Reviews of the Sony Handycam HDR-HC3
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CNET Review
The Good: Excellent video quality; compact; supports both HD and DV resolutions; decent still photos.
The Bad: No microphone jack; no 24p support; HDV editing and distribution options are limited.
The Bottom Line: Though significantly cheaper than Sony's previous consumer HD camcorder, the Sony Handycam HDR-HC3 still offers superb HD video quality.
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alaTest.com
Review Summary: Experts rate this product 80/100 and users 87/100. Comparing these reviews to 104854 other Camcorders reviews gives this product an overall alaScore™ 90/100 = Excellent.
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t3.com
Review Summary: A flexible Hi-Def camcorder that produces amazing images. OK, it's -1,000, but you get so much for your money.
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easycamcorders.com
Review Summary: The Sony HDR-HC3 will undoubtedly prove to be one of the most popular camcorders this year. Last year' HDR-HC1 was both critically praised and sought after by consumers. The first consumer HD camcorder for under $2000, Sony had a difficult task ...
Manufacturer: Sony
Part number: HDR-HC3
General
- Product Type Camcorder
- Enclosure Color Black
- Digital Zoom 80 x
- Total Pixels 4.0 megapixels
- Optical Sensor Size 1/3"
- Optical Sensor Type ClearVid CMOS
- Min Illumination 0 lux
- Special Effects Sepia, Still, Pastel, Monotone, Skintone, Cinematic, Old Movie, Flash Motion, Negative Art
- Image Stabilizer Electronic (Super Steady Shot)
- Digital Scene Transition Black fader, White fader, Mosaic fader, Monotone fader
- Min Shutter Speed 1/2 sec
- Max Shutter Speed 1/500 sec
- Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
- Shooting Programs Scenery, Spotlight, Beach & ski, Portrait mode, Sunset & moon
- White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Indoor, Outdoor
- Exposure Modes Program, Automatic
- Camera Flash Built-in flash
- Widescreen Video Capture Yes
Main Features
- Camcorder Sensor Resolution 2.1 megapixels
- Camcorder Effective Video Resolution 2 megapixels
- Camcorder Effective Still Resolution 2 megapixels
- Camcorder Interpolated Still Resolution 4 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Still Image Format JPEG
- Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
- TV Tuner None
Pro Camcorder Features
- Audio Signal Format PCM, MPEG1 Audio Layer II
- Features Zebra pattern
Memory / Storage
- Flash Memory 16 MB Flash - Memory Stick Duo
- Floppy Drive None
- Image Storage JPEG 2304 x 1728, JPEG 2304 x 1296, JPEG 1600 x 1200, JPEG 640 x 480
- Media Type Mini DV (HDV)
- Recording Speed LP, SP
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 5.1 mm - 51 mm - F/1.8-2.9
- Focal Length 5.1 mm - 51 mm
- Lens Aperture F/1.8-2.9
- Optical Zoom 10 x
- Lens system type Zoom lens
- Min focal length 5.1 mm
- Max focal length 51 mm
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Lens Manufacturer Carl Zeiss
- Filter Size 30 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
Additional Features
- DV input Yes
- Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
- Digital Still Camera Function Yes
- Additional Features Accessories hot shoe, Touch-screen control, Takes photos while movie recording
- Time Code Yes
- Remote control Remote control - Infrared
- Included Accessories Lens cap, Lens hood, Camcorder shoulder strap
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type Electronic
- Viewfinder Resolution 123,000 pixels
Display
- Type LCD display - LCD passive matrix - 2.7 in - Color
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Control-L (LANC), 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire/i.LINK), 1 x USB, 1 x Component video output
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x Memory Stick PRO Duo
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
Miscellaneous
- Carrying Case None
- Cables Included USB cable, A/V cable, Component video cable
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
- Battery type - Lithium ion
- Run Time (Up To) 80 min
Battery
- Supported Battery Sony NP-FM50
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 1180 mAh ( Included )
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Labor - 90 days, Limited warranty - Parts - 1 year
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Form Factor Rotating
- Display Format 211,000 pixels
Physical Characteristics
- Width 3.2 in
- Depth 5.5 in
- Height 3.1 in
- Weight 19.8 oz
Product Video
Product Photos
User Opinions
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