The DCR-HC48 is the premier model in Sony's entry-level range of MiniDV camcorders, an updated and marginally improved version of last year's DCR-HC46. It also carries a smaller price tag than its progenitor, which will increase its appeal with budget and novice users alike.

Surprisingly, Sony has opted to replace the 1/5.5 inch CCD of the DCR-HC46 with a slightly smaller 1/6 inch HAD imager, although this offers a higher resolution than the imagers installed in the other two entry level units, the DCR-HC28 and DCR-HC38. The DCR-HC48 offers 1070K gross pixels, 670K effective pixels in 16:9 widescreen mode and 690K effective pixels in 4:3 mode. (In still photo mode, the HC48 offers 750K in 16:9 and 1000K in 4:3.) In practice, we found the difference in imager size had little difference on overall performance. In normal to favorable lighting conditions, the DCR-HC48 produced clean and sharp images with accurate and well-balanced colors The DCR-HC48's low light performance was in line with its predecessor. That is, unimpressive. Both units' low light images exhibited a prominent increase in grain and video noise.

We were more impressed by the inclusion of an integrated lens cover on the DCR-HC48. We also liked the accompanying Handycam Station, although we appreciate that this is not to everyone's taste. It enables you to keep the Station connected to a PC or TV so instead of having to connect wires every time you want to download or view footage, you can simply slot the camcorder into the dock. Of course, if you intend to travel extensively with your DV camcorder, having to carry the Handycam Station cuts down on the unit's overall portability.

Another notable upgrade from the other lower-end models is the increase in LCD size from 2-1/2 to 2-7/10 inches to accommodate the 16:9 widescreen mode. Again, the LCD doubles as a touchscreen for accessing the DV camcorder's menu system as well as metering and spot focus funtions. The DCR-HC48 does offer manual control options for exposure and white balance but these are buried within the touchpanel menu system, which makes this camcorder an impractical choice for anyone looking to make frequent manual adjustments. This is a camcorder aimed at the point and shoot enthusiast looking to capture solid quality MiniDV images with the minimum of fuss.

The Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens includes a 25x optical zoom capability, less powerful than the 40x zoom offered on the DCR-HC38.The DCR-HC48 does, however, sport a memory card slot and can capture 1 megapixel stills to Memory Stick Duo or Memory Stick PRO Duo media.

Of Sony's latest range of entry level MiniDV camcorders, the Sony DCR-HC48 offers the best features but for a substantial improvement in image quality, you'll need to step up to the higher end DCR-HC96.

Pros: Includes 16:9 widescreen mode, 2.7 inch LCD, memory card slot for digital stills, Handycam Station.
Cons: Lacks a great deal of manual control, less powerful zoom than the DCR-HC38

Warranty
90 days, labor; 1 year, parts