Sony HDR-HC1 2.8MP High Definition MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

by Sony

Product Details

Product Manual [6.82mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 7.5 x 5.2 inches ; 4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0009Q4W9A
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,270 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 7, 2005

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

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.

Product Description

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)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

158 of 160 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Groundbreaking camcorder, breakthrough technology offsets omitted but necessary accessories, August 11, 2005

By 

D. Parvin "dparv" (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony HDR-HC1 2.8MP High Definition MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

The Sony HDR-HC1 is a groundbreaking camcorder that brings the ability to record high definition video down to the level of consumers, albeit high end ones at current prices. It's not perfect, especially with the additional outlay this requires for Sony's omissions in battery life and editing, but it's one of those rare gadgets that actually lives up to the hype. Given the breakthrough it represents it deserves 5 stars.

Size and features are the first thing you notice. At 1.5 lbs (closer to 2 with the larger battery), this rests comfortably in my hand with only the lens portion sticking out beyond it. Even if it's substantially longer than miniDV models, I've actually stuffed this in a large Bermuda shorts pocket and it and a belly pack seem perfect for each other for hand free carrying. Kudos to Sony for recognizing that all the technology in the world doesn't help if your toy is sitting at home and you're not. This is also well designed for ease of use. The basic controls (record, shoot still, zoom/widen, and power/function) are all accessible using your thumb and index finger, and the touchscreen LCD lets you select any of the plethora of menu controls. As far as filming, point and click works perfectly fine, and the steady cam feature noticably helps up to about 4-6x zoom (go past that and you'll need a tripod as the camera is so small even slight twitches will ruin your shot.)

Most importantly, picture quality is quite good. It's not IMAX-quality, but even on my brutally demanding Sharp LC-45GX6U recordings from the HDR-HC1 are equivalent to much HD content currently available - think of it roughly like an HD show segment shot out in the field someplace rather than with fixed million dollar cameras. With 1 rather than 3 CCDs like the FX1, there had been some worry about performance at lower light levels, but it's actually not that bad. The only thing I've noticed is a slight lack of color gradiation; I recently filmed a magnificent red sunrise and while the HDR-HC1 got the main reds in marvelous detail, it did miss some of the subtle differences in the reds that were turning to pink. Unless you're an aspiring filmmaker, not a big deal. (If you want to film at no light levels, turn on the infrared nightshot mode - it's like using nightvision goggles, along with the drawbacks that a light source overwhelms the shot and you're limited to a smaller area in which you can film.) Sound quality is surprisingly good for a couple of small embedded mics. The 2.8 MB still camera is good enough to leave your Cybershot at home unless you're a dedicated photographer and 10x optical zoom from it beats most everything on the market, although it does lack some of the features of the camcorder like digital zoom.

Where I'd take a star off if this weren't such a technological breakthrough is that by omitting some necessary items Sony seems intent on you spending several hundred dollars more on accessories to get full functionality from this. To start, you'll need a second and preferably third generation Memory Stick Duo Pro (the second generation sticks out from the side, the first doesn't work) to use still camera features as it includes only a paltry 16MB card - good for all of about 11 pictures in 1920x1440 mode.

More serious are issues with battery life and editing. You'll need at least the medium and preferably the large optional batteries (the expensive Sony OEM versions, since aftermarket ones don't fit) as despite its touting of CMOS this chews them up. (The only good news is the heavier battery provides better balance to the front-heavy aspect of this.) Second, editing HD video streams on your PC is painful as most video editing programs on the PC don't coexist well with HDV's native mT2 streams. Windows Media Encoder crashes when I've tried to directly edit them despite my use of a three month old dual-processor monster for this. (Mac users as usual seem to be reporting a bit less of a problem).

