Sony Handycam DCR HC32

156 reviews

Nov, 2024

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 156 reviews of Sony Handycam DCR HC32. The average rating for this product is 3.7/5, compared to an average rating of 4.0/5 for other Camcorders for all reviews.

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Camcorders the Sony Handycam DCR HC32 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 81/100 = Very good quality.

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Review analysis

(Based on 156 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

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Showing 1 - 93 of 121 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (35)

Consumer review (amazon.co.uk)

Amazon.co.uk review summary for Sony Handycam DCR HC32

alaTest has collected and analyzed 5 user reviews of Sony Handycam DCR HC32 from Amazon.co.uk. The average user rating for this product is 3.8/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.0/5 for other Camcorders on Amazon.co.uk.

100% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

Nov, 2024

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Sony Handycam DCR HC32

alaTest has collected and analyzed 78 user reviews of Sony Handycam DCR HC32 from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 3.3/5, compared to an average user rating of 3.9/5 for other Camcorders on Amazon.com.

71% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Nov, 2024

Expert review by : Denis Gallagher (goodgearguide.com.au)

Sony DCRHC32

One of the smallest miniDV-based palmcorders on the market, with dimension of only 55 x 90 x 112mm, the Sony DCRHC32 has a sparse layout, with most of...

Build quality, useful docking station, touch screen control

Still images are only VGA quality, no FireWire cable supplied for use away from the docking station

One of the most stylish consumer camcorders around. With the useful docking station, the DCRHC32 is an ideal option for anyone wanting to work with their video on the PC.

Sep, 2005

Partner Source

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Expert review by : Denis Gallagher (goodgearguide.com.au)

Sony DCR-HC32

Build quality, useful docking station, touch screen control

Still images are only VGA quality, no FireWire cable supplied for use away from the docking station

One of the most stylish consumer camcorders around. With the useful docking station, the DCRHC32 is an ideal option for anyone wanting to work with their video on the PC.

Sep, 2005

Partner Source

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Expert review by : Robert Ellis (pcworld.com)

Sony DCR-HC32

20x optical zoom

Image stabilization is electronic, not optical ; No manual controls ; Letterboxed (cropped) 16:9 mode ; No microphone jack ; Dock required for video transfer ; Stills are only 640 by 480 ; Poor low light performance

Jun, 2005

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Expert review by : Rick Broida (cnet.com.au)

Sony Handycam DCR-HC32

An affordable, compact MiniDV camcorder that works well unless the light is low.

Charging/connectivity dock included ; Built-in lens cover ; Novice-friendly Easy mode ; Touch-screen LCD ; Customisable onscreen menus ; 20X optical zoom ; NightShot mode

Noisy images in all but the brightest environments ; Touch-screen interface can be confusing ; Low-resolution still photos ; Cropped wide-screen mode ; Bottom-loading tape compartment

Jun, 2005

Partner Source

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Expert review by : Matt Culler (camcorderinfo.com)

Sony DCR-HC32 First Impressions Camcorder Review - Sony MiniDV Camcorders

At the 2005 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas Sony announced their new 2005 camcorder line, including the $600 DCR-HC32. While the new DCR-HC32 exhibits many of the cosmetic upgrades and features found on the DCR-HC21, and on all of Sony's new...

Jan, 2005

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Expert review by : Easy Camcorder (easycamcorders.com)

Expert Review

The Sony DCR-HC32 is the middle-of-the-road model from Sony's low-end HC series. Everything is middling about this camcorder, in fact. At around $420, we wish it could perform a little bit better. The camcorder definitely has a leg up over the...

Automatic controls, -LCD, -Zoom toggles

Manual controls, -Low light, -Menu, -Portability

Dec, 2004

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Expert review by : Robert Ellis (macworld.com)

Sony DCR-HC32

The 20x optical zoom lens on the Sony DCR-HC32 offers more range than most, but there's little else to recommend about this mediocre camcorder.

20x optical zoom

No manual controls ; letterboxed (cropped) 16:9 mode ; image stabilization is electronic, not optical ; poor low light performance ; no microphone jack ; stills are only 640 by 480 ; dock required for video transfer

The DCR-HC32 is compact, with well-placed controls, but I found the power switch and eject lever a bit awkward to operate. There are few buttons, with most options selected via easy-to-navigate menus on the 2.5-inch touch panel LCD. For sunny days,...

Jun, 2005

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Expert review by : Mark Montgomery (videomaker.com)

Camcorder Review: Sony DCR-HC32 Mini DV

The DCR-HC32 has an inviting design and user interface that beginners and intermediate shooters will enjoy. If you're a casual shooter who wants a camcorder with modern day power and conveniences, you'll definitely want to take a closer look

Easy to use right out of the box ; Small, lightweight, relatively inexpensive ; Programmable menu system ; 20x optical zoom

Manual focus in menu ; No DV I/O on camera (must have base station to capture) ; No headphone/microphone ports

An excellent beginner to intermediate camera with the useful Handycam Station (base station) at a very affordable price.

Jun, 2005

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Expert review by (best-digital-camcorder-reviews.com)

Sony DCR HC32

Sony DCR-HC32 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom.

Sony DCR HC32 MiniDV Handycam camcorder stands out with high-end digital imaging features at an affordable price. Super NightShot infrared system enables you to capture natural looking video in low light conditions. The Super SteadyShot picture...

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Consumer review (cnet.com.au)