“Camcorderinfo”:http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Sony-HDR-HC3-Camcorder-Review.htm highlights the new HC3 and says ironically the older “HDR-HC1”:http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Sony-HCR-HC1-Review.htm is a better unit for prosumers because. See the “Sony HDV Info”:http://sonyhdvinfo.com/ and “intechspot”:http://intechspot.blogspot.com/2006/03/sony-hdr-hc3-review.html for more data, but the “HC1”:http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Sony_Handycam_HDR_HC1_Mini_DV_Digital_Camcorder,__9108731/sort_type=bottomline is about $1350 and still available while the “HC3”:http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Sony_Handycam_HDR_HC3_Mini_DV_Digital_Camcorder,__9108731/sort_type=bottomline is about $1250 right now:
* The HC1 is less sharpened, you also need to switch the HC3 to “-2” color to desaturate the colors to make it more accurate
* The HC3 does have somewhat higher resolution than the HC1 at 3.42 megapixels per frame vs. 3.15
* The HC1 has external controls and a microphone jack which the HC3 deleted
* The HC1 has a nicer pivoting viewfinder.
* Lowlight performance was similarly execellent from both models
* The HC3 is a litle shorter at 82mmx78x139m and weighs a hefty 500 grams without the battery (600g with) and is about 1/3 smaller and that’s a big advantage for more casual users whereas the HC1 was 188mm long and 680 grams (780g with), so it is much lighter.
