THE $999.99 Sony DCR-HC90 MiniDV Handycam positively shines when the lights are low, and it offers amenities such as a 2.7-inch wide-screen LCD.

What’s more, it snaps 3.3-megapixel still photos and has the pocket-friendly proportions of an entry-level camcorder. Only a sluggish autofocus system and an awkward touch-screen interface keep the DCR-HC90 from rising to the top of the pack.

While the camcorder’s Easy mode simplifies shooting for novices, videographers will find plenty of manual controls at their disposal.With the exception of its autofocus, the DCR-HC90 is a speedy, solid performer.

The camera features a 1/3-inch CCD, which enables true 16-to-9 recording. It produces rich, vibrant color footage both indoors and out, and ranks among the best lowand no-light camcorders we’ve used. Its photos looked crisp and detailed when scaled down, but appeared soft on closer inspection.