Digital Cameras Ratings: Sony DCR-PC55 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom (Silver) Review

Average Reviews:
3.6 out of 5 stars

(More customer reviews)If you're looking for a camcorder that can produce vivid colors and crystal clear picture, stop reading this review now.This camcorder is not for you.

If you can live with a medicore picture quality, but have the ability to virtually pocket a camcorder anywhere you go, read on.

The Styling:
No doubt, this camcorder exudes sex.Glossy finish with chrome accents.Bling!The styling is very appealing and will demand attention.The physical size is so small, it can be pocketed in a pair of jeans.However, the dimunitive size is also its disadvantage.Stabilizing the camcorder with one hand was a challenge due to it being so light and small.The physcial shape of the camcorder was very awkward to hold.Many times, the index finger would partially cover the lens during taping. It was just natural for the index finger to overlay on top of the lens.The zoom button is positioned for a thumb activation.However, when the thumb is re-positioned to employ the zoom button, the grip on the camcorder is compromised.The user will feel like the camera will drop from their hands when using the zoom button.

The Picture:
Outside daylight recording is acceptable.Color re-production is decent.There were still some slight noise in the image.However, there was an un-acceptable amount of purple fringing.This can be seen when recording a dark subject against a bright background.For example, point up at tree branches against a cloudy grey sky.The edges of the branch glows purple.
Indoor recording with common household lamps was littered with noise and poor contrast.The overall picture was very grainy.There were no details in black objects.For example, a black leather chair just shows up as a black object with no other details such as wrinkles or texture.

The Audio:
Audio recorded in 16 bit sounded very good.Voices were clear and with faithful reproduction.However, at times, the microphone was able to pick up the actual tape winding mechanism of the camcorder.It was a constant high pitch whine that can be heard during playback.This is most likely due to the fact that the camcorder is so small that the distance between the microphone and the tape motors are minimized.The same condition was exhibited during the usage of the zoom button.Loud clicks can be heard during playback as the zoom button snaps back.

Conclusion:
This is definitley a case study of Quantity vs. Quality.There is a price to pay for ultra portability.In my opinion, the size of this camcorder has reached the point of diminishing returns.In other words, the camera is too small to be ergonimically correct.The size also compromised the audio and video performance.Buy it to impress your friends......just don't let them watch the final result.

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Product Description:
Sleek, stylish and amazingly portable, the black DCR-PC55/B MiniDV Handycam Camcorder provides excellent video recording quality in an ultra-compact design. The Advanced HAD CCD imager provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video performance. The professional quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens capture vivid, life-like images while minimizing distortion. Weighing in at only 10 ounces, the camcorder`s body measures only 4 inches tall and almost 3 inches wide - making it fit perfectly in the palm of your hand. The extra large 3.0" Hybrid LCD display provides a clear, sharp monitor and rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles. Its metallic black design makes it stand out wherever you go.