Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony DCR-HC90E Handycam MiniDV Camcorder [3Mp, 10x Optical, 2.7" Wide Hybrid LCD]

This is my first ever camcorder, but as I am already on my 7th digital still camera, I know a few things about digital imaging. I bought the Sony after a very favourable review in the most reputable German computer magazine. I am very impressed with size, functionality and connectivity of this camcorder. Movie quality is excellent.
The "Steady Shot" electronic stabilizer does an excellent job. It also works very well together with the "TeleMacro Mode", which for example allowed me to take some full-size scenes of a butterfly feeding on my garden flowers from about 1 meter away. I also managed to record in perfect quality my way to work through the beautiful English country side and villages with the camcorder mounted on a tripod wedged into the front passenger's legroom. Hardly any wobble.
I like the 16:9 option very much. As in most camcorders, the maximum wide angle aspect of the lens is not that great for panoramic views. As I am about spend the next 5 weeks between Alaska's mountains and glaziers I am planning to purchase a wide angle converter.
This camcorder also allows to convert analog video to digital on his DV-Out, which allowed me to digitalise some cherished VHS video recording to DVD.
The main controls on this camcorder are via the large touchscreen, with customisable menues, which works very well for me.
In NightShot mode recording in very low light is possible, but you get rather ghost-like palish-green images. I am thinking about buying the combined Infrared and Video Light.
What I found pleasently surprising was that everything worked out of the box as expected, with very good results. This may be the case with all camcorders, but I'm certainly not used to that from my computer.
Just make sure you get a decent Video Editor to work with your recordings as the software provided Sony is not likely to get you very far.

Having previously had one of the old bulky camcorders, I was really impressed with the sleak design of this handycam. The camera is the perfect size and weight for me to hold in one hand and walk around taking shots, whilst directing my clients with the other hand. The image quality when plugged into my tv is also excellent, and the camera's auto focus is also really good.

I was slightly disappointed with the 'Nightshot' mode, which made the picture go a greenish colour. Also the camera cannot take batteries any bigger than the NP-FA70 which will only give you about 2.5 hours recording time.

You will need to purchase some mini DV cassette tapes with your order, as none are included in the camera pack, and if you intend on transfering your movieclips from the cassette tapes to your computer, you will also need to purchase a firewire or iLink cable, as the USB cable only allows transfer of still images.

This is an excellent camera both for video and still images, but for those of you who already have a digital camera for taking still shots and want to save money, I would recommend buying the Sony DCR-HC39 as I can see no visible difference in the video quality having tested both cameras and the DCR-HC39 can take bigger batteries for longer recording times.

This feature-filled camcorder is small and light. It has a touch-screen LCD for most of the controls - which could be a draw-back in some situations. Also the record button is a bit light and mis-placed. Don't look for lots of manual overrides on this one. Otherwise it has a nice quality feel, super images and I look forward to more happy filming.

I wonder if anyone has been able to make any vcd by using the ridiculously complicated software(picure package). I have been trying since I have bought this camera and failed. I will be glad if anyone can tell me how can it be done. Lost 1 star for the lackings.

Foe the quality of video I agree with others who are using this camera. Stills are basic but bonus.

This feature-filled camcorder is small and light. It has a touch-screen LCD for most of the controls - which could be a draw-back in some situations. Also the record button is a bit light and mis-placed. Don't look for lots of manual overrides on this one. In irder to keep it small the connectors for things like AV in/out are miniature - with a cable to normal phono supplied. Strangely no firewire cable - although it supports it. Overall it has a nice quality feel, super images (incl. 3M pixel still) and I look forward to more happy filming.