Sony DCRPC350 3MP MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

Amazon.com Product Description

Amazingly powerful yet incredibly compact, the DCR-PC350 Handycam camcorder puts the power of MiniDV in the palm of your hands. Its powerful 1/3-inch Advanced HAD (hole accumulation diode) CCD combines with the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 10x optical zoom lens to provide extraordinary digital video time after time. Combined with Memory Stick Duo media, it can even capture 3.0-megapixel photographs like a digital camera.

Other features include a 2.5-inch hybrid SwivelScreen LCD display with touch-panel capabilities, the Super NightShot infrared system for low-light image capture, and the Super SteadyShot image stabilization system for smooth imaging. The DCR-PC350 comes supplied with a Handycam station for convenient battery charging and easy video transfers to a TV, VCR, or personal computer.

MiniDV Format
The MiniDV format offers more precise image detail and color accuracy than previously possible with analog camcorders. The superior quality of digital video results from:

Higher resolution--up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution on select models, for sharper picture detail.
Component color sampling--preserves three times more color information than analog VHS and S-VHS video, for brighter and truer colors.
Time base correction--stabilizes the picture, eliminating video jitters.
Error correction--fills in missing video data, providing seamless, professional-looking video.

2.5-Inch Hybrid LCD Monitor
The high-resolution, 211K pixel design helps provide excellent viewing and image playback clarity. The hybrid system consists of a transmissive LCD combined with a reflective LCD. By turning off the LCD backlight, it captures more ambient light, virtually eliminating washout. Images are visible on the LCD even in the most challenging outdoor lighting conditions.

Professional-Quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens
Carl Zeiss T lens coatings are among some of the most advanced multilayer coating systems in the world, resulting in even less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation, and perfect rendition of subtle tones.

Easy Handycam Button
Using a camcorder can be intimidating for some people, so with a press of the Easy Handycam button, most of the advanced functions of the camcorder are "locked out," leaving only the buttons essential for recording operational.

Battery Information
Battery information is momentarily displayed without having to power on the camcorder. Quickly access the battery's status by pressing the Battery Info button. Recording time available is displayed in minutes either on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

i.LINK Digital Interface
Don't be content with life as it is. Improve your memories with digital video editing on a PC or digital VCR. Sony's i.LINK DV or MICROMV interface gives you true digital-to-digital editing, without the generation loss of analog editing. And the i.LINK interface is compatible with a range of Sony digital VCRs, Sony edit controllers, and Sony PCs with editing software.

MPEG Movie EX Mode
Unlike the earlier MPEG-1, MPEG Movie EX will allow you to record 320 x 240-resolution MPEG movies, uninterrupted up to the capacity of the Memory Stick Duo media. These movies are perfect for e-mailing to friends and family.

PictBridge Compatibility
Connect your PictBridge-compatible digital camera directly to a PictBridge-compatible digital photo printer via a USB cable to allow for simple photo printing without the need for a computer.

USB Streaming
Stay connected with family and friends by broadcasting live video with audio via the Internet with your USB interface. You can even play back your favorite recorded scenes. It's like having your own Web camera or video conferencing system.

And more:

3.0-Megapixel (Gross) Advanced HAD CCD Imager
The 1/3-inch Advanced HAD (hole accumulation diode) CCD imager with 2048K (effective) video pixels provides excellent detail and clarity, for exceptional digital video performance. Realize unprecedented digital still images with 3048K (effective) pixels. The technology enhances your digital-video (530 lines of horizontal resolution) and digital-photography performance.
10x Optical/120x Digital Zoom
The optical zoom helps to bring action up close from far away. In addition, digital zoom interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.
Handycam Station
Placing the DCR-PC350 on the supplied Handycam station provides a quick and easy connection between the camcorder and a TV/VCR for easy viewing, or a USB- or i.LINK-supported computer for video and still-image editing. It also supplies power to the camcorder for charging the battery.
Digital Still Memory Mode with Memory Stick Duo Media
Capture digital still images at 2,016 x 1,512, 1,600 x 1,200 or 640 x 480 pixels directly onto Memory Stick Duo media for easy transfer to PC's for e-mailing, printing, or sharing with other Memory Stick-compatible devices.
Progressive Shutter
A mechanical shutter system that provides progressive-scan performance while utilizing an interlace scanning system. Digital still images will be sharp and clear with excellent definition.
Super NightShot Infrared System and Color Slow Shutter
With Sony's NightShot Infrared system, capture video in total darkness (0 lux) up to 10 feet away. Super NightShot 0 Lux recording mode automatically adjusts the shutter speed to increase picture brightness and clarity. Color Slow Shutter mode allows you to record in low-light situations with full color detail by slowing down the shutter speed.
Analog-to-Digital Conversion with Pass-Through
Convert and/or record any analog NTSC video source to digital video via the analog inputs. Analog NTSC video can also be passed through the digital Handycam camcorder directly into a PC via the i.LINK interface, in real time, for easy PC editing of your analog footage.
InfoLithium Battery
Charge the battery at any time, because unlike NiCad (nickel-cadmium) batteries, Sony's rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are not subject to the life-shortening "memory effect." Sony's exclusive AccuPower meter displays battery time remaining in minutes, in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.
Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization System
An advanced version of Sony's SteadyShot system that controls an even higher range of shake and vibration frequencies, to achieve an even higher level of smoothness without degradation of video, like with some other image stabilization systems.
12-Bit/16-Bit PCM Digital Stereo
16-bit recording provides the same outstanding sound quality as on compact discs. 12-bit recording enables you to add an additional audio track with compatible audio-dubbing equipment or i.LINK* interface-compatible computers.
Picture Package Software
Easily create fun music videos with the supplied software.

