Specifications
- 0.68 megapixels (effective)
- 20x optical/800x digital zoom
- Mini DV format
- 2.5" LCD
- auto and manual focus
- image stabilization
- 0.88 lbs. (without battery)
Editors' Comments
The Sony DCR-HC32 weighs less than a pound, making it a good choice for anyone looking for a lightweight, portable camcorder. At less than $500, the Sony HC32 offers a well-rounded feature set for an affordable price—20x optical zoom, a 2.5" LCD and Sony's exclusive NightShot feature make this a small camcorder that packs a punch.
Sony DCR HC32 Comments & Questions (write your own!)
I have been cleaning lenses and CCD's now for about 30 years, all types of lenses ranging from cameras worth $100 to $50,000. I have tried and used just about every type of lens cleaning system there is over the years, and the best system that I have used and still using today is a high quality optical soft silk cloth combined with breathing on the lens.
For best general lens cleaning maintenance, first breath on the lens to fog it, then while still fogged, wipe it with a little pressure in circular motions using the optical cloth. This system has also proved to be the safest of not micro scratching your lens or striping off the multi-coating which helps your lens produce better image quality.
If your lens gets soiled or splashed with chemical substances, then I would recommend using a lens cleaning liquid solution and lens cleaning tissues. Use as many tissues as it takes and avoid saturating the same lens tissue. You can use this lens cleaning system once and awhile for general maintenance use, but not recommended on a regular basis.
If you know that you are going to be in a risky situation of possibly contaminating or maybe damaging your lens from water or sand, etc., then I would strongly recommend to have a UV filter over your lens when shooting and a lens cover for when you are not. The UV filter is only a few dollars and if it gets scratched or damaged some how, its much cheaper to replace than possibly having to trash your camcorder.
Lens cleaning kits can be found at any camera store or any electronic stores selling camcorders/cameras. If you have difficulties finding an optical cleaning cloth, then try going to an optical eyeglass shop. It is a good idea to have these cleaning kits handy with you in your camera bag, you just never know!
Happy Shopping!
Piero Foto