OPEN BOX
The Sony DCR-PC101 is a uniquely designed MiniDV camera with a wide range of functions, including operating as a 1-megapixel digital still camera, a 10x optical zoom, a manual focus ring, a night-shooting function, and a large 2.5-inch LCD screen.
Lens
The lens is a famous, high-quality Carl Zeiss construction with a single CCD capturing the image, enabling the camera to produce 520 lines of resolution. The SteadyShot function stabilizes the picture and reduces camera shake. Use the infrared NightShot for shooting at night or in dark settings. The PC101 also sports a 10x optical zoom, which is enough for most purposes. Turn on the digital zoom, which electronically magnifies the optical image, and zoom up to 120 times.
Digital Stills
Digital stills can be stored on a Memory Stick that works independently from the DV tape system (an 8 MB stick is included). The camera performs with 1-megapixel resolution, making it capable of sharp images that are up to 1,152 x 864 pixels in size. The camera can also shoot in MPEG movie mode, storing 320 x 240 videos onto the memory stick.
Inputs and Outputs
The PC101 is equipped with the standard DV IEEE 1394 port (also known as FireWire) for a super-fast, a lossless connection to a PC or other DV machines. The USB connection is used for transferring digital photos and MPEG movies. The traditional S-video and RCA connections are also present for direct viewing on a television or VHS dubbing.
The DCR-PC101 comes with one 8 MB Memory Stick. Memory Sticks are reusable, but if you tend to take a lot of digital images, then you'll want a bigger card.
MiniDV Format
MiniDV digital technology delivers clear, sharp video with up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution--far superior to the 240 lines of resolution offered by 8mm camcorders. You'll also get minimal color noise interference for a more stable picture.
You'll also get excellent sound quality, recorded in either 12-bit or 16-bit audio recording modes.
- 16-bit audio includes on set of stereo audio tracks to produce CD-quality sound.
- 12-bit audio utilizes two sets of audio tracks so you can easily add background music or commentary into your videos while maintaining the existing soundtrack.
This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of two full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD.
1 Just Buy It!
You've come this far. You just need a little nudge. Buy it. I did all of the research, and am pretty picky. For this price, there is nothing better, or more fun.
2 a wonder in a small package
I recently purchased this camcorder after our school's arrived and I had a chance to give it a test-drive. I have big hands so I thought some of the buttons would be awkward... not so.
The film looks great, it is easy to use, the still images are of high quality (I put off getting a digital camera to buy this figuring I now have both). You can manually focus when you want to, the lens is of very high quality and there are wide angle and other lens available.
Remember to order a memory stick with some punch and mini-dv cassettes... I live in bush Alaska and it was hard to wait for cassettes and memory to arrive (the 8 memory stick is a joke... 15 pictures or about 30 sec of film).
The only problem I have had with this is sometimes the screen is hard to see in bright light... I'll see if this drives me crazy this summer.
I do not like the program that came with it, but i-movie and i-photo will work great so that is not a problem. It is good that you don't have to use the program that came with it since I had trouble with it. The tech. person from our school found it strangely configured and also opted not to use it.
3 Awesome Camera
Bought this camera for the birth of my baby, and it is excellent. Fantastic image quality (better than a DVD) in good lighting, and still very good in poor lighting.
You will notice that color saturation is a little off in poor lighting, that's my only minor complaint.
I compared this camera to just about all cameras in this price range, and you won't find a better one.
Enjoy!
4 Great Digital Camcorder
I hesitantly opened up my Sony PC-101 as a X-mas present from my wife, worried that she had not done the research that I would do in buying such a gift. To my surprise, she picked a camcorder that has lived up to all my expectations. The one control on the back of the camcorder determines whether you are using the camcorder for playback, Video or Stills which removes the clutter of buttons that you might find on other cams. The cam fits into a coat pocket, which has allowed me to take several footages of our kids skiing. Connecting the camcorder to my PC was simple. With XP, the USB connection was recognized immediately. I opted to not install Sony's Pixela software and use Microsoft's "Windows Movie Maker" instead with no problems. The only complaints that I have are 1) that the zoom and still capture button are so close and similar that many times when I attempt to zoom, I have found myself taking a still. 2) I can't see the touch screen in daylight (I have to use the viewfinder) and 3) the camera is awkward to hold (maybe the nature of the beast). Bottom line, I have happily taken more video of children in the last 2 months than the last 2 years and have forwarded many 2 minute wav files to family and friends.
