I faced the same dilemna a couple of months ago and went with the DCR-HC36. I didn't care about a camera dock, and the 36 accepts memory stick duo in addition to tape. I have used the still snap shot several times while taping and find this feature worhtwhile. I bought from digital Photo and actually got the 36 cheaper than I could have gotten the 32. Check pricegrabber.com for the best deals today. Digital actually was the 3rd cheaperst, but I had heard horror stories about the two that had lower prices.
http://www.digitalfotoclub.com/gifts.asp
Hi friends.
I have this great doubt. I decided to buy a Sony camcorder because of their better guarantee and service here in Venezuela from where I write (and excuse my bad english).
My budget is about $ 350-400 so I am between DCR-HC36 and DCR-HC32 (IF THERE IS A BETTER SONY CAMCORDER WITH THIS PRICE PLEASE ADVICE). I have read that the only advantages of the HC36 are the color viewfinder and the top load of the tape, but they say the HC32 has same functions and capacities, it comes with the Handycam Station and it is smaller and more manageable, in addition to about $40 less.
What do you say? It is worth to spend a few more bucks to buy the HC36 because it is a 2006?s cam and its top load, lefting behind the Handycam Station and a smaller camcorder? How bad can it be the botton load of the HC32? Only because I have to turn around the camera?
Greetings and thanks.

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