Sony HVR-A1E - Expert Reviews

Pros: Affordable HD camcorder

Cons: No progressive scan, some design faults

Verdict: While not without its flaws, the Sony HDR-HC1 can claim the title of being first HDV camcorder available to mainstream consumers

Review summary: This is turning into a huge year for camcorders. On the one hand, tape is under threat from DVD and hard-disk-based alternatives. But on the other, it has received a new lease of life from Sony's new HDV (high-definition video) models.

Verdict: The HC1E isn't perfect. The two biggest points against it are that it has a bottom-loading tape mechanism and a Sony-proprietary accessory shoe. But it's still an amazing leap forward in video quality for the money.

Review summary: A good first effort at a consumer HD camcorder, but only HD fanatics should really consider it.

Pros: High-resolution video ; compact design ; excellent viewfinder ; versatile features

Cons: Only interlaced HD video, no 720p ; some design quirks ; some autofocus glitches

Review summary: Sony HDR-HC1EHigh Definition video at a low price and a good quality

Pros: Outstanding video ; easy to use

Cons: High Definition requires specialist applications

Verdict: Easy to use, loaded with features and a great, low-cost introduction to HD

Award: Best Buy!

Review summary: The HDR-HC1 is the little brother of the HDR-FX1. It drops the FX1's 3CCDs in favour of a single CMOS sensor, and shrinks the body size and weight down to that of a traditional consumer handheld.

Pros: Much smaller and lighter than current HDV competition. High quality footage capture. Manual ring for zoom and focus. Touchscreen.

Cons: Single sensor. No XLR inputs. Built-in mic picks up tape noise.

Verdict: The HC1E did a great job adjusting to transitions from light to dark and produced a clean, low-noise result when shooting in lower light indoors, a result helped by Sony's Enhanced Imaging Processor