Camcorders

< Go to Camcorders page

Sony DCR-HC52

Approximate retail price:

$245

This model has not been tested.

1 person has reviewed this model.

See 1 user review

Write a review

Type: MiniDV models

About - Sony DCR-HC52
The DCR-HC52 is a camcorder available from Sony. The DCR-HC52 typically costs $245 . Consumer Reports recommends that you match the features on a model to the needs you have. Here's our take on some of the specifications and features that are commonly available on camcorder models like the DCR-HC52. Format: The type of recording tape or disc that a camcorder uses. Key differences among the formats include picture quality, size of camcorder, and compatibility with a DVD player. Digital8 (D8) Uses 8mm or Hi8 tape to record. Many models can also read 8mm and Hi8 recordings. MiniDV. Uses a MiniDV tape (a little larger than a matchbox) to record images digitally. DVD-RAM. Records onto a little over 3-inch disc in digital MPEG-2 format, the same one used for commercial DVD. Discs are rewritable. Discs cannot be played on most DVD players. Has the widest range of editing features comapred to the other DVD types. DVD-R. Like DVD-RAM but not interchangeable with it. Discs are not rewritable. Discs can be played on most DVD players. DVD-R DL. Like DVD-R but has two layers that roughly doubles the capacity. DVD-RW. Like DVD-RAM but not interchangeable with it. DVD+R. Like DVD-R but not interchangeable with it. DVD+R DL. Like DVD+R but double the capacity. DVD+RW. Like DVD-RW but not interchangeable with it. Hard Disk. Records onto a built-in non-removable hard-drive. You either play the recordings from the camcorder, or download them to a computer or video recorder. Memory. Records onto solid-state memory cards similar to the ones used by digital still cameras. Memory may be built-in or an add-on card or both. Weight (lbs.): This is measured in pounds and includes the recording media. Optical zoom: Allows the camcorder to fill the frame with far-away objects at the touch of a button. An optical zoom rated at 16x means the camcorder can magnify the image up to 16 times the normal size.

About - Sony DCR-HC52

The DCR-HC52 is a camcorder available from Sony. The DCR-HC52 typically costs $245 .

Consumer Reports recommends that you match the features on a model to the needs you have. Here's our take on some of the specifications and features that are commonly available on camcorder models like the DCR-HC52.

Format:: The type of recording tape or disc that a camcorder uses. Key differences among the formats include picture quality, size of camcorder, and compatibility with a DVD player.
    Digital8 (D8) Uses 8mm or Hi8 tape to record. Many models can also read 8mm and Hi8 recordings.
    MiniDV. Uses a MiniDV tape (a little larger than a matchbox) to record images digitally.
    DVD-RAM. Records onto a little over 3-inch disc in digital MPEG-2 format, the same one used for commercial DVD. Discs are rewritable. Discs cannot be played on most DVD players. Has the widest range of editing features comapred to the other DVD types.
    DVD-R. Like DVD-RAM but not interchangeable with it. Discs are not rewritable. Discs can be played on most DVD players.
    DVD-R DL. Like DVD-R but has two layers that roughly doubles the capacity.
    DVD-RW. Like DVD-RAM but not interchangeable with it.
    DVD+R. Like DVD-R but not interchangeable with it.
    DVD+R DL. Like DVD+R but double the capacity.
    DVD+RW. Like DVD-RW but not interchangeable with it.
    Hard Disk. Records onto a built-in non-removable hard-drive. You either play the recordings from the camcorder, or download them to a computer or video recorder.
    Memory. Records onto solid-state memory cards similar to the ones used by digital still cameras. Memory may be built-in or an add-on card or both.
Weight (lbs.):: This is measured in pounds and includes the recording media.
Optical zoom:: Allows the camcorder to fill the frame with far-away objects at the touch of a button. An optical zoom rated at 16x means the camcorder can magnify the image up to 16 times the normal size.

About This Brand
Leads the camcorder industry in market share and offers the largest model selection of standard- and high-definition models, some of which have recently topped our Ratings. They've also introduced some pocket camcorder models. Consumer models are known as Handycams. Along with Canon, it still offers a high-definition MiniDV tape model.
Read our Brand Reliability

About This Brand

Leads the camcorder industry in market share and offers the largest model selection of standard- and high-definition models, some of which have recently topped our Ratings. They've also introduced some pocket camcorder models. Consumer models are known as Handycams. Along with Canon, it still offers a high-definition MiniDV tape model.

