Sony Handycam HDR-HC1
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"Finally a HDV camcorder" on by earlfargis
Pros: True HD camcorder offering 2-3 times the resolution of other camcorders at a great price.
Cons: 1st generation HD consumer-grade camcorder ahead of its time.
Summary: The CNet review appears to be less impressed with the Sony HDR-HC1 than the one at http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Sony-HCR-HC1-Review.htm. The difference appears to be the merits of the camera versus pragmatism.
It's hard to fault the Sony. One reviewer reacting to CNet's review sniffs over the HDV format. They completely miss the point. The camcorder appears to meet most consumer HD camcorder needs. It's not for producing your next independent film at Sundance. HDV offers practical HD for consumers. It records on cheap, standard media and offers an image quality nobody but a pro will complain about. Who can quibble it's not vastly superior to anything else offered to the consumer market? Even when HD DVD/Blueray/some HD hybrid comes to the US market, HDV will be the consumer camcorder standard for years to come.
The Sony offers features generally as good as any other consumer camcorder, plus excellent color balance, and far - we're talking 2-3 times better - resolution. CNet's review seems to favor the Panasonic AG-DVC30. But why? To save money? The Sony is listed on the 'net at prices ranging from about $1700-2000. The Panasonic is listed from about $1500-1900. Who is going to save $200 or so for yesterday's technology?
The real problem with the Sony isn't the camcorder at all. It's the fact that HD isn't widely supported outside of some HD broadcasts over cable/satelite. Outside the US DVD players supporting HD (e.g., HD DVD, Blueray, HDV) have been available since about 2004. In the US, the industry is dragging its feet. A DVD player supporting HVD is planned in the US for a September release but it'll list at $399 and won't support HD DVD or Blueray making it a premature play for most consumers to bite on, if it doesn't end up to be yet more 'vaporware'. It'll be a while before you'll be showing off your HD videos our your DVD player at 1040i. And, as the CNet review points out, software editors supporting HDV (e.g. Sony's Vegas 6) are expensive. Expect to pay $400-1000. Then you have to play it through your camcorder until the US gets decent DVD support of HD formats.
But that's not the HDR-HC1's fault. The choice comes down to buy a Sony HDR-HC1 for the future or buy a 'disposable' yesterday's technology DV (even the 3-CDD models) that'll be completely outdated in a year to 18 months. Unless you plan to wait, the Sony HDR-HC1 is the only choice for anyone wanting a high-end consumer model. Even someone with deep pockets is better off with the HDR-HC1 for vacation footage, baby pictures, etc. because more expensive HD camcorders are several times the weight making them impractical for most consumer applications even for those willing to pay over 3 grand. -
"People are really missing out the main point here..." on by akarol
Pros: HDV; 1/3" sensor; price; focus/zoom ring; mic/headphone out; portability; low-light
Cons: Battery life; no aperture setting; dangling lens cap; bottom loading tapes
Summary: First, I would like to start off by giving some insight to the lost souls that posted the first two posts for this camcorder. This camcorder is NOT a professional camcorder, which means that it is NOT expected to have 24P mode. Sure, for $2000 you would want the option of having it, but people are missing out the main point here.
The price value of this camcorder revolves around its HDV chip. It is the CHEAPEST, SMALLEST, LIGHTEST HDV camcorder in the world. The novelty behind it alone is worth the price. People are asking for the same features they see in similar priced DV camcorders, but instead, they also want the HDV chip...not going to happen.
This camcorder is nothing short of amazing. The video resolution is 3x that of DV. The low-light performance is superior to most other camcorders. The size and weight also makes it very portable.
The CMOS comments that the previous user posted is completely wrong. CMOS is really coming around now. SONY has been able to make CMOS sensors comparable to CCDs. Also, CMOS has advantages in numerous areas such as solar smear reduction, weight, size, price, as well as processing speed. CCD can provide better resolution as there is less terminal noise, but SONY has used a larger resolution chip to compensate for that.
If you are looking for a semi-professional HDV camcorder; with plenty of manual controls, this camcorder is for you. I own a DCR-HC90 and will be making the switch to the HC1 as soon as I return from Namibia.
If you would like a more detailed review, visit www.camcorderinfo.com and check it out. -
"Excellent camera" on by tandrb
Pros: Easily the sharpest picture I've ever had
Cons: Mpeg compression format makes "dropouts" quite long
Summary: This is a great camera. Unlike some of the reviewers, I actually HAVE one and have USED it, so this is not a "theoretical" review.
The picture quality is significantly sharper than any of the 7 cameras I have previously owned, including the digital video cameras. I used a Panasonic PVGS400 for a while and, although the colors were splendid, the sharpness wasn't enough sharper than my previous DV camera (also a Sony) to make it worth the cost, to me. This camera is much sharper, in HD mode, and does regular DV quite well, also.
The biggest drawback that I have seen is that, because it encodes to Mpeg2, "on the fly", and records that to the tape, if there is a "glitch" on the tape, the entire GOP (group of pictures) can be affected. This can cause a 1/2 to 1 second gap in the video and audio. Apparently, "special" DV tapes are now made that are supposed to be "reduced dropout" tapes, but they run about $16 each (I've read).
Other than an occasional gap, I've loved this camera. My video buddy was amazed at the picture quality, too.
For a professional, making wedding videos, or whatever, the dropouts would, obviously, pose a major hurdle. For me, missing 1 second of my daugthers playing in the yard is a small price to pay for the improved picture quality. I have a 62" DILA TV and a 120" projection screen and, especially at that size, it's nice to have this resolution. I just can't justify the $16 for the "super tape" unless I'm filming something critical. -
"An utterly superb HD camera!" on by Ken7
Pros: Superb picture clarity, color and overall impact
Cons: Low-light not as good as the FX1
Summary: Having had both the larger FX1 and the new HC1, I can attest to the superb quality of this new HDV camera. The reviewer that thought that HDV was "a joke" obviously hasn't seen HDV footage. It is very nearly the equal of HD material seen on broadcast TV. The videos the HC1 are absolutely on a par with the FX1 (actually a tad sharper outdoors). It only fall behind the FX1 in its low-light ability. But make no mistake, this camera is not 'bad' in low-light, it's just not as good as the FX1.
This camera will not disappoint! -
"Excellent camera" on by bwhaler
Pros: Great image quality
Cons: Burns battery life
Summary: First, CNET fix the errors in your review. Your PC/Microsoft bias shines through.
HDV is editable using the FREE and amazing tools available on the Mac (iMovie HD) and for prosumers you can also use Final Cut Express. ($99 upgrade.) Yes, if you use a PC you are stuck buying very expensive apps.
Anyway, this is an amazing camera and a great break-through price.
It has the typical Sony problems. Proprietary hot shoes. Proprietary memory sticks. Small design quirks such as the eye piece does not extend outwards past the battery. Plus, typical Sony with the battery which lasts on 45 minutes, so plan on buying a $100 battery with real capacity.
But again, it is a break through product. Sure, not true HD, but still pretty amazing shots are captured. Better than anything else at the market at this price point.
