Sony HDR-HC3 4MP High-Definition Handycam MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

Average customer rating: 4.5

Great Camera, Needs Audio Help
Sony HDR-HC3
Excellent and reliable
Good for its price
Very Nice HiDef Camcorder

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Sony HDR-HC3 4MP High-Definition Handycam MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

Manufacturer: Sony
Product Group: Photography
Binding: Electronics
ASIN: B000DZFSFY

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Product Description

The world is moving to HDTV so you should consider using a high-definition camcorder. That's precisely what the Sony HDR-HC3 HDV Handycam(R) Camcorder does at up to 1080i video image quality. At the core is Sony ClearVid technology - 2.1 Megapixel (Gross) ClearVid CMOS Sensor provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 1080 lines of resolution - HD Mode or up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution - SD Mode) and still image performance (4.0 Megapixel). CMOS Sensors require less power than standard CCD sensors providing better battery performance. Perfect for creating your own movie masterpieces, the HDR-HC3 Cinematic mode lends 24 frame film-like effects to your recordings. A Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar-T lens provides 10x Optical Zoom. The camera also offers 80x Digital Zoom. There's a large 2.7" widescreen LCD and a built-in electronic-flash for stills. The HDR-HC3 is capable of recording and playing back both High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) video recorded on a standard MiniDV cassette. With Sony Steadyshot and Nightshot modes, this is a pro-quality camcorder that's a perfect match for family use as you move ahead toward digital TV. Connections - Component Video Output / Multi AV (Video In/Out / S Video In/Out / Audio In/Out) - Stereo (Special, Out Only) / HDMI Out / i.LINK(R) LANC / USB Video recording on a MiniDV Up to 4 Megapixel still picture storage on MemoryStick Pro Duo memory card Unit Measurements - 3 1/4 x 3 1/8 x 5 1/2 (82 x 78 x 139mm) / Weight 1 lb 3oz with tape/battery Includes Power Adaptor/ In Camera Charger (AC-L200), InfoLithium(R) Rechargeable Battery (NP-FP60), Wireless Remote, A/V - Component - USB cables

Customer Reviews:

Great Camera, Needs Audio Help.......2007-05-22

Obviously Sony created this from the HC1 to appeal to more consumers that don't give a rip about having shotgun or wireless mics. I don't regret getting this. My son's birth is all in HD and looks tremendous. As I got better at editing, I started getting work from clients to do video (I am a web and graphic designer), so I immediately saw the need to have a camera with better audio functionality, so I purchased the HC1 as well, and now I use both...the HC3 for video only and as a backup camera. The HC3 is great to get started in videography, and hard to beat for great home movies. If you don't have a Mac with Final Cut (Express or Pro, it doesn't matter), then don't bother getting this camera. Get a nice DV camera that you can edit with some cheap $100 movie editing software. If you want to do it right, get a Mac, and everyone will think you are a friggin genious because your movies look so good.

Overall, a great camera. No motor noise with Sony's shotgun mics (I've tried them all). I will say that if you get this camera, you MUST MUST MUST get Sony's Bluetooth mic. AWESOME quality, and you can use for interviews and weddings. Really good.

Sony HDR-HC3.......2007-04-30

I was very pleased with this product. The ease of use, great video quality make it worth the high price tag. It also takes great still pics. I saved about $300 on Amazon and got my camera in 1 day, just in time for my kids Xmas program. With the MiniDV format your not bound to the Bluray format but you can make stunning high def DVDs if you invest in some software and a burner.

Excellent and reliable.......2007-04-29

The first use for this HD camcorder was to record for an hour total of childbirth and bringing the baby home. Lighting varied from dim in labor/delivery to bright in ordinary rooms and of course outdoors. The first material went into iMovie and then to iDVD and produced top-quality HD images on a 50-inch screen.

Some people worry about low-light performance. Yes, it is dim and grains out slightly in very low light. Check the Hollywood movies or TV journalism when they are using ambient, low light without hidden "fill" lighting. What do you expect for $1,050???? (Down $50 from when we got it.)

Highly recommended. Wait for the inevitable new one if you must, but strongly consider this one at that time as its price should fall below $1,000.

Good for its price.......2007-04-21

I would have to agree interms of video quality, HDR-HC3 rocks. Especially if you play the footage directly off the camera. It loss some of its quality after encoding process because the color ratio for HDV format is 4:2:0. So be aware of that, I usually set my color bar up high so even after losing alot of color detail I still get pretty saturated image in the end. Audio quality I believe is fairly good as compare to its predecessors and Panasonic DVX100A, DVX100B.

It doesn't have a line in jack which is a big turn off for me being a film student I'm oftenly required to use as many accessories as I can for my shorts in order to make them look and sound professional. This camcorder lacks tremendously when it comes to hooking up stuff to it. Also there aren't much manual features for users who are comfortable with camcorders and like to do the hard way instead of using automatic or easy setup. You can't set a shutter speed which limits you to shoot in certain situations. If you want to catch a flying bird or a racing car, you can't do it without manipulating shutter speed. I don't like how big companies priporatize their products and leave their customers with no choice but to buy only their add-ons and etc.

For its lower price, it gives you enough to satisfy your needs. But to be more specific it also depends what are your preferences.

Very Nice HiDef Camcorder.......2007-04-15

Sony did it again.

This is my third Sony from D8 to MiniDV and now Hidef. I usually do lot of research before buying anything and for camcorder typically Sony is always the winner. I have been using this for over 3 months now.

Good: Compact, almost no noise as in it does not record the motor noise along with sound as some of competitors do, terrific colors and clarity. Worth the price for every cent

Bad or not so good: being too light shakes a lot or should I say you need to be careful. Low light is not good which is always the case with Sony consumer or as a matter of fact almost all the consumer camcorders.

Overall I am satisfied with this camcorder and recommend it. Now HC5 and HC7 are also out and price for HC3 has gone down as well.

Do your research and see what fits your needs and go for it. Save your memories in Hidef, the way to go - all the best.

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