Product Description

Amazingly powerful, yet incredibly compact, the DCR-PC350 Handycam camcorder puts the power of MiniDV in the palm of your hands. Its powerful 1/3" Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD combines with the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T 10x optical zoom lens to provide extraordinary digital video time after time. Combined with Memory Stick Duo media, it can even capture 3.0 Megapixel photographs like a digital camera.Other features include a 2.5" hybrid SwivelScreen LCD display with touch panel capabilities, Super NightShot infrared system for low-light image capture, and Super SteadyShot image stabilization system for smooth imaging. The DCR-PC350 comes supplied with a Handycam Station for convenient battery charging and easy video transfers to a TV, VCR or personal computer.

Customer Reviews:

Very good camcorder; mediocre on stills.......2007-08-26

I have had this device for about two years, and I am generally happy with it. The camcorder specs for video resolution are excellent (at least for one that was designed a few years ago). It is small enough to fit in a coat pocket or even a pants pocket of baggy pants, so it can go places another larger camera would be left behind.
The digital stills have disappointing quality. They seem to be better in good sunlight, or in a closeup indoors, but they are not comparable to what most people get from a digital still camera. One person told me that, although the stills are supposedly 3.0 MP, their quality is closer to what a 2.0 MP still camera would give. As explained to me, the problem apparently is the imaging device -- what works well for video does not work well for stills, and vice versa. Even as of August 2007, there are no combination cameras that do a great job on both video and stills.
My solution was that I eventually bought a Nikon Coolpix S10 6.0 MP digital still camera for taking stills where I want really high quality stills. The Nikon will also take video, but it is poor quality.

My first camcorder and I love it.......2005-03-16

Okay, so I don't have a lot of prior experiance for comparison but this camera was easy to use right out of the box and the more I learn how to use it the better it gets. Some people have faulted its small size but I love the fact that I can slip it in my pocket. It takes good quality video and the stills have been okay. As long as you don't blow them up too much the stills are fine, as good as I've seen on a lot of other 3MP cams.

What a great little camera.......2005-03-14

I have had this camera for about 2 months now and really have had no problems with it. I love the size. It is small enough to fit in my jacket pocket while skiing. Takes awesome pictures movies, even during extremely bright conditions while skiing. I have used this camera indoors as well and find it to do a great job. I love being able to film in widescreen mode and play movies back on the widescreen tv. The pictures are extremely clear. My only problem is with the whole docking station / charging the battery issue. I would suggest buying an extra battery charger / ac cable or a travel charger so as not to have to unhook all of your cables from your computer every time you travel. Overall, I am very happy witht his camera and would definately buy another one if the need arose.

A bit pricey, but a great camera overall........2005-01-16

The main reasons I purchased this camera were its size and its resolution. The camera is small enough to fit in my coat pocket, which means that I have it with me when I need it, and its 3MP resolution means that I can leave my digital camera at home. In fact, this camera has an F1.8 lens, which is as fast as you'll find on most full-size cameras, so it takes decent pictures indoors even without using the flash.

While I've been delighted with the size and still camera capabilities, there are a few other features that I think are great as well. The first is the option to use 16:9 video format if you want. I have a HDTV, and video shot in normal 4:3 format doesn't fill the screen unless it's stretched sideways, making everyone look fat. The 16:9 option of the DCR-PC350 allows you to shoot video that fills the screen like a real movie. You'll probably appreciate this even more in a few years when most TVs are widescreen.

A second useful, though not well documented, feature is the "seek to end" feature. If you've been reviewing what you've recorded and want to start recording again without overwriting something, you can use the "seek to end" to move quickly to the end of the recorded section.

Another reviewer complained about the inability to monitor sound levels during recording. This hasn't been a problem for me as I found I could just plug a set of headphones into the AV jack and hear what was being recorded. In fact, both the AV port and the s-video port are active when the camera's on, so you can watch and hear what you're recording using an external monitor and headphones (or speaker) if you want.

