DCR-HC96 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder

Model number:

DCR-HC96

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Enjoy total creative freedom with the powerful and versatile DCR-HC96 MiniDV Handycam® camcorder. Its small size and easy-to-use functionality provide a rewarding digital recording experience.

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$ 799 .99

$599.99

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Features
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Specifications
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Reviews
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Accessories

3.3 Megapixel (Gross) Advanced HAD™ CCD Imager

1/3" Advanced HAD™ (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 2048K (effective) pixels provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance. The Megapixel technology enhances your digital videos and digital still photography performance.

Professional Quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T 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. The additional T coating on the lens further reduces unwanted glare and flare.

Digital Still Memory Mode with Memory Stick Duo™ Media³

Capture still images at 2016x1512 (3.0 Megapixel) resolution, directly onto Memory Stick Duo™ Media for easy transfer to PCs for emailing, printing or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick™ devices.

Handycam Station

The supplied Handycam Station cradle 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.

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.

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.

Program AE (Auto Exposure) Modes

Program AE modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Portrait, Beach & Ski, Sports Lesson, Landscape, Spotlight or Sunset & Moon modes.

Battery Information

At the touch of a button, battery information is displayed on the LCD screen when charging and when the camcorder is turned off. The display will show how much the battery is charged, in 10% increments and the recordable time left when using the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

InfoLITHIUM Battery with AccuPower™ Meter System²

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 exlusive AccuPower™ meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

10X Optical/120X 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.

Analog To Digital Conversion with Pass-Through

Convert and/or record any analog NTSC video source to digitalvideovia 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.

One Touch Wide Angle Shooting

Easily switch between 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios for shooting with just the touch of a button.

Active Interface Shoe

Provides a location directly on the camcorder on which to add optional accessories while providing power and two-way communication to those accessories.

On Screen Zoom and Record Controls

For additional control of the camcorder, the DCR-HC96 features Zoom and record buttons on the frame of the LCD screen. This allows the user more flexibility when holding the camcorder, especially in overhead or low angle shots.

Digital Effects

Getcreative when recording or playing back your video with Sony's Digital Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Still, Flash Motion, Luminance, Slow Shutter, Trail, Old Movie, Delayed Motion Effect and Cinematic Effect. Effects available in Playback mode: Still, Flash Motion, Luminance, Trail, Delayed Motion.

Picture Package™ Software

Easily organize still images and video, and turn them into stunning music videos using the supplied software.

MiniDV Recording

Offers up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution, 3X the color bandwidth and a significantly higher signal/noise ratio, to provide spectacular video performance.

2.7" Wide Touch Panel SwivelScreen™ Hybrid LCD Display (123K Pixels)

The 2.7" Wide (16:9) LCD screen provides excellent viewing clarity 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, and the widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.

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.

i.LINK® DV Interface¹

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.

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.

Picture Effects

Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony's Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Mosaic, Soarization, Monotone, Sepia, Negative Art and Pastel. Effects available in Playback mode: Solarization, Monotone, Sepia and Negative Art.

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.

Product Specifications

Convenience

Digital Picture Effect(s) : Cinematic, Delayed Motion, Flash Motion, Luminance, Old Movie, Slow Shutter, Still, Trail
Easy Operation : Yes
Exposure : Touch Panel (24 steps)
Low Light Capability : Super NightShot® System
Movie Mode(s) : MPEG
Picture Effect(s) : Monotone, Mosaic, Negative Art, Pastel, Sepia and Solarization
Removable Flash Media Compatibility : Tested to support up to 2GB media capacity; does not support high speed transfer function; does not support Access Control security function.
Scene Mode(s) : Beach & Ski, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Lesson, SpotLight, Sunset & Moon
Slide Show Mode : No
Still Image Mode(s) : JPEG
USB Streaming : Yes
White Balance : Auto, Indoor, One-push, Outdoor

Exposure System

Minimum Illumination : 5 Lux (0 Lux with Super NightShot® Infrared System)

Inputs and Outputs

Analog Audio/Video Input(s) : Yes (Multi A/V)
Analog Audio/Video Output(s) : Yes (Multi A/V)
Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output(s) : N/A
Digital Audio/Video Input(s) : Yes (via i.LINK®)
Digital Audio/Video Output(s) : Yes (via i.LINK®)
HDMI® Connection Output(s) : N/A
Headphone Output : N/A
LANC Terminal : Yes (Stereo Mini)
Microphone Input : Yes (thru Active Interface Shoe)
S-Video Input(s) : Yes (optional accessory)
S-Video Output(s) : Yes (optional accessory)
USB Port(s) : Yes (1.1 compliant on Handycam Station)
i.LINK® Interface : Yes (on Handycam® Station)

Optics/Lens

35mm Equivalent : 42.8-495mm (16:9 Camera Mode), 45-450mm (4:3 Camera Mode), 40.6-406mm (16:9 Memory Mode), 37-370mm (4:3 Memory Mode)
Aperture : f1.8-2.9
Digital Zoom : 120X
Filter Diameter : 30mm
Focal Distance : 5.1-51mm; 370mm (Telemacro)
Focus : Full Range Auto, Manual (Touch Panel)
Lens Type : Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T
Optical Zoom : 10X
Progressive Shutter Mode : Yes
Resolution : 3MP
Shutter Speed : Auto, 1/4-1/4000 (AE Mode)

Service and Warranty Information

Limited Warranty Term : 1 Year Parts; 90 Days Labor

Weights and Measurements

Dimensions (Approx.) : 2 7/8 x 3 5/8 x 4 3/4" (72 x 91 x 120mm)
Weight (Approx.) : 1 lb 2 oz (525g) with Tape and Battery

Advanced Features

Image Stabilization : Yes (Electronic)

Convenience Features

Fader Effect(s) : Black, Dot, Monotone, Mosaic, Overlap, White, Wipe
Multiple Language Display : Yes
Remote Control : Yes
Tilting : Yes

General

Imaging Device : 1/3" Advanced HAD™ CCD
Pixel Gross : 3310K
Recording Media : MiniDV Cassette, Memory Stick Duo™ Media, Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media (sold separately)
Recording and Playback Times : SP: up to 60 min., LP: up to 90 min.
Still Actual : 2048 Pixels (16:9), 3048K Pixels (4:3)

Interface

Accessory Shoe : Yes (Active Interface Shoe)
PictBridge Compatible : Yes

Power

Power Consumption (in Operation) : 3.0W/3.4W (VF/LCD)
Battery Type : InfoLITHIUM® with AccuPower™ Meter System (NP-FP50)
Power Requirements : 7.2V (battery pack); 8.4V (AC Adaptor)

Software

Operating System Compatibility : Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional, XP Home, XP Professional
Supplied Software : Picture Package™ ver. 1.5

Audio

Microphone : Yes (Built-in)

Display

Viewfinder : Color (123K Pixels)

Hardware

Docking Station : Yes (Handycam Station®)
Light/Flash : Yes

LCD Display

LCD Type : 2.7" (123K Pixels) Wide (16:9) Touch Panel SwivelScreen™ Hybrid LCD Display

Recording

Video Actual (Pixel) : 2048K Pixels

Video

Analog-to-Digital Converter : Yes (with Pass Through)
Video Recording System : 2 Rotary Heads, Helical Scanning System
Video Signal : NTSC color, EIA standards

In the Box

Handycam Station (DCRA-C152)
USB Cable

Power Adapter/ In-Camera Charger (AC-L25)
Remote Commander® Remote Control (RMT-831)
CD-ROM with USB Driver (PicturePackage™ Software Ver. 1.5 for Sony)

InfoLITHIUM® Rechargeable Battery (NP-FP50)
Stereo A/V Cable

Product Profile

Support

Find related product support and help in Sony eSupport

Product Warranty

Limited Warranty

Lightweight Tripod

$49.99
Lightweight Tripod

$34.99
Infrared Light

$99.99
InfoLithium V Series Battery Pack

$59.99
Rechargeable Camcorder Battery Pack

$159.99
Rechargeable Camcorder Battery Pack

$99.99
InfoLithium H Series Battery Pack

$59.99

DCR-HC96 1 5 1 1

Too costly to repair I have been using this product for sometime now. I must say that I haven't been entirely satisfied with the product. However, off late I got totally frustrated with the product as the cassette compartment will now not close, giving an error code of C32:11. I contacted Sony online support. They guided me to do a couple of power reset and factory reset steps. They did not work. I then did some googling and found that I was only one of many people who are facing the same problem not only with this product but other Sony products too. Now, it appears that I need to spend $200-$300 to fix this product. Given that so many people are facing the same problem, it does appear to be a design fault from Sony. It is pathetic that Sony is charging so much to fix this issue. Another issue that this one has is that when you download the video on your laptop using the USB cable, the quality deteriorates heavily. Also, the downloading process and driver are not at all user friendly. Considering that this camera will be used for home videos, it could have been more user friendly. I also have a Sony point and shoot, a dream machine and a couple of other products. I must say that Sony products are not worth the price we pay. And they are very costly to repair. March 25, 2012

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VIEW FOOTNOTES

1. i.LINK is a trademark of Sony, used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connector. All products with an IEEE1394 connector may not communicate with each other.

2. Designed for use with compatible Sony InfoLITHIUM® batteries.

3. Available storage capacity of Memory Stick and Memory Stick PRO media may vary. A portion of the memory is used for data management functions. Actual available memory in MBs is: 8=7.5, 16=15, 32=30, 64=61, 128=123, 256=220, 512=460, 1GB=940, 2GB=1.85GB.

4. Actual battery life may vary based on product settings, usage patterns and environmental conditions.

5. Viewable area measured diagonally.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. All rights reserved. Sony, AccuPower, Advanced HAD, Handycam, i.LINK, InfoLITHIUM, like.no.other, Memory Stick, the Memory Stick logo, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, NightShot, Picture Package, Remote Commander, SteadyShot, SwivelScreen, and worryfreedigital are trademarks of Sony. Carl Zeiss and Vario-Sonnar are trademarks of Carl Zeiss. PictBridge is a trademark of CIPA. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. Features and specifications subject to change without notice. Non-metric weights and measures are approximate.

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