- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 26 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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21 out of 21 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"People are really missing out the main point here..."
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.
- 3 replies to this review
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24p is missing and no trick can help here. Think fast sport action, interlaced video has a huge disadvantage by definition, no deinterlacing can undo that.
For those with no need for fast video, this camera is perfect, but go with PAL version (same price around $1400) which will get you decent 24 fps "film" look simply and elegantly (not possible in NTSC version) . Better configuration imo than 24p because you wont have to fight that messy pulldowns that are superimposed in true 24p cameras. -
Use progressive scan mode (it does have that, yes?)
and run a 6/5 program on your footage, should be that simple -
I very much like the features of the HD video format. However, does the camera operate in SD format when the HD is not available for playback on TV's or for editing. In other words can it work in SD like any other camcorder?
Where to buy
Sony Handycam HDR-HC1:
$1,499.95
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$1,499.95 | Yes |
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