A great addition to the DCR-PC series
Written: Jul 19 '03
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Pros: Attractive design, good over all features, great price.
Cons: Main menu only accessible by touchscreen, included items are very "basic"
The Bottom Line: The latest and greatest model, it can do everything you want in a minidv video camera.
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| olanin_justin's Full Review: Sony Handycam DCR-PC105 Mini DV Camcorder |
My previous camera, JVC GR-DVM50 broke and I needed a replacement. I wanted a new, current model like the PC105, but found a good deal on the PC100 model, a outdated version. I was going to keep it, but after a week decided to sell it and buy a new DCR-PC105 and Im glad I did.
Comparing it to the pc100 and also comparable to the PC101 and PC120; its smaller, lightweight, and not very Expensive. When I first got it, I was surprised by how small it was. The casing looks like it might break easily,
but I cant tell it. No matter what, you have to be careful with it as its delicate, and doesn’t appear to be as sturdy as the pc100. The design looks good and is attractive.
New to this model is the touch screen. I heard a lot of grips about this because most main menus are only accessible through here, but the layouts almost the same as the pc100 and is pretty easy to use. Don’t worry about
fingerprints or pressing to hard and burning a mark into it, I haven’t had any trouble with either.
A neat feature is the still photo/mpeg mode. My thoughts where the still photo would be bad and the mpeg mode would be good. Its the other way around. The mpeg mode is good, but kind of jerky and not smooth as I hoped. A still photo set to 1mp in "memory" mode produced a good-looking photo for being only 1 mega pixel. I would never really use it in memory mode, but would like to take still pictures while recording a actual video. And in this model you can do it! However while recording onto a tape and taking a picture your limited to 640x480 only. This is very disappointing, but its how im going to be taking the pictures so I'll have to get use to it. There is a built in flash, which works out great and is needed.
Regular minidv videos are great. The included battery life is great for occasional use recordings. The 0 lux nightshot is good. The only reason I bought into the DCR-PC series is because of it. The night shot is the same as the PC100 model, and only works upto about 10 feet away maximum. Even after a few feet, only the middle is lighted sometimes. Its better then nothing and is used heavily by me. There is a extra you can buy for about $99 to increase the range, but its big and has to be on the top attachment.
The included items are good, but very basic. The 8mb memory stick is good for rare use, and as I said the included battery is good for occasional use. All other cables and manuals are included.
I paid about $735 plus shipping for the retail package. Its good for anyone who wants a good video camera and a
basic package to get started with. I plan on spending about $300 more on extra memory, batteries, and lights.
However I highly recommend it for anyone looking into the DCR-PC series or already owns a DCR-PC camera.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 735
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Epinions.com ID:
olanin_justin
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Reviews written: 24
Trusted by: 2 members
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