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Sony HDR-HC3 4MP High-Definition Handycam MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom
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List Price: $1,499.99
Our Price: $999.99
Your Save: $ 500.00 ( 33% )
Recent Price Activity
Availability: N/A
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Manufacturer: Sony
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Average Customer Rating:  
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Batteries Included: 1
Battery Description: 1 Lithium
Binding: Electronics
Brand: Sony
Display Size: 2.7
EAN: 0086753091267
Feature: Records and plays back both high-definition (1080i resolution) and standard-definition video on MiniDV
Floppy Disk Drive Description: None
Is Autographed: 0
Is Memorabilia: 0
Label: Sony
Manufacturer: Sony
Maximum Focal Length: 51
Minimum Focal Length: 5.1
Model: HDR-HC3
Optical Zoom: 10
Publisher: Sony
Studio: Sony
Warranty: 1 year warranty
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Features
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Records and plays back both high-definition (1080i resolution) and standard-definition video on MiniDV
2.1-megapixel ClearVid CMOS image sensor; 1.43K effective
Variable-speed Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 10x optical zoom lens; digital zoom to 80x
2.7-inch widescreen touch-panel LCD
Super SteadyShot image stabilization
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Editorial Reviews:
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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 Battery (NP-FP60), Wireless Remote, A/V - Component - USB cables
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating: 
Summary: Met Buyer's Expectations
Comment: The product showed on time and well shipped. I suspect the product box was opened. However, all materials were enclosed and were in "Like New" condition. The is an older model so I expected it. Thank you for the smooth and good transaction. Yes I would buy from this seller again. - John
Customer Rating:
Summary: HI DEF SONY CAMCORDER
Comment: I love this camcorder. I used in during my vacation in Hawaii. I still can't believe how amazing it looks on the screen. Most of my guests who started watching the video thought that we were watching a discovery channel broadcast. It works it's best outside especially with great lighting. Lighting really is the key. The more the light, the better the image. I just use the component video cables on my HDTV LCD. I'd recommend it to anyone who's really into image quality.
Customer Rating:
Summary: BEWARE of ieee PORT!
Comment: The Sony HDR-HC3 worked well. However the great drawback of Sony camcorders is shown in my recent experience with my HDR-HC3 which I purchased here on Amazon.
We went as a family on a cross-country trip this past summer, filming hours worth of video. When we finally arrived home I plugged my camera into the DV port of my computer. In the past I have had no problem uploading video and making DVDs of family adventures, using our old Canon DV camcorder. We liked that the HDR-HC3 had the option of normal DV or HDV output.
However, unlike with my Canon, my computer (and subsequent computers) could not recognize my camera. After much research online, I found that the problem was that I had assumed the ieee was similar to firewire in that it was hot-swappable. In fact, it was not. Both the camera and computer must be off when attaching them, or the port will fry.
It takes a lot of concentration to remember how to connect the camera. According to other Sony users on various webcam boards, this is a common problem for the general public who are used to USB hot-swappable devices.
The repair fee for this "misuse" is from Sony about $350, according to what they said. One person mentioned that they had been able to open up the camera and purchase a $75 fuse and connected that to the camera hardware....a complicated vs expensive choice of options for a general user like me. Sony acknowledges the fact that the port is extremely sensitive, but still considers it a user-mistake and the fried port is not covered under warranty.
Consequently, I am in the market for a new camcorder that I will only use connected to my computer.
Use of tapes filmed on my Sony HDR-HC3-- Oh, the clincher is this: I tried to use my Canon as a conduit for uploading my footage to computer, but because it was HDV, my Canon could not read it--and this goes for trying to use my Canon to watch the video footage on television. Also, you cannot plug the camera into the TV with a normal 3 to 1 composite DV cable, it requires a camera-specific cable, so tough luck if you forgot to pack it!
This all said, I am pleased enough with the camera that having experienced all of the above, I have learned from my mistakes and probably will purchase another one on ebay for my computer uploads.
I hope that you will learn from my mistakes if you decide to purchase this camera.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Decent HD Camcorder
Comment: I purchased my HC3 several weeks ago to film a family wedding. I didn't really intend on purchasing an HD camcorder, but I got a really good deal on a closeout and went for it.
Having shot quite a bit of VHS and 8mm tape in the past, the images from this camcorder are unbelievable. Even downgraded to DV format, I'm amazed at what this little camera can do. I'm also very impressed with the auto focus and white balance. I reprogrammed the small "manual" button to do AE-shift and it worked perfectly. Even in very strong backlight or high contrast shots I was able to quickly dial in the exposure. Very very good.
I also used the still image capture feature quite a bit. Despite being a camcorder, the images I got were almost as good as those taken with my small Casio EX-Z. However, they weren't nearly as good as the shots from my Canon G. My only complaint on the still imaging is a significant release delay between pushing the button and capturing the shot.
The only thing I don't like about the camcorder is the steadyshot feature. I was hoping for more. Long-zoom shots were not nearly as corrected as I had hoped. I don't have expereince with the Canon or other steadyshot models, so I can't compare. Still, I was hoping for more. If you're going to do a lot of long-zoom video with this camera, because of its size and low mass, you'll need a tripod or steadicam.
Low-light performance is average. I've seen better.
Also. I purchased the Sony Bluetooth wireless mic and videolight. These were great. I can't say enough good thinga about the wireless mic. It worked perfectly. The videolight is terrific for its size and weight. It won't give enough light to fill a room, but it does a great job for what it is.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Mini DV is Nearly R.I.P.
Comment: I must agree with an earlier reviewer, that this camcorder is not worth the asking price ..... especially now, since Mini DV seems to be a dying technology. Don't get me wrong; for what it is, the HC3 does a great job, with quality video and relatively easy operation. But the tape mechanism, as I've had to discover the hard way, is very delicate and it is getting harder to find people to service these machines ..... unless you want to send it directly to Sony and spend over $500. Ouch.
What happened in my case was, at one point the camera prompted me to insert a cleaning cassette for dirty heads. Never do this. I got one, it became stuck, and caused damage to the camera's tape eject mechanism. It ended up in the repair shop for nearly three months because, as they informed me, it is getting harder to acquire parts for these cameras, despite their being only 1.5 years old! One of the reasons for this, I believe, is the popularity of the newer DVD and hard drive recorders that are replacing Mini DV camcorders. Though the downside of that is compatibility issues with standard editing software, at least for now .... that's the technology race for you.
Anyway, I know this isn't really the best example of a product review. I was very happy with the little I was actually able to accomplish with this machine, but if you're going to spend this kind of money on a camcorder, I'd have to recommend one that captures to disc; it makes for better backup, and compared to the high maintenance of a tape transport-based unit, would definitely spare the user enormous expense and headaches on a device that will probably prove unreliable (not to mention obsolete) a year from now. Especially once the capture formats become compatible with non-linear editors.
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