I am about to buy a HC1, the big question is (acutally 4)
1) Does the HC1 deliver a true wide-screen recording (16:9) or just a stretched version/letter box of 4:3?
2) Can I attach accessories like TIFFEN filter's etc to the HC1?
3) Does the HC1 give a true surround sound 5:1 channel sound recording?
4) Any annoying features that might change my view on the HC1, as I am using it to shoot a short movie, and I cant afford the FX1?
5) Is there any film made by using the HC1..or any clips that I can view?

I know that there are a lot of industry experts who might look at the thread....I would like them to reply as well.....

Thanks
Mates

1) Yes, true-widescreen 16:9. it's not squashed/stretched/squished.
2) Any screw-on filter will work with 37mm thread.
3) I *think* so IF you use the appropriate Sony mic. Can't do it without that mic. Whether it's "true" 5.1 i'm not sure but .... probably.
4) low-light not as good as FX1 for sure. Cannot have full control over the aperture. Cannot see aperture or gain when filming (but can on playback). cannot set gain independetly of aperture or shutter-speed. Not quite as wideangle at widest setting as FX1, so a lot of people purchase something like Sony VCL-HG0737Y to solve that.
5) http://www.fxsupport.de/hc1/index.html
(bottom left hand of page - see links in blue).

The HC1 doesn't do Dolby Digital, only does stereo.