Sony HDR-HC9 Camcorder Reviewby David KenderPublished on Feb 25, 2008 3:31 PM 
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The Sony HDR-HC9 is a minor update from last year’s HDR-HC7 (Review, Specs, Recent News, ) (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1128.56). This high definition camcorder records to tape in the HDV format, which continues be the format of choice for those who prize video quality over the convenience of flash media, HDD, and DVD. The HDR-HC7 was a great camcorder, and the HDR-HC9 has enough upgrades to make it even more alluring to the serious shooter: a peaking tool to help with focus, a center marker, a combined Spot Meter and Spot Focus, a lens hood, and a slick black finish. However, the base performance and upgrades of this year’s Canon HV30 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $0.00) makes it a very, very strong choice. Once again, it’s a tight race. Neither camcorder is perfect. Sony tops out in durability and ease of use, while Canon wins on performance and features (60, 24, and 30P on a sub-$1,000 model). The heat is on.
The Front (8.5)
The HDR-HC9 is the definition of stealth—it’s an HDR-HC7 with a fresh coat of glossy black paint. Up front, you’ll notice Sony slapped a hood on the 10x optical zoom lens, which blocks light and gives the camcorder a professional look. Unfortunately, this hood will likely block the light from the pop-out flash if used for macro shooting. The lens has an aperture range of f/1.8-2.9 and is capable of the following focal lengths:
-5.4mm-54mm
-40mm-400mm in 16:9 video mode (35mm conversion)
-49mm-490mm in 4:3 video mode (35mm conversion)
-40mm-400mm in 16:9 still mode (35mm conversion)
-37mm-370mm in 4:3 still mode (memory)
The HDR-HC9 has a 37mm filter diameter for the addition of aftermarket filters or lenses. An automatic lens enclosure system operates in tandem with powering on and off the camcorder, and is one less thing to worry about during a shoot. However, the inner mechanics are fragile and are susceptible to malfunction due to improper handling. We’d like to see an external lens cap as a Plan B.
The Sony HDR-HC7 on top of its replacement, the nearly identical HDR-HC9
The built-in stereo microphone is located underneath the lens, a superior position to top-mounted microphones. This way, you won’t have to fret over muffling your recorded sound with your grip hand. To the left of the microphone is a Mic jack, which is a valuable port to have. Most power shooters will want to upgrade immediately with an external boom—just make sure the cable is routed around the lens. Nothing is worse than reviewing your golden footage only to find it's marred by an imposing cable floundering along the side of the frame.
The remote sensor is located to the left of the lens, followed by a built-in flash that springs out automatically when taking a digital still.
The Right Side (6.5)
This is where you’ll begin to understand why Sony has quite a following. The construction of its camcorders is top notch. The HDR-HC9 flaunts a padded, breathable hand strap that features mesh on the inside. The ergonomics are just right, and the camcorder feels great in the hand, contrary to the gawky Canon HV30. The hand strap is anchored a bit low, though, and the HDR-HC9 has a tendency to dip to the side, away from the palm of the hand.
The tape hatch loads from the top, enabling the shooter to load tapes while the camcorder is attached to a tripod. VCR speed is zippy, and the HDR-HC9 will not impede the flow of a shoot, like DVD camcorders. A flash button is located toward the back by the thumb, but it’s difficult to access. If you’re really jonesing to capture still images, use your left hand. Otherwise, most shooters won’t even bother—HDV video is the cornucopia here.
The Back (9.0)
Sony carved out the back of the HDR-HC9, giving its battery a nice little cave to hide in. The battery actually aligns flush with the back of the camcorder and is not a hindrance to the face. The viewfinder is wide, rubberized, and extends an extra inch from the back of the camcorder. The deep battery bay and extendable viewfinder are a formidable tag team when pinned against the HV30’s sorry plastic knob of a viewfinder. Alternative monitoring is actually a congenial phenomenon on the HDR-HC9.
To the right of the battery is a duo of thick, vertical plastic strips that house the HDMI and DC-in terminals. The port covers are rugged, yet slightly difficult to snap back into place. Up top you’ll find the trademark round, silver Sony mode dial. The record start/stop button is embedded below, pairing up comfortably with the thumb. A series of mode lamps run vertically along the far right. Depending on what mode you shift the dial to, the lamps indicate whether you’re in Tape, Memory, or Play/Edit mode. When the HDR-HC9 is charging, the charge lamp illuminates.
The Left Side (7.0)
The HDR-HC9’s left side really showcases that lustrous black paint. This camcorder is hot! Unfortunately, Sony carried over that vexing Cam Control Dial from the HDR-HC7. The dial is slight and highly inferior to a full lens ring. It’s a convenient tool to have, but this is an area where Sony could have one-upped the HV30. Instead, both camcorders feature nearly identical dials. Beneath the Cam Control Dial and on/off button is the Super NightShot Plus switch. Further down is the backlight compensation button.
Before we open the 2.7-inch LCD screen, let’s take a look at the concealed panel at the bottom. Flipping down the horizontal plastic door reveals the LANC jack, i.Link terminal, component output, A/V output, and headphone jack—the bare essentials and a couple extras.
Inside the LCD cavity you won’t find much. A small sliding tab is located toward the top, shrouding the USB terminal. The Memory Stick PRO Duo slot is positioned below the rectangular playback speaker. The display/battery info and Easy buttons are aligned along the bottom of the LCD cavity. Sony succeeds at organization here, but placement is not the most favorable. Usually the back end or right side of the camcorder are optimal zones for ports because cables do not interfere with the LCD screen. The LCD panel contains zoom in/zoom out and record start/stop controls, which enable two-handed shooting.
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The Top (6.75)
Aside from a killer lens barrel, the top of the HDR-HC9 contains a thick plastic shield that covers the Active Interface Shoe (AIS)—Sony’s self-branded hot shoe. Sony recommends purchasing its accessories, but there are adapters on the market to enable the use of other third-party aftermarket products. The HDR-HC9’s zoom toggle is just like most Sonys, shifting smoothly back and forth. The photo button is located behind the zoom toggle and the Ttape eject switch is embedded on top of the tape hatch.
