Sony HDR-HC1 Review |
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Design
The interface will be familiar to anyone who's used a Sony 'corder in recent years. The power, playback and memory card/tape controls are all accessed using a single jog dial, while there are separate buttons for photo and video-recording and a toggle for the zoom. Most playback and menu options are activated via the touchscreen.
Features
If we had a complaint, it would be that there's no digital cable supplied for direct hook-up to an HD-ready telly - you only get a component lead in the box. It's also still too expensive, unless you really want to be the next Tim Burton.
HDV (1080i) video capture
MiniDV
2.8 megapixels
10x optical, 120x digital zoom
2.7-inch, 16:9 touchscreen LCD
Stereo audio
Memory Stick PRO Duo slot
Flash
71 x 94 x 188mm
Performance
As you'd expect from an HD model, the detail is incredible and the vibrancy of the colours is astounding. Even at PAL resolution for display on normal UK tellies, the HC1's footage reveals more than most rivals' efforts - and viewed in all its Hi-Def glory, it's breathtaking. Be warned, though: it'll pick up every blemish on a person's face, so your friends won't thank you for zooming in on crow's feet or hairy moles and then showing them to people on a 42-inch plasma.
