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Sony HDR-HC1 2.8MP High Definition MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom
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| List Price: | $3,064.53 |
| Price: | $2,499.95 |
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Ships from and sold by Wall Street Photo
4 new or used available from $999.99
Average customer review:
Product Description
The ultra-compact HDR-HC1 Handycam camcorder fits comfortably in your hand, while delivering high-definition picture quality and lighting detail on both video and digital still images.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #4185 in Camera & Photo
- Brand: Sony
- Model: HDR-HC1
- Dimensions: 5.20" h x 7.50" w x 10.60" l, 4.00 pounds
- Display size: 2.7
Features
- 1/3-inch CMOS sensor with 3.0-megapixel still-image resolution
- HDV 1080i camcorder features HDV, DV (on a standard MiniDV cassette), and SD recording
- 10x optical zoom with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization
- 2.7-inch hybrid touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD
- Powered by InfoLithium rechargeable battery NP-FM50 (included)
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Product Description
Sony introduces the Sony Handycam HDR-HC1, the world's smallest and lightest high-definition consumer camcorder with full HD resolution based on HDV 1080i. The ultracompact HDR-HC1 Handycam camcorder fits comfortably in your hand, while delivering high-definition picture quality and lighting detail on both video and digital still images.
the HDR-HC1 in action The HDR-HC1 features Sony's CMOS imaging sensor technology, designed to deliver faster image processing speeds for richer colors, more vivid detail, and significantly less glare from reflected light. The Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens further enhances image clarity and richness, even when shooting in low light.
 The HDR-HC1 weighs in at less than two pounds and fits comfortably in your hand. |
CMOS Sensor; 3 Megapixels (Gross)
The 1/3-inch CMOS sensor provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution in SD Mode) and still image performance. Unlike traditional CCD imagers, CMOS sensors require less power, providing better battery performance. The HDR-HC1 also features the Enhanced Imaging Processor for improved video performance.
 Switch between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios on the generous 2.7-inch LCD screen. |
HDV Recording Format
From the innovators in camcorder technology, Sony’s HDR-HC1 camcorder is the industry's smallest and lightest HDV1080i consu-er level camcorder and player. Now you can record all your memories in true high-definition video.
Switchable HDV/DV Format Recording
The HDR-HC1 is capable of recording and playing back both high definition and standard definition video recorded on a standard MiniDV cassette.
Real-Time HD Codec Engine
A Sony developed Real Time MPEG Encode/Decode system with reduced energy consumption and compact size to fit inside a personal camcorder. This system provides efficient MPEG2 compression and recording and playback of clear HD images at the same bit rate of the DV format, so that high-definition video can be recorded on the same cassettes as are used for MiniDV recording.
10x Optical/120x Digital Zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens
From the authority in lens technology, the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens provides a high-quality 10x optical zoom which maintains image clarity and color while reducing glare and flare.
 Zoom in and play back with the easy-to-use touch-screen display that features hybrid LCD technology for accurate viewing in bright light. |
2.7-Inch (16:9) Hybrid Touch-Panel SwivelScreen LCD Display
Provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The 123K-pixel LCD display makes images sharp and detailed during playback or when monitoring recording. The hybrid LCD screen provides accurate viewing in sunlight or bright light, virtually eliminating the "washout" common with traditional LCD screens.
Super SteadyShot Image-Stabilization System
Picture-stabilization system uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for camera shake without compromising picture quality, as some other digital stabilization systems do.
Manual Zoom and Manual Focus Ring
Selectable zoom and focus ring provides precise and detailed control over the amount of zoom and the overall focus of the image with just a turn of the rings. Fast, intuitive framing when zooming and finely detailed focusing are easy with the natural feel of the rings.
 Continuous recording and playback time for the HDR-HC1, as well as picture quality in still image mode. |
Expanded Focus Indicator
The camera's LCD image is magnified, temporarily, up to four times its original size without any loss of distortion. This allows the user more finite control while focusing the camera for greater detail and clarity.
Cinematic Mode
Perfect for creating your own movie masterpieces, the HDR-HC1 Cinematic mode lends film-like (24 frames) effect to your recordings.
i.LINK2 DV Interface (IEEE1394)
A high speed bidirectional digital video/audio communication between two compatible devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, including camcorders, digital VCRs, and PCs.
Shot Transition
Allows for a smooth automatic scene transition. Settings for focus, zoom, iris, gain, shutter, and white balance can be set to the A/B button, and a smooth transition will take place according to the set time. This function enables the focus to gradually shift from the front of the screen to a deeper part of the screen. Thus the iris enables a smooth change of depth of field.
Tele Macro Function
Useful for shooting close-up shots without having the camcorder casting a shadow on the subject. Images shot in the Tele Macro Mode will have the subject properly focused with the background unfocused so that the subject stands out.
Active Interface Shoe
Provides a location directly on the camcorder on which to add optional accessories while providing power and two-way communication to those accessories.
Built-in Pop-up Intelligent Flash
For added clarity and detail when taking pictures in low-light situations, the built-in flash improves pictures and reducts shadows.
What's in the Box
HDR-HC1 HDV 1080i Handycam Camcorder, power adapter/in-camera charger (AC-L15), InfoLithium rechargeable battery (NP-FM50), wireless remote commander remote control (RMT-831), lens hood, lens cap, AV cable, component video cable, USB cable, shoulder strap, 16MB Memory Stick Duo Media.
