Thinking of getting the Sony HDR-HC3E

bbasra · 05-10-2006, 9:08 AM

Hi,

I am thinking of getting the Sony HDR-HC3E as a first timer.

I really dont need manual controls, just point and shot really with excellent picture quality. Budget is around £700.

Is this digicam about to be discontinued as i cannot seem to locate it on the dixons, currys nor jessops website. Whats the deal with this?

Please advise?

redsox_mark · 05-10-2006, 11:09 AM

Good choice!

The HC3 has not been discontinued, though some of the cheaper offers have been out of stock.

Jessops has it here
http://www.jessops.com/Store/s35141/...r/details.aspx

Pricerunner list which shows many options, and who has stock
http://www.pricerunner.co.uk/sound-a.../558964/prices

n8384 · 05-10-2006, 11:39 AM

bought mine 3 weeks from John lewis....great camcorder for a novice like me..

http://www.johnlewis.com/Audio+and+T...1/Product.aspx

bbasra · 05-10-2006, 11:41 AM

Thanks Mark,

HDR-HC3E it is!

The cheapest i have seen it is

http://www.purelygadgets.co.uk/showp...FQXAXgodWWXQBw

however, i have never heard of them. Anyone got any experience with them or know if jessops will price match them?

Thanks

redsox_mark · 05-10-2006, 11:47 AM

People on this forum have bought from Purely Gadgets and were happy. Amazon also uses them as a reseller... they are "legit". Though they do sometimes sell grey imports, you might want to check if it is the HC3E (European) model.

**senu** · 05-10-2006, 11:50 AM

I have bought twice off Purely Gadgets: Positive experience each time. You can talk to them on the phone and satisfy your self regarding source and availability.
The second time I picked up the item in person London Docklands (DLR :Royal Victoria Docks).

As for Jessops pricematching, it is hard to say as IIRC Jessops will not pricematch if the price difference is much wider than they are comfortable with and the descision is then at the discretion of the store manager if that particular item can be "undersold " or not.

bbasra · 05-10-2006, 11:55 AM

thanks for your replies everyone! this forum rocks.

I'll take your word for it and get it from Purely Gadgets, however, how will i know whether it is a grey import or not. I want a UK supplied one with UK waranty in case something goes wrong.

redsox_mark · 05-10-2006, 11:58 AM

Call or email then and ask them... they will tell you. As long as it is a HC3E you will be OK.. it's just one model for Europe, and the warrenty is Europe wide.

rjarvis · 05-10-2006, 4:32 PM

Hi,

I received my camcorder from purely gadgets on tuesday(ordered it friday).The exact model name I received is Sony HDR-HC3EK.The only thing I found was that the contents list mentioned:

2xRechargeable battery pack?. I got one
Cleaning cassette.Didn't get one
Mini dv cassette.Didn't get one
Memory stick duo + adaptor.Got one of each(128mb).

Nice camera though and works fine.It states that it is 1080 50i PAL so should be OK.

Richard.

**senu** · 05-10-2006, 5:50 PM

My HC1 ( from Sony Centre) came with a memory stick (duo) and adaptor (the Memory stick was only 16Mb,), Power cable, usb cord and standard battery.in addition to the component and AV cables and remote control
The MiniDv tape/ cleaner on the contents list could have been a limited offer

redsox_mark · 05-10-2006, 9:09 PM

HC3-EK is a Japanese export model (PAL).
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/tourist/v...HC3EK(JE)&LG=1

No problem with that, it is PAL and will work fine, but it is by definition a "grey import".

bbasra · 05-10-2006, 9:26 PM

Hey, i called up purely gadgets, and they ensured me that it is a uk model and not a grey import model.

if that is the case, i could just get it from pixmania.

redsox_mark · 05-10-2006, 9:34 PM

Hard to say what to do. The earlier poster (Richard) said he got a HC3-EK, that is not the UK model. Maybe they have both, or maybe the person was mistaken. You could specifically ask them if it is the HC3E or HC3EK. Or just not worry about it, it will still have a warrenty and be functionally the same camcorder as the HC3E.

**senu** · 05-10-2006, 9:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbasra

Hey, i called up purely gadgets, and they ensured me that it is a uk model and not a grey import model.

if that is the case, i could just get it from pixmania.

Pixmania sounds like a bad.....no, .. very bad idea

compared to Purely Gadgets.
This older thread is I think, still relevant

Pixmania itself doesnt nessesarily avoid "grey" themselves

bbasra · 09-10-2006, 1:40 PM

I really want a UK model as a freind of mine bought a sony laptop from the USA and we really had a hard time with Sony UK to get it repaired and dont want to go through all that hassle should something go wrong.

I found this website

http://www.bestcameras.co.uk/shop/ac...amera_732.html whioch works out to £734.96 del and included free tape and case. Plus they guarantee UK stock.

Anyone used them before?

bbasra · 11-10-2006, 9:04 PM

Just an update. I ordered it yesterday from BestCameras and got it today, good service or what. I recieved the UK Model HDR-HC3E, not a grey import and came with a UK plug.

