Sony DCRPC350 3MP MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

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Product Details

Product Manual [5.18mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 2.4 x 4.2 inches ; 1.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002JU49G
• Item model number: PC350
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #6,796 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 8, 2004

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Amazingly powerful yet incredibly compact, the DCR-PC350 Handycam camcorder puts the power of MiniDV in the palm of your hands. Its powerful 1/3-inch Advanced HAD (hole accumulation diode) CCD combines with the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 10x optical zoom lens to provide extraordinary digital video time after time. Combined with Memory Stick Duo media, it can even capture 3.0-megapixel photographs like a digital camera.

Other features include a 2.5-inch hybrid SwivelScreen LCD display with touch-panel capabilities, the Super NightShot infrared system for low-light image capture, and the Super SteadyShot image stabilization system for smooth imaging. The DCR-PC350 comes supplied with a Handycam station for convenient battery charging and easy video transfers to a TV, VCR, or personal computer.

	MiniDV Format The MiniDV format offers more precise image detail and color accuracy than previously possible with analog camcorders. The superior quality of digital video results from: Higher resolution--up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution on select models, for sharper picture detail. Component color sampling--preserves three times more color information than analog VHS and S-VHS video, for brighter and truer colors. Time base correction--stabilizes the picture, eliminating video jitters. Error correction--fills in missing video data, providing seamless, professional-looking video.
	2.5-Inch Hybrid LCD Monitor The high-resolution, 211K pixel design helps provide excellent viewing and image playback clarity. The hybrid system consists of a transmissive LCD combined with a reflective LCD. By turning off the LCD backlight, it captures more ambient light, virtually eliminating washout. Images are visible on the LCD even in the most challenging outdoor lighting conditions.
	Professional-Quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens Carl Zeiss T lens coatings are among some of the most advanced multilayer coating systems in the world, resulting in even less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation, and perfect rendition of subtle tones.
	Easy Handycam Button Using a camcorder can be intimidating for some people, so with a press of the Easy Handycam button, most of the advanced functions of the camcorder are "locked out," leaving only the buttons essential for recording operational.
	Battery Information Battery information is momentarily displayed without having to power on the camcorder. Quickly access the battery's status by pressing the Battery Info button. Recording time available is displayed in minutes either on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
	i.LINK Digital Interface Don't be content with life as it is. Improve your memories with digital video editing on a PC or digital VCR. Sony's i.LINK DV or MICROMV interface gives you true digital-to-digital editing, without the generation loss of analog editing. And the i.LINK interface is compatible with a range of Sony digital VCRs, Sony edit controllers, and Sony PCs with editing software.
	MPEG Movie EX Mode Unlike the earlier MPEG-1, MPEG Movie EX will allow you to record 320 x 240-resolution MPEG movies, uninterrupted up to the capacity of the Memory Stick Duo media. These movies are perfect for e-mailing to friends and family.
	PictBridge Compatibility Connect your PictBridge-compatible digital camera directly to a PictBridge-compatible digital photo printer via a USB cable to allow for simple photo printing without the need for a computer.
	USB Streaming Stay connected with family and friends by broadcasting live video with audio via the Internet with your USB interface. You can even play back your favorite recorded scenes. It's like having your own Web camera or video conferencing system.

And more:

• 3.0-Megapixel (Gross) Advanced HAD CCD Imager
  The 1/3-inch Advanced HAD (hole accumulation diode) CCD imager with 2048K (effective) video pixels provides excellent detail and clarity, for exceptional digital video performance. Realize unprecedented digital still images with 3048K (effective) pixels. The technology enhances your digital-video (530 lines of horizontal resolution) and digital-photography performance.
• 10x Optical/120x Digital Zoom
  The optical zoom helps to bring action up close from far away. In addition, digital zoom interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.
• Handycam Station
  Placing the DCR-PC350 on the supplied Handycam station provides a quick and easy connection between the camcorder and a TV/VCR for easy viewing, or a USB- or i.LINK-supported computer for video and still-image editing. It also supplies power to the camcorder for charging the battery.
• Digital Still Memory Mode with Memory Stick Duo Media
  Capture digital still images at 2,016 x 1,512, 1,600 x 1,200 or 640 x 480 pixels directly onto Memory Stick Duo media for easy transfer to PC’s for e-mailing, printing, or sharing with other Memory Stick-compatible devices.
• Progressive Shutter
  A mechanical shutter system that provides progressive-scan performance while utilizing an interlace scanning system. Digital still images will be sharp and clear with excellent definition.
• Super NightShot Infrared System and Color Slow Shutter
  With Sony’s NightShot Infrared system, capture video in total darkness (0 lux) up to 10 feet away. Super NightShot 0 Lux recording mode automatically adjusts the shutter speed to increase picture brightness and clarity. Color Slow Shutter mode allows you to record in low-light situations with full color detail by slowing down the shutter speed.
• Analog-to-Digital Conversion with Pass-Through
  Convert and/or record any analog NTSC video source to digital video via the analog inputs. Analog NTSC video can also be passed through the digital Handycam camcorder directly into a PC via the i.LINK interface, in real time, for easy PC editing of your analog footage.
• InfoLithium Battery
  Charge the battery at any time, because unlike NiCad (nickel-cadmium) batteries, Sony’s rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are not subject to the life-shortening "memory effect." Sony’s exclusive AccuPower meter displays battery time remaining in minutes, in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.
• Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization System
  An advanced version of Sony’s SteadyShot system that controls an even higher range of shake and vibration frequencies, to achieve an even higher level of smoothness without degradation of video, like with some other image stabilization systems.
• 12-Bit/16-Bit PCM Digital Stereo
  16-bit recording provides the same outstanding sound quality as on compact discs. 12-bit recording enables you to add an additional audio track with compatible audio-dubbing equipment or i.LINK* interface-compatible computers.
• Picture Package Software
  Easily create fun music videos with the supplied software.

