I was indeed very excited to put this camcorder to test since the day I knew of its existence over the internet. Just only sometime in July, I was told the product had arrived in Singapore and was to be launched within the week. I had the liberty of putting the HDR-HC1 to a series of test and must say that I was not completely impressed with its overall performance.

Technology

The HDR-HC1 features Sony’s new line of camcorders with CMOS chip sensors. I must be honest and confess that I am not such a fan when it comes to the CMOS technology.

Like the DCR-PC1000 which was a 3 CMOS chip camcorder, I share the same skepticism with the HC1. I had wished that Sony would have used the conventional CCDs instead like they did with the FX1. The HC1 possess a single 1/3 inch CMOS chip sensor. It is capable of up to almost 2 mega pixels of video resolution in the 16:9 HDV mode. The HC1 is indeed a camcorder worth the money if you want to shoot in HDV.

Handling

A great camcorder to take on a trip owing to its size and the true comfort you may find when held in your hand. The grip and the way the camcorder was design is something I think Sony should be given credit for. At first glance, the camcorder did not seem to give you the impression that it would handle well but once in you hand you would see the size and the weight contributed very much to the overall ease of use.

Tape Loading

When I discovered the HC1 was a bottom loader that sealed the fate of me ever owning one. I wondered why, with all the talent and skill in engineering and design Sony could still end up with a camcorder with a bottom loader. This is really a pain when it you run out of tape while shooting on a tripod. I guess the Sony people came to the conclusion that nobody actually uses a tripod anyway.

Battery Life & Design

The HC1 uses the same batteries as the DCR PC330 and also the 350E and that is really a surprise to me as Sony’s reputation of developing a totally new battery for every model is almost a legacy. The trouble I find with the battery is that the HC1 is guzzler when it comes to power consumption and that means you most probably have to purchase a longer life battery. This is a big problem if you intend to shoot with the viewfinder very often, the battery almost juts out and you will have quite an awkward time trying to use the viewfinder. I really could not figure out the reason why they did not make the viewfinder extendable which would have solved the problem.

Again, now the intelligent shoes have all changed again and that really shits me especially when you own so many previous Sony accessories and now you have to start all over again.

The battery life of the HC1 is surprisingly poor. The same info lithium battery on another non HDV camcorder would give you substantial battery life but ‘PRESTO” once on the

HC1 it disappears like magic. The supplied battery could only give you less than an hour of shooting time. Now, that is a shame when you think you even have to get a fresh battery standby even before exhausting the tape.

Viewing Pleasure

I was impressed with the viewfinder of the HC1. The resolution of the EVF is 250k and this is one of the best viewfinders I have ever used so far in a camcorder. I guess Sony thought it out, since the camcorder was shooting high definition video; you would require a very good viewfinder for more precise focusing. I can’t say the same for the LCD though….

Features Galore

The HC1 has the same expanded focus function as you would find in the FX1 and this was useful in determining if your images were in focus or not.

Once this button was activated the resulting image would be brought to your screen magnified 4 times. You may then view the image more precisely to perform focusing.

The HC1 also has a tele macro button that will allow you to bring your subject closer without having to get too close. A useful feature for shooting insects or minute living things.

HC1 uses Sony Electronic Image Stabilizing system. Again, I am not such a fan when it comes to electronic stabilizing. I would have much preferred an optical one. We have now a camcorder with HDV capability and also super night shot mode. I love this feature on all Sony camcorders. It really gives you the option of shooting in very low lighting and also complete darkness. Great feature to have instead of the color slow shutter feature found on most other makes of camcorders.

Like the HC90 the HC1 possess the rule of thirds guide frame which you can enable via its menu. This is a really cool feature to have and helps invaluably in the case when the camera is in the hands of a beginner. You may leave these frames permanently turned on in the camcorder.

The cinema effect that you find on the HC1 is a feature I would personally advice, never to use at all. With the demand of film like video and the overrated hype on 24p, Sony decided it was time we gave the people what the want. Well, trust me, this feature on the HC1 which is the same as on the PC1000 and the DCR350 only gives you jerkier videos.

You will be looking pretty ridiculous if you thought film looked like this. Shot transition is a feature also found on the FX1 and this is a pretty neat feature except that I never like the idea of activating things on a touch screen. It stores picture settings and also allows the user to transit smoothly from one shot to another. Features such as Spot Focus, Spot metering are the usual features you will find in the similar line of Sony camcorders and is really nothing to shout about.

Low Light

The HC1 perform pretty well in low light but however loses to the FX1 in this area. I would think the deficiency would be because the HC1 uses the CMOS technology.

The Zoom

HC1 is a camcorder which comes with a 10X optical zoom. Although, I was expecting a little more zoom power from a camcorder with HDV resolution, I guess the fact lies that if you cannot hold steady even a 10X capability may be a problem already. The variable speed on the toggle is not very good and it’s almost impossible to get a zoom crawl.

I could not understand why a toggle instead of a rocker was used instead. The HC90 in my opinion had a much better design zoom toggle. I love the manual zoom ring found on the HC1. Like the 3 CCD HC1000, I feel they both perform equally well in the job of more precise control in this area.

Modes (Aspect Ratios)

The HC1 can capture the normal 4:3 and also the 16:9 aspect ratios.

Stills

The HC1 surprised me in terms of its prowness in capturing still images. The resolutions and the crispness of the stills were superior in the sense that they were captured using a camcorder. I would say that the stills captures with the HC1 is far by the best at this point of time from a camcorder. I have compared this will the GS400 and also the EVERIO MC500 that is supposed to give you up to 5 mega pixel of resolution and honestly, I think the HC1 still surface the winner in terms of overall color and balance and also finesse.

Conclusion

This is a camcorder worth buying if you want to shoot high definition. A great vacation camera with almost perfect handling, great video resolution and great stills capability. No big issues if you want a point and shoot camcorder. However, if you think you can splurge the difference in price, my advice is to get the bigger cousin the FX1.