Sony HC3 hi-def camcorder - the wave of the future at lower prices!

I have a camcorder because I have small kids. And I use my camcorder to record the special events in my kids' lives. I like electronics so if I'm going to do any recording, I want to record in the best format/resolution possible. So I've gone from Digital 8, to standard definition miniDV, and now, hi-def miniDV.

Hi-def video recording for the average consumer has been a long time coming but we're finally getting there. There have been hi-def camcorders out there for years but they've been very expensive and have been too big to be practical for average consumers. Sony launched an HC1 model last year and that caused quite a stir as it was smaller than any hi-def camcorder released to that point and it broke the $2000 barrier in price.

Enter Sony's HC3. This is the first camcorder to break the $1500 mark (I'm not counting Sanyo's recent entry which is a poor excuse for a camcorder, let alone a hi-def camcorder) that is actually smaller than the aforementioned HC1. The shift to hi-def continues, from TVs, to DVDs, to camcorders. I expect that the other electronics manufacturers will have their own hi-def camcorders in the very near future. And I expect that pricing will continue to fall.

Out of the box:
- Sony HC3 camcorder
- InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery (NP-FM50)
- ACPower Adaptor/ In Camera Charger (AC-L15)
- Wireless Remote Control (RMT-831)
- Lens Hood
- Lens Cap
- A/V Cable
- Component Video Cable
- Shoulder Strap
- USB Cable
- Memory Stick Duo Media - 16MB

Connectivity:
- HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connection: This is a huge upgrade from the Sony HC1 as this allows a direct digital connection from your HC3 camcorder to your HD-compatible TV (if equipped with HDMI or DVI).
- Component Video Output: If your HD-ready TV does not have HDMI, you can still view your HD video by using this component video output.
- iLink jack out: Also known as IEEE 1394 port.
- "Active Interface" proprietary hot shoe to connect Sony brand microphones, video lights, and external flash, etc.
- "Memory Stick Duo" memory card slot - this is for the memory card for use with capturing stills photos.
- USB connection - allows direct download to a PC or PictBridge compatible printers.
- composite out for connection to video equipment that do not have HDMI or component video inputs
- LANC terminal

What I liked:
In my opinion, the Sony HC3 is a very nice camcorder. The video I've shot are sharp with accurate color. I've also been pleased with the video quality I've captured indoors so this camcorder performs well with less than full sunlight. While expensive in absolute terms, I would consider it a great value because of what you get. There's definitely plenty to like in the Sony HC3:
- The reason for being for the HC3 is that its capability to record and playback high-definition (1080i resolution) video using standard miniDV tapes.
- The HC3 will also record and play standard-def video. It will also down-res HD video to standard-def video if you need that capability.
- Solid feel - should hold up well to everyday wear and tear.
- Built-in lens cap: no more lost lens caps.
- 2.1-megapixel ClearVid CMOS image sensor (1.43K effective)
- variable-speed 10X Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 80X)
- 2.7" widescreen touch screen LCD with 211K pixels
- Color viewfinder with 123K pixels
- digital photo mode with top JPEG resolution for still images: 2304 x 1728 (4:3), 2304 x 1296 (16:9 wide mode)
- Allows capturing 2.3MP still photographs while shooting hi-def video
- Smooth Slow Record mode: this is an option where the camcorder will record 3 seconds of video (with increased frame rate) and stretch the captured video to 12 seconds. I've already used this for recording my golf swing. This is a neat feature, but no help whatsoever for my golf swing :)
- Has an "Easy" that sets everything on auto - great for most users who just want to point and shoot (nothing wrong with that).
- Zebra Striping: warns users when the brightness levels of the footage will result in too-bright whites. Nice feature.
- Top-loading tape mechanism means you can replace tapes while mounted on a tripod.
- Super SteadyShot image stabilization
- Super NightShot
- Built-in photo flash (downside is this is not usable when using an add-on lens)
- Great connectivity: The HDMI support is key as this allows a direct digital connection to HDMI equipped HDTVs. And you can also use component, S-video (using an optional VMC-30FS adapter), or composite video connections if you don't have HDMI. The HC3 has all the bases covered.
- Has an interface shoe that can be used to power accessories
- Very portable: 3.25W x 3.125H x 5.5D, weighing 1 lb, 1 oz without battery or tape

Things that could be improved upon:
- A bigger Memory Stick Duo card. The included 16MB will only hold less than 10 pics at the highest resolution. Make sure to set some money aside for an extra card if you plan on using the still photo capabilities of this camcorder.
- No HDMI cable is supplied.
- The proprietary accessory hot shoe is designed to force consumers to purchase Sony accessories since third party lights, mics, etc., won't work with this shoe.
- For such a nicely built camcorder, most of the port covers are poorly designed and appear to be one wrong pull away from permanent separation.
- The non-extending, non-pivoting viewfinder is so uncomfortable that hardly anyone will use it. I normally use the LCD screen when I record anyway but I do use the viewfinder when battery power is running low.