Product Description

The handy size and lightweight HDV1080i camcorder. High Definition Video Handycam with CleaVid CMOS Sensor, Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens and a HDMI connection. Main Features:HDV 1080i FormatHDV / DV recording switchabilityClearVid CMOS sensor for a bett

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #81041 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Sony
• Model: HDRHC3
• Released on: 2006-04-11
• Dimensions: 3.35 pounds

Manufacturer's Description
The world is moving to HDTV so you should consider using a high-definition camcorder. That's precisely what the Sony HDR-HC3 HDV Handycam(R) Camcorder does at up to 1080i video image quality. At the core is Sony ClearVid technology - 2.1 Megapixel (Gross) ClearVid CMOS Sensor provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 1080 lines of resolution - HD Mode or up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution - SD Mode) and still image performance (4.0 Megapixel). CMOS Sensors require less power than standard CCD sensors providing better battery performance. Perfect for creating your own movie masterpieces, the HDR-HC3 Cinematic mode lends 24 frame film-like effects to your recordings. A Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar-T lens provides 10x Optical Zoom. The camera also offers 80x Digital Zoom. There's a large 2.7" widescreen LCD and a built-in electronic-flash for stills. The HDR-HC3 is capable of recording and playing back both High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) video recorded on a standard MiniDV cassette. With Sony Steadyshot and Nightshot modes, this is a pro-quality camcorder that's a perfect match for family use as you move ahead toward digital TV. Connections - Component Video Output / Multi AV (Video In/Out / S Video In/Out / Audio In/Out) - Stereo (Special, Out Only) / HDMI Out / i.LINK(R) LANC / USB Video recording on a MiniDV Up to 4 Megapixel still picture storage on MemoryStick Pro Duo memory card Unit Measurements - 3 1/4 x 3 1/8 x 5 1/2 (82 x 78 x 139mm) / Weight 1 lb 3oz with tape/battery.

Box Contents

Customer Reviews

Impressive Performer
I recently bought this camera for its High definition capability, and took it on a break to Hampshire Sept 2006, and I was impressed with the image quality when viewed on my HDTV on return. Images were very sharp with superb colour reproduction.

It is small and light, easily transportable, and good for candid or inconspicuous use.

It is easy to use via the 'Easy' mode, but for added control such as exposure/lighting conditions or effects I came out of the easy mode for manual control.

It can take dedicated photo's with the use of a pro duo memory stick, and the quality of the stills was excellent even though I only took a few indoors.

One little touch that I was delighted with was the ability to capture stills from recorded video, which were of surprisingly good quality. I captured a few images from moving footage I had taken of my brother and wife who visited us while away, uploaded the stills to PC via the supplied data cable and emailed them to him. Certainly good enough to crop and make 4x6 prints from too.

Highly recommended and Amazon are offering the product at a very good price.

Excellent Camera with only Minor Gripes
This is an easy camera to learn to use and has excellent video quality and easy to follow touch screen menu system. People seeing the output on a 32" screen are mightily impressed

My minor gripes are that the equivalent of a focussing ring is a very narrow diameter barrel to the left of the lens - it is easy to touch inadvertently and difficult to use when you want to; you also need to watch what the camera is focussing on, it may not be the bit you want, but you can over-ride; there is also just a single point for fixing a strap - then you have to find a stockist that has them. Finally, you're tied into sony accessories because of a new hot-shoe; they're not always the best (eg video light) and are not cheap.

Finally, battery charging is via the mains and slow. So you'll need an extra battery for any videoing over an hour per day.

First impression - stunning
I'll admit that I only got this camcorder today, and I've only spent an hour playing with it, but my initial impressions are very, very good.

Just took some footage inside on a grey Glasgow day and then played it back. Playback is nice and sharp on a standard CRT widescreen TV, but I tried it on a Bravia V26 via the built in HDMI socket and the picture was amazing. Really sharp without being harsh and jaggy, and it coped well with changes in light conditions too. Oh, and the sound was really clear.

So, I'm impressed for now. I'll update this if I find anything to change my mind...

Mwah ha ha ha....