Why is editing on a PC such a big deal? Well, despite another review claiming otherwise (along with gratuitous HD bashing they got a number of features wrong) HD video shot on this isn't stuck on the DV tapes forever. The inclusion of a Firewire output here means you can output HD video easily. (Although as pointed out elsewhere, yet another 'optional accessory' is the required 4 pin to 4 pin Firewire cable - see my reviews to find a good one for cheap.) The problem is that while you can store HD video from this easily and forever on a D-VHS recorder (see my reviews again if you're not familiar with the technology), you can't transfer it directly to there for some highly technical reasons (too high transmission rate from the camera versus what the recorder will take, apparently). So then, the 80% of people who aren't using a Mac but who are using this for HD recording have no choice but to turn to using a PC-based editor as you HAVE to put this on a PC before archiving it to D-VHS. That becomes an issue as you'll have a. find an editor that accepts mT2 (potentially a several hundred dollar outlay since the demo versions are usually crippleware), b. convert the stream to something more editing friendly (time and processor consuming), and c. then finally archive it to D-VHS or a 10 GB file (that you can split across DVDs in HD format) This is why the lack of a good editor isn't nitpicking but vastly reduces functionality here, as without one you're basically stuck displaying raw HD video stuck on DV tape. So, yes, the lack of included PC editing capability here is a big drawback on several levels.

Despite the fact you'll likely have to drop another few hundred dollars getting this up to where it's fully functional, don't get me wrong. This is one of the best gadgets I've bought in a long time. I'm sure in a decade we'll be laughing at how complicated and funky this was compared to something that could record on 2nd generation Blu-ray and edit on the fly, but despite these limitations this is a truly groundbreaking camcorder. I view the progression here as almost akin to moving from Super 8 to VHS for the consumer, which brought the modern age of camcorders to be. Despite the two minor omissions, highly recommended, especially for preserving images of older loved ones for the next 50 years in a format your unborn grandkids will not view as antique. One final note: dealer cost on this is rumoredly $1500-1600, so be very careful about those offering to sell you one or two for half that price!

112 of 117 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Camcorder, August 5, 2005

By 

noby29504 (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony HDR-HC1 2.8MP High Definition MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I bought this camera and here is my assessment so far:

PROS:
1. Small. I would very happy with the size when I opened the box as I was worried that a HDV camera and quality lens would make for a large camera. No, it's no a tiny camera, but comparable to most mid-priced bodies in the market. But unlike the mid-market cameras, the HC1 is a HDV power house.

2. Image quality is breath taking. If you are a new parent or just want your images to stand the test of time, this is a great camera to invest in now since the future is HD

3. Feels great in your hand. Solid build and feel.

CONS:
1. Camera is slightly front-heavy. This is not a big deal since you will need a bigger batter which balances the weight perfectly (see next comment.)

2. Standard battery is simply not acceptable. Gets about 40 minutes of recording time, if you are lucky. Get the xxx71 Sony battery at a minimum or the xxx91 for extended recording (although this batter is very long and heavy. I went with the 71 and am pleased with it.)

3. Memory stick. When is Sony going to understand this is terrible for customers and they should simply use standard memory not this proprietary crap?

4. Only 'OK' in low light situations. Not bad, mind you, and better than 95% of the cameras on the market which all struggle with this, but for a 2K camera, I was hoping for a little better. But again, the low light is acceptable.

5. No firewire cable. This is a must for putting movies on your computer, and the fact that you have to spend another 40 bucks for it after dropping 2 grand on the camcorder is simply insulting. Sony, needs to get its act together and not cheat its prosumer customers.

On balance, I think this is a great camcorder and a great investment in capturing your memories in the format of the future.

Finally, as another poster mentioned, working in HD (and video in general) is definitely easier on a Mac.

My wife who hates technology loves doing video and pictures on her Mac, and easily shares them on her .Mac account. If you are consider this camcorder--or any other for that matter--definitely consider investing in a Mac too. It makes the post production a ton of fun and a highly creative process vs. "trying to figure basic things out for hours on end like her PC experience."

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, August 19, 2005

By 

TexasStar - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony HDR-HC1 2.8MP High Definition MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I have had mine for over three weeks now and am very impressed. The simple ability to capture true 1080i video is amazing. I finally have home video I can play on my HDTV and not cringe at the poor resolution.

The 3MP camera is also quite good. It doesn't replace a normal digital camera, but I found the shots to be decent. The nice thing is being able to shoot pictures in widescreen mode and play them back on your HDTV. It is the best way to view photos that I have seen.

There are some minor downsides. The bottom loading tape is a pain for tripod filming. The viewfinder is too short when using a large battery. The focusing system is a bit challenging as it can take a while to lock. It also takes a while to figure out the stability settings so your video does not look choppy.

I recommend a great user site at sonyhdvinfodotcom. The user forums are invaluable for understanding the nuances of the camera.

Overall, a tremendous camera for a very good price.