Product Description

Record your memories in HD brilliance. The HDR-HC9 MiniDV HD Handycam Camcorder delivers high definition quality and versatility with a professional grade Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens, 10x optical / 20x digital zoom, and a 3.2 megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor for stunning video and 6.1 megapixel still images. Use the Dual Record Mode to capture still images and video at the same time, while Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization helps ensure clear images. View everything you shoot on the 2.7" wide Clear Photo LCD Plus display featuring touch panel technology. Even save your still images directly to a Memory Stick PRO Duo media card (sold separately) to easily transfer and share your photos.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #735 in Camera & Photo
• Color: BLACK/SILVER
• Brand: Sony
• Model: HDR-HC9
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 3.31 pounds
• Display size: 2.7

Features

• Capture high-definition video to MiniDV
• 3.2-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor
• 10x optical zoom, 20x digital zoom; Digital Zoom Interpolation
• Capture still images up to 6.1 megapixels
• HDMI connection; USB 2.0 terminal

Manufacturer Description

The HDR-HC9 delivers high definition quality and versatility with a professional grade Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens, 10x optical/20x digital zoom, and a 3.2-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor for stunning video and 6.1 megapixel still images. Use the Dual Record Mode to capture still images and video at the same time, while Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization helps ensure clear images. View everything you shoot on the 2.7-inch widescreen Clear Photo LCD Plus display featuring touch panel technology. Even save your still images directly to a Memory Stick Pro Duo media card (sold separately) to easily transfer and share your photos.

HDR-HC9 Highlights

1/2.9-inch ClearVid CMOS sensor, 3.2 megapixels Sony’s original ClearVid CMOS sensor provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video performance (up to 1080 lines of horizontal resolution in HD format, or 530 lines of horizontal resolution in SD format). Additionally, the megapixel technology enhances your digital still photography experience with the ability to shoot high-resolution (6.1-megapixel) still images. Unlike traditional CCD imagers, CMOS sensors require less power, providing improved battery performance.

10x optical/20x digital zoom The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.

2.7-inch widescreen (16:9) touch-panel Clear Photo LCD Plus display The 2.7-inch widescreen (16:9) LCD screen provides exceptional viewing clarity with improved resolution (211K pixels). The display rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles, as well as provides sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback. The widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.

Dual record While recording video in high defintion, you have the ability to capture still images directly to Memory Stick Duo media (sold separately).

Switchable HDV/DV format recording Record and play back both High Definition and Standard Definition video recorded on standard MiniDV cassettes (sold separately).

Professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lenses use highly advanced optics to deliver vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation, and perfect renditions of subtle tones. The additional T* coating further reduces unwanted glare and flare for increased contrast and color.

Active Interface Shoe Sony’s proprietary hot shoe makes it easy to use Intelligent Accessories, such as external lights and microphones, by providing power and on/off capability directly from the camcorder.

HDMI Connection HDMI connectivity provides a simple, high-quality video and audio connection, with the ability to transmit HD video from the camcorder to compatible HDTVs via a single cable.

i.Link interface (IEEE1394) Quickly transfer images from the camcorder to compatible devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, including camcorders, digital VCRs, and PCs, using this high speed, bi-directional digital video/audio connection.

USB 2.0 interface The USB 2.0 interface provides an easy way to connect your camcorder to a PC for fast transfer of video and still images for editing.

InfoLithium battery with AccuPower meter system Unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony's rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening "Memory Effect," so you’re free to charge the battery at any time. Additionally, Sony's exclusive AccuPower meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

Stamina Battery Power Management System When using the Sony InfoLithium Battery, the Stamina Battery Power Management System helps the camcorder prolong battery life for extra long continuous recording times from a single charge.

Assignable buttons For ease of recording, three buttons on the exterior of the camcorder are user-assignable so that they can be set to the options most commonly utilized.

Battery information At the touch of a button, battery information is displayed on the LCD screen when charging and when the camcorder is turned off. When using the LCD screen or viewfinder, the display will show how much the battery is charged -- in 10-percent increments -- and the recordable time left.

Built-in Intelligent Flash For added clarity and detail when taking pictures in low-light situations, the built-in flash improves pictures and reduces shadows.

Cinematic Mode Perfect for creating your own movie masterpieces, Cinematic mode lends a 24 frame film-like effect to your recordings.

