Sony HDR-HC1 2.8MP High Definition MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom Review
Sony HDR-HC1 2.8MP High Definition MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom Feature
- 1/3-inch CMOS sensor with 3.0-megapixel still-image resolution
- HDV 1080i camcorder features HDV, DV (on a standard MiniDV cassette), and SD recording
- 10x optical zoom with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization
- 2.7-inch hybrid touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD
- Powered by InfoLithium rechargeable battery NP-FM50 (included)
Amazon.com Product Description Sony introduces the Sony Handycam HDR-HC1, the world's smallest and lightest high-definition consumer camcorder with full HD resolution based on HDV 1080i. The ultracompact HDR-HC1 Handycam camcorder fits comfortably in your hand, while delivering high-definition picture quality and lighting detail on both video and digital still images.
the HDR-HC1 in action The HDR-HC1 features Sony's CMOS imaging sensor technology, designed to deliver faster image processing speeds for richer colors, more vivid detail, and significantly less glare from reflected light. The Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens further enhances image clarity and richness, even when shooting in low light.
The HDR-HC1 weighs in at less than two pounds and fits comfortably in your hand. |
The HDR-HC1 also features a 2.7-inch wide hybrid, touch-panel LCD screen to access menu options. You can switch between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios (in DV mode) to see exactly how your content will be viewed on television. Other convenient features include fully automatic controls, a built-in microphone for audio quality, an intelligent pop-up flash, and Super SteadyShot image stabilization. You can even record your own high-defnition video in complete darkness with Sony's Super NightShot Infrared System, which adds the greatest amount of range and detail to your images in low- to no-light conditions.
CMOS Sensor; 3 Megapixels (Gross)
The 1/3-inch CMOS sensor provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution in SD Mode) and still image performance. Unlike traditional CCD imagers, CMOS sensors require less power, providing better battery performance. The HDR-HC1 also features the Enhanced Imaging Processor for improved video performance.
Switch between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios on the generous 2.7-inch LCD screen. |
HDV Recording Format
From the innovators in camcorder technology, Sony’s HDR-HC1 camcorder is the industry's smallest and lightest HDV1080i consu-er level camcorder and player. Now you can record all your memories in true high-definition video.
Switchable HDV/DV Format Recording
The HDR-HC1 is capable of recording and playing back both high definition and standard definition video recorded on a standard MiniDV cassette.
Real-Time HD Codec Engine
A Sony developed Real Time MPEG Encode/Decode system with reduced energy consumption and compact size to fit inside a personal camcorder. This system 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 cassettes as are used for MiniDV recording.
10x Optical/120x Digital Zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens
From the authority in lens technology, the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens provides a high-quality 10x optical zoom which maintains image clarity and color while reducing glare and flare.
Zoom in and play back with the easy-to-use touch-screen display that features hybrid LCD technology for accurate viewing in bright light. |
2.7-Inch (16:9) Hybrid Touch-Panel SwivelScreen LCD Display
Provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The 123K-pixel LCD display makes images sharp and detailed during playback or when monitoring recording. The hybrid LCD screen provides accurate viewing in sunlight or bright light, virtually eliminating the "washout" common with traditional LCD screens.
Super SteadyShot Image-Stabilization System
Picture-stabilization system uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for camera shake without compromising picture quality, as some other digital stabilization systems do.
Manual Zoom and Manual Focus Ring
Selectable zoom and focus ring provides precise and detailed control over the amount of zoom and the overall focus of the image with just a turn of the rings. Fast, intuitive framing when zooming and finely detailed focusing are easy with the natural feel of the rings.
Continuous recording and playback time for the HDR-HC1, as well as picture quality in still image mode. |
Expanded Focus Indicator
The camera's LCD image is magnified, temporarily, up to four times its original size without any loss of distortion. This allows the user more finite control while focusing the camera for greater detail and clarity.
Cinematic Mode
Perfect for creating your own movie masterpieces, the HDR-HC1 Cinematic mode lends film-like (24 frames) effect to your recordings.
i.LINK2 DV Interface (IEEE1394)
A high speed bidirectional digital video/audio communication between two compatible devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, including camcorders, digital VCRs, and PCs.
Shot Transition
Allows for a smooth automatic scene transition. Settings for focus, zoom, iris, gain, shutter, and white balance can be set to the A/B button, and a smooth transition will take place according to the set time. This function enables the focus to gradually shift from the front of the screen to a deeper part of the screen. Thus the iris enables a smooth change of depth of field.
Tele Macro Function
Useful for shooting close-up shots without having the camcorder casting a shadow on the subject. Images shot in the Tele Macro Mode will have the subject properly focused with the background unfocused so that the subject stands out.
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 Pop-up Intelligent Flash
For added clarity and detail when taking pictures in low-light situations, the built-in flash improves pictures and reducts shadows.
What's in the Box
HDR-HC1 HDV 1080i Handycam Camcorder, power adapter/in-camera charger (AC-L15), InfoLithium rechargeable battery (NP-FM50), wireless remote commander remote control (RMT-831), lens hood, lens cap, AV cable, component video cable, USB cable, shoulder strap, 16MB Memory Stick Duo Media.
Package Contents: Sony HandyCam, Power Adapter/Charger (AC-L15), wireless remote, InfoLithium(R) Rechargeable Battery (NP-FM50), lens hood, lens cap, shoulder strap, A/V, USB and Component cables, Memory Stick(R) Duo Media - 16MB
Sony's HDR-HC1 Handycam(R) is an incredibly small, lightweight digital camcorder that still fits all the tools and features you need. This ultra-compact device fits comfortably in your hand, while delivering the best in image quality, control and connectivity. Get richer colors and more vivid detail with less glare, thanks to the advanced CMOS Sensor and Carl Zeiss lenses. Its 2.7-inch wide hybrid, touch-panel LCD screen lets users switch between 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios, and onscreen access to menu options. You can even record in low-light or no-light conditions with the Super NightShot(R) Infrared System. Other features include a built-in microphone for audio quality, an intelligent pop-up flash, and Super SteadyShot(R) image stabilization. Lens - Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens Filter Diameter - 37mm Focusing - Full Range Auto/Manual(Ring)/One Touch Minimum Illumination - 7 lux Image Stabilization - Super Steadyshot White Balance - Auto/Outdoor/Indoor/One-Push Automatic Iris Control Super Low Light capability Active interface shoe Video in/out (multi) Audio in/out (stereo, multi) USB port (1.1) and i.LINK(R) DV interface (IEEE1394) Stereo Mini headphone jack & mic input Dimensions(WxHxD) - 2-7/8 x 3-3/4 x 7-1/2 (71 x 94 x 88mm)
