (some camcorders) which makes it very convenient for that extra tape. I think most low-end camcorders have low quality at low lightings.. but i'm not sure on that. Overall, this is a great Sony Camcorder that I recommend!
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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USed to be great. No VISTA supprt, Sony Service stinks
by astrobuf on March 6, 2009
Pros: Nice size, functions well
Cons: No ability to transfer data from the HAndyCam to a VISTA computer via USB. This function worked under XP, but Sony decided to delete function when they released VISTA. Don't waste your money on Sony
Summary: Same sad story, Nice looking, but poorly serviced and supported Sony products. Pity Apple does not make Camcorders. Buy a Panasonic model for value and quality instead.
Summary: Same sad story, Nice looking, but poorly serviced and supported Sony products. Pity Apple does not make Camcorders. Buy a Panasonic model for value and quality instead.
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great product!
by missygg55 on March 2, 2009
Pros: it is durable, clear recording screen, excellent zoom, compact, durable, lasts a long time, great battery life.
Cons: the only bad thing i have to say is sometimes it can get blurry but it's not a huge deal, and it never bothers my recording, and that is doesn't come with a USB cord.
Summary: This is a great product, defiantly on of the best purchases i ever made.
Summary: This is a great product, defiantly on of the best purchases i ever made.
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It is what it is: point and shoot no frills.
by quej1 on May 29, 2007
Pros: Cheap and despite what cnet says good picture
Cons: Not many manual controls (but this makes it an easy camera to use)
Summary: I've used this cam at a couple of music festivals and recorded many sets. It does a decent job of recording the events and works great so far.
Summary: I've used this cam at a couple of music festivals and recorded many sets. It does a decent job of recording the events and works great so far.
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Not great but not terrible.
by J4R3D on March 25, 2007
Pros: Good Video Quality, Compact, Nice Set of Features
Cons: Weak Night Shot, No Memory Card Slot, Low quality in low light conditions.
Summary: I have owned two video cameras, this one and a previous Samsung Hi-8. Coming from a Hi-8 background, seeing the quality of this Sony MiniDV was very nice, blows my ...
Summary: I have owned two video cameras, this one and a previous Samsung Hi-8. Coming from a Hi-8 background, seeing the quality of this Sony MiniDV was very nice, blows my Hi-8 away. But the best quality is only achieved when outside on a sunny day. When I put my two cameras side by side in the house with low light, I swear the Hi-8 looks better (seems slightly brighter). The NightShot on this Sony isn't great either. My friend has a Sony Hi-8, and when putting the NightShots side by side, we concluded his was better. On his you can see farther and just more of the area you are shooting. Though if you plan to just look at yourself in the dark, then this camera is fine. The buttons on the side of the camera are not very easy to press especially the blue EASY button, which ironically is HARDER to push because its convex unlike the others. Everything else about the DCR-HC26 is solid. The DCR-HC26 isnt at all a bad camera, many of the flaws I metioned some may not even care about. If you can pick it up cheap, I would rather have it than any Hi-8 out there.
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Good camera Terrible software
by rodxxx on February 15, 2007
Pros: Small, inexpensive
Cons: unsupported
Summary: The Camera itself is fine. The accompanying software leaves a lot to be desired. Haven't got it to work yet, I don't think it does. I'm buying ...
Summary: The Camera itself is fine. The accompanying software leaves a lot to be desired. Haven't got it to work yet, I don't think it does. I'm buying an editor program to do what the Sony folks can't. More money.......
sigh. -
5.8? at least 7 or higher
by purty707 on November 7, 2006
Pros: decent video quality for price, very compact, handy dandy
Cons: NO "Hot Shoe", that is sorta frustrating
Summary: i would recommend this dcr-hc26 to anyone who is on a low budget. I didnt do my research and just bought this, but it was a good choice. This is ...
