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HDR-HC3 HDV 1080i Handycam® Camcorder
Model number:
HDR-HC3
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
ADDITIONAL IMAGES:
- Position 2 Features
- Position 3 Specifications
- Position 5 Reviews
- Position 6 Accessories
- Position 7 Compatability
1/3" ClearVid CMOS Sensor provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (1080 lines of resolution - HD Mode or 530 lines of horizontal resolution - SD Mode) and still image performance (4.0 Megapixel). Unlike traditional CCD Imagers, CMOS Sensors require less power, providing better battery performance.
Sony developed a Real Time MPEG Encode/Decode system with reduced energy consumption and compact size to fit inside a personal camcorder. This engine provides efficient MPEG2 compression, and recording and playback of clear HD images at the same bit rate of the DV format, so that High Definition video can be recorded on the same MiniDV cassettes as are used for SD recording.
The 2.7" Wide (16:9) LCD screen provides excellent viewing clarity with imporoved resoltuion. The 211K pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback, and the widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.
While recording video in High Definition you have the ability to capture a 2.3 Megapixel still image directly to Memory Stick Duo™ media.
Perfect for creating your own movie masterpieces, the HDR-HC3 Cinematic mode lends 24 frame film-like effect to your recordings.
Active Interface Shoe
Provides a location directly on the camcorder on which to add optional accessories while providing power and two-way communication to those accessories.
Fader Effect(s)
Enhance your personal videos by adding professional looking fader effects. Choose from Black, Mosaic, Monotone, and White.
InfoLITHIUM® Battery with AccuPower™ Meter System1
Charge the battery at anytime because unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony's rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening "Memory Effect". Sony's exclusive AccuPower™ meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.
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.
Professional Quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T Lens
Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating that offers less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation and perfectg renditions of subtle tones. The additional T coating on the lens further reduces unwanted glare and flare.
Digital Still Memory Mode with Memory Stick Duo™ Media3
Capture still images up to 2304x1728 resolution, directly onto Memory Stick Duo™ Media for easy trasfer to PCs for emailing, printing or shairing with other compatible Memory Stick™ devices.
Super SteadyShot® Image Stabilization System
Picture stabilization system that uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for camera "shake" without compromising picture quality like some other digital stabilization systems.
Tele Macro Function
Useful for shooting close up shots, but without having the camcorder casting a shadow on the subject. Images shot in the Tele Macro Mode will have the subject properly focused with the background unfocussed so that the subject stands out.
Super NightShot® Infrared System
With Sony's NightShot® infrared system, capture video in total darkeness (0 lux) up to 10 feet away. Super NightShot mode automatically adjusts the shutter speed to increase picture brightness and clarity. Color Slow Shutter mode allows you to record in low light situations with full color detail by slowing down the shutter speed.
Picture Effects
Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony's Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Monotone, Mosaic, Negative Art, Pastel, Sepia, Skin Tone and Solarize. Effects available in Playback mode: Monotone, Mosaic, Negative Art, Pastel, Sepia, Skin Tone and Solarize.
From the innovators in camcorder technology, Sony’s HDR-HC3 camcorder is the industry's smallest and lightest HDV1080i consumer level camcorder and player (as of February 1, 2006). Now you can record all your memories in true high-definition video.
10X Optical / 80XDigital Zoom
The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, the Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.
By increasing the record rate from 60 fields per second (fps) to 240 fps for 3 seconds allowing you to capture 3 seconds of fast motion and play the video back in 12 seconds. This is great for analyzing a golf swing or a viewing a bird inflight.
Built into the lens body of the camera, the assignable dial can be used not only for focus or exposure, but may also be customized by the user to control Auto Exposure (AE) Shift, Exposure, Focus and White Balance (WB) Shift. In playback mode it allows you to control the volume.
i.LINK® Interface (IEEE1394)2
A high speed bi-directional digital video/audio communication between two compatible devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, including camcorders, digital VCRs, and PCs.
For added clarity and detail when taking pictures in low-light situations, the built-in flash improves pictures and reduces shadows.
