As the top of this Sony series of miniDV camcorders, this is the camcorder to buy from Sony if you want to take still pictures as well as video. The other two mini DV camcorders do not have still photo capability. The Sony Handycam DCR HC48 offers a range of exceptional technical features and Sony’s well known point and shoot appeal for beginning filmmakers and anyone who wants a small, reliable camera for filming under a variety of conditions.

Like all Sony products, the Handycam DCR HC48 offers proprietary technology. Sony’s Super Nightshot Plus Infrared may sound like a feature built for kids playing war games, but consumers agree it improves the performance at night. Better low light performance may be important to you, and if it is, the camcorder is worth serious consideration. The Sony Handycam DCR HC48 has a 25x optical zoom lens, a 2.7 inch LCD touchscreen, and a Memory Stick Duo slot to store still images.

Experts fault the Sony Handycam DCR HC 48 for its lack of an iLink port, but this camcorder receives praise for its night performance, onscreen user guide and the ease of switching between aspect ratios. Users agree and add their support for Sony’s image stability feature and outdoors docking station.
The Sony Handycam DCR HC48 is Sony’s top miniDV camcorder with features not found in the other camcorders in this line.

Priced well, this particular camcorder is well worth the extra money you’ll pay for features and quality not found in similar camcorders.