[wookiestarr]

Guys,

Just wondering if anyone has used this new Sony Mini-DV model camcorder - the DCR-HC51e?

I can't seem to find any reviews!

At around £150, with apparently easy to use PC connection and editing, it looks like a decent buy, but some sites say it has still image capture capability and also 16:9 widescreen - but likewise, some say it hasn't ie the Sony site!

So, if anyone knows about it, or better still has actually used it, please can you fill me in!?

Cheers
Wooks

[redsox_mark]

The HC51 is new; I've not seen it yet myself in the shops.
It's the new low end DV model. Not true widescreen. The 61 is true widescreen. The 51 will do widescreen, but you will lose some resolution.

[L_Tee]

I am interested in this also. It is £152 +£8.10 del (-£7 with voucher?) at pixmania. Anyone seen any reviews for this at all? Is it just like the HC47E but a little better? Thanks.

I am also considering the new Panasonic NVGS90, it is £50 more expensive but i think it does true widescreen. Is it a better bet?

[redsox_mark]

Originally Posted by L_Tee

I am interested in this also. It is £152 +£8.10 del (-£7 with voucher?) at pixmania. Anyone seen any reviews for this at all? Is it just like the HC47E but a little better? Thanks.

No, it is more like the HC27. It's an entry level model. The HC47 is true widescreen.

The new HC62 is more the replacement for the HC47.

I've not seen any reviews. I wouldn't expect any significant improvement over the previous models.

[L_Tee]

Hi wookiestarr, having read huge amounts of reviews and comparing spec sheets on loads of different camcorders in the sub £200 range, i think thePanasonic NV-GS90 is the best bet. It records in widescreen which can be 'fitted' to 4:3 if required (see the panasonic website for details on that), it has an OIS and 42x optical zoom. also the fact that it is a panasonic means its likely to be the best as well, as that brand seems to be the preferred one by a lot of people for image quality.

I have reserved on at argos for £199.99 and will proabably get the 3 year cover for an extra £50. Product code 5632473.

It may be cheaper in other shops in the next few months, but not many places have it at the moment. Amazon have it for £204 I think.

[redsox_mark]

Originally Posted by L_Tee

also the fact that it is a panasonic means its likely to be the best as well, as that brand seems to be the preferred one by a lot of people for image quality.

The GS90 does have a decent spec for the money (though large zoom factors are only possible due to the small sensor). But as for Panasonic being best I don't think one can make that generalisation. Sony and Canon have some excellent models. You have to compare specific model with specific model. The GS90 is comparable with the Sony HC62. The GS60 is comparable with the Sony HC51.

[senu]

Originally Posted by L_Tee

Hi wookiestarr, having read huge amounts of reviews and comparing spec sheets on loads of different camcorders in the sub £200 range, i think thePanasonic NV-GS90 is the best bet. It records in widescreen which can be 'fitted' to 4:3 if required (see the panasonic website for details on that), it has an OIS and 42x optical zoom. also the fact that it is a panasonic means its likely to be the best as well, as that brand seems to be the preferred one by a lot of people for image quality.

I have used 3 excellent >£1000 Panasonic 3CCD models ( MX 350, 500 and GS 400) which I found great.
However having also used Canons ( XL2 S , XM2 ect and lately thier HG10) and Sonys (TRV 620 (D8), Vx2100, FX1 ,HC1 ( All of which I own) and used a good few others) , I would suggest that using them and looking at Paper specs are a different experience and help you put some of the reviews in perspective
All of the brands make stars and "lacklustre" models regardless of the spec sheet.
I would take each model on its own merits

[macalloa]

Online (late Dec.2008) at ASDA for £99.00 plus £4.95 delivery.

http://direct.asda.com/Sony-Digital-...efault,pd.html

Product code 619-894 if you can't bring up the link, or want to enquire at a store.

That's £21 lower than their earlier special offer - can't argue with a Sony branded camcorder at under £100, even if it's a basic spec. model.

[Tassimo]

Hi. I bought the DCR-HC51e on Boxing day. With full knowledge of what I was getting. It is an entry level camcorder, with no editing leads or software. Although it does come with an A/V lead, for output to a TV or VCR. But with the low price. That is no big deal. With a mini firewire lead. Which I already have. It connects straight to my laptop. Which has Ulead VideoStudio 10.5 installed.
I bought the HC51e for two reasons. The 40x optical zoom, and the DV tape format.
I was a full time wedding videographer, before retiring. My weapon of choice was a Sony VX1000e. So I had hundreds on MiniDv tapes lying about. I now enjoy filming wildife, but found the VX1000 too heavy & bulky. So the HC51 is ideal. Incidently. I also use a Nikon D200 with a Sigma 170-500mm zoom (750mm equiv. 35mm format) When compared with the 40x zoom on the HC51. I found that the HC51 gets me even closer. Without resorting to the digital zoom.

Originally Posted by Tassimo

Hi. I bought the DCR-HC51e on Boxing day. With full knowledge of what I was getting. It is an entry level camcorder, with no editing leads or software. Although it does come with an A/V lead, for output to a TV or VCR. But with the low price. That is no big deal. With a mini firewire lead. Which I already have. It connects straight to my laptop. Which has Ulead VideoStudio 10.5 installed.
I bought the HC51e for two reasons. The 40x optical zoom, and the DV tape format.
I was a full time wedding videographer, before retiring. My weapon of choice was a Sony VX1000e. So I had hundreds on MiniDv tapes lying about. I now enjoy filming wildife, but found the VX1000 too heavy & bulky. So the HC51 is ideal. Incidently. I also use a Nikon D200 with a Sigma 170-500mm zoom (750mm equiv. 35mm format) When compared with the 40x zoom on the HC51. I found that the HC51 gets me even closer. Without resorting to the digital zoom.

I have just bought the HC51E - but my laptop with Pinnacle 12 can not recognize the camera. Is it the Windows Vista that is the problem?

I have just bought the HC51E - but my laptop with Pinnacle 12 can not recognize the camera. Is it the Windows Vista that is the problem?

[senu]

Double post.. how are you connecting it up?