Toys you got to have!
Written: Jun 29 '02 (Updated Jun 30 '02)
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Pros: Compact design. Functions and adjustments. Only weights 1 lb. 4 oz.
Cons: Price. Hard to zoom. Awkward to hold.
The Bottom Line: If you are on the go alot and do not want to lug around a big camcorder, then this camcorder is for you.
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| acuratl's Full Review: Sony Handycam DCR-PC120BT Mini DV Digital Camcorde... |
First off, let me tell you that I am an electronics nut. I don't care how much it is, if it is new and it is from Sony, I am there. Also, we just have our newborn boy and I want the best pictures/movies we can take. As for the pictures, I just purchased the highly rated Sony DSC-F707, you can read about that in my review. As for home videos, I just bought the DCR-PC110 about a year ago and when I saw the DCR-PC120 came out, I had to have it.
What can I say about this camcorder. It fits in your pocket, battery is decent about 2 hours of continuous shooting with LCD off (upgradable to 8 hours) and it is VERY easy to use. The auto focus is really quick and accurate. But for those that like to manual focus, there is a ring outside the Carl Zeiss lens for you to adjust. However, I've never use the manual focus and do not find it necessary to. The 2.5" LCD is very useful, since this camcorder is so small, sometimes it is difficult to shoot while you peek in the viewfinder. Also, you can flip the LCD so it faces what you are shooting, so the people can see what they look like on camera. This is great for kids, when they see themselves on camera, they will usually act more silly.
I had both the DCR-PC110 and DCR-PC120 together for about a week before I sold my DCR-PC110 so I was able to compare the both.
First off, the DCR-PC110 has about 520 lines of resolution compared to DCR-PC120's 530 lines, both using the Carl Zeiss T lens. 10 more lines doesn't sound like much, but somehow, the DCR-PC120 is more clear and sharp. Sony might've did some tuning on the lens or something because the picture is more crisp and lively. Also, if you do not have a separate digital camera, the DCR-PC120 takes pretty decent ones. It has 1.55 Megapixel CCD capability (1360 x 1020)compared to only (1152 X 864) on the DCR-PC110, good enough for brilliant 5" X 7" prints. Also, new for this model is the infared laser focus at low light situation. When you are shooting at very low light or dim area, it will project a zig zag laser to help the camera focus so the pictures won't be out of focus. If you are in the Sony family, I am sure you have many memory sticks. Good thing is that this camera also has a memory stick slot, so you can save the digital photos, along with MPEG movies.
The 10X optical zoom is pretty nice for such a small camcorder. And it also does 120X digital zoom, the old one only has 40X digital zoom. Unless you really want to capture something or someone beyond the optical zoom's capability, I suggest you not use the digital zoom because it will look pixelated.
The pop up flash is nice, once it senses there is not enough light, it will automatically pops up the flash. However, the flash isn't that strong so it is only good for about 5-10feet range. One good thing is that you will hardly use it because this camcorder is rated at 0lux, as long as there is SOME light, the picture will come out good.
This camcorder has the Super Steady Shot, same as the DCR-PC110. It utilizes a very high density CCD and monitors an even greater range of shake frequencies to achieve an even higher level of precise, smooth, shake free filming. The less zoom you use, the more steady the picture looks. We were recently at an outing and I kept the zoom to the minium and I was walking behind my wife and our baby. You could not tell I was walking on uneven surface, it was that steady.
Also, new for the DCR-PC120 is the 14 bit DXP. From Sony:
Sony’s newly developed 14-bit, DXP (Digital Extended Processor) A/D converter provides a new peak in image definition. Digital conversion is a vital step in obtaining a digital image and, by increasing the signal to 14-bit, Sony has managed to achieve a more accurate conversion than ever before. This produces a better signal to noise ratio and results in more vivid capture of both light and dark images, while also rendering a more detailed and clearer picture.
Maybe this is why the picture quality is so much better than the DCR-PC110.
When you are shooting in weird lighting area or strong backlit area, I find that it is best to control the shutter speed manually. Sometimes the sensor is not reading what you have in mind, so I am glad that Sony kept the manual adjustment. The backlight function works well too, sometimes it is just better to adjust the shutter speed manually.
Like all Sony camcorders, you can add title and a brief message onto whatever you are shooting. I love the fades. If used right, it can look very professionally. You just can't over do it. It also comes with the standard Sony picture effects. The only ones I really use is Black and White/Sephia, but the others are nice to have. You can shoot movies in 16:9 mode, only do so if you have a true widescreen TV, if not, it will look weird on your regular TV set. The supernightshot is pretty cool, you can see as far as 100feet in total darkness, but it will drain your battery FAST though. If you go camping alot, this will be a fun camcorder because you can see everyone in the dark, and no one can see you.
The DCR-PC120 comes with the standard sony remote control. It controls the normal functions like record, play, stop, fastforward, rewind, etc... Very useful when you are recording froma tripod or using is to view your movies on your TV when it is plugged in. If you have the patient, you can actually edit your own videos within the camcorder. Of course, it would be easier if you download it to your PC and do it with a DV edit software.
The BlueTooth technology lets you connect a small modem to the camcorder, allowing you to transfer pictures/videos to your own website. However, the modem is only for dial up, you know how slow that is.
I don't know what else I can say about this Camcorder, except it is great and I am glad I got it. If I am a regular Joe and already have the DCR-PC110, I probably would not upgrade to the DCR-PC120. However, like I said earlier, I am an electronics nut and I always want the newest and the best. Overall, I am very satisfied with is camera, especially when I can just put it in my pocket and take it out and shoot as soon as I see a "moment" of my Baby Boy.
Once you get this camcorder, don't forget to register it at www.sonystyle.com. Once you have done so, Sony will give you a $20 coupon good towards any accessories.
***Please note that the DCR-PC115 and DCR-PC120BT are both the same camcorder, however, the PC-115 came out first but was not available in the U.S. except buying from grey market dealers and it does not have the bluetooth technology***
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1500
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Epinions.com ID:
acuratl
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Reviews written: 48
Trusted by: 12 members
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