Program AE (Auto Exposure) Modes
Program AE modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Beach & Ski, Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, and Sunset & Moon.
Product Specifications
Hardware
- Light/Flash : Yes
- Docking Station : N/A
Audio
- Microphone : Yes (Built-in)
Convenience Features
- Low Light Capability : Super NightShot®
- Digital Picture Effect(s) : Cinematic Effect, Flash Motion, Old Movie, Still, Trail
- Fader Effect(s) : Black, Monotone, Mosaic, White
- Picture Effect(s) : Monotone, Mosaic, Negative Art, Pastel, Sepia, Skin Tone, Solarization
- Movie Mode(s) : N/A
- PictBridge Compatible : Yes
- Easy Operation : Yes
- Multiple Language Display : Yes
- Slide Show Mode : Yes
- Tilting : N/A
Inputs and Outputs
- Analog Audio/Video Output(s) : Yes (Multi A/V)
- Analog Audio/Video Input(s) : N/A
- Digital Audio/Video Output(s) : Yes (via i.LINK®)2
- Digital Audio/Video Input(s) : Yes (via i.LINK®)2
- USB Port(s) : Yes (1.1 compliant)
- Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output(s) : Yes
- HDMI™ Connection Output(s) : Yes
- Headphone Jack : N/A
- Microphone Input : N/A
- i.LINK® Interface : Yes2
- LANC Terminal : Yes (Stereo Mini)
- S-Video Input(s) : N/A
- S-Video Output(s) : Yes (via optional accessory)
- Remote Jack : N/A
Video
- Analog-to-Digital Converter : N/A
- Format : HDV 1080i and MiniDV
General
- Imaging Device : 1/3" 2100K Gross Pixels ClearVid™ CMOS Sensor
- Pixel Gross : 2100K
- Video Actual : 1434K Pixels (16:9), 1076K Pixels (4:3)
- Still Actual : 1493K Pixels (16:9), 1991K Pixels (4:3)
- Recording Media : MiniDV Cassette, Memory Stick Duo™ Media, Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media (sold separately)
- Recording and Playback Times : High Definition: up to 60 minutes; Standard Definition: SP= up to 60 min., LP= up to 90 min.
Service and Warranty Information
- Limited Warranty Term : 1 Year Parts; 90 Days Labor
Optics/Lens
- Lens Type : Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T
- 35mm Equivalent : 41.3-485mm (16:9 Camera Mode), 50.5-594mm (4:3 Camera Mode), 40.4-404mm (16:9 Memory Mode), 37-370mm (4:3 Memory Mode)
- Aperture : f1.8-2.9
- Digital Zoom : 80X
- Filter Diameter : 30mm
- Focal Distance : 5.1-51mm; 370mm; Telemacro
- Focus : Full Range Auto/Manual (Assignable Dial)
- Progressive Shutter Mode : N/A
- Shutter Speed : Auto, 1/20 - 1/500 (AE Mode)
- Minimum Illumination : 5 Lux (0 Lux with Super NightShot® Infrared System)
- Optical Zoom : 10X
- Exposure : Touch Panel (24 steps)
- Resolution : 2MP
Software
- Supplied Software : N/A
Weights and Measurements
- Weight (Approx.) : 1 lb 5 oz (600g) with tape and battery
- Dimensions (Approx.) : 3 1/4" x 3 1/8" x 5 1/2" (82 x 78 x 139mm)
Power
- Battery Type : InfoLITHIUM® with AccuPower™ Meter System (NP-FP60)
- Power Consumption (in Operation) : 4.1W/4.4W - HDV; 3.9W/4.2W - DV (VF/LCD)
Convenience
- Image Stabilization : Yes (Electronic)
- Memory Stick PRO™ Media Compatibility : Tested to support up to 2GB media capacity; does not support high speed transfer function; does not support Access Control security function.
