Sony Handycam DCR-PC9 Mini DV Camcorder
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- Recording System: NTSC
- Camcorder Type: Digital
- Recording Media: Mini DV
- Optical Zoom: 10x
- Weight: 1.06 lb.
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Excellent Pocket Sized Camera
Pros
Nice video, 640 x 480 stills, and MPEG. And ohhh ... so small.
Cons
Almost too small for big hands. A little over priced.
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a ultra-compact DV camcorder, this is it.
I bought the US version of the camera at the Ultimate Electronics. I wanted a local dealer that I could take it back to instead of having to ship it to some no name place across the country. I have also heard rumors that the International (Grey market) version has had a high return rate. The US version is manufactured and assembled in Japan. The Intl. version is made in China or Taiwan. So I bought it local. The best online reseller I could find (US version) $150.00 less then the store. You should be able to find the Intl. version for ~$750.00. Plus I have someone local to yell at if it breaks, and they can't hang up on me.
I very much like the size of the camcorder. That is the single most appealing feature. I did not want to lug around a big bag full of camcorder stuff. It is so small it is amazing that it works. The casing seems very study and the camcorder has actually survived a four foot fall (onto grass). So it is fairly tough. the LCD is only 2.5" in diagonal. So this may not be for everyone. Avoid purchasing any battery larger then the NP-FM30 (90 minutes) or the NP-FM50 (150 minutes). It becomes awkward to handle with larger batteries and looks really lame with a big black thing hanging off the side. Battery life is longer then most 60 minute tapes. You should buy a second battery just in case.
The maximum wide angle should zoom out a little farther but it is useable and I seem to get almost everyone inside the shot without resorting to panning. Stills are acceptable but limited to 640 x 480. The Sony DCR-PC110 can take photos up to 1152 x 864. Also the Sony DCR-PC110 can zoom out farther for better wide angle shots. It also has a built in light, which I rarely need or use. I use wide angle more frequently then I do telephoto. The 20 X optical zoom is smooth and has a variable speed, which is tricky to master. The digital zoom blows after about 20x of digital zoom. Forget 120 X, you're down to about 32 pixels at his magnification. It really looks bad. People who buy cameras based on digital zoom (I have seen some that do 520x) will be disappointed. there is no comparison to optical zoom. And once again it is very handy to only have to carry one device to take both still photos and live action, and still have it be so compact.
The MPEG feature is very nice. You can cut a MPEG clip by pushing a button during recording or create the MPEG clip from tape after filming. You can actually create an MPEG file as large as you want as long as you have available memory in your memory stick. The DCR-PC9 ships with a 4 MB memory stick which is lame. I think 16 MB should be the minimum these days. A empty 16 MB card (stick) will let you record 2 minutes forty seconds of MPEG, while you can only record 40 seconds with a 4 MB memory stick.
I have large hands and while holding the camera in only my right hand it can be difficult to operate the zoom and still photo buttons with one hand. I usually end up holding it with two hands. This also improves the image quality due to increased stabilization. Which leads me to, the image stabilization quality. The Canon Elura2 is far better at image stabilization quality then the Sony, at all zoom levels. I suggest trying them both out before buying. (Which is always a smart thing to do.)
The night shot works well using a built in infra-red light. In low light conditions night the Sony DCR-PC110 goes to 0 lux. This camera goes to only 5 lux. It has not been a problem so far. It does work well in low light situations but not as well as the DCR-PC110.
Sony branded memory sticks are over priced. I suggest buying clones. Especially do not buy them from sonystyle.com as you get the privilege of paying full MSRP. I have had no problems with generic branded memory. I have used Sony, Panasonic, and TDK. I really like the Sony DVM60EXM. Avoid the Panasonic AY-DVM60EJ. All other tapes have worked well.
The Sony DCR-PC9 camcorder is definitely recommended. I am happy with it. It is very small but not lacking in features. It is easily carried around in the palm of your hand. Battery life is longer then most 60 minute tapes. Quality case and lens.
I very much like the size of the camcorder. That is the single most appealing feature. I did not want to lug around a big bag full of camcorder stuff. It is so small it is amazing that it works. The casing seems very study and the camcorder has actually survived a four foot fall (onto grass). So it is fairly tough. the LCD is only 2.5" in diagonal. So this may not be for everyone. Avoid purchasing any battery larger then the NP-FM30 (90 minutes) or the NP-FM50 (150 minutes). It becomes awkward to handle with larger batteries and looks really lame with a big black thing hanging off the side. Battery life is longer then most 60 minute tapes. You should buy a second battery just in case.
The maximum wide angle should zoom out a little farther but it is useable and I seem to get almost everyone inside the shot without resorting to panning. Stills are acceptable but limited to 640 x 480. The Sony DCR-PC110 can take photos up to 1152 x 864. Also the Sony DCR-PC110 can zoom out farther for better wide angle shots. It also has a built in light, which I rarely need or use. I use wide angle more frequently then I do telephoto. The 20 X optical zoom is smooth and has a variable speed, which is tricky to master. The digital zoom blows after about 20x of digital zoom. Forget 120 X, you're down to about 32 pixels at his magnification. It really looks bad. People who buy cameras based on digital zoom (I have seen some that do 520x) will be disappointed. there is no comparison to optical zoom. And once again it is very handy to only have to carry one device to take both still photos and live action, and still have it be so compact.
The MPEG feature is very nice. You can cut a MPEG clip by pushing a button during recording or create the MPEG clip from tape after filming. You can actually create an MPEG file as large as you want as long as you have available memory in your memory stick. The DCR-PC9 ships with a 4 MB memory stick which is lame. I think 16 MB should be the minimum these days. A empty 16 MB card (stick) will let you record 2 minutes forty seconds of MPEG, while you can only record 40 seconds with a 4 MB memory stick.
I have large hands and while holding the camera in only my right hand it can be difficult to operate the zoom and still photo buttons with one hand. I usually end up holding it with two hands. This also improves the image quality due to increased stabilization. Which leads me to, the image stabilization quality. The Canon Elura2 is far better at image stabilization quality then the Sony, at all zoom levels. I suggest trying them both out before buying. (Which is always a smart thing to do.)
The night shot works well using a built in infra-red light. In low light conditions night the Sony DCR-PC110 goes to 0 lux. This camera goes to only 5 lux. It has not been a problem so far. It does work well in low light situations but not as well as the DCR-PC110.
Sony branded memory sticks are over priced. I suggest buying clones. Especially do not buy them from sonystyle.com as you get the privilege of paying full MSRP. I have had no problems with generic branded memory. I have used Sony, Panasonic, and TDK. I really like the Sony DVM60EXM. Avoid the Panasonic AY-DVM60EJ. All other tapes have worked well.
The Sony DCR-PC9 camcorder is definitely recommended. I am happy with it. It is very small but not lacking in features. It is easily carried around in the palm of your hand. Battery life is longer then most 60 minute tapes. Quality case and lens.
