Upside
Slowly but surely, high definition video camcorders are becoming smaller and more affordable. Sony is claiming its new HDR-HC1 is the smallest HD unit on the market, and with measurements of 71x94x188mm and weighing only 780g, it's certainly in the same league size-wise as 'normal' lower-res camcorders.
Another attractive feature is the price -- the HC1 retails for AU$3499, which is considerably cheaper than Sony's other HD model, the HDR-FX1, priced at AU$5999. The HC1 has 2.7-inch widescreen touchpanel LCD, a 10x optical zoom, 120x digital zoom, and has a 1/3 inch Primary Colour three megapixel CMOS sensor. It sports a Carl Veiss Vario-Sonnar T lens, which uses an optical multi-layer coat to reduce flaring and ghosting on the final image. The HC1 also allows users to take 1.2 megapixel stills while they're recording movies (or up to 2.8 megapixels when in the camera's Memory mode).
The HC1's HD capabilities means it can record at full HD quality -- 1080i (1440 pixels by 1080 lines) resolution at a 16:9 aspect ratio. It can also record in standard DV format at either 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratio. Of course, your HD home movies will look their best when viewed on a HD-compatible television, but if you don't have one of those, the HC1 has a conversion function which automatically converts recorded HD content to standard definition quality. When it comes to audio, the HC1 has a built-in four capsule microphone block which allows for front directional and stereo sound recording.
Downside
Don't even think about buying the HC1 if your own home theatre set-up isn't up to scratch -- if you don't have a high def-compatible television, then you're not making the most of Sony's new camcorder. Also, while the HC1 is quite competitive against other camcorders of its ilk, high definition still means high price for most consumers -- there are plenty of cheaper quality 3CCD models out there which may suit.
Outlook
Sony's HDR-HC1 camcorder is bringing high definition down to a more affordable and aesthetically pleasing form for the average consumer, and should win fans with plenty of early adopters. CNET.com.au will bring you a full review soon.
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