Sony HDR-HC3 4MP High-Definition Handycam MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom
by Sony
Our Price: $280.00
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Category: Digital Camera
See more product details
Customers in the UK,
buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: SonyRelease Date: 2009-11-30
Model: HDR-HC3
Product features:
- Records and plays back both high-definition (1080i resolution) and standard-definition video on MiniDV
- 2.1-megapixel ClearVid CMOS image sensor; 1.43K effective
- Variable-speed Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 10x optical zoom lens; digital zoom to 80x
- 2.7-inch widescreen touch-panel LCD
- Super SteadyShot image stabilization
- Pinnacle Studio HD V14 [OLD VERSION]
- AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to A-Female Extension Cable (3.3 Feet/1.0 Meter)
- Adobe Premiere Elements 9 [Old Version]
- Final Cut Studio - Old Version
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sony HDR-HC3 4MP High-Definition Handycam MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom
Customer Review: First and maybe my only!
Summary: 5 Stars
Bought this camera way back in April shortly after when it came out. Bought it just in time for my first born to join us in the world. The reason why I bought this camera is because it was cutting edge, and at the time, I was in a time crunch and knew that if I bought a SONY camera, then it will be a good buy. Well... its been 6 months now and I can tell you that this camera does rock. here are some things I had to buy for this camera (which by the way I bought for 1499 way back. now look at it, it's only 1099. WOW!)
1) Bought the HD tapes (Bestbuy has these for 30 bucks for a 2pack, amazon has it for 20 bucks)
2) Bought a battery with longer life span.
3) Bought a firewire cable (any firewire cable will do) to connect it to my Mitsubishi WS55511. Found out that MitsWS55511 does not comply with this camera to my big dissapointment and I was about to return the stupid camera out of disgust. I can't believe I can't use the firewire connection with my HD tv. Ticked me off to be honest with you. I then took the camera to the BigScreen Store with a bunch of HD tv's and found out that all the new tv models that has IEEE input does work with this camera. I decided to keep the camera and basically use the component cables (my tv does not have HDMI input) and used that for the TV.
4) Bought a $100+ HD software (pinnacle software) to download the movie from the camera to DVD. $1499 camera and it does not come with download sofware?! C'mon!
5) Bought a Camcorder light and found out it makes a whopping difference with low light.
6) Bought a tripod but hardly use it.
7) Bought a 2GB Memory chip
Things I have issues with:
1) The camera does not have a stabalizer button, Supposedly its built in, however while watching videos, It does not seem the stabalizer is working.
2) The camera does not come with a shoulder strap. Again, $1499, it should come with this.
3) The camera does not allow you to record movies on the memory chip. This would've been a great feature for quick clips and all you have to do is take the chip out and download the file. All movies has to be recorded on the DV Tape.
4) Without a light, recording in low light conditions may affect the quality of your HD playback. Thus, the reason why I bought the Sony Light (see my other review).
Things I think is worth it:
1) The item is compact and light
2) The picture is OUT OF THIS WORLD. BEST PICTURE, BAR NONE!
3) The 4MP is pretty good. I love taking still pictures (widescreen and 4:3) with this thing. I dont have to lug around 2 cameras around.
4) The LCD touchscreen is wide and big enough for quick playback.
5) Zoom is awesome, especially in HD.
Overall, this product does deserve a 5 star. However the package it came with could've been better, esp with the price I paid. $1099 for this product is a steal! Of course the pictures I took with it is priceless. I attribute this to the timing of when I bought the product. Was in a hurry in buying a camcorder but at the same time I wanted something that would at least last me for a few decades. Now to get my ROI, it needs to!
LOL
Hope this helps!
More Sony HDR-HC3 4MP High-Definition Handycam MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom reviews:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Description of Sony HDR-HC3 4MP High-Definition Handycam MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom
CL) U) Sony HDR-HC3 4MP High-Definition Handycam MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical ZoomCamcorders
Digital Cameras and Photo Categories
Bestsellers in Camcorders
Panansonic PV-L671 VHS-C Camcorder with 3.0" LCDPanasonic; Digital Camera
Sharp VLWD255U MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5'' Viewscreen, Smart Media Slot and Built-in Digital Still ModeSharp; Windows NT; Digital Camera
Price in other shops:
Panasonic PV-L751 VHS-C Camcorder with 4" LCD and PhotoShot Built-in Digital Still CameraPanasonic; Digital Camera
Price in other shops:
JVC GRDVL805U MiniDV Digital Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still ModeJVC; Windows NT; Digital Camera
Price in other shops:
RCA CC6373 VHS-C AutoShot CamcorderRCA; Digital Camera
Price in other shops:
JVC GR-DVM50U Digital CybercamJVC; Digital Camera
Price in other shops:
RCA PRO854 Hi8 CamcorderRCA; Digital Camera
Price in other shops:
Sony DCRTRV310 Handycam Digital CamcorderSony; Windows NT; Digital Camera
Price in other shops:
Hitachi Hi8 Video CamcorderHitachi; Digital Camera
Hitachi 8mm Camcorder with 2 1/ 2" LCDHitachi; Digital Camera
Similar digital cameras and accessories
Sony DVC-60 PRR/ 5 Premium Minidv Videocassette (5-Pack)Sony; CE
Best price: $7.50
Price in other shops:
Sony NP-FP90 P Series Camcorder Battery for Sony CamcordersSony; Digital Camera
Best price: $66.71
Price in other shops: