No headphone jack = deal breaker.

That and the lack of a manual focus ring. Still...

If there's no manual focus ring and no headphone jack, why cancel the HC1?

heath

re
 

I think the answer is because HC1 was taking space to fx1.

At sony's site, they're still selling the HC1.

hwm

If the HC1 is discontinued, it's news to the folks at Sony in Canada and San Diego. I've just spent 4 days with those sales teams, and they all laughed when I showed them this thread. So...maybe there is a source higher than the HDV product manager that hasn't told his people that their product is discontinued? Could happen, but about as unlikely as pigs flying.
Of course, it will be discontinued at some point over the next 18 months, that's Sony's normal period for a consumer cam, but...

If anyone knows, it's Spot. I've had the pleasure of meeting a couple of Sony guys and even some of the major HDV people. They'd know for sure if the HC1 was going the way of the Dodo bird.

heath

Rumours are very suggestive, and it really depends on who is telling it as well, and where, and too how much they know is happening in another region. For example: In a thread about the another camera, a comment was made that a person known at Canon France (I can't remember how high up) said there was no immediate plans to release it. But seriously, somebody in France may not be among even the second group of people, in the world, to find out unless they are at the top, plus it could merely mean that France won't be getting it soon. Plus, apart from not having access to the latest information, how much are these sources depending on, or mining rumours themselves, or have they got contacts at the top? Very difficult, you really have to access the source, and just wait to see what happens.

I forgot to mention: The A1 could fill it's place at around $2K. So wait the next month or two, to see if stocks actually run down, but I personally think it is strange to do this to still well selling recent camera.

If anyone would care to look on Sony.ca they will see that the HC1 is no longer listed!!!!! It was removed a few days ago.

Ron Evans

Sony Style's site (US):

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTE...efinitionVideo

and

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTE...efinitionVideo

heath

I know the HC1 is on the other sites. The end of last week the 505 DVD cam was added to the Canadian site and at the same time the HC1 was removed. What this means is anybodies quess. Could just be a site error, but it is not there anymore. The only HDV camera listed is the FX1.

Ron Evans

Re-read Spot's comment in this thread--he was in touch with the Sony HDV guys. So unless they don't know something, it isn't going anywhere for a bit. Unless they cancelled it in Canada.

heath

Stu was right the HC1 has gone, I was at the PMA show and picked up the new trade accessories catalouge and only the FX1 and HC3 are listed. All the reps I talked to were quite clear -HC1 goes- FX1 stays.
On the accessory front nice to see a sports pak to fit the HC3 and a new 10w light and bluetooth wireless mike that fits all cams that take the new smaller advanced accessory shoe.

More conformation - Sony UK's Sony style shop are taking pre orders for mid April. The Spec page starts 'HDR-HC3 SUCCESSOR to the popular HDR-HC1..' (My caps)