Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Sony or Canon - Mini DV camcorder

Mar 10, 2006 3:28AM PST

I need to buy a new camcorder. I like the new Sony DCR-HC46 that just came out. There are a couple of new canons that just came out as well. Is any one brand better than the other in the world of mini dv? Thank you

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Although my experience is limited, my guess is no. Sony &
Mar 10, 2006 6:10AM PST

Canon are the two heavyweights in video just as Nikon & Canon are in still cameras. If anything, I give a slight edge to Sony these days.

- Collapse -
Sony VS Canon
Mar 11, 2006 4:41AM PST

I went with Sony and their DCR-CH36; just couldn't justify the extra $$ for the 46. I haven't used mine much, it's only 3 weeks old, but I like the features and user-friendly set up.

- Collapse -
Question about the HC36 Alan
Mar 13, 2006 11:08PM PST

Apparantly the newer sony camcorders have a maual lens cap as opposed to ones that cover and uncover with a switch. Does it just dangle from a cord and if it does, will it get in the way when your trying to use the camcorder? Thank you

- Collapse -
lens cap
Mar 14, 2006 9:36PM PST

The lens cap is a clip on type, so it stays in place well. It comes with a retaining cord, and in my limited use it has not been a problem. My old Canon E-80 also had the same type cap and it never got in the way. I suspect that if you were videoing from above the subject that it might get in the way, but it would be easy enough to stuff it inside the hand grip. If you think it would be a problem, you can easily remove the retaining cord.

- Collapse -
(NT) (NT) Thanks for the imput
Mar 14, 2006 11:44PM PST