Hi-Def for the Masses

Sony announced it’s second consume-focused HDV camera, the HDR-HC3. The HC3 is even smaller and lighter than it’s predecessor, the HC1, which it is rumored to be replacing. Prosumer users will most likely want to look towards the FX1 which can be found for around $3,000 street price. The HC3 lacks a manual focus ring (but can still be manually focused with a shared dial) and headphone jack but gains the Easy Handycam button and a built-in lens cap. With HDMI support for direct connection to high definition television sets, the HC3 looks to be aimed at consumers who want to get HDV to their TVs without all the complicated buttons and menu options. Recently reduced MSRP is now $1,500.