The camera has tons of other fancy features, all of which are accessible through the handy touch-screen display, but those above are my favorites.

The main complaints I have about this camera are:

1) The memory stick. The camera ships with a memory stick that's got a measly 16MB capacity, so plan on replacing it with a 256MB or 512MB stick straight away. In addition, the memory stick is this odd "memory stick duo" format that you have to insert into a larger adapter (supplied) to make it readable by a computer. Using a standard SD card, which is the same size as the duo anyway, would have been a better idea.

2) The software. The bundled video editing software is terrible. Plan on buying Adobe Premiere, or using Windows Movie Maker.

3) The cabling. You definitely want to use firewire rather than USB 2.0 for doing your video transfers if for no other reason than it provides almost 2x the transfer speed. In addition, some video editing software looks for cameras only on a firewire port. So plan on buying a firewire cable as well.

The need to immediately drop another hundred or two on accessories is the main reason I gave this camera 4 stars instead of 5.

Lastly, I'd also recommend getting the "BCTRF Compact Battery Charger for F Series Batteries" and the "Sony HVLS3D 3 Watt Video Light" The charger is only slightly bigger than the battery and saves you lugging the AC adapter around on vacation. The light is tiny and despite being only 3 watts can make a significant difference indoors if you're close to your subject.

No HEADPHONE JACK/ Manual Audio Level Control.......2004-09-15

Aside from the hoopla over its dock, 16 x 9 "WS" mode and so-called "24p" scan effect, Sony made the biggest blunder imaginable -- it eliminated the headphone jack with this camcorder and with it, a huge chunk of the prosumer/high end consumer camcorder user audience.

Basically, there's no way to gage even basic audio levels with this camera. if you're recording an interview, how do you know the audio isn't peaking? If you want to test playback audio, how can you without hooking this thing up to a TV?

Sony's R&D were flat out stoned the day they overlooked this feature; either that, or completely and utterly naive. They should look at the closest matchbox competitor -- the Canon Optura's -- and learn a thing or two about headphone jacks and audio levels....

Product Description

Nikon is a precision optical company with worldwide manufacturing, research and marketing capabilities. The Nikon name is equated with extraordinary photographic performance, innovation, precision and optical quality.PRODUCT FEATURES:100% Waterproof/Fogproof;Phase-correction coated high index prisms;Fully multicoated lenses for bright, clear images;Ultra rugged, rubber-armored design;Twist-up eyecups for easy viewing;Long eye-relief for eyeglass wearers.

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	MiniDV Format The MiniDV format offers more precise image detail and color accuracy than previously possible with analog camcorders. The superior quality of digital video results from: Higher resolution--up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution on select models, for sharper picture detail. Component color sampling--preserves three times more color information than analog VHS and S-VHS video, for brighter and truer colors. Time base correction--stabilizes the picture, eliminating video jitters. Error correction--fills in missing video data, providing seamless, professional-looking video.
	2.5-Inch Hybrid LCD Monitor The high-resolution, 211K pixel design helps provide excellent viewing and image playback clarity. The hybrid system consists of a transmissive LCD combined with a reflective LCD. By turning off the LCD backlight, it captures more ambient light, virtually eliminating washout. Images are visible on the LCD even in the most challenging outdoor lighting conditions.
	Professional-Quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens Carl Zeiss T lens coatings are among some of the most advanced multilayer coating systems in the world, resulting in even less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation, and perfect rendition of subtle tones.
	Easy Handycam Button Using a camcorder can be intimidating for some people, so with a press of the Easy Handycam button, most of the advanced functions of the camcorder are "locked out," leaving only the buttons essential for recording operational.
	Battery Information Battery information is momentarily displayed without having to power on the camcorder. Quickly access the battery's status by pressing the Battery Info button. Recording time available is displayed in minutes either on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
	i.LINK Digital Interface Don't be content with life as it is. Improve your memories with digital video editing on a PC or digital VCR. Sony's i.LINK DV or MICROMV interface gives you true digital-to-digital editing, without the generation loss of analog editing. And the i.LINK interface is compatible with a range of Sony digital VCRs, Sony edit controllers, and Sony PCs with editing software.
	MPEG Movie EX Mode Unlike the earlier MPEG-1, MPEG Movie EX will allow you to record 320 x 240-resolution MPEG movies, uninterrupted up to the capacity of the Memory Stick Duo media. These movies are perfect for e-mailing to friends and family.
	PictBridge Compatibility Connect your PictBridge-compatible digital camera directly to a PictBridge-compatible digital photo printer via a USB cable to allow for simple photo printing without the need for a computer.
	USB Streaming Stay connected with family and friends by broadcasting live video with audio via the Internet with your USB interface. You can even play back your favorite recorded scenes. It's like having your own Web camera or video conferencing system.