Yet if I may hold this Cam in the darkness, it is enough...

The DCR-HC52 is a Digital video camera recorder. It uses a lithium, rechargeable battery (#NPFH-30) and comes with the following:
An A/C adaptor, Power cord, A/V connecting cable, (for connecting to TV and/or VCR) and Operating Manual. It does not come with a firewire for the purpose of doing digital editing; also worth noting before you buy this unit is whether or not your computer has a firewire port. This is essential if you are planning on doing any editing with the Sony Handycam DCR-HC52; it requires a firewire port and firewire.

The Handycam DCR-HC52 has a couple of features that make it stand out. One is the Nightshot plus feature which enables you to film in the dark with the use of infrared light. Most cameras in this price range do not come with the Night Vision capability; in addition to being able to record in darkness, the Handycam makes it possible to effectively record subjects that are "backlit" by simply pressing a "backlight" button.

The other handy feature is the "Steadyshot," a default setting that stablizes instances of camera shake; I never realized how much I needed this feature until I used the DCR-HC52 and saw what a difference the stabilizer makes in the quality of a filmed scene. Of course, this setting can be turned off when positioning the camera onto a tripod or when using a conversion lens.

The Sony DCR-HC52 Mini DV Camcorder has a LCD swivel panel. Many camcorders have this feature, as far as I know, but for some reason I like the dimensions of this one (2.5 in.) and the fact that it looks and feels sturdy and durable. The LCD can be positioned to sit at various angles so that you can get your shot off despite the occasional awkward position of your subject. The panel can also be adjusted to record in "Mirror Mode."

Additionally, the Sony DCR HC-52 has a 40X optical Zoom lense which is the result of a mutual effort by Carl Zeiss in Germany and Sony Corp. This is reputedly a higher-quality lens that produces superior images. I would certainly agree that the images are much better than average.

This camera also has a feature that allows a picture to be recorded in the screen ratio on which it will be viewed. There are a few other features, too, that are noteworthy, such as "wide screen" adjustment, LCD color modifier, language setting for LCD screen, plus time and date settings, among other amenities.

The Handycam DCR-HC52 gives the option of setting the camera to "Easy," which automatically adjusts most of the settings. To "Record" in the Easy mode really is that simple: It requires nothing more involved than sliding the lens cover up to open (the cover is not removable, thankfully), turning on the camera lamp, pressing the "Easy" button, and then selecting "REC START." Pressing "Stop" will end the record session.

Playback is just as straightforward. the Playback process is initiated by activating the power on the Play/Edit lamp; other buttons that can be employed once this phase gets underway are: Guide, rewind/fast forward, play/pause, and STOP. Escaping from "Easy" mode can be done by pushing the "Easy" button once again. The Handycam performs exceptionally well, producing clear, generally non-blurred images with rich color and above-average audio capabilities.

This little camcorder has various adjustments that can be achieved by manual settings. A variety of settings exist, such as Spot focus, Exposure (to adjust brightness), as well as some special effects. Some of these are: Fade in, Fade out, White, Black, Mosc. Fader and Monotone. This Fade option, with its variations of monochromatic shades, gives you the ability to gradually change the color of your image along the black, gray, white progression. Special effects that can be added to pictures also include neg. Art, Black and White, Sepia, Pastel, Solarize and Mosaic.

The Handycam DCR-HC52 offers the option to enhance the recording quality of various settings: Included are the following settings: Twilight, Sunrise/Sunset, Landscape, Portrait, and Spotlight. The camera still takes quality images without using these enhancers, but it's nice to have the choice, I think.

This is, overall, a very efficient, multifunctional mini-camcorder considering the low cost. Despite the fact that newer versions of camcorders have penetrated the market, such as the DVD combos with still-picture capabilities, as well as the hard-drive models with equally hard-driving prices, this camera seems like an excellent find all the way around. In the end, it accomplishes what I want and need: A small, easy to carry, easy to use camcorder that can also take decent pictures at night, and one that comes equipped with a better-than-average lens and zoom.

In my opinion, I got all that and more with the Handycam DCR-HC52 by Sony.