Last Updated on July 25, 2020
If there’s one brand out there that always delivers when it comes to camcorders, it’s definitely Sony. Its range of professional camcorders is second to none and the Sony HXR-MC88 is no exception to this rule. This is the perfect video camera for learning professional filming.
HXR-MC88 Specification
- 1″ Exmor CMOS Sensor
- Sony Image Stabalization
- 12x Optical Zoom
- XLR Audio
- Advanced Face Detection AF
- Built-in Variable ND Filters
Over the years, Sony has released a wide range of photography and videography equipment including its popular series of DSLR cameras. But professional videographers know Sony for its top-of-the-line camcorders, one of the latest including the HXR-MC88 Full HD Camcorder, an entry-level camcorder that’s lightweight but packed with all the features you need for professional use.
Design and features
The HXR-MC88 Full HD Camcorder hits all the right marks when it comes to camcorders. It is lightweight, compact, easy to use and affordable. But what exactly can you get when you buy one?
Viewing, handling and controls
Unlike its traditional counterparts, the HXR-MC88 is ultra light weight and just palm-sized so you can take it anywhere and shoot in the most challenging conditions with ease.
It also features and Enhanced Fast Hybrid auto focus (AF) that includes phase detection AF, lock-on autofocus and face detection so you can capture fast-moving subjects with utmost precision. The camcorder also has an intuitive touch panel interface that lets you choose an autofocus point conveniently.
To adapt to slow and fast shots, the HXR-MC88 also has an AF Drive Speed feature where you can set the speed depending on the shot that you want to capture. It also has AF Track Depth and AF Switching Sensitivity capabilities to allow you to produce the best imagery no matter what condition or subject you’re shooting.
It also features a standard remote interface where you can control focus, record start/stop, review and zoom remotely through an optional RM-1BP or RM-30BP.
Image and video
The HXR-MC88 Full HD Camcorder is designed specifically for recording business or government presentations, vlogging, teaching video production and just capturing professional videos for private use.
With this, Sony made sure that it delivers in imaging performance with its l15.2-megapixel 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor that allows for excellent sensitivity to capturing crisp quality images with less noise in both lighting conditions and stunning background bokeh defocus effects. Sony also integrates the advanced BIONZX image processor into this large 1.0-type sensor to ensure sharp imagery by capturing the full pixel readout of the sensor.
This camcorder also boasts of a 29mm wide-angle ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens perfect for capturing panoramic landscapes and its 12x optical zoom can be increased by up to 48x with a digital extender. The HXR-MC88 Full HD Camcorder also features shoots Full HD (1920x1080) at 28Mbps at 60/50P with LCPM audio with a stunning 290 minutes recording time.
Storage, extras and connectivity
To ensure workflow flexibility and maximize recording time, the HXR-MC88 Full HD Camcorder has two memory card slots compatible with SDXC cards, SDHC cards, PRO-HG Duo or Memory Stick PRO Duo. It also has a Multi Interface Shoe making it capable of communicating directly to a wide range of Sony accessories without the need for separate wiring. Other connectivity features include:
- Standard 2.5mm LANC input
- HDMI type A and multi-/micro-USB outputs
- Stereo headphone jack
- Mono speaker
- Built-in stereo microphone
Pros and Cons
At $1,298, the HXR-MC88 Full HD Camcorder is definitely a good deal when you consider its features. With this price, you get the camcorder, a lens hood and cap, an XLR handle unit, a Sony NP-FV50A V-Series battery pack, an AC-L200D AC Adapter with cable and a 1-year warranty.
Final thoughts
The HXR-MC88 Full HD Camcorder is highly recommended for its features that allows for seamless shooting even for the newbie videographers. Plus, with its price, you’re definitely getting a good investment for your professional career.
Test Videos
HXR-MC88 Low Light Test
HXR-MC88 Specification
- 3 X 1/3″ Exmor R Cmos
- 4K UHD Output up to 60 fps
- 25x Optical 4K UHD Zoom Lens
- Simultaneous HD/4K Recording
- Advanced Face Detection AF
- Built-in Variable ND Filters
User Reviews and Ratings
Thanks to The Everyday
- Optical Sensor Resolution: 14.2
- Max Focal Length: 348
thanks to World on Hands
- Optical Sensor Resolution: 14.2
- Max Focal Length: 348
Sony HXR-MC88 Review
Summary
The Sony HXR-MC88 is a great place to start if you are new to professional filming. Along with the video camera comes a huge amount of information teaching you film production basics specifically with the HXR-MC88. For the price you cannot go wrong. This is the best in class for the consumer to professional bridge camera.
The advent of digital cameras and mobile phones that are capable of taking quality videos has changed the way we capture events on camera. But for professionals, nothing still beats using the good, old camcorder to take crisp videos to be used for marketing, education and other professional purposes.
There is one thing that videographers complain about though, and it’s the size and weight of most traditional camcorders that’s making it hard for the to work efficiently. Sony answers those problems with the HXR-MC88 Full HD Camcorder that’s specifically designed for capturing videos to be used in education, the government and those professionals looking for a lightweight but power-packed camera solution.
Sony: A powerhouse in electronics
Almost every household or business probably owns at least one Sony product. The Japanese multinational conglomerate company is, after all, the largest music entertainment business in the world, the second largest video game publishing company, the largest video game console business and one of the biggest names in electronic products for both consumer and professional markets.
In 2018, Sony was ranked by the Fortune Global 500 list at 97.