5 Delighted.
I have used this camcorder intermittently for about 1 month. I am very pleased with it. It is small, but cannot fit in a pant's pocket comfortably (unless you are fond of elephantine, droopy pants), but certainly fits in a parka or other jacket pocket. The size is actually a reasonable compromise--any smaller and it would be difficult to operate, depending on your hand size. It would be helpful to go to a store and try the fit and ease of operation. There is a bit of a learning curve with the camera's operation, but it is rapidly mastered. The layout of the controls and the LCD menu are well-done. The latter minimizes the clutter of buttons. The quality in low-light, as has been pointed out, is variable, depending on what settings you use. Turning on lights certainly helps, as do the various options for low light. The quality is acceptable given those conditions, given the price of this camera and its size. If you want improved low-light performance, turn on lights or purchase a lamp for the shoe on the top. This is clearly not an issue for this product alone, but for other brands as well. I debated between this and the more expensive Optura 200MC. There seemed to be less complaints overall about this product., although the other one was certainly well-regarded. Overall, for the price and performance I am very happy with my purchase. This is an excellent value purchase for the average or somewhat picky user, who will delight in its portability and ease of use. Perfectionists will need to spend more money or get a bigger machine, but will nevertheless find something else to focus on...
6 Smaller and better than I first thought
I bought this for my wife for Christmas. She wanted a small and easy to use camcorder, so after some research I chose the PC101. When it arrived, I was shocked at how small it actually is. My sister has a larger model miniDV sony and it has MANY small buttons with crytic labels. The touch screen on the 101 is great and get's rid of the clumbsy buttons on the larger model. In the first 3-weeks of use, I have nothing to bad to say, and still can't beleive value in this model.
7 My First Camcorder and I Couldn't be Happier
First of all, thanks to all the other reviewers of this Sony PC101, you really helped me in my final decision. Being a first time camcorder buyer and researching all the different options, i.e.,1ccd or 3ccd, size, cost, image quality , which Manufacturer (Sony vs Canon endless debate) etc. can be a bit much. In the end it was all the rave reviews about how nice the Carl Zeiss optics were and what nice image quality it produces.
Anyone considering buying a 1 chipper camcorder can purchase the Sony PC101 with confidence. The camcorder also worked flawlessly with my iMac and iMovie as well.
8 Beware of Sony Canada Ltd: Bad customer service for PC-101
I bought my PC-101 from Sony Canada Ltd and in the first three months of use the touchscreen started becoming unreliable: there was a bad connection.
I sent the PC-101 in for repair three times in a row. After the second time, I thought it reasonable to expect a new camera from them, or at least a new full one year warranty.
They wouldn't budge on a replacement. The PC-101 was out in for repairs for a total of 3 months. They offered only to replace 3 months of the warranty.
I had spent 40.00 in courier charges sending out letters to them to get them to respond to me. The consumer relations manager said in a conversation on one day that she would reimburse me for the charges, and yet on another day she had no recollection of the conversation and wouldn't budge there either.
All of this boils down to a potentially great product, but buyer beware when it breaks down, because you're on your own.
9 Excellent videocamera
I surveyed the market thoroughly before buying my Sony PC101. I bought it in June 2002 and I have compared it a lot to my girlfriend's Sony IP5. The PC101 is slightly larger than the IP5 which is fantastic in size. The IP5 fits in a regular pocket or purse, great to carry around, however, the quality of the video and still shots of the PC101 is superior to the IP5. The color is much clearer and the quality over all of the picture is so much better. Also, the IP 5 does not have the touch screen of the PC101 which is much faster to deal with. I agree one should not have dirty fingers. The PC101 has a function that is great to use in low light, the slow shutter. The effect is great color even when quite dark, no need for an extra video lamp.