Customer Reviews
Amazing Camcorder
I bought this camera and here is my assessment so far:
PROS:
1. Small. I would very happy with the size when I opened the box as I was worried that a HDV camera and quality lens would make for a large camera. No, it's no a tiny camera, but comparable to most mid-priced bodies in the market. But unlike the mid-market cameras, the HC1 is a HDV power house.
2. Image quality is breath taking. If you are a new parent or just want your images to stand the test of time, this is a great camera to invest in now since the future is HD
3. Feels great in your hand. Solid build and feel.
CONS:
1. Camera is slightly front-heavy. This is not a big deal since you will need a bigger batter which balances the weight perfectly (see next comment.)
2. Standard battery is simply not acceptable. Gets about 40 minutes of recording time, if you are lucky. Get the xxx71 Sony battery at a minimum or the xxx91 for extended recording (although this batter is very long and heavy. I went with the 71 and am pleased with it.)
3. Memory stick. When is Sony going to understand this is terrible for customers and they should simply use standard memory not this proprietary crap?
4. Only 'OK' in low light situations. Not bad, mind you, and better than 95% of the cameras on the market which all struggle with this, but for a 2K camera, I was hoping for a little better. But again, the low light is acceptable.
5. No firewire cable. This is a must for putting movies on your computer, and the fact that you have to spend another 40 bucks for it after dropping 2 grand on the camcorder is simply insulting. Sony, needs to get its act together and not cheat its prosumer customers.
On balance, I think this is a great camcorder and a great investment in capturing your memories in the format of the future.
Finally, as another poster mentioned, working in HD (and video in general) is definitely easier on a Mac.
My wife who hates technology loves doing video and pictures on her Mac, and easily shares them on her .Mac account. If you are consider this camcorder--or any other for that matter--definitely consider investing in a Mac too. It makes the post production a ton of fun and a highly creative process vs. "trying to figure basic things out for hours on end like her PC experience."
Amazing
I have had mine for over three weeks now and am very impressed. The simple ability to capture true 1080i video is amazing. I finally have home video I can play on my HDTV and not cringe at the poor resolution.
The 3MP camera is also quite good. It doesn't replace a normal digital camera, but I found the shots to be decent. The nice thing is being able to shoot pictures in widescreen mode and play them back on your HDTV. It is the best way to view photos that I have seen.
There are some minor downsides. The bottom loading tape is a pain for tripod filming. The viewfinder is too short when using a large battery. The focusing system is a bit challenging as it can take a while to lock. It also takes a while to figure out the stability settings so your video does not look choppy.
I recommend a great user site at sonyhdvinfodotcom. The user forums are invaluable for understanding the nuances of the camera.
Overall, a tremendous camera for a very good price.
The future of video with consequences.
I shoot those little movies that help me to focus the ideas and settings of my books (available on Amazon). I also produce marketing and training videos for my software business. For that I switched to HD a year ago and bought that Sony HDR-FX1, which is an excellent camera. HD format is always 16x9 and uses higher resolutions up to 1920 pixels. There are many formats and 24, 25 and 30 frames per second in interlaced and progressive recording. Be aware of that.
I just bought a HC1 and here are my impressions. In my opinion (and on comparison tests) the HD video quality of the HC1 is identical to even the professional cameras mentioned below. But that obviously has to be understood as an electronics feature and not in terms of lenses or usability for movie production. The HC1 just produces more video noise in low-light conditions.
Why did I buy the HC1:
1) size: people behave unnatural in front of a large camera
2) second camera angle is ideal in some scenes
3) portability: pro quality in any location
4) picture quality for later editing
HD prosumer camcorders:
JVC JY-HD10U $2800, larger,
Sony HDR-FX1 3-CCD $3000+, larger, better lenses,
Sony HDR-HC3 not yet out $1000+ smaller, less features
HD pro camcorders:
SONY HVR-Z1U 3 CCD, $4500, smallest pro cam
JVC GY-HD100U 3 CCD, $5000+, interchangable lenses
Canon XL-H1 3 CCD, $9000+, interchangable lenses
What does HD mean to you:
Mostly higher cost and more issues if you want to edit on a PC. I had to spend $3000 for Adobe Premiere Pro 2 and a dual-dore processor with 2GB of RAM to make it work. Get Cineform's Aspect-HD for good editing performance. The best consumer HD-capture is done by the Sony DVGATE software. Sony Vegas is a good editing program too. Most HD-video formats can not be played on a normal PC unless you downgrade it to 720x480. Getting HD format onto a DVD is a similar complex path.
Conclusion:
HD quality is pricey and if you don't enjoy solving problems then PC editing is not for you. Should you buy the HC1? YES! Why? The quality of the original tape is always the most important. You can record in HDV and watch it on your HDTV. You can downgrade it to DV for PC editing or for DVD and convert it to HD-DVD later, once the equivalent harddisk recorders get to the market a year from now.
A last tip: The future is harddisk recorders. I already use a CitiDISK HDV to record without tape. In one year most high-end camcorder models will have harddisk recorders rather than tape. And HD will be the norm and not the exception. But there will always something new and life just goes on ...
ENJOY AND RECORD IT NOW!
