Sony DCRPC330 MiniDV 3.3-Megapixel Handycam Camcorder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)the pc-330 is the new top of the line consumer camcorder from sony. it's fully-loaded and ready to take on video and still picture duties.
pros:
- all those megapixels are put to good use - this camcorder produces excellent video.
- a whopping 3MP still capability.
- best still pics from a camcorder to date.
- miniDV media is widely supported.
- great connectivity options: firewire, USB, S-video, headphone, mic input, etc.
- carl zeiss lens.
- steady shot (sony's image stabilization system - and it works!) and night shot.
- built in pop-up flash for taking photos.
- hologram AF system, which allows you to focus in pitch darkness (still pictures only).
- ability to record mpeg videos directly to memory stick.
- progressive shutter system.
- supports Memory Stick Pro cards, which have a maximum capacity of 1GB.
- supports add-on lenses.
- accessory hot shoe is compatible with sony's external flashes and other accessories.
- very low motor noise.
- compact for the features: 2.4 x 4.8 x 4.5" weighing 1.3lbs.
cons:
- disappointing low-light performance.
- 2.5" LCD - it would have been nice to get a bigger 3.5" LCD.
- no built in video light but you can get a flash/video combo light for less than a hundred bucks.
- viewfinder extends but does not tilt.
- mic placement is on top of camcorder (same as most vertical camcorders) which means it picks up the videographer's voice more readily.
- higher capacity batteries are bigger than what was supplied and WILL protrude sideways from this camcorder's body, making holding this unit a bit awkward.
- bottom-loading cassette mechanism - you will have to remove the camcorder from the tripod when it's time to load a new tape.
- very easy to cover the IR emitter on the front of the camera so watch those fingers.
- as with most sony products, you pay a premium, pushing up the price.
- the included 16MB memory stick is a throwaway. be prepared to shell out more money for more memory.
this camcorder's target are those of us who want one device for both video and still pics, and have the money to spend. the video part is covered very well by the pc-330 but still pics will still fall short of a decent 2MP-3MP dedicated digital camera. although bundling the camcorder and still camera together means you only have to carry one piece of equipment, it also means that if one breaks, you have to replace both.
if bundling a camcorder and a still camera in one device is critical for you, the pc-330 certainly fits the bill. i would also recommend checking out the panasonic dv-953 (3CCDs and less expensive than the pc-330).
as an alternate to this bundling strategy, you can get a lesser camcorder (say a panasonic gs70 or sony trv33 or sony pc-105) and a canon a70 still camera and actually spend less than if you bought the pc-330.
i hope this helps you with your buying decision. peace.

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