Sony HDR-HC1 2.8MP High Definition MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom
- 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)
Package Contents: Sony HandyCam, Power Adapter/Charger (AC-L15), wireless remote, InfoLithium(R) Rechargeable Battery (NP-FM50), lens hood, lens cap, shoulder strap, A/V, USB and Component cables, Memory Stick(R) Duo Media – 16MB
Sony’s HDR-HC1 Handycam(R) is an incredibly small, lightweight digital camcorder that still fits all the tools and features you need. This ultra-compact device fits comfortably in your hand, while delivering the best in image quality, control and connectivity. Get richer colors and more vivid detail with less glare, thanks to the advanced CMOS Sensor and Carl Zeiss lenses. Its 2.7-inch wide hybrid, touch-panel LCD screen lets users switch between 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios, and onscreen access to menu options. You can even record in low-light or no-light conditions with the Super NightShot(R) Infrared System. Other features include a built-in microphone for audio quality, an intelligent pop-up flash, and Super SteadyShot(R) image stabilization. Lens –
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Groundbreaking camcorder, breakthrough technology offsets omitted but necessary accessories,
The Sony HDR-HC1 is a groundbreaking camcorder that brings the ability to record high definition video down to the level of consumers, albeit high end ones at current prices. It’s not perfect, especially with the additional outlay this requires for Sony’s omissions in battery life and editing, but it’s one of those rare gadgets that actually lives up to the hype. Given the breakthrough it represents it deserves 5 stars.
Size and features are the first thing you notice. At 1.5 lbs (closer to 2 with the larger battery), this rests comfortably in my hand with only the lens portion sticking out beyond it. Even if it’s substantially longer than miniDV models, I’ve actually stuffed this in a large Bermuda shorts pocket and it and a belly pack seem perfect for each other for hand free carrying. Kudos to Sony for recognizing that all the technology in the world doesn’t help if your toy is sitting at home and you’re not. This is also well designed for ease of use. The basic controls (record, shoot still, zoom/widen, and power/function) are all accessible using your thumb and index finger, and the touchscreen LCD lets you select any of the plethora of menu controls. As far as filming, point and click works perfectly fine, and the steady cam feature noticably helps up to about 4-6x zoom (go past that and you’ll need a tripod as the camera is so small even slight twitches will ruin your shot.)
Most importantly, picture quality is quite good. It’s not IMAX-quality, but even on my brutally demanding Sharp LC-45GX6U recordings from the HDR-HC1 are equivalent to much HD content currently available – think of it roughly like an HD show segment shot out in the field someplace rather than with fixed million dollar cameras. With 1 rather than 3 CCDs like the FX1, there had been some worry about performance at lower light levels, but it’s actually not that bad. The only thing I’ve noticed is a slight lack of color gradiation; I recently filmed a magnificent red sunrise and while the HDR-HC1 got the main reds in marvelous detail, it did miss some of the subtle differences in the reds that were turning to pink. Unless you’re an aspiring filmmaker, not a big deal. (If you want to film at no light levels, turn on the infrared nightshot mode – it’s like using nightvision goggles, along with the drawbacks that a light source overwhelms the shot and you’re limited to a smaller area in which you can film.) Sound quality is surprisingly good for a couple of small embedded mics. The 2.8 MB still camera is good enough to leave your Cybershot at home unless you’re a dedicated photographer and 10x optical zoom from it beats most everything on the market, although it does lack some of the features of the camcorder like digital zoom.
Where I’d take a star off if this weren’t such a technological breakthrough is that by omitting some necessary items Sony seems intent on you spending several hundred dollars more on accessories to get full functionality from this. To start, you’ll need a second and preferably third generation Memory Stick Duo Pro (the second generation sticks out from the side, the first doesn’t work) to use still camera features as it includes only a paltry 16MB card – good for all of about 11 pictures in 1920×1440 mode.
More serious are issues with battery life and editing. You’ll need at least the medium and preferably the large optional batteries (the expensive Sony OEM versions, since aftermarket ones don’t fit) as despite its touting of CMOS this chews them up. (The only good news is the heavier battery provides better balance to the front-heavy aspect of this.) Second, editing HD video streams on your PC is painful as most video editing programs on the PC don’t coexist well with HDV’s native mT2 streams. Windows Media Encoder crashes when I’ve tried to directly edit them despite my use of a three month old dual-processor monster for this. (Mac users as usual seem to be reporting a bit less of a problem).
Why is editing on a PC such a big deal? Well, despite another review claiming otherwise (along with gratuitous HD bashing they got a number of features wrong) HD video shot on this isn’t stuck on the DV tapes forever. The inclusion of a Firewire output here means you can output HD video easily. (Although as pointed out elsewhere, yet another ‘optional accessory’ is the required 4 pin to 4 pin Firewire cable – see my reviews to find a good one for cheap.) The problem is that while you can store HD video from this easily and forever on a D-VHS recorder (see my reviews again if you’re not familiar with the technology), you can’t transfer it directly to there for some highly technical reasons (too high transmission rate from the camera versus what the recorder will take, apparently). So then, the 80% of people who aren’t using a Mac but who are using this for HD recording have no choice but to turn to using a PC-based editor as you HAVE to put this…
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|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.”
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|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.
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