Sony HDR-HC3

[mrjaja]

As well as a MacBook, another thing I'd like to get with it is a camcorder. And for some time, I've liked the look of the Sony Handycam HDR-HC3. I found a good website (www.digitalrev.com) which has offered a very good price for it, considering some places charge quite a lot for it.

However I recently checked Digital Rev and I discovered that the camcorder was no longer there

Has is been discontinued?

The Sony website still shows the HDR-HC3 and it provides links and addresses to where you can "get one". But a lot of the websites they show don't have it either

So, is the camcorder:

• Discontinued

• or not as wide spread as it's cousins (HDR-HC5, and the HDR-HC7)

Is there another good website which sells the camcorder for a good price?

Thanks a million in advance

 

[scamateur]

The HC3 does not appear in the Adorama or B&H Photo or Ritz catalogs; only one seller (which I didn't check) on Amazon claims to carry it. I would conclude that the legitimate retail channel has dried up for this superceded model.

I have an HC3 and I like it. I wouldn't buy any camera from any but the best known retailers, though. If it's a "good" price, it may well be too good to be true.

 

[AviationFan]

I second scamateur's recommendation to check out the dealer before placing an order.

As far as the camera goes, I have one, and I also have a Sony Z1U. The HC3 produces a beautiful picture in good (read: lots of light) conditions. Manual settings are, well, not its strength, and neither is audio (no external audio input, unless you buy an adapter for a 3.5mm plug from Sony). But for the money, the HC3 can deliver an outstanding picture.

- Martin

 

[Prange57]

I have a Sony HDR-HC3 and just bought my first mac - the new 24" iMac.

So far, I have not been able to import video via the Firewire port/cable. My oder DV camcorder imports just fine. Any thoughts?