Sony DCRPC350 3MP MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom
- Powerful yet incredibly compact camcorder with a 1/3" Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD
- 2.5" hybrid SwivelScreen LCD display with touch panel capabilities
- Professional Quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens with 10x optical zoom and Super SteadyShot image stabilization
- Long-lasting rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries with battery info display
- i.LINK DV (MICROMV) interface gives you true digital-to-digital editing
Rating: 4 of 5
Very good camcorder; mediocre on stills
Rating: 5 of 5
My first camcorder & I love it
Okay, so I don't have a lot of prior experiance 4 comparison but this camera was easy 2 use right out of the box & the more I learn how 2 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 & 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.
Rating: 5 of 5
What a great little camera
I have had this camera 4 about 2 months now & really have had no problems with it. I love the size. It is small enough 2 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 & find it 2 do a great job. I love being able 2 film in widescreen mode & 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 2 have 2 unhook all of your cables from your computer every time you travel. Overall, I am very happy witht his camera & would definately buy another one if the need arose.
Rating: 4 of 5
A bit pricey, but a great camera overall.
The main reasons I purchased this camera were its size & its resolution. The camera is small enough 2 fit in my coat pocket, which means that I have it with me when I need it, & 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 & still camera capabilities, there are a few other features that I think are great as well. The first is the option 2 use 16:9 video format if you want. I have a HDTV, & 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 2 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 2 end" feature. If you've been reviewing what you've recorded & want 2 start recording again without overwriting something, you can use the "seek 2 end" 2 move quickly 2 the end of the recorded section.
Another reviewer complained about the inability 2 monitor sound levels during recording. This hasn't been a problem 4 me as I found I could just plug a set of headphones into the AV jack & hear what was being recorded. In fact, both the AV port & the s-video port are active when the camera's on, so you can watch & hear what you're recording using an external monitor & 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 2 insert into a larger adapter (supplied) 2 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 2 use firewire rather than USB 2.0 4 doing your video transfers if 4 no other reason than it provides almost 2x the transfer speed. In addition, some video editing software looks 4 cameras only on a firewire port. So plan on buying a firewire cable as well.
The need 2 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 4 F Series Batteries" & the "Sony HVLS3D 3 Watt Video Light" The charger is only slightly bigger than the battery & saves you lugging the AC adapter around on vacation. The light is tiny & despite being only 3 watts can make a significant difference indoors if you're close 2 your subject.
While I've been delighted with the size & still camera capabilities, there are a few other features that I think are great as well. The first is the option 2 use 16:9 video format if you want. I have a HDTV, & 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 2 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 2 end" feature. If you've been reviewing what you've recorded & want 2 start recording again without overwriting something, you can use the "seek 2 end" 2 move quickly 2 the end of the recorded section.
Another reviewer complained about the inability 2 monitor sound levels during recording. This hasn't been a problem 4 me as I found I could just plug a set of headphones into the AV jack & hear what was being recorded. In fact, both the AV port & the s-video port are active when the camera's on, so you can watch & hear what you're recording using an external monitor & 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 2 insert into a larger adapter (supplied) 2 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 2 use firewire rather than USB 2.0 4 doing your video transfers if 4 no other reason than it provides almost 2x the transfer speed. In addition, some video editing software looks 4 cameras only on a firewire port. So plan on buying a firewire cable as well.
The need 2 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 4 F Series Batteries" & the "Sony HVLS3D 3 Watt Video Light" The charger is only slightly bigger than the battery & saves you lugging the AC adapter around on vacation. The light is tiny & despite being only 3 watts can make a significant difference indoors if you're close 2 your subject.
Rating: 2 of 5
No HEADPHONE JACK/ Manual Audio Level Control
Aside from the hoopla over its dock, 16 x 9 "WS" mode & so-called "24p" scan effect, Sony made the biggest blunder imaginable -- it eliminated the headphone jack with this camcorder & with it, a huge chunk of the prosumer/high end consumer camcorder user audience.
Basically, there's no way 2 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 2 test playback audio, how can you without hooking this thing up 2 a TV?
Sony's R&D were flat out stoned the day they overlooked this feature; either that, or completely & utterly naive. They should look at the closest matchbox competitor -- the Canon Optura's -- & learn a thing or two about headphone jacks & audio levels....
Basically, there's no way 2 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 2 test playback audio, how can you without hooking this thing up 2 a TV?
Sony's R&D were flat out stoned the day they overlooked this feature; either that, or completely & utterly naive. They should look at the closest matchbox competitor -- the Canon Optura's -- & learn a thing or two about headphone jacks & audio levels....
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 2 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 4 low-light image capture, & Super SteadyShot image stabilization system 4 smooth imaging. The DCR-PC350 comes supplied with a Handycam Station 4 convenient battery charging & easy video transfers 2 a TV, VCR or personal computer.
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 2 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 4 low-light image capture, & the Super SteadyShot image stabilization system 4 smooth imaging. The DCR-PC350 comes supplied with a Handycam station 4 convenient battery charging & easy video transfers 2 a TV, VCR, or personal computer.
 | MiniDV Format The MiniDV format offers more precise image detail & color accuracy than previously possible with analog camcorders. The superior quality of digital video results from:
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 | 2.5-Inch Hybrid LCD Monitor The high-resolution, 211K pixel design helps provide excellent viewing & 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 & flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation, & perfect rendition of subtle tones. |
 | Easy Handycam Button Using a camcorder can be intimidating 4 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 4 recording operational. |
 | Battery Information Battery information is momentarily displayed without having 2 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, & Sony PCs with editing software. |
 | MPEG Movie EX Mode Unlike the earlier MPEG-1, MPEG Movie EX will allow you 2 record 320 x 240-resolution MPEG movies, uninterrupted up 2 the capacity of the Memory Stick Duo media. These movies are perfect 4 e-mailing 2 friends & family. |
 | PictBridge Compatibility Connect your PictBridge-compatible digital camera directly 2 a PictBridge-compatible digital photo printer via a USB cable 2 allow 4 simple photo printing without the need 4 a computer. |
 | USB Streaming Stay connected with family & 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 & clarity, 4 exceptional digital video performance. Realize unprecedented digital still images with 3048K (effective) pixels. The technology enhances your digital-video (530 lines of horizontal resolution) & digital-photography performance. - 10x Optical/120x Digital Zoom
The optical zoom helps 2 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 & easy connection between the camcorder & a TV/VCR 4 easy viewing, or a USB- or i.LINK-supported computer 4 video & still-image editing. It also supplies power 2 the camcorder 4 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 4 easy transfer 2 PC’s 4 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 & clear with excellent definition. - Super NightShot Infrared System & Color Slow Shutter
With Sony’s NightShot Infrared system, capture video in total darkness (0 lux) up 2 10 feet away. Super NightShot 0 Lux recording mode automatically adjusts the shutter speed 2 increase picture brightness & clarity. Color Slow Shutter mode allows you 2 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 2 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, 4 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 2 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 & vibration frequencies, 2 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 2 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.
($874.99)
Buy Sony DCRPC350 3MP MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom Now!
The digital stills have disappointing quality. They seem 2 be better in good sunlight, or in a closeup indoors, but they are not comparable 2 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 2 what a 2.0 MP still camera would give. As explained 2 me, the problem apparently is the imaging device -- what works well 4 video does not work well 4 stills, & vice versa. Even as of August 2007, there are no combination cameras that do a great job on both video & stills.
My solution was that I eventually bought a Nikon Coolpix S10 6.0 MP digital still camera 4 taking stills where I want really high quality stills. The Nikon will also take video, but it is poor quality.