The name was intended to emphasize the "handy" palm size nature of the camera, made possible by the then-new miniaturized tape format.

The Handycam label continues to be applied as recording formats evolve, such as adopting the MiniDV, MiniDVD, and MicroMV formats, and then later using hard disk drives and flash memory.

Select flagship Sony Handycam models feature infrared night-vision dubbed NightShot (sometimes referred to as "NightShot Plus" on some models), which utilizes an infrared light-emitting diode and an infrared filter that is mechanically attached and detached to the sensor in order to enable the camcorder to record video footage in complete darkness ("Nightshot 0 lux").

[2] This feature has been occasionally used with paranormal investigators on Travel Channel's Ghost Adventures.

[citation needed] MiniDV tape Handycam camcorders record a time code and video recording parameters (such as light sensitivity (in dB), aperture, exposure time, and info) on an additional meta data track on the tape.