Easy Handycam button Using a camcorder can be intimidating for some people. With a press of the Easy Handycam button, most of the advanced features of the camcorder are "locked out," letting you focus only the buttons essential for recording.

Memory Stick Pro Duo Media slot Capture still images directly onto Memory Stick Pro Duo media (sold separately) for easy transfer to PCs for emailing, printing, or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick devices (sold separately).

Multi-language menu Change the menu display from English to English (Simplified), Canadian French, Latin American Spanish, or Brazilian Portuguese

On-screen Zoom and Record buttons For additional control of the camcorder, Zoom and Record buttons are features on the frame of the LCD screen. This allows for more flexibility when holding the camcorder, especially in overhead or low angle shots.

Picture Effects Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony's Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Monotone, Pastel and Sepia. Effects available in Playback mode: Monotone, Pastel and Sepia.

PhotoTV HD viewing with HDMI output With direct HDMI output to your BRAVIA HDTV and other compatible HDTV screens, so you can view and share photos in breathtaking clarity and detail. You can choose between standard 4:3 and widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio -- and with select BRAVIA HDTV models, your photos are automatically optimized in sharpness, gradation, and color reproduction8.

Progressive shutter system A mechanical shutter system that provides progressive scan performance while utilizing an interlaced scanning system. Digital still images will be sharp and clear with excellent definition.

Scene Selection modes Scene Selection modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Beach, Candle, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Lesson, Spotlight, and Sunrise & Sunset.

Smooth slow record By increasing the record rate from 60 frames per second (fps) to 240 fps, you can capture 3 seconds of fast motion and play the video back in 12 seconds. The Smooth Slow Record mode is a great tool for analyzing a golf swing or a viewing a bird in flight. In addition, you record an audio track to narrate the video footage.

Super NightShot Infrared System With the Super NightShot Infrared System, you can capture video in total darkness (0 lux) up to 10 feet away. Super SteadyShot Optical Image Stabilization System The Super SteadyShot Optical Image Stabilization System from Sony reduces blur caused by camera shake and vibration, so your images stay crisp and clear. This optical stabilization system achieves an even higher level of smoothness without the image degradation that can occur with some digital stabilization systems.

x.v. Color Technology x.v.Color technology can capture or display nearly twice as many (1.8x) viewable colors than possible with the traditional RGB color standard. This provides a more accurate and vivid color range, for a more natural, lifelike overall experience.

Customer Reviews

A Barely Upgraded HDR-HC7...But Still A Great Camera
After looking at the specs to this new HDR-HC9, I noticed that Sony's HDR-HC7 (last year's model) was almost identical to Sony`s latest in MiniDV technology. I began digging in the specs department for awhile on both Sony's website and here on Amazon. I was able to determine the following differences between the two:


- The Sony HDR-HD9 boasts on it's Amazon specs that it has upgraded to a 2.0 USB connector leaving the old 1.1 design behind, however the specs sheet on Sony's homepage seem to dispute this, claiming the HDR-HC9 is still plagued with the old technology. I rarely use any sort of camcorder for still pictures, I do have a 512MB Memory Stick installed in my unit for that "just-in-case" moment we've all been in. Even in the rare occasion I do snap a couple experimental stills while on vacation, I always use a card reader to transfer the pictures to my PC, not the USB interface.

- The supplied software is obviously upgraded. The Sony HDR-HC9 comes with Picture Motion Browser version 2.0.17

- If you really care about stills (and take a lot of them...I mean a lot of them) the Sony HDR-HC9 can now handle an 8GB Memory Stick compared to the HDR-HC7's 4GB.

- The general color of the new HC9 is black (which I prefer over the cheap space-age looking silver of the HC7) but this is just a consumer's preference, no reason to upgrade.

- It has been posted on other websites that the HDR-HC9's manual focus has been improved over the HC7's.


I've been trying my best to come up with something more but honestly, this is all I could find. This camcorder is basically the HDR-HC7 with a new paint job and a few minor modifications. Not to say this is a bad camera...far from it. I shoot exclusively with Sony camcorders and this one is by far the best I've ever owned.

If you happen to own the HDR-HC7 don't be swindled into upgrading. As the few minor spec differences above point out, you already own the new HDR-HC9 minus the 8GB Memory Stick storage capacity and the onyx color scheme. Compare the specs for yourself, if you find anything that differs between these two models feel free to list them in the comments section under this review. I searched for 30 minutes and this is the best I could do.

