Sony DCR-HC52 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom

Sony DCR-HC52 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom
The DCR-HC52 MiniDV Handycam camcorder is a high quality, versatile, and highly capable device. Boasting a strong zoom lens and vivid color reproduction, this camcorder delivers what you need to capture those memorable events. 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 the 2.5" touch panel SwivelScreen LCD display puts control of everything at your fingertips.
Customer Review: Great gift!
For ease of use, convenient size and portability, it would be hard to beat this camcorder. This was purchased as a Christmas gift after seeing several sites researching it on the intended recipient's computer. Unfortunately, the day before this one arrived, he bought one himself, so it had to be returned, but we're both quite happy with this item and would recommend it without reservation, especially for a novice user.
Customer Review: Wonderful starter camera
Although this is a camcorder that doesn't have many features (ie: no external mic input, no headphone input), it works like a charm for those who just want to take decent-quality videos for a great price. The picture isn't all that great, but it's a nice little camera that hasn't let me down yet. It's lightweight and easy to travel with. Even without an external mic input, it picks up sound very well. I use it often, even for a major project I am doing. Get yourself some video-editing software with this camera, a firewire (IEEE 1394 is what I use) to connect it to your computer (make sure your computer has a firewire port, as this camcorder doesn't use a USB cable for hook up), and you're good to go. The best part about this camcorder: Mine didn't require the manufacturer's annoying software that you have to install in order to use the camcorder with your computer!! I love that part. I can upload the videos straight into any software program that supports DV video uploading (like Windows Movie Maker). I have used this camcorder both with Windows XP and Vista. No problems either way. I highly recommend it!