Also memory stick is a great media, but get the 128mb from start. In summary, if you want a small girlie cam, get the IP5 (or even better, the IP7) but if you prefer quality over size, the PC101 is the one.
10 Another brilliant product by SONY
I bought this videocam as a new year present for my wife last week. She has not seen it yet but I had a chance to test it during the last few days. Superb technology but its size may prove to be a bit cumbersome to some of us with big hands (& I am a lefty too - the camera is, of course, designed for right-handers). Not a big issue but worth noting. The camera is not terribly complicated for those who are comfortable with "technology" but may prove to be somehow irritating for tech novices. In this context, the manual requires serious studying to take advantage of most of the neat features. Picture quality is excellent (video & still) but would recommend to acquire a 128 Mg memory stick to give you more freedom. the supplied 8 Mg is a joke.Would I recommend this camera? Definitely. Great buy.
11 Compact Execution, Excellent Features
I've had the Sony DCRPC101 for about a month, replacing a Hi8. It is superior in every respect - worth every dollar. Video quality is outstanding. Still image quality is excellent consdering this is a video camera. The small size allows me to carry it in the belt case - very handy - and I can carry a whole kit (extra batteries, telephoto, flash/light) easily in a very small bag. This is truly a superior design in packaging and integration and it delivers. A clever accessory is the combined flash/video light which runs off the camera battery and automatically operates either for digital still or video.
Extremely great. I'll never go back to Hi8!
12 Fabulous
This is my first digital camcorder that I have ever owned and it is great! I love the digital stills (I don't have a digital camera) and the input/outputs. If you are looking for a good camcorder and don't want to spend more than $$$ then this is the camcorder for you!
13 Great Toy
This thing is too cool. Just need to get used to the size. Easy to operate. I would recommend upgrading the memory stick. They give you an 8MB stick which doesn't hold too many still shots. All in all, it's a real fun toy.
14 THE BEST Mini DV Camcorder
I just bought this camcorder for about a week, just in time for my family vacation. I found that the size and its weight allows me to take it everywhere I go. Pictures taken outdoors and indoor are impressive and very clear.
The battery life varies depending on how you use it. Anyway I bought the NP-QM91 battery and able to record all day without any problem.
Compared with my previous camcorder (Sony DCR-TRV 25), the Sony DCRPC101 is better in every aspects.
Overall, I'm very happy and definetely recommended it to everyone.
15 My first camcorder
This is my first camcorder and I've been using the Sony DCRPC101 for three months now. It's small size and light weight allows me to take it everywhere. Pictures taken outdoors (bright light, overcast), indoors (incandescent, fluorescent), while driving (day, night), are impressive. I use a Macintosh to download footages through iMovie. It came with a USB cable, but the Firewire cable (6 pin to 4 pin, that comes with the Macintosh) is more reliable.
In my experience, the battery life varies tremendously, depending on how you use the camcorder. With the LCD on, constant on and off, taking 1 to 2 minutes of footage each time, repeated standby and replaying previous shots, the battery won't last through half a tape (36 minutes). With LCD off, 15 to 30 minute shots, limited standby, the battery will last over 3 tapes (3 hours, 12 minutes). If you plan to shoot all day, buy the NP-QM91 battery. I did, and was able to record to 6 miniDV tapes (that's all I had). There was time left on the battery for one more tape. (FYI: 6 tapes equals 6 hours which translates to 51 GB of hard drive space.)
Using the camcorder for the first time, you have to get use to the location of the control buttons. They are small, and close together, compared to my friends DCRTRV25 and ZR50MC. After using it for a while, you'll notice how convenient the buttons are located. It's just a matter of getting use to the layout. The zoom is instant. From minimum to maximum, it takes less than a second. Not exactly what I wanted. With a little practice, you can achieve a smooth slow zoom.
I've read complaints about the cheesy plug cover hinges. I don't get it (not just yet). They are not hinged, but attached to the camcorder with what appears to be a nylon tether. I know hinges break, but unless you pick up the camcorder by these covers, I don't see how they can break.
As far as durability, my camcorder has been dropped (on carpet, twice, from waist height), ran over (radio control car), and toppled (on the driveway, mounted on a tripod, me tripping on the tripod). Besides a few scratches, the camcorder still functions like brand new.
