Sony DCR-HC52 Mini DV Camcorder

Pros: Night vision setting, 40X zoom, easy to operate, high-quality images easily transferrable to computer
Cons:

Would be even better with an extra battery and maybe one mini DV starter tape

The DCR-HC52 is a Digital video camera recorder. It uses a lithium, rechargeable battery (#NPFH-30) and comes with the following:An A/C adaptor, Power cord, A/V connecting cable, (for connecting to TV and/or VCR) and Operating Manual. It does not ...

Pros: Low asking price, decent picture quality. Easy to use.
Cons: Feels cheaper next to older Sony models, some basic features missing, No USB connectivity.

The DCR HC52 is one of the entry level models from Sony's 2007 line of MiniDV camcorders. Personally, with the move towards HDD and eventually solid state storage for video cameras, DV tape is quickly becoming a dying breed and this is reflected in ...

Pros: Easy to hold
Simple to use
Great for grandparent and family use
Cons: Weak sound recording
Assessories, if purchased at local stores, are expensive

Purchased a Sony DCR-H52 from Office Depot on sale. Wanted a cam that was light and easy to hold without a lot of gadgets. This one fills the bill.

It does decent work in low light and the tilting view screen allows for unobtrusive picture taking.  Images on SONY MiniDV tape are more than acceptable.  In extreme low light (available darkness), images do fall off and wash out; but that's what external lights are for. 

The only real quibble is that the sound function is minimal.  Close up it is OK. General background sound is forgettable.

Assessories such as a i-Link cable, portable recharger, MiniDV tapes, extra battery, can be acquired for the most resonable price through Amazon.  BJs sells a Sony MiniDV 10 pack at an attractive price. 

This is not a Hollywood Movie cam; it is a grandparent's tool and fills that bill very well.

Pros: Convenient, easy to use camera!
Cons: It's an expensive paperweight if I can't download my video.

I like the camera fine. However, I've beaten my head against a wall for days trying to download my video. Today I even installed a brand-new firewire card and cable (which works fine for anything else). No programs recognize the attached DV camera, including WINDV, Premiere Elements, and Windows Movie maker.

Searching the Internet for solutions only found more people in the same boat. Sony "support" consists of restating "connect the cables..." then blames Windows or your video card for not having good drivers. Thanks a lot, Sony.