Sony PC3 DV camcorder - should you snap it up? (Sony Handycam DCR-PC5)

Member Name: jonyee

Product:	Sony Handycam DCR-PC5
Date:	11/05/02 (1598 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: compact, digital quality, very handy

Disadvantages: lacks all features, 500g heavy for its size, chubby

Looking for my first camcorder last week, I was presented with a wealth of options from traditional Digital 8 Video cameras to the new modern Digital Video camcorders. After some preliminary research on the Internet, I found that the general concensus was that Sony offered both superior picture quality and sound.

I can whole heartly agree with this assessment, the picture is cystal clear in comparision to other camcorders, and while the microphone is placed on the top of the camcorder, it is remarkable how is manages to pick up sound (although on occasion a little too much background sound).

I opted to the PC6E, an evolution from the highly acclaimed PC5, which was the first in the new generation of micro camcorders. The camera itself is compact and can truely fit in a handbag (that is if you don't put it in a case), however, it is...well I little chubby if you want to call it that, weighing about 500g it isn't as light as you may expect from such a small piece of equipment, but it is ten times easier that the old style camcorder.

For those who are into gadgets like me, then it does hold the wow factor, with a touch screen menu and 2.5 LCD, it has the capablitlies to impress. However, if you are feeling rich, then the PC9 offers the same high quality picture, with some added toys such as taking picture (although only .0.5 megapixel), Mpegs and a DV in and out. The next generation of Sony cameras also have the fuction to email as well (according to the Dixons salesman).

This petite camera is great if you just want something to film your holidays and capture your memories. If you don't want to carry around something which needs its own suitcase and use the camera as an accessory not a main feature, then this is one of the best cameras you can buy. Especially since the new models are coming out which means lower prices all round.

Other features include 10x optical 120x digital zoom, night vision, 90 min bat
tery (takes about 90 min to charge) and touch screen menu.

I purchased an accessory kit from amazon which included a spare battery, bag and tape for around 50 pounds, when the battery alone would normally cost about the same. The bag is snug and not too oversized, but it does mean that you can't fit the camera in your handbag (if you have one - and I dont! :-))

There is also the ability to use a DV lead to connect the camera to a computer for editing (not tried this yet), the standard SVideo and other wires are of course possible.

To conclude, good value, good quality, slightly chubby, lacks some of the toys in the later and more expensive models. A recommended buy. Mine cost 730 pounds from Dixons, but I will use my Barclaycard price match to reduce this to 630 pounds from the Dixons web site.

Have fun filming

Jonathan

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