The DCR-HC52 puts exceptional quality, versatility, and affordability in the palm of your hands. The Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens and Super SteadyShot image stabilization capture clear, sharp video. Powerful 40x optical/2000x digital zoom brings you close to the action, and Super NightShot Plus technology keeps your video bright when shooting in dimly lit environments. The 2.5″ touch panel SwivelScreen LCD display puts control of everything at your fingertips, or use the Easy Handycam button to simplify your recording options when the action just won¿t wait.

5 Responses to “Sony DCR-HC52 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom”

1. J. Steiger says:

   May 25, 2010 at 12:00 am

   This is the second handy cam I was stupid enough to buy! With he first model HC 20, the LCD screen was recalled. After sending mine back and getting it fixed, it proceeded to break again within 3 months. Thinking that they would rectify this problem I soon bought the HC 52. Within a year now, it’s LCD screen is not working and they want $70 dollars to repair! Forget it! No more Sony for me!
2. zaneyaa says:

   May 18, 2010 at 12:00 am

   Its not high definition but the video quality is very good for this price.

   The Sony DCR-HC52 is well built (solid), has very nice basic features and easy to use.

   Great unless you have the computer horsepower and $$$$ for a (HD) high definition camcorder

   like the Canon VIXIA HF40 (also with fire-wire/ilink, maybe my next camcorder).

   Its auto-focus works well and this camcorder is an excellent weight, not too heavy and not too light.

   I use it just fine with an older G4 Macintosh that has a fire-wire port.

   Imovie recognizes this camera and imports the video for editing easily and exported DV files work

   fine to make DVD’s with my Mac’s pre-installed iMovie and iDVD applications.

   I been somewhat discouraged by new HD camera reviews from users that mention problems with

   the new non fire-wire camcorders with Mac computers especially Sony camcorders.

   This it not the case with the Sony DCR-HC52 made in 2008……..

   You can find the Sony DCR-HC52 now (May 2010) for less than $250.00 new.

   *****RECOMMENDED*****
3. Mitch says:

   February 10, 2010 at 12:00 am

   Bought this after reading the reviews here at Amazon. Went to Best Buy and they recomended this one as well. We have 2 kids in different sports that play at the same time, which was the need for the purchase. Checked tracking 2 days before it was supposed to arrive, the info shown that the shipping company had not yet picked it up ? I emailed customer support had a response back that night that the order was lost? They shipped out another FedEx no charge and I still receive it on the orignal date that was promised !!!! I will continue to use Amazon as my first choice for purchasing as long as the customer support stays this good !
4. Sal says:

   February 6, 2010 at 12:00 am

   A little dissappointed in the indoor quality. Always use sony products but would look into flash memory or hard drive next time.
5. AJW says:

   February 6, 2010 at 12:00 am

   I purchased this camcorder a year ago and used it less than 10 hours. I ejected a cassette and now the compartment won’t close. The camcorder is also flashing a C:32:11 error code. Its dead!

   Sony’s customer service suggests removing the battery or dc cable and resetting the camera which didn’t work. A web search of the error code turned up a huge amount of comments and solutions on this issue including banging the bottom of the camcorder with a hammer. Since the camcorder didn’t work I tried the hammer solution…it still doesn’t work! I can’t find anyone in my area to repair it and Sony wants $200 to repair (if they can) it.

   I choose to replace the DCR-HC52 with a Sony flash camcorder which has fewer moving parts, uses memory cards instead of cassettes and uses all of the accessories I’ve already purchased.