[ndbob79]

Hi. I am thinking about robbing a bank and purchasing a high definition digital camcorder. The 2 under consideration are the Sony HDR-HC1 and the Canon XL H1. My questions are: 1) Are there distinct advantages of one over the other for amateur use (mainly family videos that will be transferred to iMovieHD and then to both DVD and a hard drive. 2) Is the image quality clearly better than the digital camcorders that preceed it and, therefore, worth the investment ? 3) What in the specs should I pay most attention to when comparing camcorders (ex: Canon 3CCD and Sony CMOS sensor) ? 4) Are there other models I should be thinking about ? Thanks

[dejongj]

I was so close to buying the Sony...But I had to constrain myself as it was for my wife who wanted a simple point and shoot instead of my TRV-900 3CCD prosumer...I was so impressed with how small the Sony is, it easily fitted in my coat pocket which is perfect for those family moments, taking it to the Zoo, to granny etc....My TRV-900 is just too old and big now....

Unfortunately I came back to my senses and bought one that is more suitable for my wife...The DCR-DVD803e which records straight onto DVD so my wife doesn't have to edit or use a computer....

In my searches I have come across the HDR-HC1 for only about £800 at digitalrev...So that might sway you....

If it is for family moments I would recommend size as well, that way you use it more.....

PS. I would have loved that Camera...The results would have looked great on my Pio435 in WMV-HD....Hmmm...Have fun...

the xl1 is by far the better camera in every way, however it is also vastly more expensive, about 5x the size and weight of the sony and really requires an advanced user to be able to use it, if its for family & fun the sony is a fantastic cam, it's a little bit dim in low light situations but then it is HD.

[ndbob79]

Thank you both. I appreciate your help.