The DCR-HC96 MiniDV Handycam® camcorder stands out with high-end digital imaging features at an affordable price. Super NightShot® Plus infrared system enables you to capture natural looking video in low light conditions. The Super SteadyShot® picture stabilization system uses motion sensors to detect and correct camera ®shake" for smoother video recording. This fully-equipped camcorder comes with easy solutions to transfer images and video recording to your computer. USB streaming allows you to broadcast live video to family and friends, and i.LINK®¹ DV interface provides a connection from the camcorder to a variety of compatible devices.

3.3 Megapixel (Gross) Advanced HAD™ CCD Imager

1/3" Advanced HAD™ (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 2048K (effective) pixels provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance. The Megapixel technology enhances your digital videos and digital still photography performance.

MiniDV Recording

Offers up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution, 3X the color bandwidth and a significantly higher signal/noise ratio, to provide spectacular video performance.

10X Optical/120X Digital Zoom

The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition the Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.

Professional Quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* Lens

Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating that offers less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation and perfect renditions of subtle tones. The additional T* coating on the lens further reduces unwanted glare and flare.

2.7" Wide Touch Panel SwivelScreen™ Hybrid LCD Display (123K Pixels)

The 2.7" Wide (16:9) LCD screen provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The high resolution 123K pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback, and the widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.

Analog To Digital Conversion with Pass-Through

Convert and/or record any analog NTSC video source to digital video via the analog inputs. Analog NTSC video can also be passed through the digital Handycam Camcorder directly into a PC via the i.LINK interface in real-time for easy PC editing of your analog footage.

Digital Still Memory Mode with Memory Stick Duo™ Media³

Capture still images at 2016x1512 (3.0 Megapixel) resolution, directly onto Memory Stick Duo™ Media for easy transfer to PCs for emailing, printing or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick™ devices.

Progressive Shutter System

A mechanical shutter system that provides progressive scan performance while utilizing an interlaced scanning system. Digital still images will be sharp and clear with excellent definition.

Super SteadyShot® Picture Stabilization System

Picture stabilization system that uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for camera "shake" without compromising picture quality like some other digital stabilization systems.

Handycam Station

The supplied Handycam Station cradle provides quick and easy connections to a TV for viewing or to a PC for editing and sharing video. Just placing the camcorder on the Handycam Station instantly makes the connections. No need to search for cables or wires when charging or playing back.

i.LINK® DV Interface¹

A digital high-speed bi-directional interface which provides Audio/Video communication between two compatible devices. This connection allows for pure digital transfer between devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, such as camcorders, digital VTRs, capture cards and PCs.

One Touch Wide Angle Shooting

Easily switch between 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios for shooting with just the touch of a button.

Manual Focus

Allows the user to manually adjust the focus of the camcorder using the touch panel. Manual focusing also allows the user to control the focus in difficult situations where either the environment or the subject does not allow the camcorder's auto focus to perform optimally, such as when shooting through a window or in a crowded environment.

Tele Macro Function

Useful for shooting close up shots, but without having the camcorder casting a shadow on the subject. Images shot in the Tele Macro Mode will have the subject properly focused with the background unfocussed so that the subject stands out.

Active Interface Shoe

Provides a location directly on the camcorder on which to add optional accessories while providing power and two-way communication to those accessories.

USB Streaming-2

Stay connected to family and friends by broadcasting live video with audio over the internet using the USB interface. You can even playback your favorite recorded scene on the camcorder's tape. It's like having your own video conferencing system.

Super NightShot® Plus Infrared System

With Sony's Super NightShot Infrared System you can capture natural looking video, even when shooting in low light. Record subjects up to 20 feet away using the built-in infrared system, but without the overall monochrome color common with earlier low-light recording systems.

On Screen Zoom and Record Controls

For additional control of the camcorder, the DCR-HC96 features Zoom and record buttons on the frame of the LCD screen. This allows the user more flexibility when holding the camcorder, especially in overhead or low angle shots.

Program AE (Auto Exposure) Modes

Program AE modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Portrait, Beach & Ski, Sports Lesson, Landscape, Spotlight or Sunset & Moon modes.

Picture Effects

Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony's Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Mosaic, Soarization, Monotone, Sepia, Negative Art and Pastel. Effects available in Playback mode: Solarization, Monotone, Sepia and Negative Art.

Digital Effects

Getcreative when recording or playing back your video with Sony's Digital Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Still, Flash Motion, Luminance, Slow Shutter, Trail, Old Movie, Delayed Motion Effect and Cinematic Effect. Effects available in Playback mode: Still, Flash Motion, Luminance, Trail, Delayed Motion.

Battery Information

At the touch of a button, battery information is displayed on the LCD screen when charging and when the camcorder is turned off. The display will show how much the battery is charged, in 10% increments and the recordable time left when using the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

Easy Handycam Button

Using a camcorder can be intimidating for some people, so with a press of the Easy Handycam button, most of the advanced features of the camcorder are "locked out" leaving only the buttons essential for recording operational.

Picture Package™ Software

Easily organize still images and video, and turn them into stunning music videos using the supplied software.

InfoLITHIUM Battery with AccuPower™ Meter System²

Charge the battery at anytime because unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony's rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening "memory effect". Sony's exlusive AccuPower™ meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.