HD Video in 2005: Sony HDR-HC1 1080i HDV Camcorder Retrospective Review

In 2005, HD video was just beginning to take a slow but steady foothold in the consumer market. Released in 2004, the JVC GRH-D1 was the first ever HD camcorder that recorded to regular MiniDV tapes--otherwise referred to as an HDV camcorder. Not one to be outdone, Sony then came out with the HDR-HC1 a year later that, unlike the JVC, recorded full 1440x1080i resolution video (as opposed to the JVC's 720p limit).

The built-in stereo microphone is hands-down the best I've ever heard. With the right amount of light, the video quality is phenomenal. The formfactor feels like an amalgamation of the best of consumer and prosumer camcorders, and the lineup of features (like Shot Transition) it sports echo that sentiment.

In spite of the fact that the HC1 is just about to celebrate its 18th birthday, both the video and audio quality can live up to--and maybe even exceed, in certain cases--modern standards.

00:00 Introducing the HDR-HC1
00:24 Lens Hood & Lens
00:48 NightShot
01:05 Manual Focus & Zoom Ring
01:28 Tele Macro, Expanded Focus & Back Light Compensation
01:52 Exposure & Volume Adjustment
02:11 Stereo Microphones
02:21 Xenon Flash
02:28 Two Different Models
02:58 Active Interface Shoe
03:10 Mic In/Headphone Out
03:13 Memory Stick
03:23 Zoom Rocker & Photo Button
03:27 LANC Jack
03:30 Wrist Strap
03:41 InfoLithium M Batteries
04:08 I/O
04:29 Screen
04:50 Color Viewfinder
05:02 OSD, Shot Trans Demo & Mic Levels
06:41 Menus
07:19 Playback Mode
07:53 Memory Mode
08:09 Test Footage: Wide Angle Lens, Accessories, & Stereo Separation
12:44 Wrap-Up
13:21 P.S. Shoulder Strap

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