Sony DCR-HC44

Hi All!

I was just wondering if anyone knows anything about the Sony DCR-HC44 as I can't find any reviews on the web. It looks like it's pretty similar to the DCR-HC46 but it's quite a bit cheaper. I guess the HC44 has been superseded by the HC46 but I can't see any difference between the two.

After doing some research this evening the DCR-HC44 looks to be the best camcorder for my budget of around £300, but I would welcome any feedback from others who know about the camera or can recommend anything better for a similar price. It looks like the only downside is it hasn't got a mic jack. I'm also not sure what it's like in low light conditions so if anyone knows, please post!

Does anyone know of any more popular camcorder message boards where I am likely to get some fast responses? I am looking to get a camcorder in the next couple of days and would like some feedback on this model before purchasing.

[Peter Fugaccia]

biff,

Sorry you do not appear to have had a fast response. Personally I've always had quick responses to queries.

The problem may be the DCR HC44 is a new camcorder therefor few people will currently have it.

Both the HC44 and 46 are currently available in the Sony range. The HC44 was I believe a replacement for the DCR HC42, which has just been dropped from the Sony range.

I had to make a similar choice recently as for a short time both the 42 and 44 were available and could see little difference between the 42 and 44. The main difference was connectivety. The 42 had more options particularly as I wanted to transfer from old Hi8 to the computer and this can be done via the 42, but the rest of the specs were very similar. I therefore bought the 42.

I have found this to be an excellent camcorder and would highly recommend it. I would imagine the 44 will be the same. If connectivety is an issue for you then you may still be able to pick up a 42. I find the low light use fine, I use it indoors for family stuff. However I always think an additional light is a good idea if you do a lot of indoor shooting. If you do a forum search on the HC42 or Sony camcorders and low light there has been recent discussion of Sony camcorders and their low light performance. Several different views, but I found it compares well to others in the price range and i'm happy enough.

As for differences between the 44 and 46, all that I can see is that the 46 has DV in, the 44 does not. You can find all the details on the Sony website including the 42 if you do a search for it.


LINKS for the 42

http://www.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProdu...ory=CAM+MiniDV

44

http://www.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProdu...ory=CAM+MiniDV

46

http://www.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProdu...ory=CAM+MiniDV

Many thanks for your helpful reply. The HC44 does seem to be missing a few useful features, namely audio in, video in and an accessory shoe. I can live without video in as I can connect analogue sources directly to my computer or my DVD recorder. I would rarely use a mic, but it is useful to have audio in on a camcorder. I don't know why they have failed to include an accessory shoe? If I was in charge at Sony Electronics I would make accessory shoes standard on all camcorders as it could result in sales of more lights.

On the whole though, the HC44 does seem to be a pretty good camcorder and is almost £100 cheaper than the HC42. It also has the option of shooting in 4:3 or 16:9 where the HC42 looks like it just shoots in 16:9. I think I will go with the HC44 because of the price.

Thanks again!