Compare Prices : Sony HVR-A1E - Expert Reviews

Review summary: Sony introduces the Sony Handycam HDR-HC1, the world's smallest and lightest high-definition consumer camcorder with full HD resolution based on HDV 1080i. The ultracompact HDR-HC1 Handycam camco...

Award: Recommended!

Review summary: If you can't wait for Sky to start broadcasting high definition content, why not just shoot your own?

Verdict: The HDR-HC1E is too expensive to appeal to even the top end of mainstream camcorder users. But, then again, if you fancy shooting HD right now, the only other options are at least twice the price. The cost benefits of the CMOS technology also lead us ...

Award: Editor's Choice!

Review summary: Video Recording Format: DV Tape, CCDType: Single CMOS Chip

Pros: Incredible video quality. Great sound.

Cons: Expensive. Most users will need to invest in new hardware to store and play high-definition video. No software included for HD video editing. Image stabilization isn't powerful enough.

Verdict: Though it certainly isn't perfect, Sony's HDR-HC1 puts HD in your hand and takes home movies to a whole new level.

Review summary: Make tomorrow's television today.

Pros: Hi-Def picture quality; Simple interface; Compact for an HD model

Cons: No HDMI output; Too pricey for amateurs

Verdict: Thanks to a 2.8-megapixel sensor, this unit can actually shoot Hi-Def video in the larger 1080i size - that's an amazing resolution of 1,920 x 1,080

Review summary: A good first effort at a consumer hi-def camcorder, but only hi-def fanatics should really consider it

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

Cons: Only interlaced hi-def video, no 720p ; some design quirks ; some autofocus glitches