Sony HXR-MC88 Review, Unboxing, User Manual
HIGHLIGHTS:
SONY HXR-MC88 - OVERVIEW
Sony HXR MC88 entry-level camcorder is a perfect affordable camera solution for those; who want high-speed HD video recording with decent audio, ample manual and auto control options, and a pro-like shooting experience with advanced features and enhanced connectivity options.
The palm-sized camcorder offers ultimate mobility with its compact design and ultra-lightweight; plus, extensive shooting performance with its advanced features and pro-level functionalities. Let’s have a look at what you can expect from the Sony MC88 camcorder.
SONY HXR-MC88 REVIEW
Design & Features
With this small and compact camcorder, you can shoot in the most challenging places with ease and comfortably carry it along with you for a long time. It also comes with traditional counterparts like a viewfinder, display screen, function buttons, manually controlled dials, and lens rings for individual composition aspects.
It offers manual and automatic control options for IRIS, GAIN / ISO, shutter speed. You don’t need to carry individual ND filters along with you; as, the integrated ND filter wheel allows you to block out light at 2, 4, and 6 stops.
The camcorder also enhances the live monitoring system by integrating a larger-sized LCD screen (3.5”) and OLED viewfinder (0.39”) with more resolution for a bright and color-rich preview. The high-resolution EVF (2.36M Dots) and touch screen display (1.56M Dots) enable you to compose the scenes with more precision outdoors, even under bright daylight.
The camcorder combines face detection AF, phase-detection AF, and lock-on autofocus mechanisms to provide fast and precise focusing performance. The touch-friendly interface of the LCD screen lets you easily select the focus point and ‘key’ face just with a single touch.
The MC88 is equipped with the traditional Sony ZEISS ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T Wide-Angle Zoom Lens, that provides 29.0 - 348.0 mm (35mm equivalent focal length), 12X optical, and 48X digital magnification for HD video, and 24X zoom for images.
Sony HXR MC88 integrates the BIONZ X image processor into its large-format stacked CMOS sensor to ensure excellent sharp imaging performance. 1” Exmor RS type 14.2 MP backside-illuminated image sensor captures clear and steady pictures and videos, even under low-light conditions. They effectively work in low-lux mode and deliver superb-quality images with less noise, even at 1.7 Lux like low minimum illumination point, that you can’t expect from predecessor camcorder models. With pin-sharp imagery, it also offers pleasing background bokeh defocus effects without pixel loss for vividness.
Image and video quality
The HXR-MC88 camcorder shoots in widely supported AVCHD video format. It records full HD video in (1920x1080) resolution at 50/60 FPS frame rate and 28 Mbps bit-rate with pro-level clarity.
Storage
Like other professional camcorders, the Sony HXR MC88 also features two media slots to enhance recording time. The versatile compatibility with SDXC / SDHC / Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark 2) / PRO-HG Duo memory cards increases the flexibility of the workflow.
The HXR MC88 comes with a Lithium-ion battery - Sony NP-FV50A (950mAh). It can be charged with its dedicated charger in the meantime while inserted in the camera. The camcorder supports most professional Sony V-series battery models. So, you can increase battery life performance with ease by inserting high-capacity compatible batteries.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Sony HXR MC88 has a full-range package of wired connectivity options for a separate wiring system. The versatile connectivity package included –
- B type Mini USB and Multi/Micro-USB
- 3.5 mm port for headphone jack or mono speaker
- Type-A HDMI port (Type-A HDMI port is more efficient in securing stable connection than other HDMI port types.)
- 3-Pin XLR Mic Level unit with Phantom Power; for pro-level versatile wired audio devices.
The camcorder comes with the most demanding Multi-Interface Shoe; that supports a lot of Sony accessories without demanding separate wiring. So, you can easily install an external flashlight to shoot in a dark area or a decent wireless microphone to maximize sound quality and workflow flexibility. A standard 2.5mm LANC terminal is also there in the connections area; it allows you to control the camera remotely using a remote commander.
BEST FEATURES OF THE Sony HXR-MC88 Full HD Camcorder
Everyone would like this Sony video recorder for it's ultra-lightweight, palm-sized robust body, detachable handle unit, extensive imaging performance, and affordable price. On the other hand, it also includes a Sony NP-FV50A V-Series battery, AC-L200D AC Adapter with charging cable, eyecup, lens hood, and 1-year warranty. Surprised? Well, you may not have expected so much from such a low-cost camcorder package.