- Still Image Mode(s) : JPEG
- Scene Mode(s) : Beach & Ski, Landscape, Portrait, SpotLight, Sunset & Moon
- USB Streaming : N/A
- Accessory Shoe : Yes (Active Interface Shoe)
- White Balance : Auto/Outdoor/Indoor/One Push
Display
- LCD Screen : 2.7" (211K Pixels) Wide (16:9) Touch Panel SwivelScreen™ Clear Photo LCD plus™ Display
- Viewfinder : Color, 123K Pixels
In the Box
- Wireless Remote Commander® Remote Control (RMT-831)
- USB Cable
- Power Adaptor/ In Camera Charger (AC-L200)
- A/V Cable
- InfoLITHIUM® Rechargeable Battery (NP-FP60)
- Component Video Cable
Camcorder Cable
-
1.4 Meter Mini Plug to USB Cable
$19.99
-
High Grade Multi-connect A/V Cable
$39.99
-
Handycam® Component Video Cable
$49.99
-
Handycam® Audio Video Cable
$19.99
Camcorder Case
-
Shoulder Belt
$9.99
-
Soft Carrying Case
$249.99
-
Camcorder Carrying Pouch
$34.99
-
Carrying Case
$49.99
Camcorder Flash/Light
-
3-Watt Video Light
$39.99
-
Infrared Light
$99.99
-
Combination Video Light and Flash
$149.99
-
Combination Video and Infrared Light
$99.99
Camcorder Kit
-
MiniDV Camcorder Starter Kit
$79.99
-
Accessory Kit
$99.99
-
Accessory Value Kit
$114.99
-
Accessory Kit
$99.99
Camcorder Power
-
DC Car Battery Adapter
$69.99
-
BC-TRP InfoLithium® H and P Series Portable Battery Charger
$59.99
-
Portable Handycam® AC Adaptor
$49.99
Camcorder Battery
-
InfoLithium® H Series Battery Pack
$99.99
-
InfoLithium® H Series Super Battery Pack
$159.99
-
InfoLithium® H Series Battery Pack
$59.99
Camcorder Wide Angle Lens
-
Wide Angle Camcorder Lens
$99.99
-
0.7x Wide Conversion Lens for 30mm
$199.99
Lens & Filters
-
0.7x Wide Angle Converter Lens - 30/37mm
$199.99
Accessories Outlet
View All 9 products-
REFURBISHED - LCS-BBA Camcorder Carrying Pouch LCS-BBA
$26.49
-
REFURBISHED - Camcorder Accessory Kit
$59.99
-
REFURBISHED - NP-FH70 InfoLITHIUM® H Series Stamina Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-FH70
$49.95
-
REFURBISHED - NP-FH50 InfoLITHIUM® H Series Standard Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-FH50
$29.95
-
REFURBISHED - Lightweight Tripod
$26.49
-
REFURBISHED - ACC-FH70 Accessory Value Kit ACC-FH70
$82.79
-
REFURBISHED - VCL-HG0730X 30mm 0.7X High Grade Wide Angle Conversion Lens
$129.99
-
REFURBISHED - NP-FH100 Info LITHIUM® H Series Super Stamina Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-FH100
$79.95
-
REFURBISHED - ACC-DVH MiniDV Camcorder Starter Kit ACC-DVH
$63.99
Camcorder Telephoto Lens
-
1.7x Telephoto Conversion Lens
$199.99
Camcorder Lens Filters
-
30mm Polarizing Filter Kit
$69.99
-
30mm Neutral Density Filter Kit
$29.99
Voice Recorders & Microphones Outlet
-
REFURBISHED - Shotgun Microphone
$39.99
Camcorder Microphone
-
Wireless Microphone
$229.99
-
High-Fidelity Stereo Microphone
$99.99
-
Shotgun Microphone
$69.99
Tripod/Remote Control
View All 10 products-
Portable Tripod Kit
$19.99
-
Tripod with Remote
$99.99
-
Tripod
$129.99
-
VCT-R100
$34.99
-
Remote Control Tripod
$499.99
-
Tripod
$179.99
-
Handycam® Accessory Shoe Adaptor
$14.99
-
Remote Commander
$49.99
-
Tripod
$79.99
-
Lightweight Tripod
$49.99
GPS Device for Cameras & Camcorders
-
GPS Image Tracker
$149.99
Discontinued Models
View All 24 products-
23" LCD Flat Panel HD-Ready TV
$1199.99
-
42" Grand WEGA™ 3LCD Rear Projection HDTV
$1599.99
-
19" LCD Flat Panel HD-Ready TV
-
40" BRAVIA® XBR® LCD Flat Panel HDTV
$2999.99
-
40" BRAVIA LCD HD Television
$2299.99
-
20" Flat Panel LCD PC/TV Display
-
