Sony brought an updated Exmor imagers and Bionz processors on nearly all of its new HD camcorders, while the 2008 product HDR-HC9 right here was left with the same 1/2.7-inch CMOS chip found on the HDR-HC7. As a reminder, HC7 costs you around $1,400 on its first appearance in the market.Compared to HC7, HC9 got five not-so-good-but-not-so-bad-either upgrades:
- Manual Focus Peaking in red, yellow, or green,
- Spot Focus + Meter (which merely combines Spot Focus and Spot Meter),
- a lens hood,
- a center marker,
- and cool looking black coat.
The HC9 received only five upgrades: Manual Focus Peaking in red, yellow, or green, Spot Focus + Meter (which merely combines Spot Focus and Spot Meter), a center marker, a lens hood, and a dangerous all-black finish. Sony also slashed the HDR-HC9’s MSRP back to a respectable $1,100, though - $300 less than the initial price of the HC7
The range of choices in high definition is growing every year. The serious shooter will likely want to stay with HDV over the other formats, as it continues to offer the highest video quality and editing options. Sony and others are clearly putting the marketing push on newer media like flash and HDD. These are undeniably more convenient for the majority of camcorder owners who are not serious editors. The important thing for a consumer to decide is how they intend to use their camcorder.
Now, Sony still can't get the best out of HV30 (image quality wise), but I have to put two thumbs up in Sony's construction. Later on I'll review about the Canon HV30 and Canon's other products, and you'll know why Sony's products can stand up to more abuse by the owner.
For those who are serious about having the best video quality, consider the Canon HV30. If you want to wash your hands of tape camcorders forever, look to high definition flash media, such as the Panasonic HDC-SD9 or Canon HF10. Hold off on Sony’s HDR-CX7, as it’s due for a replacement soon.
image source: camcorderinfo.com
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