Sony HDR-HC3 Camcorder Review

James Murray, Kerr Cook, and Alex Karol also contributed to this review.

The release of the HDR-HC3 has probably been the subject of  more buzz than that of any other camcorder this year. Significant changes from the HDR-HC1 (Specs, $2295), the camera the HC3 replaced, demonstrate the evolution in the HD market over the past year. While the HC1 targeted early adopters who demanded prosumer features, now consumers everywhere want their new camcorders to have HD. The HC1 demonstrated Sony's ability to make high-end camcorders with excellent video quality; now, in the HC3, Sony combines this expertise with its skill at producing easy-to-use camcorders for lower-end consumers.