Small Body, Powerful Machine
Written: Mar 12 '01
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Pros: Ultra-compact, rich feature set, fast auto exposure and focus, good video quality, NightShot
Cons: Controls can be awkward at first, you need to carry the manual
The Bottom Line: A truly carry-anywhere camcorder that allows you to take good videos anywhere, anytime you feel like it. A great complement to my Canon Digital Elph.
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| hbj200's Full Review: Sony Handycam DCR-PC5 Mini DV Camcorder |
The Sony DCR-PC5 is the second smallest digital camcorder on the market today, the smallest being the Canon Elura 2. I did a lot of research on the two models before deciding on the DCR-PC5, even though the DCR-PC5 was $150 more expensive. The deciding factors were the NightShot "0 lux" feature as well as the ability to transfer *analog* video to the Sony.
Sony DCR-PC5 vs. Canon Elura 2
The DCR-PC5 is about 10% heavier than the 13-ounce Elura 2 and about 15% larger in volume, but both are ultra-compact and ultra-light (relative to other camcorders) units, and both can be carried in a coat pocket or even a baggy pants pocket. The DCR-PC5 is a bit shorter than the Elura 2, which makes it easier to fit in a pocket even though its total volume is higher.
One thing the Elura 2 has which the DCR-PC5 doens't is progressive scan, a feature much hyped by manufacturers. I did not worry about the lack of progressive scan on the DCR-PC5 for two reasons: 1) on my JVC GR-DVM90U the progressive scan does not appear to give better video, and 2) I do not intend to take digital pictures with the camcorder. (For that I rely on my Canon PowerShot S100 Digital Elph digital camera; I review both the JVC and the Digital Elph on this site.)
Both the DCR-PC5 and the Elura 2 feature 10x optical zoom, although Sony's 120x digital zoom is higher than Canon's 40x and I read somewhere that Sony's digital zooming algorithms is slightly better than Canon's, resulting in less disappointing effects. Both camcorders feature digital stabilization technology to reduce camera shake.
Both camcorders can take 640x480 digital still images. The DCR-PC5 comes with 4MB MemoryStick while the Elura 2 comes with a more generous 8MB on Multimedia Card. But the Elura 2 does not allow you to transfer the images to a PC without your having to buy a Multimedia Card reader separately, whereas the DCR-PC5 allows such transfer through an included serial cable.
From this point on I'll review the DCR-PC5 as that's what I have.
Video Quality
If you have read my other reviews you know I have a penchant for compact gadgets. As such I tend to keep my expectation reasonable, i.e., I did not expect to get the same kind of near-professional video quality of the Sony TRV9000 from the DCR-PC5, which is so compact. Indeed, the DCR-PC5's video quality can be rated average to slightly above average, compared to other digital camcorders. If you compare this "average digital video quality" to analog camcorders, you'll see that it's much, much better than the latter. So even though the DCR-PC5's video quality is not outstanding, it's quite adequate for everyday recordings and will actually pleasantly surprise you if you have never used a digital camcorder.
As with all other camcorders the video quality is better outdoors during the day than under low light conditions. But while the Canon Elura 2 suffers from terrible low-light video quality, the DCR-PC5 does better, especially if you turn on the low light program mode. In this mode the DCR-PC5 appears to shoot at a slower shutter speed so you'll notice more camera shake than usual. (The Super SteadyShot image stabilization feature works quite well.)
As I mentioned in the beginning, I decided to go with the DCR-PC5 mainly because I wanted to have the NightShot feature. The NightShot technology is basically an infrared based video technology that allows you to record images even in total darkness. Two levels are provided, with the Super NightShot providing results 16 times "brighter" than the regular NightShot, but consuming more battery power at the same time. What many people don't realize is video shot with NightShot comes out greenish, not color, If you don't know what I'm talking about, just go watch "Silence of the Lambs", watch the section where the lunatic kidnapper wears a pair of night vision goggles. That's what NightShot looks like, greenish but clear images even in total darkness. Cool, huh?
In addition to the fully automatic mode -- which features surprisingly fast auto exposure and focus (Elura 2 is a letdown in this regard as its auto system is very slow) -- the DCR-PC5 has eight program modes that allow you to capture sporting events, portraits, sunset and moonshine, beach shots, etc.
Digital Picture Quality
The digital picture quality is decent, perhaps slightly better than that on the Elura 2 or JVC. I still recommend that you use a 2mp or 3mp digital camera if you are interested in digital photography, if for nothing else than the better resolution on a real digital camera.
Features
The DCR-PC5 has tons of features. The well written manual (thank God it's only in English!) is over 120 pages thick, so you can imagine the rich feature set the DCR-PC5 sports. From six kinds of fading to various camera and digital effects to shooting digital stills on tape on on MemoryStick, the features should please even the more demanding amateur videographer.
Most of the features are easy to use -- even they do take multiple steps -- thanks to the LCD-based menu system. The 2.5-inch LCD is also a touch screen, so you access the myriad features by touching on the menus on the screen. One minor complaint I have is the fader is only accessible on the LCD, not through a dedicated button. If you don't use fading effects often, this is not a concern.
One nice feature that I've only seen on this model is the ability to transfer digital videos into this camcorder. That's right, you can copy stuff from your VHS or 8mm tapes onto digital tapes via the DCR-PC5. This is a great feature because I've got so much footage on old tapes, and now I can catalogue them on MiniDV tapes. When I have an i.Link-ready PC, I'll archive all of it on the computer.
Speaking of PCs, the Sony comes with an i.Link connector. (However, you must purchase your own cable.) A serial port is also included on the camera itself to allow you to transfer digital pictures to the PC, or you can use a MemoryStick reader (about $60). Software for video and image transfer is included. I haven't tested it yet as my PC doesn't have a FireWire card and I do not use the Sony for digital pictures.
Other ports, all included on the camera body itself, include an A/V port, an S-video port (wow!), a microphone jack, and a headphones jack. (I think there are more, but am too lazy to check right now. :)
The built-in microphone is stereo and seems to do a good job at keeping wind noise low.
Construction
One area in which Sony could emulate Canon is making their products look cool. While the Elura 2 is all metalic, the DCR-PC5 has a black plastic lower half, so it doesn't look as "cool" as the Elura 2. But the camcorder still feels solid and durable, and appears to be better built than the JVC GR-DVM90U.
The controls are, as you can imagine, small, and they are awkward to use at first, especially the zoom button, which you must operate with your right index finger. (The DCR-PC5 is only for righties.) It takes about 10 hours of shooting to get used to the controls, but, hey, that's the price you pay for going compact, and it ain't totally bad when you get used to it.
The DCR-PC5 can, of course, also be used to play back MiniDV tapes. There are various special effects you can put on while playing back videos.
A lot of people complain about battery life. I get about 60 minutes of stop-and-go recording on the supplies slim LiIon battery, but that's because I never use the LCD. If you use the LCD all the time, I imagine you can squeeze no more than 40 minutes of shooting time. An extra battery is recommended, especially if you are going on a trip.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1299
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hbj200
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Location: USA
Reviews written: 183
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About Me:
I'm poor but I'm proud. I'm a gadget freak. :)
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