Sony DCRPC120BT MiniDV Camcorder w/ 2.5" LCD, Memory Stick, MPEG, Mega Pixel Video/ Still & Network Capability

Sony has taken the time to combine an enormously disparate set of functions into one startlingly potent package: the DCR-PC120BT. Not only do you get the high-resolution still mode (the images top out at about 1.4 megapixels, good for a camcorder), you also get an MPEG movie mode, Bluetooth wireless networking, and an MPEG movie mode. Beyond these extras, you do get the standard set of digital camcorder amenities, such as the 10x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD, and IEEE 1394 port.

The extras that Sony has packed into the PC120BT are mostly the standard set of extras. However, it's the addition of Bluetooth that truly sets this camcorder apart. With Bluetooth, you can wirelessly connect to any PC equipped with its own Bluetooth adapter, and upload photos, MPEG movie clips, send e-mails, and even--although we're not sure we see the utility of this--surf the Web. Both the digital stills and MPEG movie clips are recorded onto the included 8 MB Memory Stick.

The standard accoutrements play out fairly well with a 10x optical zoom with Super SteadyShot image stabilization. The 2.5-inch LCD is not terribly impressive except when you remember that this is a small camcorder (very small), and the 2.5 inches actually fit quite well with the overall package. You also get Sony's NightShot shooting mode--it's an infrared mode. The PC120BT also includes a few nice ports, including: USB, mic input, IEEE 1394, mini-AV, and S-video.

1 This camera is a lot better than the new DCR-PC330
I own one DCR-PC120BT since more than 9 months now. And last week I had the chance to test the new 330. Forget it! After several days of practicing with both cameras the DCR-PC120BT is the clear winner!

2 Great mix of price and quality
I've owned video cameras since my first Hitachi VHS in the 80's. This is the sharpest camera yet. I will be selling my Canon Optura DV, JVC GR-DVP3U and Sony Digital 8 to use this exclusively. The video picture quality is astounding, as is the low light performance. I added the wide angle lens and video light for an overall nice package. The digital still capability is useless compared to a real digital camera even in the same 1.5 megapixel rating. Still pictures look 'TV like', but the video sharpness just has me keeping the camera. I'm sure the 330 is even a better improvement, but I'd still be suspicious of the still picture performance.

3 Nice looking camcorder, but Sony's customer service blew
four stars off this one. I got a C:31:23 error message when I insert a tape. It beeps and ask to eject the tape. When I eject the tape, it left the tape out all wrinkled up. The manual is no help to decipher the code. Why does it even display it if no one knows? Error code starts with "C" is self-servicable according to the manual. But it does not list all the codes obviously. The worst of all, after been put on hold for more than two hours, no one at their customer service takes the call and I finally gave up. I own many Sony products, this was the first time I tried to contact their customer service. It is just unbelievable. They dwarf the worst customer service experience you ever had. Why do they even have a phone number if no one answers it? Sony's customer service kills one's will to live. Take my advice, don't go there.

4 Great Versatility
I really like this videocam. It integrates seamlessly into my computer system.

The video comes out really clear and sharp, so much so that when I view it later, I was so amazed that everything looked so sharp and clear. The sky was so blue and the resolution is also great. You can easily see falling flower petals in the background several feet away.

Focusing was fast and accurate.

There are lots of video editing features on this camera, but I only use the basic features, so I can't comment on those. But I dont think those features are very useful anyways, because there are much better editing programs you can use on computers.

In digital camera mode, it has two resolutions. The 1.4 megapixel resolution is comparable to most dedicated digital cameras. Both resolutions come out fine when uploaded into my computer. On a 128 meg memory stick, I can stick over 600 pictures on it. It also comes with a flash, can take pictures at night.

I use it to load video and jpegs on my Apple MacIntosh computer, and everything is plug and play. No need to fiddle with the drivers and controls.

The only negative thing I can say about it is that it is not as small and compact as the other videocams out there, but for the features it has, the compromise on weight is acceptable.

5 Great Versatility
I really like this videocam. It integrates seamlessly into my computer system.

There are lots of other video editing features on this camera, but I only use the basic features, so I can't comment on those. But I dont think those features are very useful anyways, because there are much better editing programs you can use on computers.

In digital camera mode, it has two resolutions. The 1.5 megapixel resolution is comparable to most dedicated digital cameras. Both resolutions come out fine when uploaded into my computer. On a 256meg memory stick, I can stick over 600 pictures on it. It also comes with a flash, can take pictures at night.

I use it to load video and jpegs on my Apple MacIntosh, and everything is plug and play. No need to fiddle with the drivers and controls.

The only negative thing I can say about it is that it is not as small and compact as the other videocams out there, but for the features it has, the compromise on weight is acceptable.