Summary: i would recommend this dcr-hc26 to anyone who is on a low budget. I didnt do my research and just bought this, but it was a good choice. This is a great choice for your first camera, as it was for me. I recently had this camera stolen, and I bought a sony dcr-hc42 on ebay today. Do your research before buying.
** Buy on Ebay to Save mony ** -
More Sony junk
by p207 on February 11, 2007
Pros: Easy to use
Cons: Not so easy to use when broken
Summary: I had the precurser (DCR HC21). I was notified today that it would require service number 3 (for the same issue) within a 14 month span. I know that Sony ...
Summary: I had the precurser (DCR HC21). I was notified today that it would require service number 3 (for the same issue) within a 14 month span. I know that Sony has wrestled with quality issues recently and it certainly shows. I'd steer clear of these guys for a while.
0 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: DCR-HC26
- Description: The DCR-HC26 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. Make your personal videos complete with additional customization features such as Picture and Fader effects for creative and professional looking enhancements. Photo Mode allows you to capture and store hundreds of individual still images, and Picture Package software helps you easily organize and edit still images and video.
General
- Product Type Camcorder
- Enclosure Color Gray
- Digital Zoom 800 x
- Effective Sensor Resolution 0.34 megapixels
- Total Pixels 0.68 megapixels
- Optical Sensor Size 1/6"
- Optical Sensor Type Advanced HAD CCD
- Min Illumination 0 lux
- Analog Video Format NTSC
- Special Effects Sepia, Mosaic, Pastel, Monotone, Negative Art, Solarization
- Image Stabilizer Electronic (Super Steady Shot)
- Digital Scene Transition Black fader, White fader, Mosaic fader, Monotone fader
- Min Shutter Speed 1/60 sec
- Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec
- Shooting Modes Normal movie mode, Digital photo mode
- Shooting Programs Landscape, Spotlight, Beach & ski, Portrait mode, Sports lesson, Sunset & moon
- White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Indoor, Outdoor
- Exposure Modes Program, Automatic
- Camera Flash Built-in
Main Features
- Color Support Color
- Still Image Format JPEG
- TV Tuner None
Memory / Storage
- Floppy Drive None
- Media Type Mini DV
- Recording Speed LP, SP
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 2.3 mm - 46 mm - F/1.8-3.1
- Focal Length 2.3 mm - 46 mm
- Lens Aperture F/1.8-3.1
- Optical Zoom 20 x
- Lens system type Zoom lens
- Min focal length 2.3 mm
- Lens Manufacturer Carl Zeiss
- Max focal length 46 mm
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Filter Size 25 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 48 - 960 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
Additional Features
- DV input Yes
- Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
- Digital Still Camera Function Yes
- Search Modes End search
- Additional Features 16:9 widescreen mode, Touch-screen control
- Analog to digital conversion No
- Software Drivers & Utilities, Sony Picture Package
- Included Accessories Lens cap
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type Electronic
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.5 in - Color
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire/i.LINK), 1 x USB, 1 x DC power input
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows ME, MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000
Miscellaneous
- Carrying Case None
- Cables Included 1, A/V cable
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
- Battery type - Lithium ion
Battery
- Supported Battery Sony NP-FP30
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Form Factor Rotating
- Display Format 123,000 pixels
- Viewfinder Color Support Color
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
Physical Characteristics
- Width 2.6 in
- Depth 4.4 in
- Height 3.1 in
- Weight 0.9 lbs
Accessories
- Sony DCC L50 - battery charger - car
- Sony VCT 1500L - tripod
- Sony ACC-FP50A - camcorder accessory kit
- Sony AC L200 - power adapter
- Sony VCL HA20 - converter
- Sony DCC L50 - battery charger - car
- Sony VCT 1500L - tripod
- Sony ACC-FP50A - camcorder accessory kit
- Sony AC L200 - power adapter
- Sony VCL HA20 - converter
Manufacturer info
- Sony
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.sonystyle.com
- Address:
16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127 - Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
- Email: contact@sel.sony.com
- Fax: 941-768-7790
