If you are debating buying the Sony HDR-HC3 digital camcorder you will want to take a look at the latest review on CamcorderInfo.com. Two main authors worked on this review, along with contributions from three others, so it’s pretty exhaustive. The conclusion is what you would expect, that Sony stripped a ton of features from this HDV camcorder, but at the same time made it much more automatic. Their target is obviously high-end consumer, or really low-end prosumer.
Specifically, a few features on the Sony HDR-HC3 that have been taken off (compared to its predecessor, the HC1) include a lack of an external microphone jack, no manual shutter speed, and no more focus/zoom ring. Prosumers beware, consumers be happy because it makes this camcorder that much easier to use (read: it’s harder for you to mess up).
CamcorderInfo’s review is way too extensive to really break down clearly. Suffice it to say that if you are looking for information on a specific feature or aspect of the HDR-HC3 definitely take a look at the review.
Make sure you also check out my own small review of the Sony HDR-HC3.
Just got the camcorder and was skeptical about how it would perform. Mainly because it’s a sony and I’ve become skeptical about all their products, along with anger about their use of proprietary memory cards, connections, batteries, and accessories.
Happy to say I’m really enjoying this camcorder. I’m amazed at the picture. I’m not a scientist so I’m going to keep this simple. I shoot video in good light and play it on my plasma or my LCD and I am blown away by how nice it looks. It’s like watching High Def. Discovery channel for the first time, except my family is in the picture. I don’t find the menu hard to deal with and the size is not bad. The steady shot is much better then previous sony and JVC’s that I’ve owned. My hands shake like a junkie going through withdrawals, but the sony can handle it. In low light it’s not bad. I read reviews where there were complaints about the low light video, but I think it’s okay. I also have an upconversion dvd player that’s crap. The Sony does seem to up convert the regular DV tape to a better picture. I’m very happy with the camcorder and would recommend it to someone who just wants to record thier memories in high def. It would be nice to have 5.1 surround, but I can live without it. The camcorder did start showing green horizontal bars across the screen during playback until I disconnected the battery and hit the reset button. After that it played fine.I’ll have to see if it happens again. Other then that… go and get one!!!