Product ReviewsSony Handycam DCR-HC42 Mini DV Camcorder

This camera is great!!

I bought this as preparation for my upcoming addition to our family. The finish on this camera feels a lot nicer than the models below it. You can't beat the wide screen touch screen. Filming in low light seems OK. It does have the "night vision" which works fine. You can hear the tape noise while recording but I haven't noticed it on playback. The camera is very easy to use and charges up pretty fast.

I dont really care about the megapixels for the camera because I don't plan on taking still photos with a camcorder when I've already got a digital camera.

You can't connect to the camera directly..you need to place it on the plastic docking station it comes with. Not a big deal though...

I liked the feel of the Sony over the JVCs and Canons but do recommend checking them all out. Sony has an even smaller camera but it just didn't feel right.Read full review...

This is a Great Digital Device.

This device was exactly what the doctor ordered. Back in the year 2005, I had a pro DV deck and I would produce 100s of DV footage. I still have the many Mini DV Tape to prove it. This was the reason I purchased this Sony Handycam Mini DV Recorder. It plays, it records, it transfers, I can use A/V connections, or I can use a USB cable. It looks like I made the right deal.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: auctionpride

Sweet Little Camcorder

This is my 4th Sony Handycam 2 are the DCR HC42 and I LOVE these little darlings. I use a video light for better footage indoors where the lights are not so great. It does not have the great colors that Canon does, but if you only use the Sony with like camera you will not have problems editing. It is small compact and does a fine job. The drawback to these little darlings are the fact that they are bottom feeders, meaning that you have to load the tapes from the bottom and that is a pain if you have it on a tripod mount and are in the middle of a shoot. No one will stop their action to give you time to unscrew the tripod head from the unit and load the tape.

I like the features and small size. It is a sturdy little trouper. I have had the DCR HC32 for a number of years and upgraded to the HC42. Not disappointed. For Pro shoots I use my Canon, but have used the DCR HC42 in tight jams. The color is not so great but I switch to black and white and no one is the wiser, or use effects.

Sony needs to step up on their color, but the functions and quality of their equipment is a plus. I would recommend this camcorder to anyone who just wants to shoot amateur footage or will be creating special effects with the footage from the Sony.Read full review...

Sony... It's worth fixing! Made with module style boards.

I bought this unit for parts. I ended up not using it. This unit has problems and I'm going to buy another inexpensive one and put the two together. Or a security cam...
CON: This does shoot wide screen but in 420p.
PRO:Nice touch screen controls, for all those oldies like me who can't see those button lettering.
You can stream direct to computer drive/internet via firewire.
Many lens adapters and underwater housing can be had for cheap right now.Read full review...

Beware of this Handycam

I bought this handycam back in 2005, about 1 and 1/2 years ago. That time it was quite a top end model in MiniDV format. But just about 3 weeks back, the LCD screen in the camera just stopped working. Its just blank, there were absolutely zero mishandling/abuse. Shocked though I was, did some research and found that there was a lawsuot filed against Sony for defective CCD's in lot of their earlier model iof handycams and digital camera's. But unfortunaltely this model is a newer one and does not figure in the original lawsuit. Though it has all signs of the same problem. Hundreds of other users as apprently facing the same problem with DCR-HC42. Sony continues to turn a deaf ear and would charge thru' the nose to repair it. Their support and customer relations is pathetic & customer unfriendly. In short this is a very unreliable & defective product. Buy at your own risk.Read full review...

very good digital camcorder

Nothing to say negative about this camcorder. Nice looking, hard casting, easily handled and full options that others don't have. Sony make good products particularly in video. This camcorder is digital tape and and is 100% software compatible, as others with cd or hd or sd that suffer of incompatibility format. Don't miss it if you have opportunity to buy a used one. So, check overall appearance to see if they have not be overused or roughly abused because theses machines are made tough but there is a limit ! You'll won't regret it :)Read full review...

Compact Camera

Nice camera. In working condition. I really like how compact it is.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: suzie347

?

so far it works well but haven't used it a lot. I had one years ago. all parts work well so I am pleased. ty

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: ninjastrike007

Where's my LANC port??

I like this camera because it's one of the higher end HC models by Sony. I've a skydive videographer and needed a new camera. I didn't buy a 2006 model because Sony doesn't include the LANC port anymore on the less expensive cameras - at least they didn't for the 2006 HC models. Therefore, I had to check out what ebay had luckily I found a new 2005 model which was awesome. The camera works great so far.
Blue Skies
CJRead full review...

Blast from the past!

I have a lot of mini dv tapes that I hadn't been able to watch in years since I misplaced my dv cam. This worked exactly as intended and I was able to watch all of my tapes. :)

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: familyfortune