Sony HDR-HC3 Review

By
August 8th, 2006


Summary

Even the home video enthusiasts are impressed with the range of recording capabilities offered by the HDR-HC3 Handycam® camcorder. With HD and SD Recording Modes, you can make the move to HD while retaining compatibility with standard definition equipment. The HC3 sets the industry standard in resolution quality with its ClearVid CMOS Image Sensor™, capturing precise detail and superior color reproduction. Dual Record Mode lets you capture 2.3 Megapixel stills while shooting high definition video. And Smooth Slow Recording captures fast movement with precise detail for slow motion playback. Now you can record what you want however you want it. The HC3 is everything you’ve come to expect from the world's smallest and lightest consumer camcorder (as of February 1, 2006).

Specs

General:
Imaging Device: 1/3" 2100K Gross Pixels
ClearVID™ CMOS Sensor
Pixel Gross: 2100K
Recording Media: MiniDV Cassette, Memory
Stick Duo™ Media, Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media
Recording and Playback Times: SP: 60 min.
Video Actual: 1990K
Still Actual: 1990K

 
Convenience:
USB Streaming: N/A
SteadyShot® Image Stabilization: Yes ( Super; Electronic)
Accessory Shoe: Yes, Active Interface Shoe
White Balance: Auto/Outdoor/Indoor/One Push
Memory Stick PRO™ Media Compatibility:
Tested to support up to 2GB media capacity; does not support high speed transfer function;does not support Access Control security function.
Still Image Mode(s): JPEG
Minimum Illumination: 5 Lux (0 Lux with Super NightShot® Infrared System)
Low Light Capability: Super NightShot®
Movie Mode(s): N/A

 
Inputs and Outputs:
LANC Terminal: Yes (Stereo Mini)
Analog Audio/Video Input(s): N/A
Analog Audio/Video Output(s): Yes (Multi A/V)
Digital Audio/Video Input(s): Yes (via i.LINK®)
Digital Audio/Video Output(s): Yes (via
i.LINK®)
USB Port(s): Yes (1.1 compliant)
i.LINK® Interface: Yes
Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output(s): Yes
Headphone Jack: N/A
Microphone Input: N/A
Remote Jack: N/A
S-Video Input(s): N/A
HDMI™ Connection Output(s): Yes

 
Hardware:
LCD: 2.7" (211K Pixels) Wide (16:9) Touch Panel
SwivelScreen™ Clear Photo plus LCD Display
Lens Type: Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T*
Viewfinder: Color, 123K Pixels
Docking Station: N/A
Microphone: Yes (Built-in)

 
Optics:
35mm Equivalent: 41.3-485mm (16:9 Camera Mode), 50.5-594mm (4:3 Camera Mode), 40.4-404mm (16:9 Memory Mode), 37-370mm (4:3 Memory Mode)
Aperture: f1.8-2.9
Exposure: Touch Panel (24 steps)
Filter Diameter: 30mm
Focal Distance: 5.1-51mm; 370mm; Telemacro
Focus: Full Range Auto/Manual (Touch Panel)
Progressive Shutter Mode: N/A
Shutter Speed: Auto, 1/240 - 1/500 (AE Mode)
Optical Zoom: 10X
Digital Zoom: 80X
Resolution: 2MP

 
Power:
Power Consumption: 4.1W/4.4W - HDV; 3.9W/4.2W - DV (VF/LCD)
Battery Type: InfoLithium® with AccuPower™ Meter System (NP-FP60)

 
Battery Life:
Continuous Record Time: VF/LCD/LCD Backlit Off/VF + LCD - 105/95/105/95 min
Continuous Playback Time: LCD On/Off - 135/145 min

 
Service and Warranty Information:
Limited Warranty: 1 Year Parts; 90 Days Labor
 
Software:
Supplied Software: N/A

 
Video:
Analog-to-Digital Converter: N/A Format(s) Supported: HDV 1080i and MiniDV

 
Weights & Dimensions:
Weight: 1 lb. 3 oz. (560g) with Tape and Battery
Measurements: 3 1/4" x 3 1/8" x 5 1/2" (82 x 78 x 139mm)

 
Supplied Accessories:
Power Adaptor/ In Camera Charger (AC-L200)
InfoLithium® Rechargeable Battery (NP-FP60)
Wireless Remote Commander® Remote Control
(RMT-831) A/V Cable
Component Video Cable
USB Cable

 
Optional Accessories:
Gunzoom Microphone (ECM-HGZ1)
Hard Carrying Case (LCH-HCE)
High Grade Tele Conversion Lens (VCL-HG2037Y)
High Grade Wide Angle Lens (VCL-HG0737Y)
Polarize and Clear Coat Filter (VF-37CPKS)
Quick Charger for Super Quick Batteries (ACSQ950D)
Rechargeable InfoLithium® Battery Pack (NPQM71/91D)
Remote Control Tripod (VCT-870RM)
Starter Kit (ACC-FM50S)
Soft Carrying Case (LCS-VA3)
Travel Charger (BC-TRM)
Stereo Microphone (ECM-HST1)
Tripod (VCT-FXA)
Video Light (HVL-HL1)

 
Color:
Black


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