So I finally managed to get my hands on a Sony MiniDV Handicam, model DCRHC52, and I have to admit I was pretty impressed.  This particular version comes with a 40x zoom function, Zeiss lenses, an InfoLITHIUM battery with the AccuPower Meter system, and plenty more to boot.

The upshot to this little fella is that it handles really smoothly and it’s almost shockingly easy to use.  It gave a good smooth zoom, and the side panel, which is fairly standard these days as far as I can tell, is actually really useful.  It’s even got night vision, which is actually pretty awesome.  The camera links to your PC fairly easily with Firewire cables, and if you’ve got an Apple it’s actually even EASIER.  Not that I actually own an Apple, but I can draw a few inferences.

The downside is that this particular model requires MiniDV tapes in order to shoot, and actually only costs about fifty dollars less than a similar Sony Handicam model that uses Flash memory. It’s enough to make you wonder why anyone would want to save fifty bucks but be required to buy tapes in order to use the stupid thing.  Plus, battery life is a bit on the low side, but from what I can gather this is actually par for the course as far as camcorders go.

At any rate, this is a small and highly serviceable camcorder that’ll be pretty solidly budget priced.  If you’re willing to put up with the low battery life and the fact that you’ll be carrying and loading tapes, then you’ll probably get all you need out of this camera.

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