I love the camera and happy with the choice. And the free bag they gave is excellent. Justs fit the camera perfectly which is what i want, although some users may find it too small as it wont fit all the accesories. It'll easily fit the cam, few dv tapes and spare battery, perfect for travelling.

Heres the points i really did not like at all.

1. The Sony Seal had been broken and the box opened. Also looks like the camera had been taken out of it's wrapper as it had finger prints on it. Although it does not look used but how can you tell?

2. The Box was a little battered.

If I were giving this as a present to someone, i would feel really embarrassed and shameful.

meansizzler · 11-10-2006, 9:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbasra

Just an update. I ordered it yesterday from BestCameras and got it today, good service or what. I recieved the UK Model HDR-HC3E, not a grey import and came with a UK plug.

I love the camera and happy with the choice. And the free bag they gave is excellent. Justs fit the camera perfectly which is what i want, although some users may find it too small as it wont fit all the accesories. It'll easily fit the cam, few dv tapes and spare battery, perfect for travelling.

Heres the points i really did not like at all.

1. The Sony Seal had been broken and the box opened. Also looks like the camera had been taken out of it's wrapper as it had finger prints on it. Although it does not look used but how can you tell?

2. The Box was a little battered.

If I were giving this as a present to someone, i would feel really embarrassed and shameful.

tell them you want a replacement one as the seal was broken...

**senu** · 11-10-2006, 9:20 PM

I have bought a DVD player from Comet aparently sealed only to get home and find the remote control was not in the Box. It had infact been opened but more neatly resealed.

Sometimes unless you buy it in the shop in person, in which case you should before you leave. They will open the box.

For distance retail, it is some retailers Practice to open the contents to see that nothing is missing before sending out the shipment.
However,this does not explain grubby fingermarks on the camera and certainly not the battered box
That is explained easier by the camera being opened to show a potential customer and them holding it. Althogh technically not ex- demo as never been used, it is a bit irritating that you know sombody else had handled it before you.
It probably does no harm to write to tell them stating that you intention to give it to somebody as a present has been dashed as they would think it was ex demo.
Even if nothing happens it is appopriate they know you are less than happy unless they simply sent that one off to you to prevent a delay in obtaining a completely unopened one

Enjoy the camcorder and welcome to the world of shooting HDV

bbasra · 11-10-2006, 9:37 PM

I really want to say i want a replacement, but don't really want the hassle sending it back and waiting for a new one. I bet i'll have to pay for postage costs too.

"For distance retail, it is some retailers Practice to open the contents to see that nothing is missing before sending out the shipment.
However,this does not explain grubby fingermarks on the camera and certainly not the battered box "

Exactly!

However, tbh, the box isn't that badly battered, other than from where they broken the seal and opened it from and a few dents on it.

I also checked for fingerprint on the touchscreen, and it was clear.

Maybe they did just pull it out to show a customer, but its a internet shop, god knows!

I also know Vodafone Stores also do this all the time. They break the manufactuers seal and show customers, but then the customer says no, and they sell it to someone else.... also seen battered phone boxes too lol.

However, i will contact them tomorrow and tell them i'm not happy and i also posted a note on avforums for everyone to read and may also post on dpreview... not good for business i bet!

**senu** · 11-10-2006, 9:40 PM

So it is new :no harm in scaring them

Some "internet shops" ( Like Purely Gadgets) do have a "you can come and see us" service though

Quote:

WE'LL MAKE YOU FEEL WELCOME

Come and visit us at Kamera Photo Video Centre in St. Helens, Merseyside, where we are open from Monday to Saturday, from 9 to 5.30p.m.
We suggest you park in the large nearby car park, which is well signposted and accessible from College Street and Birchley Street

from the Best Cameras website

bbasra · 11-10-2006, 10:05 PM

So it must have been opened to show customers.......I'll kill em now!

**senu** · 11-10-2006, 10:15 PM

Gently suggest a pack of DV tapes to start you off might appease you

bbasra · 12-10-2006, 9:42 AM

I called them up and they are exchanging it for a new one. They are also arranging for a couirer to collect it which is great.

bbasra · 12-10-2006, 10:37 AM

..... Also, just noticed that i did not get a Memory Stick and Adaptor in my box as rjarvis did.

I Wonder what else is missing!

**senu** · 12-10-2006, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbasra

..... Also, just noticed that i did not get a Memory Stick and Adaptor in my box as rjarvis did.

I Wonder what else is missing!

Hopefully nothing

Unlike the HC1, it doesnt come with the memory stick and adaptor. It may be some retailers put those in as a "sweetener"

The HC1 also comes with a lens hood and shoulder strap not available for the HC3

I thought having HDMI it would come with a cable but Sony in their wisdom would rather prefer to sell that, and an s-video cable to you.
What is should have are the battery, ac adaptor and cord, usb cable, remote control , av and component cables and..... ..oh thats it!!

PS: I knew id missed something :The user manual

bbasra · 19-10-2006, 12:44 PM

I'm now happy. I received a brand new sealed Sony HDR-HC3E UK Model on Tuesday.

BestCameras.co.uk