Sony DCR-HC21

Pros: MiniDV digital video quality, small size, good features for the price.

Cons: Lousy digital still resolution, no ext Mic jack, Firewire cable or tape included.

The Bottom Line: Stands above other "budget" MiniDV camcorders. Full features in small size.

Review: If there's one thing we seem to be obsessed with it's size, or lack thereof, especially when it comes to electronic gadgets. With an upcoming trip to Europe, the last thing I wanted to do was lug around our Sony TRV68 Hi8 Video Camcorder. When I...

Pros: Small, Nightshot, widescreen, lens cover

Cons: No Firewire, buzzing, no headphone, bad software

The Bottom Line: If you want a really small, expensive camera that can fit in your pocket and take great video that you can put on the computer get it.

Review: About two days before I exchanged a Hi-8 camera for this gem, I spent two days with a huge Sony TRV 138. It had to weigh about 2 pounds, required the big tapes Hi-8 tapes and was very bulky and noticeable. I decided to exchange the camera for a...

Pros: Touch screen, Infrared night vision, Carl Zeiss lens, user friendly, great design, small

Cons: Bad software, no manual volume adjustment.

The Bottom Line: I recommend it based on crisp excellent quality image - isn't it the most important feature of a camera?

Review: OK I just discovered an amazing feature this camcorder has. It works as a baby monitor and it is the best baby monitor you will ever find.

Here is what I did. With attached cable I connected camera to TV, I turn camera on and I can see my...

Pros: Small size, Easy Controls

Cons: Very poor image quality, Low light performance even worse. Software issues

The Bottom Line: I wouldn't purchase this camera. Many other models in price range out perform the Sony.

Review: I purchased a Sony HC21 because my wife is about to give birth, and we have to capture the moment. I decided to go with Sony mainly because of brand name and size of the camcorder. Once I got home the love affair quickly began to die. First I can't...

Pros: Low price, takes great video, stylish.

Cons: Outdated accessory shoe, no memory card and bad documentation/software interface.

The Bottom Line: If you're on a budget this Handycam is a good fit. Otherwise spend a little more for the convenience afforded by a higher end model.

Review: My wife bought us this DV cam for Christmas. After using it for a few weeks I think we're going to deal with the restocking charge and upgrade to a different model.

Overall the DCR-HC21 is a great cam. The image quality is great. I'm...

Pros: Small size, zoom is great, cost is reasonable

Cons: LCD touchpad worries me, batteries are large

The Bottom Line: We really like it. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to use it, cost was reasonable, and features can't be beat.

Review: After looking through the endless options, we chose the HC21 for its options, size, and for its price.

The options that come on the camera make it easy to use. There is the easycam mode, and then the manual mode. Both are "easy" to use and...

Pros: Nightshot, SteadyShot, Lens Cap, Effects, Touch Panel Display, PRICE

Cons: Battery Life is fair and finger-prints

The Bottom Line: Just get it.. it's great for familes and great for memories

Review: This is a very good MiniDV camcorder. I love the NightShot on it, truthfully its one of the main reasons I bought this. Plus Sony has been selling camcorders like crazy. Unlike most camcoders that have USB connections and don't come with a usb...

Pros: Great when it works.

Cons: Doesn't work for long.

The Bottom Line: Don't buy it, you'll regret it. poor manufacturing and non-existent customer service.

Review: Sony camcorders have a problem that Sony refuses to acknowledge, despite overwhelming evidence from people who have bought their camcorders that this is a manufacturing defect. There are well over 10,000 incidents of the same error code on Sony...

Pros: God picture, decent nightsight

Cons: Lousy software, black and white viewfinder, lousy battery

The Bottom Line: Buy another brand, you may still get bad software, but you can get other features for the same price; for example, with a Panasonic, a color viewfinder and extra card-slot.

Review: The picture quality is very good, however that's to be expected from any well known brand. The infrared nightsight is pretty decent. Aside from that, the HC-21 falls short in many respects.

The battery that comes with it isn't worth...

Pros: Everything, fantastic

Cons: none

Review: first try it out if you get it used, they vary in quality. The one that I have is unbelievable. A toy that has no comparisons. For $312 bucks you can have a great little recorder. It doesn't have the most resolution or best chip but and its a big...