HD Video in 2005: Sony HDR-HC1 1080i HDV Camcorder Retrospective Review

In 2005, HD video was just beginning to take a slow but steady foothold in the consumer market. Released in 2004, the JVC GRH-D1 was the first ever HD camcorder that recorded to regular MiniDV tapes--otherwise referred to as an HDV camcorder. Not one to be outdone, Sony then came out with the HDR-HC1 a year later that, unlike the JVC, recorded full 1440x1080i resolution video (as opposed to the JVC's 720p limit). The built-in stereo microphone is hands-down the best I've ever heard. With the right amount of light, the video quality is phenomenal. The formfactor feels like an amalgamation of the best of consumer and prosumer camcorders, and the lineup of features (like Shot Transition) it sports echo that sentiment. In spite of the fact that the HC1 is just about to celebrate its 18th birthday, both the video and audio quality can live up to--and maybe even exceed, in certain cases--modern standards. 00:00 Introducing the HDR-HC1 00:24 Lens Hood & Lens 00:48 NightShot