Quick Question... 50i
 

Does the HC-1K have a 50i record format option? If so how would I switch it?

Does "HC-1K" mean that literally, or is it shorthand for "HC-1000"? The HC-1000 certainly is not switchable between 50i and 60i.

If you're talking about the HC-1 however, that's a question that I'm also curious about. Sony still doesn't seem to have specs on their pro website, but from pieces I've put together elsewhere I get the impression there are separate NTSC and PAL versions of the HC-1.

AFAIK, the HVR-Z1 is the only camera that anyone makes which is capable of PAL, NTSC and HDV. I have one, and they've done a good job of hiding the menu option - to the point where one forum member here said they couldn't find it! It's all the way at the bottom of the long 'misc' menu, so far down the list that you have to scroll the menu to find it. The function is called 50i/60i select (IIRC) on the Z1.

(EDIT)
Looking at another site, someone mentions the following HC1 models:

HC-1 - US - NTSC
HC-1J - Japan - NTSC
HC-1E - Europe - PAL
HC-1P - Pacific - PAL

The different PAL and NTSC varieties evidently use local language in the menus.

The HC1 is not switchable from 50i to 60i.

K means 'Overseas'
 

The "K models are the "Overseas" or "international" models

HC1K - NTSC, 6 Languages on menus
HC1EK - PAL, 6 Languages on menus

The languages are:
English
French
Spanish
Portuguese
Chinese (Traditional)
Korean

Here is link to the HC1K Product Page

This camera can be found in the USA at, what some call, the less reputable stores. The HC1K is usually a little cheaper, but also comes with some extras that the USA version does not:
Extra 64MB Memory Stick Duo (In addtion to the 16MB stick)
One Cleaning Tape
One Sony HDV Tape

The warranty is valid in the USA, but don't tell these stores that you are aware of that. They like to use the supposed lack of warranty to upsell you one of their extended warranties. If you let on that you know the warranty is valid in the USA, they may just hang up on you. If you want an extended warranty, get one through SonyStyle or Mack.

Like DSE stated, these K-models cannot switch between NTSC and PAL modes.

-Mike

I just realized I was confused by the new model numbers... I was thinking about the "pro" version which I guess is called the A1. Is that model switchable between PAL and NTSC?