Sony HDR-HC1 2.8MP High Definition MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom
by Sony
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Our Price: $249.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Digital Camera See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sony HDR-HC1 2.8MP High Definition MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom
Customer Review: Everything I could have wanted, one year later
Summary: 5 Stars
I have had this camera for over a year at this point. I saw the HC3 and now HC7 come, but neither seems to have surpassed this. The camera is rugged, allows for more expansion than my wallet can handle, and offers a fantastic picture if you have enough light. I did buy the small 3W video light Sony makes, and for the shooting I do the camera is fantastic. A bigger HD or std def camera (FX or VX series) would have been way to big, this one I can take with me and have room left over for a Fuji F20 if I want a low-light photo. It uses tapes, which I actually like after playing with a drive based camera. First, the data rate is much higher than in the hard drive cameras, which I can see as less compression. Second, when I fill up the tape, I pop in another which takes 10 seconds. On a hard drive based camera, you'll have to offload the video. Maybe not that big a deal in some circumstances, but on vacation or chasing behind a child would mean potentially missing a shot.
It works flawlessly with a Mac I have, and the NP71 battery I added gives me just under three hours without the video light. If you want a 1080i camera, then unless you need to film in a room with a 100W light bulb as your only light source and you're not willing to put up with some gain noise, this camera cannot be beat for the price and features.
Customer Review: One of the best camcorders ever made.
Summary: 5 Stars
The Sony HC1 has received not only excellent user reviews but very high ratings at professional reviewing sites. Camcorderinfo rates this camcorder as one the highest overall quality and video quality. The HC1 has won the coveted Editor's choice awards at BOTH PC Magazine and Sound & Vision Magazine. And has received the 2006 PC World innovations award.
Owner reviews report that the HC1 has video quality very close to the larger and heavier Sony FX1 in good lighting. The FX1 also highly rated, but weighs almost 3 times that of the HC1. In low light, the larger FX1 will do better. But its impressive that this small camcorder can get close to the top rated FX1.
There is a wide range of accessories for the HC1 as well. You can shoot in either standard definition or high definition.
Whats nice is that this camcorder will be good now and in the future for use on high definition sets. Owners have reported on various review boards that the images are stunning on HD TV sets.
Remember you are getting a lot more resolution from this camera than even DVD's. Its the future of camcorders.
Customer Review: Amazing
Summary: 5 Stars
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.
Customer Review: Marvelous camera
Summary: 5 Stars
This model has been succeeded by newer ones; however, I found the quality of both movies and still photos to be superb. Transferring the video into the high definition software on my Mac was easy (the camera is one of relatively few with Firewire, IEEE 1394, or iLink - all the same - output that the high definition software requires), and the results are superb. Although I don't have a high definition DVD recorder, the quality of the standard DVDs I burned from the HD source were absolutely great.
Even the built in microphones were good. I recorded a brief concert by my brother, a Cathedral organist, using only the camera - the sound was marvelous. Yes, a studio could have done it better - but I had all I needed in the palm of my hand.
Customer Review: NOT a pro camcorder
Summary: 5 Stars
First let me just say, this is NOT a pro camcorder!!!
WIth that said, this is one of the best investments I made for making memories. I had HDR-HC1 for about a year and used it moderately, and have been very happy with the results.
Pros: 1. Great picture.
2. Very light. Your arm will not get tired.
3. Easy to use. Just put tape in and you are ready.
4. Easy to connect to MacBook. Plug and play.
Cons. 1. Needs more zoom.
2. Build in mic not too great.
3. Short battery life.
4. Small view angle.
There are some drop outs on the video, but i think that is because I use "the" cheapest tapes I can find. Even so, I only noticed one drop in 12-14 tapes.
Good luck.