Sony HDR-HC3 4MP High-Definition Handycam MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom: Camera & Photo - Review and Specifications

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

Price From	$1,694.56
Manufacturer:	Sony
Computer Interface:	USB
User Rating:

The HC3's 1/3" ClearVid CMOS sensor provides stunning detail and clarity for both video and still images.

2.1-Megapixel (Gross) ClearVid CMOS Sensor
1/3" ClearVid CMOS sensor provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (1080 lines of resolution in HD Mode or 530 lines of horizontal resolution in SD Mode) and still-image performance (4.0 megapixels). Unlike traditional CCD imagers, CMOS sensors require less power, providing better battery performance.

HDV Recording Format
From the innovators in camcorder technology, Sony's HDR-HC3 camcorder is the industry's smallest and lightest HDV1080i consumer-level camcorder and player (as of February 1, 2006). Now you can conveniently record all your memories in true high-definition video.

Switchable HDV/DV Format Recording
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.

Real-Time HD Codec Engine
Sony developed a Real Time MPEG Encode/Decode system with reduced energy consumption and compact size to fit inside a personal camcorder. This engine provides efficient MPEG2 compression, and recording and playback of clear HD images at the same bit rate of the DV format, so that High Definition video can be recorded on the same MiniDV cassettes as are used for SD recording.

10x Optical/80x Digital Zoom
The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, the Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.

A professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens reduces glare and flare and increases color saturation.

Professional-Quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens
Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating that offers less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation, and perfect renditions of subtle tones. The additional T* coating on the lens further reduces unwanted glare and flare.

A 2.7-inch vari-angle touch-panel LCD makes framing and filming a snap.

2.7-Inch Wide (16:9) Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD plus Display (211K Pixels)
The 2.7-inch wide (16:9) LCD screen provides excellent viewing clarity with imporoved resolution. The 211K pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback, and the widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.

Digital Still Memory Mode with Memory Stick Duo Media
Capture still images up to 2304 x 1728 resolution directly onto Memory Stick Duo Media for easy trasfer to PCs for e-mailing, printing, or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick devices.

Dual Record
While recording video in high definition, you have the ability to capture a 2.3-megapixel still image directly to Memory Stick Duo media.

Assignable Dial
Built into the lens body of the camera, the assignable dial can be used not only for focus or exposure, but may also be customized by the user to control Auto Exposure (AE) Shift, Exposure, Focus, and White Balance (WB) Shift. In playback mode it allows you to control the volume.

Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization System
Picture stabilization system that uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for camera "shake" without compromising picture quality like some other digital stabilization systems.

Cinematic Mode
Perfect for creating your own movie masterpieces, the HDR-HC3 Cinematic mode lends 24-frame film-like effect to your recordings.

i.LINK Interface (IEEE1394)
A high speed bi-directional digital video-audio communication between two compatible devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, including camcorders, digital VCRs, and PCs.

Tele Macro Function
Useful for shooting close up shots, but without having the camcorder casting a shadow on the subject. Images shot in the Tele Macro Mode will have the subject properly focused with the background unfocused so that the subject stands out.

Active Interface Shoe
Provides a location directly on the camcorder on which to add optional accessories while providing power and two-way communication to those accessories.

Built-In Intelligent Flash
For added clarity and detail when taking pictures in low-light situations, the built-in flash improves pictures and reduces shadows.
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 B...