Sony HDR-HC3 Camcorder Review

Sony HDR HC3 picture

Sony HDR-HC3 4MP High-Definition Handycam MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

Sony HDR-HC3 MiniDV Camcorder Features

From the innovators in camcorder technology, Sony's HDR-HC3 camcorder is the industry's smallest and lightest HDV1080i consumer-level camcorder and player (as of February 1, 2006).

  • 2.1-Megapixel (Gross) ClearVid CMOS Sensor 1/3"
    1080 lines of resolution in HD Mode or 530 lines of horizontal resolution in SD Mode
  • Switchable HDV/DV Format Recording
    The Sony HDR-HC3 camcorder is capable of recording and playing back both High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) video recorded on a standard MiniDV cassette.
  • Real-Time HD Codec Engine
    This engine provides efficient MPEG2 compression, and recording and playback of clear HD images at the same bit rate of the DV format, so that High Definition video can be recorded on the same MiniDV cassettes as are used for SD recording.
  • 10x Optical/80x Digital Zoom
  • Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T*
  • 2.7-Inch Wide (16:9) Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD plus Display (211K Pixels)
    The 211K pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles
  • Digital Still Memory Mode with Memory Stick Duo Media
  • Dual Record
    While recording video in high definition, you have the ability to capture a 2.3-megapixel still image directly to Memory Stick Duo media.
  • Assignable Dial
    Built into the lens body of the camera, the assignable dial can be used not only for focus or exposure, but may also be customized by the user to control Auto Exposure (AE) Shift, Exposure, Focus, and White Balance (WB) Shift. In playback mode it allows you to control the volume.
  • Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization System
    Picture stabilization system that uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for camera "shake"
  • Cinematic Mode
    The HDR-HC3 Cinematic mode lends 24-frame film-like effect to your recordings.
  • i.LINK Interface (IEEE1394)
    A high speed bi-directional digital video-audio communication between two compatible devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, including camcorders, digital VCRs, and PCs.
  • Tele Macro Function
  • Active Interface Shoe
    Provides a location directly on the camcorder on which to add optional accessories while providing power and two-way communication to those accessories.
  • Built-In Intelligent Flash

Sony HDR-HC1 MiniDV Camcorder Review

Pros:

  • Compact size
  • Outstanding video quality
  • Support for HD and DV
  • Easy handling
  • Good low light performance

Cons:

  • No full manual control
  • No microphone jack

More reviews of the Sony HDR-HC3 Camcorder: The ZDNet Sony Handycam HDR-HC3 Review & Comparison states: "Though significantly cheaper than Sony's previous consumer HD camcorder, the Sony Handycam HDR-HC3 still offers superb HD video quality." The Sony HDR-HC3 Camcorder Review on Camcorder info comes to the conclusion: A "solidly built tiny camcorder (...) for the typical consumer who wants to set it and forget it." If you would like to know how actual users of the Sony HDR-HC1 Camcorder are judging it, you might want to read the consumer reviews of Sony's HDR-HC1 Camcorder on Amazon. 

If you want to buy this camcorder, I recommend you to do it at Amazon. Buying is easy, shipping is fast, plus it has really low prices and a very good customer service. The link is: Sony HDR-HC1 Camcorder Store