Sony dcr-hc42 camcorder

Sony dcr-hc42 camcorder - The main reason to choose MiniDV over other formats, is because the format is computer friendly. Does the sony dcr-hc42 camcorder continue that standard?

Product Description From the Manufacturer

Capture and transfer video images quickly and easily with the Sony DCR-HC42 Camcorder. Its professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens captures brilliant images with lifelike color and tones, and the Advanced HAD CCD imager provides stunning detail and clarity. The Progressive Shutter System supplies digital still images with excellent definition and sharpness.

The DCR-HC42 makes transferring data a cinch via the included Handycam Station docking device. Now you can easily connect to television for viewing and to a USB-compatible PC for editing and sharing digital images and video. Memory Stick Duo media compatibility makes it simple for you to take your images with you wherever you go.

Features:

2.7-inch touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD
Super NightShot Plus Infrared System captures natural-looking video in low light
1/5.5-inch advanced HAD CCD imager with 1-megapixel still image capability
MiniDV recording format offers up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution
12x optical zoom with SteadyShot image stabilization

Another camcorder that sounds good on the glossy brochures, but what do the real users think of the Sony dcr-hc42 camcorder :

"Sony is the best, again" Tim C. USA - "After much searching for the perfectly priced, and well performing mini DV camcorder, I came back to Sony's HC42 model… You cant go wrong at this price point. I wouldnt go for lower models, and the higher runs over 1000 bucks..this is the sweet spot. Enjoy"

"Very good digital camcorder" Karen D. New York USA - "After using this camcorder for 6 months I am very satisfied with the product. Sharpness, color saturation and ease of use are excellent."

"Poor Low Light and Indoors performance" Chris A. USA - "This camcorder gives exceptional quality video in outdoors. In indoors with minimum lighting, it produces below average quality video and grainy pictures"

"great camcorder, but bit over priced" Russ M. California USA - "This camcorder is good for

Point and shoot users
Techno freaks
Outdoor video
Indoor video with decent lights
If you own a SONY laptop (ease of capturing movies and image)"

"Not compatible with Mac OS X!" Alex M. Russia - "Mac users: beware! Apple iMovie and Apple Final Cut Express will not recognize this camcorder!"

There you have it. Mostly positive reviews with the slight negatives can be fixed by : adding light to dull settings (standard camcorder solution), searching for competitive prices and Mac users doing a little more homework. All in all it puts the Sony DCR-HC42 Camcorder in the 'good buy' category.