CamcorderInfo got their hands on the Sony HDR-HC1, the first ‘affordable’ High-Definition Video camcorder available. For around two grand (or less, even), you can get a true HD camera with tons of features, including a touchscreen interface, decent (but slightly limiting) manual controls, and the ability to shoot still pictures, as well. It uses a CMOS sensor instead of the 3CCD setup of its older brother, the HDR-FX1, but according the review, it’s really not that big of a deal.
There are downsides—a proprietary accessory shoe limits upgrades and recording in HDV requires a higher-than-average quality tape—but for being the very first small, consumer HD camcorder, it sounds like Sony has hit it out of the park.
Sony HDR-HC1 HDV Camcorder Review [CamcorderInfo]
