Sony HDR-HC9 Camcorder Reviewby David KenderPublished on Feb 25, 2008 3:31 PM
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Comparison
Sony HDR-HC7 (Review, Specs, Recent News, ) (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1128.56)
While Sony went ahead and threw updated Exmor imagers and Bionz processors on nearly all of its new HD camcorders, the HDR-HC9 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $827.00) was left with the same 1/2.7-inch CMOS chip found on the HDR-HC7 ($1,399 MSRP). (We must, of course, remain professionally skeptical as to whether the new fancy-sounding chips and processors will make any difference.) 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 $1,099, though - $200 less than the initial price of the HC7.
Canon HV30 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $578.50)
“I can do anything you can do better.” The HV30 also received an all-black jacket, as well as adding 30P recording (in addition to 60i and 24P). This single improvement over last year’s HV20 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $903) is quite nearly enough to put it over the top against the Sony HC9. While Canon takes the cake in terms of image quality, Sony’s handling and construction far surpasses the amateur-grade plastic and wonky grip of the HV30. The HV30 also has peaking, but Sony’s enhanced focusing tools give it a slight edge. Stick with the HV30 and save 100 bucks.
JVC GZ-HD7 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $903) (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1529)
The GZ-HD7 ($1,699.95 MSRP, now down to nearly $1,000 on the street) certainly looks like a formidable beast, but its mediocre video performance belied the pro aspirations. The all-black body, focus ring, focus assist button, and external aperture and shutter buttons are hard to beat. But when it comes to video quality, the GZ-HD7 fails to please. Specifically, color and compression artifacts left too much to be desired. The Sony HDR-HC9 is a big winner in this challenge.
Canon HF10
Perhaps the most exciting release of the year, the Canon HF10 (Specs, Recent News, $638.99)($1099 MSRP) will either explode on the scene or wither like a dud bottle rocket. We got a chance to play with this tiny HD nymph at CES, and from what we saw, the image looks comparable to the HV30. However, testing will reveal all, so don’t get too hopeful just yet. The HF10 is minute—it’s basically a lens barrel with a hand strap. This little AVCHD bugger also shoots full 1920 x 1080 HD video and has a maximum data rate of 17 Mbps. Very interesting … the HDR-HC9 is a handling champ, but will its video match the mysterious HF10? We’ll let you know soon.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
Easy mode is a godsend for beginners. Those who desire a tad more control but are still new to camcorder shooting shouldn’t have too hard a time. There are an abundance of options in the menu, but the menu is structured simply enough (too simply for some) to find what you need.
Budget Consumers
Sony slashed the price a couple hundred bucks from the HDR-HC7, but $1,099 is still breaking the bank. The HV30 offers more quality features and slides in at just under a grand.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
The still feature set on the HDR-HC9 is quite extensive, with the ability to capture stills in all three shooting modes. Just don’t use the flash with the lens hood or your images will be partly engulfed in black.
Gadget Freaks
That all-black coat is sick! Check out that killer lens hood! Wait, it’s tape?
Manual Control Freaks
The HDR-HC9 has it all (aside from Gain). Focus, Shutter Speed, and Exposure are readily available in the Cam Control dial menu, in addition to White Balance Shift and Exposure Shift. There’s a lot to play with here.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists
If you shoot b-roll in perfect lighting with limited motion, the HDR-HC9 just might make it for a couple of scenes. The HV30 is more apt to make its way into the amateur filmmaker’s toolbox.
Conclusion
The Sony HDR-HC9 is a good high definition camcorder. It’s also Sony’s only 2008 HDV model, so your only other choice is to go back to 2007 or earlier if you want to stay in the Sony family (our standing recommendation is the 2005 HDR-HC1 (Specs, $2295) (Specs, $1599.99)).
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.
We’ve already tested and reviewed Canon’s HDV offering for the year, the HV30, and once again Canon has bested Sony in overall video quality. This should come as no surprise, as very little has changed in either camcorder from last year. Sony continues to offer the better quality build and will likely stand up to more abuse. However, it’s hard to argue with video quality. For intense side-by-side comparisons, we recommend reading last year’s Great HD Shootout. Most of the information, especially performance, is still relevant
If Sony has pleased you in the past, the HDR-HC9 will please you again. 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 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $485.00) or Canon HF10. Hold off on Sony’s HDR-CX7 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $769.95) (Review, Specs, Recent News, $769.95), as it’s due for a replacement soon.
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