New Sony HDR-HC3E HD Camcorder

[viper_larry]

Was just thinking about getting the HDR-HC1 in the near future and now see Sony are about to launch a new, possibly cheaper model. Trouble is, if I got that, then I'd have to get a HDTV too, Sky+ HD and a WMCE PC and...



Berlin, 21st February 2006 - Sony Europe announces the launch of the HDR – HC3E, a digital high definition video camera providing professional level high video quality in an easy to hold compact size. The HC3E is the latest model following on to the HDR-HC1 digital high definition Handycam which was released in July 2005, along with the growing popularity of high definition televisions. With great improvements including higher image quality, being smaller, more lightweight and easier to use, this HDV camcorder will fully satisfy all users, from beginners through to experienced amateurs.

Shamelessly poached from www.idiottoys.com/

[ErnestM]

I've got the HC1 and the picture quality is truly stunning. The only better picture quality that I have seen is from the HDR-FX1 (which I also have)

ErnestM

[mikef]

ErnestM - that's interesting, as I have the FX1 and love it except for the size, sometimes I need something more compact or discrete. Is the quality of the smaller Sony HD's much worse? Is that just because they are single- CCD or is something else affecting the picture quality?

Mike

[simpo two]

Amused to see that the copywriting shoots itself in the foot, first saying it's 'professional level' than saying it's for 'up to experienced amateurs'.

Ignore me, I just have a thing about marketing departments :-)

[ErnestM]

mikef said:

ErnestM - that's interesting, as I have the FX1 and love it except for the size, sometimes I need something more compact or discrete. Is the quality of the smaller Sony HD's much worse? Is that just because they are single- CCD or is something else affecting the picture quality? Mike

single CCD's (or even CMOS) are always worse than the triples. The reason I bought the HC1 was for the very same reason that you suggest. Compact - but yet still uses hi-def. For the record, I also have an older DCR-PC115 that I still use (mainly car show footage - HC1 mobile and PC115 mounted somewhere about the car). What's great about the FX1 is the outstanding footage you can get at an important event type situation (my daughter's recital. Son's birthday. Xmas. Etc, etc). That being said, I have found that the HC1 is very good (especially compared to the old 115 - it's orders of magnitude better) It has crisp resolution. Fairly decent low light capability. Auto focus is good even in low light. Audio is superb (they positioned the built in microphone in the right place to avoid tape whirring noise) Battery life is good. The only complaint that I have is a slight oversaturation of the colour that is hard to correct for until you get it into post production. Honestly, you don't even notice it until you start to do multi camera edits with FX1 footage. Then you find yourself saying "Yes, HC1 there. Oh, and there's the FX1 footage. And that crap there came from the 115..."


ErnestM

[mikef]

ErnestM - thanks for that info. Now, about an underwater housing...