If you're looking for a user-friendly MiniDV camcorder with excellent low-light performance, give Sony's DCR-HC96 serious consideration. This update of the DCR-HC90 sits atop Sony's MiniDV line. It retains its predecessor's optical suite, including the 1/3-inch CCD that delivers 2.05 effective megapixels for video and 3.05 effective megapixels for stills. The 10X optical/120X digital zoom works as smoothly and the autofocus as accurately as they did on the old DCR-HC90.

One of the first differences you'll notice is that Sony has removed most of the ports from the DCR-HC96 and relocated them to a Handycam station. If you shoot a lot of video on the road, you may not welcome the extra piece of equipment to cram into your camera bag or hand luggage. On the other hand, the great advantage of the Handycam station is that you can leave it connected to your home computer to quickly and easily access recorded footage without the fuss of connecting wires each time.

Regardless of your feelings on the Handycam station, you're bound to appreciate the high-quality video images recorded by the DCR-HC96. Even in low light, this digital camcorder performs well. The DCR-HC96 is fractionally larger and heavier than the DCR-HC90, but it still handles comfortably with one hand. Spot-focusing and most menu functions are accessed via the unit's 2-7/10-inch wide-format color LCD touchscreen. This digital camcorder does offer some manual controls as well as Sony's excellent automatic operation, although manual enthusiasts will get frustrated at having to navigate the menu to make adjustments.

The DCR-HC96 is aimed at point-and-shoot enthusiasts who want to capture high-quality images without any hassles. This digital camcorder also performs well as a digital stills camera, as you can save stills to tape or Sony's proprietary Memory Stick media at a maximum resolution of 2,016X1,512. The DCR-HC96 also features a built-in flash and an interface shoe for adding an external microphone or video light. If you don't need or want extensive manual controls, the DCR-HC96 should be high on your list.

Pros: Great video and stills quality, simple to use, Handycam station (some will love it)
Cons: Manual controls are awkward to operate, Handycam station (some will hate it)

Warranty
90 days labor, 1 year parts