SPECIFICATIONS OF SONY HXR-MC88
LENS SPECIFICATION
Focal Length | 9.3 - 111.6 mm |
Zoom | Optical Zoom - 12X |
Maximum Aperture | F2.8 - F4.5 |
Minimum Focus Distance | 1 cm |
Filter Size | 62 mm |
Control Rings | Focus Zoom IRIS Exposure White Balance |
Focus Control | Autofocus Manual Focus |
IMAGE SENSOR
Sensor Size | 1" |
Sensor Type | Backside-illuminated Exmor RS CMOS sensor |
Effective Resolution | 14.2 Megapixel |
CAMERA SPECIFICATION
Image Stabilization | Optical Image stabilization with Steady-Shot + Active mode |
Built-In ND Filter | Clear, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64 |
Shutter Speed | 1/8 to 1/10,000 sec in 24P mode |
Gain | -3 to 33 dB |
Minimum Illumination | 1.7 Lux at 1/30 Shutter Speed |
White Balance | 2300 to 15,000K |
VIDEO RECORDING
Recording Formats | AVCHD , MPEG-4 |
Video Resolution | AVCHD: |
DISPLAY SCREEN
Screen Size | 3.5" |
Resolution | 1,560,000 Dots |
Display Type | Articulating LCD Touch Screen |
EVF
EVF Display Type | OLED |
Screen Size | 0.39” |
EVF Resolution | 2,360,00 Dots |
Connectivity
Wired Connection | Type-A HDMI, Multi/Micro-USB, USB Mini-B, LANC Terminal, 3.5 mm port for headphone jack, 3-pin XLR Mic Level unit with Phantom Power |
Wireless Interfaces | Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) |
Mounting Feature
Accessory Mount | Multi Interface Shoe |
Power
Battery Model | Sony NP-FV50A Lithium-ion battery packs |
Battery Capacity | 950mAh |
From the above specs, you must have understood this is best for beginners and not professionals. So, if you are a professional photographer, you can check my list of the top camcorders for professionals as well.
SONY HXR-MC88 TEST FOOTAGE
SONY HXR-MC88 UNBOXING
SONY HXR-MC88 USER MANUAL
You will be receiving a detailed user manual while purchasing a Sony HXR-MC88. But, you can also view the user manual from the Company's official website. The user manual will have a complete guide on the different camera settings, firmware, and safety precautions you will need to follow while using this camcorder.
If you wish to check the official user manual of this Sony HXR-MC88 camcorder, click here.
SONY HXR-MC88 accessories
Microphone
Sony HXR MC88 supports 2-channel audio recording at 6-bit/48 Hz. The internal audio recording system records audio but includes wind noise and background chores. You can improve the sound quality of the recorded video by using an external wired or wireless microphone.
The wireless microphones like UWP-D and handheld UWP-D12 are compatible with HXR MC88. Another compatible shot-gun mic is ECM VG1 that comes with a windscreen cover to reduce wind noise. Such microphones increase your efficiency during field shooting.
Portable Audio Receiver
If you plan to use the HXR MC88 compatible wireless microphone of the UWP-D series, you can purchase a URX-P03 2-channel audio receiver. It will receive audio signals from the wireless microphone; plus, it will help to produce natural sound quality by improving the transient response performance between the UWP-D transmitter and receiver. Plus, it has an input connector for the wired microphone.
MI Shoe Adaptor
Enough of those wired connections, complicated cables, and demand for an XLR connector; it's time to shoot with a wireless camera setup using a multi-interface shoe adaptor. The UWP-D11 or UWP-D12 wireless microphone package and URX-P03 audio receiver both support the SMAD-P3 MI shoe adaptor.
With this trio-combination, you can establish a convenient cable-free audio-video recording system without compromising the audio and video quality.
TRIPODS and external flash lights
Yes, this Sony is lightweight, however you will be shooting tutorials videos on a table etc, you can opt for tripods like this: Magnus VT-4000 Tripod System with Fluid Head.
In case you want to fit some external flash to this camcorder, I highly recommend you buy Luxli CNS-20D,
Conclusion
Sony packs all the features into the HXR MC88 camcorder model; one may look for professional use or learn professional filming. We would highly recommend this entry-level camcorder to amateur videographers for its affordable price point; to the professionals for hassle-free shooting.