Read our Brand Reliability

Features & Specs - Sony DCR-HC52
Format The type of recording tape or disc that a camcorder uses. Key differences among the formats include picture quality, size of camcorder, and compatibility with a DVD player. Digital8 (D8) Uses 8mm or Hi8 tape to record. Many models can also read 8mm and Hi8 recordings. MiniDV. Uses a MiniDV tape (a little larger than a matchbox) to record images digitally. DVD-RAM. Records onto a little over 3-inch disc in digital MPEG-2 format, the same one used for commercial DVD. Discs are rewritable. Discs cannot be played on most DVD players. Has the widest range of editing features comapred to the other DVD types. DVD-R. Like DVD-RAM but not interchangeable with it. Discs are not rewritable. Discs can be played on most DVD players. DVD-R DL. Like DVD-R but has two layers that roughly doubles the capacity. DVD-RW. Like DVD-RAM but not interchangeable with it. DVD+R. Like DVD-R but not interchangeable with it. DVD+R DL. Like DVD+R but double the capacity. DVD+RW. Like DVD-RW but not interchangeable with it. Hard Disk. Records onto a built-in non-removable hard-drive. You either play the recordings from the camcorder, or download them to a computer or video recorder. Memory. Records onto solid-state memory cards similar to the ones used by digital still cameras. Memory may be built-in or an add-on card or both. Format	Mini DV
Weight (lbs.) This is measured in pounds and includes the recording media. Weight (lbs.)	0.6
Optical zoom Allows the camcorder to fill the frame with far-away objects at the touch of a button. An optical zoom rated at 16x means the camcorder can magnify the image up to 16 times the normal size. Optical zoom	40x
LCD size (in.) Measured diagonally, it typically ranges from 2 to 4 inches. LCD size (in.)	2.5
Battery life (min.) This is how long the camcorder can continuously record images with the LCD viewer in constant use and occasional use of other features such as the zoom lens. Battery life (min.)	95
Full auto switch This essentially lets you point and shoot. The camcorder automatically adjusts the color balance, shutter speed, focus, and aperture (also called the "iris" or f-stop with camcorders). Full auto switch	Yes
Quick review This features lets you view the last few seconds of a scene without having to press a lot of buttons. It's handy for helping you decide if you need to reshoot a scene. Quick review	Yes
Built-in light Provides illumination for close-ups when the image would otherwise be too dark, but it's no substitute for a well-lit room. A built-in light is more convenient than a clip-on one. Many camcorders have an automatic setting for turning the light on. Built-in light	No
AV Input These let you record sound or images from another camcorder or VCR. AV Input	No
Microphone Input Jack for an external microphone to improve sound quality and prevent picking up noise from the camcorder. An alternative to using the built-in mike. Microphone Input	No
Digital still capable Some camcorders can take snapshots, much like a digital camera (though not necessarily of the same quality). The camcorder can then be plugged into a computer and the images downloaded from the memory. Using a removable memory card (such as MemoryStick, Compact Flash, or SD Card) you can transfer stills to a computer without having to connect the camcorder, but you need proper card-reader hardware. Digital still capable	Yes
More features and specs

User Reviews - Sony DCR-HC52

Average User Rating

(based on 1 reviews)

Write a review

Displaying Reviews 1-1 of 1

Workable econimical camera

By John in Ottawa from Ottawa ON Canada on 11/5/2009

Pros:

Decent performance/quality

Best Uses:

Home Movies

How long have you owned it:

More than six months, More than six months

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Basically I had a DCR HC26. I use it to video athletic technique work outdoors, often in Winter, edit the video, and send it by e mail to the athletes. The DCR HC26 quit talking to computers, so rather than repair, I bought the DCR HC52 just to upload video to my computer. The newer camera has fewer features, and no neck strap. I won't use it outdoors until the older camera quits completely. So the new one does what I want, but I prefer shooting with the older one.

Nobody Tests Like We Do: Our testers put 100s of products through their paces at our National Testing and Research Center. Learn more about how we test for:; Performance; Safety; Reliability; Learn more

To find the model that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value. Here's one tip: Don't pay for more features than you'll use.