Sony DCR HC42
Editors' Comments
Keep an eye on things with the Sony DCR-HC42, and its impressive 12x optical zoom. The Sony DCR-HC42 is a great amateur camcorder at an affordable price. The light, 14.5oz body won't weigh you down and the 12x optical zoom with image stabilization ensures crisp detail without jittery results.
Specifications
- 0.68 megapixels (recording) / 1 megapixel (still)
- 12x optical zoom / 480x digital zoom
- auto and manual focus
- image stabilization
- 2.7" LCD screen
- 14.5oz
- MiniDV Format
Sony DCR HC42 Comments & Questions (write your own!)
Can't get computer to recognize camera. (lmhardin — 08/08/2007)
I just purchased this camera and had my computer upgraded with
DVD burner and firewire port. Thought I was all set, but the computer will not recognize the camera using USB or i.Link.
reply to this comment
DVD burner and firewire port. Thought I was all set, but the computer will not recognize the camera using USB or i.Link.
geckophotographer (08/08/2007)
Are you using a PC or Mac?
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lmhardin (08/09/2007)
PC
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lmhardin (08/09/2007)
Running Windows XP
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by James DeRuvo (08/09/2007)
Here's what the manual's troubleshooting guide says:
The computer does not recognize your camcoder:
[USB][iLINK]
* disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, then connect again securely.
* Set the (USB) ON/OFF switch ont he Handy Station to ON
* Connect the Handycam station to the camcorder securely
* Disconnect USB devices other than the keyboard the mouse and the camcoder from the computer
* Disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, restart the computer, then connect again correctly.
Sometimes, you have install the software/drivers first before connecting your camera, otherwise Windows won't recognize it. Follow the connection instructions exactly. Double check that you have a good cable. If you can, try and connect a different camera to see if the PC sees ANY firewire connection. If not, that's the first place to start as chances are your firewire drivers are out of date of didn't install properly. If so, then you've narrowed it down to the camera and it's drivers. Also check in your device manager to see if your firewire port is even recognized by the computer. RightClick COMPUTER, select Harware and the Device Manager. From that list you will be able to determine if your firewire port is enabled.
From there, you can troubleshoot by downloading the more current drivers.
Uninstall any software from the camera and reboot. Then try again in the proper order.
reply to this comment
The computer does not recognize your camcoder:
[USB][iLINK]
* disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, then connect again securely.
* Set the (USB) ON/OFF switch ont he Handy Station to ON
* Connect the Handycam station to the camcorder securely
* Disconnect USB devices other than the keyboard the mouse and the camcoder from the computer
* Disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, restart the computer, then connect again correctly.
Sometimes, you have install the software/drivers first before connecting your camera, otherwise Windows won't recognize it. Follow the connection instructions exactly. Double check that you have a good cable. If you can, try and connect a different camera to see if the PC sees ANY firewire connection. If not, that's the first place to start as chances are your firewire drivers are out of date of didn't install properly. If so, then you've narrowed it down to the camera and it's drivers. Also check in your device manager to see if your firewire port is even recognized by the computer. RightClick COMPUTER, select Harware and the Device Manager. From that list you will be able to determine if your firewire port is enabled.
From there, you can troubleshoot by downloading the more current drivers.
Uninstall any software from the camera and reboot. Then try again in the proper order.
Check out the Sony DCR HC46 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/camcor... ) as a reasonably affordable, well-rated camcorder.