Whats the best option...

[richardhurst]

out of the 2 which is the better camera to purchase, i'm not a pro and only need it for holiday use but cost is not an issue, just want the one that wil produce the best quality picture. so is it the Sony HDR-HC1 or the HDR-HC3?

[Carl Spackler]

out of the 2 which is the better camera to purchase, i'm not a pro and only need it for holiday use but cost is not an issue, just want the one that wil produce the best quality picture. so is it the Sony HDR-HC1 or the HDR-HC3?

Comparison (http://www.camcorder-compare.com/sony-hdr-hdc3_--_vs_--_sony-hdr-hc1.html)

The HC1 offers a higher pixel count and more userfriendly options like s-video out, firewire, headphone jack, etc.

[richardhurst]

So am i right in saying the HC3 has no firewire connection??. i have a macbook pro and want the best one as stated for video quality and ease of connection

[Carl Spackler]

So am i right in saying the HC3 has no firewire connection??. i have a macbook pro and want the best one as stated for video quality and ease of connection

Well, that comparison says "no" but the Sony site (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=dcc_DICamcorders_HighDefinitionVideo&ProductSKU=HDRHC3&Dept=cameras&INT=sstyle-dcc_DICamcorders-deptfeature-HDRHC3|sstyle:sy_cat_content_p:dcc_dicamcorders) says "yes" so I guess it does support firewire.

Not to throw another possible wrench into the works and not start a Sony vs. Canon debate, but have you considered Canon's new HV10 (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=177&modelid=14059). I've seen more (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=220614) than (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=220027) one (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=219248) post mentioning it can be a pain to get Apple and Sony to play nice. These posts suggest that Sony cameras may not come with a firewire cable. I have an older Canon MiniDV camera and have never had an issue. Not to get too technical, but the CMOS imagaing sensor in the Canon scans at a native 1920 x 1080. I think the sony does a 1440 x 1080 scan.

The HV10 doesn't come out until September, but my suggestion would be to find a retailer that carries the cameras of interest and try connecting them to your Macbook Pro to see just how easy it is.