6 I love the pc120bt
I narrowed my search down to three camcorders: the Sony dcr-pc120bt, the Canon Optura 200mc and the JVC dvm96u. I first purchased the JVC and returned it because I was unhappy with the still picture quality. The next week I did the same with the Canon. I thought that the stills would not bother me because these were infact camcorders, but it did. The Sony is the best purchase I have made in a long while. The still pics are excellent. What sets the Sony apart from the Canon is the fast "low-light" focus. It actually emits infrared lasers (that are visible) to capture a sharp focus. It is a feature that you probably will not notice unless you handle all three camcorders as I did. For a purchase this expensive, I did not mind paying a little more for the Sony. The Sony is by far the best quality out there. It is full of features and the video quality is excellent. The low-light focusing system coupled together with the pop-up flash basically eliminates the need for a dedicated still camera. I keep on enphasizing the still picture quality because that is the true measure of a good lens and that was my criteria for a camcorder; 2-in-1 functionality and compact size. It is posible for someone to be happy with the Canon, but you can't go wrong and will definately love the Sony.

7 Great camcorder with the future in mind
I have owned camcorders since the days of the big bulkey VHS models. I have also had an 8mm and a HI-8 camera. I always had two complaints with them and they were size and weight. They were OK for around the house but I took mine on quite a few trips where weight and size mattered. I bought a camera bag to carry everything and of course a camera as well because they a camcorder doesn't replace a camera.
I had been looking to go digital for about a year because of the higher quality movies compaired to the other formats when the mini dv's came out. I compaired all the features and came up with either the Cannon Optura or the Sony PC120BT. Why did I pick Sony? First was the low light specs. The minimun recommended for Cannon was 100 lux and Sony was 7 lux. Taking clear pictures around a Christmas tree did not require extra lighting. Second a larger CCD which made for higher resolution pictures as well as more scan lines for viewing (more than 530). It had firewire which is 50 times faster transfer to a computer than USB. It's great for converting tapes via computer to DVD so you really watch them instead of having a tape library to watch someday. They both fit in your pocket and use the camera as a battery charger.
What are the downsides? Bluetooth may be of value in the future but not now. After trying to hold and operate it comfortably I went to a camera store and asked and they showed me how to hold it. It's still not great but I am getting used to it. Tape ejects from the bottom so you must remove your tripod to change a tape.
...camcorders where you may have to ship your camcorder out of the country for warrantee repair or worse not be compatable with US TV standards.
After owning it for a while I still think it is the best camcorder on the market.

8 excellent compact camcorder
My criteria for a camcorder included compact size & the highest Mega pixel CCD for digital picture clarity. I researched the dcr-pc120, dcr-pc101, canon optura 100 & 200mc. (I decided to stay away from the microMV camcorders namely because they only have 60min max recording tapes and i feel the miniDV's have a larger audience)

I chose the dcr-pc120bt sony because:
1. it had a built in quality intelligent flash (4 settings - forced, red eye reduction, off, auto)
2. Hologram AF Low Light Laser Assist function (this function is incredible, using a class 1 laser for focusing in low lighting)
3. 0 lux nightshot rating
4. Progressive shutter system
5. Sony's great features and the warranty/options Sony offers

I considered the following equal in my comparison:
1. the digital zoom is not much good after 120x, therefore canon's 200x didn't become a factor
2. both have carl zeiss lenses
3. size
4. canon's optical stabilization is basically equivalent to sony's digital stabilization.

cons on the dcr-pc120bt:
1. grip and functioning the controls are a bit ackward (it takes a few days to get used to)- the canons 200mc is much more comfortable.
2. bluetooth functions pushes up the price.

I have no regrets on buying this camcorder! It took 2 minutes to install the USB driver and my computer recognized the memory stick as a removable disk where I could download pictures. If you can afford it, purchase this high quality pc120bt camcorder.

9 NYC user
great looking camera, easy to use BUT the hum picked up by the mic is so bad it negates all the other great features of the camera. I tried an external mic and it picked up noise too. If sound is important, this IS NOT the camcorder to buy.

10 It stands out
During my research I shortlisted following camcorders: Sony dcr-pc120bt , dcr-pc101 and Canon Optura 100mc.
All three had very similiar features but
120 stood due to following reasons:
1) 1.5 Mpixel CCD + progressive shutter
2) Halogram LF-- this feature will give even a 3 M.pixel cam run for it's money
3) Mpeg movies capability i.e It records Mpeg format on tape/memory stick which you can email as it's many times smaller than video file.
4) Built in intelligent flash
5) I could buy it for less ...with 5 year warranty.
...

Cons:
1) Canon 100mc has Optical stabilizer
2) dcr-pc101 has touch screen LCD. ( Idon't know how much I will touch though!)
3) Zoom control is on odd place for my big hands!

Camera arrived last week and I compared to the videos of my previous recordings (JVC dv + panasonic DV -- borrowed from friends) and difference is as big as HDTV Vs Regullar and unbeliable Snapshots !

This camera has bluetooth which I will enjoy couple of years later when there are more bluetooth devices.

Anyway , I like it for that price.

11 A great camcorder and camera!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I bought the camcorder today and i am very excited.Is so small it fits in ur palm.

The video is great!!!!

I took some pictures for testing.I connected the camcorder through the USB in 5 minutes .Voila the sony is part of my computer.I printed the pictures on a regular A4 paper..They are great!!!

People if u are not photo professionals get it!!!!!!!

The camcorder is expensive but the best gadget i ever bought