HC1 and HC3 which one is better?
 

Why is HC3 more expensive than HC1? Which one is better?

HC1 vs HC3
 

see this site

http://enjoy1.bb-east.ne.jp/~pro/HC1HC3.html

When you ask which one is better, what do you mean by that? Better in what way? Can you narrow it down a little bit. Also, I thought you had an FX1. Are you looking for a second camera now?

We don't know yet. Ask us in about two months or so and some of us may have informed opinions about the comparisons between the two models. Most of what you hear now, is just speculation based on spec sheets and a few limited reviews that were rushed to publication after only minimal examination of the few HC3s that are in circulation. I suspect that some people will like one model or the other very much, depending on how they would use it and there won't be any shortage of strong and opposing positions on this issue.

re
 

The only thing I can say you is that the hc1 is a great camera, I have one. I don't know the HC3, so....

There's no manual focus ring on the HC3, so that would be useless for me. The lens is only 30mm aswell, as opposed to 37mm for the HC1. Maybe this wouldn't make much difference, but I don't think Sony should be replacing the HC1.

The lack of focusing ring and no mic jack make the HC3 clearly a consumer camcorder. But, it's price is so close the the HC1 it creates doubt about the HC1 future.

Now if the HC3 were $1400 -- then it would make sense.

Do we really know Sony is replacing the HC1?????

That's a good question. See the debate at http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=61179

Chris, that Thread seems to indicate the HC1 would soon be gone. Perhaps the new CMOS chip will go into an A2 to be announced at NAB. Perhaps the A2 will be nearer in price to the HC1.

This will force prosumers to buy the Pro Division's camcorder and not the Consumer Divisions unit.

And, open a bigger gap between the A2 and the FX1.

If Canon is part of Sony's ramp up of 1440x1080 CCDs, might we see an better Z1 at Canon's price?

Again, forcing the Pro to part with more money.

I'm not criticizing Sony -- they are losing money and perhaps feel they can can earn more by creating a different model mix.