ProductCritic: Sony HDR-HC1 Reviews

PC Pro (100)

Awesome high-definition video quality, particularly in good lighting, and for an unbelievably reasonable price

PC Authority (100)

But the most amazing thing of all about the HC1 is just how cheap it is, considering its capabilities. At nearly half the price of the HDR-FX1E, it’s only marginally more expensive than high-quality enthusiast three-CCD models. If you can handle the bottom-loading tape mechanism, the HDR-HC1 produces awesome-quality high-definition video for a truly mainstream price.

T3 (100)

Quibbles aside, the HC1 represents a great leap forward – both for knocking down the price of Hi-Def capture and for cramming it into a compact, easy-to-use product.

PC Advisor (90)

The HC1E isn’t perfect. The two biggest points against it are that it has a bottom-loading tape mechanism and a Sony-proprietary accessory shoe. But it’s still an amazing leap forward in video quality for the money.

TrustedReviews (90)

The HDR-HC1E is too expensive to appeal to even the top end of mainstream camcorder users. But, then again, if you fancy shooting HD right now, the only other options are at least twice the price. Considering the price isn’t far off a decent three-CCD semi-professional model, the HDR-HC1E’s price is actually quite amazing. And the video it shoots is absolutely stunning.

Luminous Landscape (90)

In video, the Sony HDR-HC1 may likely find itself regarded in the same way as was the Canon D30. Just as the D30 wasn’t the first DSLR (numerous Kodak models as well as the Nikon D1 proceeded it), so too the HC1 isn’t the first High Definition camcorder. But at less than $2,000, a size that allows it to fit in a jacket pocket, and image quality rivaling that of its brethren which can cost more than twice as much, it certainly will be regarded as a milestone camera.

Digital Media Thoughts (89)

If you have any intention to do high definition recordings in the future, I think this model is a no-brainer of a choice. For some, the price point might be a bit high, but it is coming down all the time and it is currently unmatched for features in this price range.

Tom's Hardware (86)

DV video is yesterday’s choice, with HD video delivering better quality by all measures. The level of visual detail is noticeably higher, as are sharpness and contrast. The electronic image stabilizer (Steady Shot) actually works, and shows its effectiveness on handheld footage. All of these attributes make it easy to recommend the Sony HC1 for video buffs already planning an upgrade from DV to HD resolution.

Computer Shopper (80)

The design and usability of the camcorder are excellent. It has an image stabiliser and a 10x optical zoom with excellent controls. The large 16:9 LCD is bright and has excellent viewing angles, though it cannot live up to the HD footage being recorded. Therefore for manual focus, the viewfinder is essential. Other manual controls include exposure, backlight and nightshot mode.

Digital Arts (80)

Much smaller and lighter than current HDV competition. High quality footage capture. Manual ring for zoom and focus. Touchscreen.

PC Mag (80)

Don’t be fooled by the disguise; the HDR-HC1 is the first consumer high-definition (HD) camcorder, and this is a watershed moment in home video. Sony still has some kinks to work out, but the video quality is absolutely breathtaking and dramatically better than any other consumer camcorder we’ve seen.

vnunet.com (80)

Easy to use, loaded with features and a great, low-cost introduction to HD.

CNET (72)

The Sony Handycam HDR-HC1 is a good first effort at a consumer HD camcorder, but only HD fanatics should consider it.

Good Gear Guide (70)

While not without its flaws, the Sony HDR-HC1 can claim the title of being first HDV camcorder available to mainstream consumers.

Computer Buyer (67)

The HC1 is undoubtedly an impressive camera – ignore its HDV capabilities and it’s still an excellent performer for the price. But is now the time to invest in HD? Unlike PAL, HD covers a range of formats, and it’s possible that Sony’s choice of 1080i (to use its technical name) could fall out of favour compared to the 720p and 1080p formats used elsewhere. As such, if you’re thinking of upgrading, it might be worth waiting a year to see if prices fall and standards settle down. However, if you can’t wait that long, the HC1 is at worst an extremely impressive MiniDV camera and at best, a ground-breaking HDV camera.