Comment on Sony HDR-HC1 2.8MP High Definition MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom Reviews by noby29504.
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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