I think all miniDV camcorders you buy today, have still image capture. The Sony DCRPC101 is equivalent to a 1 megapixel camera. I have a 3 megapixel Canon digital camera that is dedicated to taking still images, and I use it exclusively for that. Even though the digital camera can take video shots, it's image/sound quality is nowhere near that of a miniDV. And the same thing applies to the miniDV camcorder. The stills cannot compare to the digital camera.
If I have any complaint, that would be the built-in microphone. The microphone, and it is a good one, is mounted on top of the camcorder. It is omni directional, and picks up sound everywhere. Of course, the closer the sound source is to the camera, the louder it is. If you are the one taking the video, and decide to add your voice, you will definitely come in loud and clear. During silent passages, you can almost hear a humming sound, which is the motor noise. My friends old JVC 8mm, records some very obvious noise, something I've never noticed before, until I started making comparisons. The ZR50MC also picks up motor noise or whatever it is. Another friends DCRTRV25 is very quite. But it's something you have to focus on.
The best accessory to buy for your camcorder is a 30mm UV Filter. This is a must have. Think of it as insurance, it protects the lens. It's easier to wipe the dirt, dust, fingerprints off the filter than the lens. If the filter gets scratched, you can replace the filter.
16 Sony don't gain their fame in video and imaging for nothing
I was shopping for a handheld MiniDV camcorder for awhile already and has narrowed my choices to either a Canon Elura 40MC or a Sony DCRPC101. I ended up buying the Sony since after some rebate the Sony only costs a little more compared to the Canon.
I'm really glad I made this choice. My Sony literally refines video imaging so it looks alot more detailed and colorful compared to reallife. I have done some test shots on objects like old oil-paintings and 50 year-old furnitures, and they all look brand-new and shiny inside the video! Compared to the Sony, the Canon Elura 40MC do provide more realistic imaging but hey, what's wrong with elaborating the reality?
The standard battery gives me about 45min recording time if I'm using the LCD screen. That can be prolonged to about 2 hours when using the view finder instead. I do have problem holding the camcorder during action though. I probably need more time to get use to my new toy. Also, I don't quite like the touch-screen personally. It tends to pollute the LCD screen with fingermarks.
I'm extremely satisfied with my purchase in general;hence, the highest rating. If you need a portable MiniDV camcorder I'll highly recommend Sony DCRPC101. You're really getting what you paid for.
17 You won't be regret to buy it.
It's a great camcorder. The touch screen panel is a very nice feature. You can control the camcorder and be viewing the shooting target at the same time, so you won't miss any movement.
Picture quality..... no comment at all just PERFECT.
Features ......... you get what you paid for.
Holding position...... takes a little bit more time to adjust the strap to your comfort position.
Touch screen menu ......... not well organized, but is a good feature
18 I love the size
of this camera. I had been looking for a digital camcorder to replace our analog one. My main criteria was it had to be small, so that we would take it almost anywhere (unlike the old clunky one). After much research, we decided to get either the Sony DCR-PC101 or the Canon Elura 40MC. Even though, the Sony cost more, we picked it since our digital camera is a Sony. I got a great deal at Sears on an open box product ... and it came with the full warranty. I have used it a couple times and I absolutely love it. The software (pixela) could be more user friendly, but I will probably get bundled software with a 1394 card that I will buy. Some folks complain about the small buttons, but hey, you can't put big buttons on a camcorder that fits into your pocket!
19 Great Camera!
Just got this camera, its the best!
It's small yet picture quality is excellect. I was even impressed with the stills. Stills however come out best when taken outside in bright daylight. Indoor and at night, you do need flash.
Touch screen menus (One of my favorite item) are really easy to use.
Video editing is quite easy with FireWire. I used Adobe Premier, worked without problem. You can controll the Camcorder from Premier when doing editing.
There is however a problem with the camera..Not sure if I got defective ..but..there is too much motor noise. At least in mine, it's too loud. Too much motor noise is being recorded. In quite room you can actually hear the motor running from 6-8 feet away.
