Sony DCR-HC26 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom

Good camera, Sony is the best 4 camcorders in my experience, is good 4 taping in low light conditons with out the nighshot feature.
Handy, small & light.
Get & extra battery

My video camera was working great but yesterday it started acting up & was not replaying video in a normal mode. The video was choppy & the sound came out in blips here & there, it is in a permanent state of slow fast-forward or so it seems.

I have had this video camera 4 about 15 months & have been very happy with its easy & user-friendly approach. I look 2 Sony 4 quality, however I have been less than satisfied with their accoutability. I do not believe in extended warranties. I think they are a crock & if a product or company has 2 be backed up by an extended warranty they are not worth buying or supporting, or you had better just resolve 2 purchasing a "throw away" product.

Having said that I have just recieved the news that my video camera is in need of sony service repair. My warranty is 75 days out of date, but even so when I was told that it was an internal malfunction with the camera I do not feel that I should be the "test-dummy" 4 Sony's longevity of the purchased product. I can buy a new one 4 $250.00 on Amazon or have it repaired 4 half that price, but then only recieve a 90 day warranty on the work. That does not pencil out financially 4 me & is essentially not worth the hassle when it can be replaced 4 a seemingly small amount.

You get what you pay for, as the old adage goes. If you are looking 4 a product with longevity this is not it. Hence the title "Throw Away Purchase"

One year & one month after purchase, in other words one month after the warranty expired, the tape door stuck open. I've used it maybe 4-5 times & stored it gently & safely in its padded case out of harm's way. Then last week I pulled it out, ejected the tape, put in a new one, & clack...the door won't close & take in the tape. I did some searching on the net & found many, many people having this same problem with Sony devices. It's a shame because other than it catastrophically failing 30 days after the warranty expired, I really liked it. What's happened 2 Sony? Sad.

I have no complaints. It is challenging 2 figure out a good software 2 use 2 put it on your computer. I have a DVD recorder & just transfer it directly from the camera 2 a DVD. Great camera though! I'd recommend it 4 a simple little video camera!

I am very disappointed with this camera. The image stabilizer does not work. I exchanged the first camera I bought 4 a second & was presented with the same problem. I tried the second camera 4 a while thinking I was at fault. Nope. The IS does not work. However, I am very pleased with the way I was treated by Amazon. I will now first look 2 them 4 any purchase.

Box Contents: DCR-HC26 Camcorder, AC-L25 Power Adapter/In-Camera Charger, NP-FP30 InfoLithium(R) Rechargeable Battery, Stereo A/V Cable, Lens Cap, CD-ROM with USB Driver
The Sony DCR-HC26 MiniDV HandyCam Camcorder delivers the right mix of versatility & quality. Its compact & stylish design makes filming movies easy & convenient. The a/6" CCD Imager provides stunning detail & clarity, & the 20x optical & 800x digital zoom brings the action up close, with less distortion. Super SteadyShot(R) compensates 4 camera-shake, while teh NightShot(R) system captures natural video in the lowest light. The large 2.5" LCD screen lets you review your pictures & video 2 make sure it's the best. USB Streaming SteadyShot Image Stabilization NightShot Plus 4 low-light filming - minimum of 0 lux Auto Exposure Modes - Beach & Ski, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Lesson, Spotlight, Sunset & Moon Picture Effect Modes - Monotone, Negative Art, Sepia, Polarize Fader Effects - Black, Mosaic, Monotone, White White Balance Modes - Auto, Indoor, One-push, Outdoor Aperture - f1.8-3.1 Focal Distance - 2.3-46mm Full Range Auto & Manual Focus Built-in microphone USB & i.LINK(R) ports S-Video connection Shutter Speeds - Auto, 1/60-1/4000 sec. (1/4000 in AE mode) Supplied Software - Picture Package 1.5 Operating Systems - Windows Me, 2000 Pro, XP Home & Pro Battery Type - InfoLithium(R) with AccuPower(TM) Meter system (NP-NF30) Battery Life - Up 2 9 hours (viewfinder) or up 2 8 hours (LCD) Dimensions - 2-5/8 x 3-1/8 x 4-1/2 (65 x 79 x 113 mm) Weight - 14 oz. (420 g) with tape & battery