Sony's HDR-HC1 HDV 1080i Handycam Camcorder

[Chris Gohlke]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1860693,00.asp?kc=PCRSS02129TX1K0000530' target='_blank'>http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1860693,00.asp?kc=PCRSS02129TX1K0000530</a><br /><br /></div><i>"At first glance, Sony's HDR-HC1 HDV 1080i Handycam Camcorder looks like a regular mild-mannered digital camcorder. 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."</i> <br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/0,1425,i=114179,00.jpg" /> <br /><br />The camera is absolutely sweet, but there are definitely a few chinks in the overall package. But if you are a regular to this site, they are probably nothing insurmountable, just remember that you will need a rather expensive software package to be able to edit this video and you will have to wait for high def DVDs to be able to store this in an optical format.

[klinux]

you will need a rather expensive software package to be able to edit this video

Does iMovie HD, part of the $79 iLife package, not work with the HDR-HC1's format? Some might argue that one's has to buy into Apple hardware to get that but I figure a consumer who might buy HDR-HC1 can afford a Mac too.

[Chris Gohlke]

If it is capable of editing HD, as I would assume it is from the name, it should work and that would be a cheaper option for Mac users.

[Philip Colmer]

It might be worth noting (as mentioned in the article) that the HC1 can export its hi-def footage in DV format. On the face of it, this might not seem to be a great option but, in reality, it means that you can start using it today, capturing everything in glorious 1080i HDV format, but you can also edit it today using a regular DV-compatible video system.

Then, later on, when you upgrade your editing system and you've got a BD or HDVD system, you can re-capture the footage in HDV format and relive the memories in high definition.

--Philip