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Note: this camcorder was first sold in Mar 2006. There may be newer versions available.
Sony Handycam HDR-HC3

Sony Handycam HDR-HC3

F
HQ Grade: F
A is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of camcorders.
B means they are good, with some standout features.
C means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.
  • 5 out of 5
"HD 'Quality'"
  • 5 out of 5
"My recorder to the dv mini tapes digital high definition palmcamera corder"
See rating based on 149 user reviews
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Editors' Comments

The Sony Handycam HDR-HC3 is a very appealing high definition camcorder, recording directly to MiniDV tapes to ensure easy editing and high-quality results. The HC3's compact size will make shooting your subjects a very comfortable experience, and the superior video quality of the 1080i videos cannot be beat. The camera can also be used in "DV" mode... read more

Specifications

  • High definition camcorder
  • MiniDV recording media
  • 2.1 megapixel CMOS sensor (1.43k effective), 10x optical zoom / 80x digital zoom
  • 1880i high definition resolution, "Dual Record Mode" for simultaneous video/still recording
  • 2.7-inch touch panel LCD
  • Sony Super SteadyShot image stabilization
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Answered Questions for the HDR-HC3

Q: What cable is used to transfer video to computer?
A: It uses a Firewire (ieee 1394) cable. Sony calls it iLink. I'm guessing it has a 4 pin on one... read more
Q: Upgrade advice from Sony DCR-TRV38
A: Well, MAC compatibility is dicey at best. I do know that with the optional dock, the HC96 does get firewire... read more
Q: Is there any way to convert a 3.5mm microphone to the LANC port?
A: Unless it's made by SONY, I doubt it. Sony's obsession with reliance of proprietary hardware and software kinda leaves out... read more

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Open Questions for the HDR-HC3

Q: Is there an XLR or mini-jack adapter in the market for the HDR-HC3?
5 points for best answer - 1 reply
Q: how do you record video onto the memorystick?
10 points for best answer - 1 reply
Q: Is it possible to mute the microphone on a Sony Handycam HDR-HC3 while recording?
5 points for best answer - 3 replies

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Store Ratings and Offer Details for the Sony HDR-HC3

Offers from stores in US and Canada. Click to change:  French Stores German Stores Great Britain Stores Austrailian Stores North American Stores
Store Rating Store Name Price Visit Store
4.7 out of 5 877 Store Reviews PCMONDE
via Amazon.com
$1,499.99 Go!

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  • 4.18 out of 5

Average rating based on 149 total reviews: 4.18/5

Camcorder-HQ User Reviews

Submit your own HDR-HC3 review!

  • 5 out of 5
HD 'Quality' (Steve Gough - 1/29/07)

Only two weeks in so still learning the controls, but took some footage over this weekend indoors during day the quality is awesome. Footage taken... read more

  • 5 out of 5
My recorder to the dv mini tapes digital high definition palmcamera corder (Ulik MaDiq - 12/16/06)

yes, i was just calling to say i love my sony high definition thinga magigger. it give me good picture for quality very good. You... read more

  • 5 out of 5
Litle big gem (Joaqu����n - 7/6/06)

Iwas still reluctant to believe what the Sony HDR HC3 could bring out from the new camcorder for none of the previous four camcormders I... read more

See all HDR-HC3 user reviews...

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