Labs

The fairly large DCR-HC96E comes with a docking station with USB and FireWire ports, as well as pass-through connectors for power and AV. It supports input and output via FireWire, A/V and S-video, so you can capture digital or analogue video to MiniDV tape.

The large lens is protected by an automatic cover. It has a flash, which is essential for still photos, but no video light, so you'll have to use Sony's Nightshot setting instead. There aren't many controls on the camcorder itself, as the LCD doubles as a touch screen to navigate the menu system. It works well,

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but you can end up with smudgy fingerprints on your screen.

The accessory shoe on top of the camcorder has a proprietary Sony shape, but it provides power and can accept audio from a connected microphone. You shouldn't need it, though, as the DCR-HC96E has the best built-in mic of any of the MiniDV camcorders.

PERFORMANCE

The quality of video shot indoors was excellent, with more detail than even Canon's MVX460 could muster. In low light it was better still, with the big 1/3in CCD producing video with barely any noise, crisp detail and good skin tones. If you need to shoot video in poor light, this is a great choice. Video shot outdoors was equally impressive, with colours rivalling those of the NV-GS180 and more detail.

The DCR-HC96E can take decent photos, and it has a flash, too. The pictures can't match those taken with a dedicated stills camera, but they are good enough to print at normal sizes.

VERDICT

It's a bit large and rather expensive, but this camera takes great-looking video in all conditions and can double as a stills camera. It's the best of the pricier MiniDV models.