32" BRAVIA® LCD Flat Panel HD Monitor
$1399.99
-
34" FD Trinitron® WEGA® XBR® HDTV
$999.99
-
19" Flat Panel LCD PC/TV Display
-
17" Widescreen Flat Panel LCD PC/TV Display
-
60" Grand WEGA™ SXRD™ Rear Projection HDTV
$3999.99
-
50" Grand WEGA™ SXRD™ Rear Projection HDTV
$2999.99
-
50" Grand WEGA™ 3LCD Rear Projection HDTV
$1999.99
-
60" Grand WEGA™ 3LCD Rear Projection HDTV
$2899.99
-
55" Grand WEGA™ 3LCD Projection HDTV
$3699.99
-
36" FD Trinitron® WEGA® HDTV
$1499.99
-
32" BRAVIA® XBR® LCD Flat Panel HDTV
$1999.99
-
26" BRAVIA® XBR® LCD Flat Panel HDTV
$1699.99
-
55" Grand WEGA™ 3LCD Rear Projection HDTV
$2299.99
-
32" Class BRAVIA LCD HD Television (31.5" diagonal)
$1499.99
-
26" BRAVIA LCD HD Television
$1299.99
-
46" BRAVIA LCD HD Television
$2999.99
-
40" BRAVIA® LCD Flat Panel HD Monitor
$2199.99
-
34" Widescreen FD Trinitron® WEGA® HDTV
$1699.99
Product Reviews
Write a review( Rated 5 out of 5 Stars AVERAGE RATING | 1 REVIEWS Ratings Snapshot)
1 of 1 (100%) customers would recommend this product to a friend
Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Reviewer: AncientGeek (Richmond, VT)
Date: May 21, 2009
I've had this product for 1-2 years
5of 7 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?
Great Camera
Pros: Compact, Fantastic Video
Cons: I need to find a good way to get the video to my PC
I am surprised there are no reviews on this camera yet. I have had mine since at least Halloween of 2007 and I love it. I can pull it out quickly and take rock solid HD videos. The zoom is very smooth, the steady-shot makes me look like a pro (or at least semi-pro) cameraman. The camera is very compact. I have a LowePro TLZ2 camera bag. This bag is made for an SLR camera with a long lens. I place the HDR-HC3 at the bottom of the lens cavity followed by a cushioned pad and I can still fit my Nikon D200 with the 18-200 zoom lens in the bag. As a result I can grab one small bag and have an amazingly capable set of tools for capturing stills and video wherever I go. Though I have not used the nightshot feature, I have played with it and it is impressive. It is also very handy to have the ability to snap a quick 4 megapixel digital photo without changing cameras. If I had to grab just one device and run, this would be it.
- Actual battery life may vary based on product settings, usage patterns and environmental conditions. Designed for use with compatible Sony InfoLITHIUM® batteries.
- i.LINK is a trademark of Sony, used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connector. All products with an IEEE1394 connector may not communicate with each other.
- Available storage capacity of Memory Stick and Memory Stick PRO media may vary. A portion of the memory is used for data management functions. Actual available memory in MB's is: 8=7.5, 16=15, 32=30, 64=61, 128=123, 256=220, 512=460, 1GB=940MB, 2GB=1.85GB
©2006 Sony Electronics Inc.
Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. All rights reserved. Sony, Advanced HAD, CineFrame, Handycam, i.LINK, InfoLITHIUM, like.no.other, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, NightShot, Remote Commander, SteadyShot, SwivelScreen and worryfreedigital are trademarks of Sony. Carl Zeiss and Vario-Sonnar are trademarks of Carl Zeiss. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Features and specifications subject to change without notice. Non-metric weights and measures are approximate.
Screen Images Simulated