As far as the camera performance itself...what can I say? It's a Sony, top of the line. If you want to shoot quality HD movies but don't want to break your bank account, the Sony HDR-HC9 or HDR-HC7 is probably the right fit for most people's budgets.

I also prefer shooting with this camcorder because of the MiniDV tapes it uses as opposed to all the other media platforms such as DVDs, Hard Drives, Flash Memory...etc.. This format (MiniDV) is an industry standard and if you are planning on editing your videos with computer software (Adobe Premiere, Sony Vegas Studio) this is the ONLY way to go.

DVDs and Hard Drive camcorders require a lot of MPEG-2 video compression and when the video itself is transferred to your PC and edited into files the quality of the video is compressed again. Finally, when burning your finished film to DVD the files are degraded once more, leaving the footage pixilated and grotesque...like someone ran it through a garbage disposal. Something to think about.

Product Highlights:

- MiniDV (my format of choice)

- HDMI hook-up (for a quick plug-n-view of your footage in beautiful high def)

- Switchable HDV/DV formats (just in case you don't need to shoot in HD)

- Professional quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens

- Widescreen display

- Compact size (for an HD camera this is VERY convenient )


Product Down-points:

- I really wish Sony would have given us a 25x optical zoom...it would have put this little guy over the top as far as camcorders in this price range

- The touch screen interface is a bit cumbersome (sometimes feels like a rat maze when just trying to find a single button) plus it leaves annoying fingerprints

- The supplied battery is a joke, definitely need an upgrade


Recommended Accessories:

- Sony NPFH100 H Battery (This thing goes through juice quick)

- Sony VF37CPKS Filter Kit (Protect that lens)

- Sony LCSVA31 Soft Carrying Case

Smaller is better...sometimes
The Sony HDR-HC9 is a great camera in a small package. The HDV footage is stunning in clarity. The Super SteadyShot really works well as long as fast zooms and pans aren't in the plan. The NightShot is super fun to use at dimly lit parties and events. Smooth Slow Record is a blast! Tape something with lots of motion (volleyball serve, trampoline flip) and dissect it. Coonectivity is great with component video, AV, and HDMI outputs. All this functionality in a camera that fits in your pocket (almost) is awesome! most of the time...

Some of the buttons are too small and hard to reach if the LCD screen is out. Also, the manual focus control is difficult to use. It is a scroll wheel which is hard to control. A focus ring would have made this camera much better.

Overall, I would recommend this camera for anyone who wants to shoot HD footage of family events or even use professionally as a 2nd or 3rd camera as a stand alone on a shoot of an event.

Good camera, bad support
This is our first HD camera, so we didn't really know what to expect. (Note that for video review, we played the output via HDMI to our Sony Bravia 46" HD TV.) In full light, the picture is fantastic; you get some blur and artifacts during movement or in shadows, but I don't know if that is normal or not for an HD camera, so I'll take that at face value. Night shooting without the IR light (Nightshot) is pretty grainy, even with an add-on light. The Nightshot IR functionality works great and is a lot of fun to play with. The built-in IR light seems to work well up to 7 or 8 feet and then drops off.

Still shots are pretty poor; even in picture mode, they look like video captures; the contrast and color balance are bad compared to a dedicated still camera, but that seems to be common with most if not all dual use cameras so, again, take it at face value. Note that it does have a built-in flash (I couldn't find that documented anywhere).

It is small and light; you can almost stick it in your pocket, even with an extended life battery. Contrary to the CNET review, I didn't have any issues with the touch screen functionality.

Video and still import work fine; I had to buy a different firewire cable (the one included has the small end on each side, my PC has a large firewire connection). The Picture Motion Browser did not work; it crashed with an error when trying to open on Vista. Sony were absolutely no help; they just kept sending me to knowledge base articles that were of no use, and refused to make any effort to help (given that I just dropped $1500 on camera and accessories, you'd think there would be more love there).

On the whole, I'm pretty happy with the camera, although I'm disappointed that I have to carry two devices to get quality stills, and I'm very frustrated with Sony's support for their worthless software. But, at the end of the day, I paid for an HD video camera, not a still camera or software...so, four stars for the video functionality.