Product Description

Amazingly powerful, yet incredibly compact, the DCR-PC350 Handycam camcorder puts the power of MiniDV in the palm of your hands. Its powerful 1/3" Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD combines with the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T 10x optical zoom lens to provide extraordinary digital video time after time. Combined with Memory Stick Duo media, it can even capture 3.0 Megapixel photographs like a digital camera.Other features include a 2.5" hybrid SwivelScreen LCD display with touch panel capabilities, Super NightShot infrared system for low-light image capture, and Super SteadyShot image stabilization system for smooth imaging. The DCR-PC350 comes supplied with a Handycam Station for convenient battery charging and easy video transfers to a TV, VCR or personal computer.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

70 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A bit pricey, but a great camera overall., January 15, 2005

By	Niall O'Driscoll (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The main reasons I purchased this camera were its size and its resolution. The camera is small enough to fit in my coat pocket, which means that I have it with me when I need it, and its 3MP resolution means that I can leave my digital camera at home. In fact, this camera has an F1.8 lens, which is as fast as you'll find on most full-size cameras, so it takes decent pictures indoors even without using the flash.

While I've been delighted with the size and still camera capabilities, there are a few other features that I think are great as well. The first is the option to use 16:9 video format if you want. I have a HDTV, and video shot in normal 4:3 format doesn't fill the screen unless it's stretched sideways, making everyone look fat. The 16:9 option of the DCR-PC350 allows you to shoot video that fills the screen like a real movie. You'll probably appreciate this even more in a few years when most TVs are widescreen.

A second useful, though not well documented, feature is the "seek to end" feature. If you've been reviewing what you've recorded and want to start recording again without overwriting something, you can use the "seek to end" to move quickly to the end of the recorded section.

Another reviewer complained about the inability to monitor sound levels during recording. This hasn't been a problem for me as I found I could just plug a set of headphones into the AV jack and hear what was being recorded. In fact, both the AV port and the s-video port are active when the camera's on, so you can watch and hear what you're recording using an external monitor and headphones (or speaker) if you want.

The camera has tons of other fancy features, all of which are accessible through the handy touch-screen display, but those above are my favorites.

The main complaints I have about this camera are:

1) The memory stick. The camera ships with a memory stick that's got a measly 16MB capacity, so plan on replacing it with a 256MB or 512MB stick straight away. In addition, the memory stick is this odd "memory stick duo" format that you have to insert into a larger adapter (supplied) to make it readable by a computer. Using a standard SD card, which is the same size as the duo anyway, would have been a better idea.

2) The software. The bundled video editing software is terrible. Plan on buying Adobe Premiere, or using Windows Movie Maker.

3) The cabling. You definitely want to use firewire rather than USB 2.0 for doing your video transfers if for no other reason than it provides almost 2x the transfer speed. In addition, some video editing software looks for cameras only on a firewire port. So plan on buying a firewire cable as well.

The need to immediately drop another hundred or two on accessories is the main reason I gave this camera 4 stars instead of 5.

Lastly, I'd also recommend getting the "BCTRF Compact Battery Charger for F Series Batteries" and the "Sony HVLS3D 3 Watt Video Light" The charger is only slightly bigger than the battery and saves you lugging the AC adapter around on vacation. The light is tiny and despite being only 3 watts can make a significant difference indoors if you're close to your subject.

53 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great camcorder albeit mediocre stills, September 5, 2004

By	Lihkin (Los Angeles, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

I bought this item a couple of days ago in Hongkong (its already released here) and have had the chance to play around with it. I got this in HK for around US 1190 together with a tripod, 5 DV cassettes and a camcorder bag (promotion going on). The video quality is outstanding. The base is a boon as u can attach the S video, firewire or USB cables to it and then simply place the camcorder into the base to charge or transfer the files to the PC. I would like to say that be careful regarding the LCD. In brightly lit rooms (like showrooms where I bought mine), if the LCD has any dead pixels (whichs shows up as a bright dot)you will not be able to see them. So do cover the LCD with your hands, cover the lens with the shutter cap and then carefully check the LCD for dead pixels. (You should carry out this check after the Camcorder has been on for a minute or so to allow the dead pixels to show up). The lens is perfect and you have the option of buying attachments for more creativity. All in all its an outstanding product with great features (love the night shot mode). Highly recommended if you are willing to spend this kind of money on a camcorder.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a great little camera, March 13, 2005

By	M. Lodge (Henderson, Nevada USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have had this camera for about 2 months now and really have had no problems with it. I love the size. It is small enough to fit in my jacket pocket while skiing. Takes awesome pictures movies, even during extremely bright conditions while skiing. I have used this camera indoors as well and find it to do a great job. I love being able to film in widescreen mode and play movies back on the widescreen tv. The pictures are extremely clear. My only problem is with the whole docking station / charging the battery issue. I would suggest buying an extra battery charger / ac cable or a travel charger so as not to have to unhook all of your cables from your computer every time you travel. Overall, I am very happy witht his camera and would definately buy another one if the need arose.