Sony DCRPC120BT MiniDV Camcorder w/ 2.5" LCD, Memory Stick, MPEG, Mega Pixel Video/ Still und Network Capability
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Manufacturer: Sony
Price at amazon.com: $999.88This item is not stocked or has been discontinued.
- MiniDV camcorder
- 10x optical, 120x digital, zoom with Super SteadyShot image stabilization
- 2.5 inch color LCD and color EVF
- Shoots megapixel stills and stores them on included 8 MB Memory Stick
- Bluetooth adapter lets you wirelessly network with similarly equipped PC
Product Description:
Sony has taken the time to combine an enormously disparate set of functions into one startlingly potent package: the DCR-PC120BT. Not only do you get the high-resolution still mode (the images top out at about 1.4 megapixels, good for a camcorder), you also get an MPEG movie mode, Bluetooth wireless networking, and an MPEG movie mode. Beyond these extras, you do get the standard set of digital camcorder amenities, such as the 10x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD, and IEEE 1394 port. The extras that Sony has packed into the PC120BT are mostly the standard set of extras. However, it's the addition of Bluetooth that truly sets this camcorder apart. With Bluetooth, you can wirelessly connect to any PC equipped with its own Bluetooth adapter, and upload photos, MPEG movie clips, send e-mails, and even--although we're not sure we see the utility of this--surf the Web. Both the digital stills and MPEG movie clips are recorded onto the included 8 MB Memory Stick. The standard accoutrements play out fairly well with a 10x optical zoom with Super SteadyShot image stabilization. The 2.5-inch LCD is not terribly impressive except when you remember that this is a small camcorder (very small), and the 2.5 inches actually fit quite well with the overall package. You also get Sony's NightShot shooting mode--it's an infrared mode. The PC120BT also includes a few nice ports, including: USB, mic input, IEEE 1394, mini-AV, and S-video.
From Digital Living Today The Sony DCRPC120BT is a new consumer camera that uses a German Zeiss lens to produce excellent video images and 1.5 megapixel still photographs as well. Connect through USB or Firewire directly to an editing application on your computer, or use the memory stick to move your still images back to the machine for editing and printing. Super SteadyShot picture stabilization and a 10x Optical/120X Precision Digital Zoom allow for all sorts of shooting versatility. But perhaps the DCRPC 120BT’s ... read more
The extras that Sony has packed into the PC120BT are mostly the standard set of extras. However, it's the addition of Bluetooth that truly sets this camcorder apart. With Bluetooth, you can wirelessly connect to any PC equipped with its own Bluetooth adapter, and upload photos, MPEG movie clips, send e-mails, and even--although we're not sure we see the utility of this--surf the Web. Both the digital stills and MPEG movie clips are recorded onto the included 8 MB Memory Stick.
The standard accoutrements play out fairly well with a 10x optical zoom with Super SteadyShot image stabilization. The 2.5-inch LCD is not terribly impressive except when you remember that this is a small camcorder (very small), and the 2.5 inches actually fit quite well with the overall package. You also get Sony's NightShot shooting mode--it's an infrared mode. The PC120BT also includes a few nice ports, including: USB, mic input, IEEE 1394, mini-AV, and S-video.Average Customer Rating: 
Comment: excellent compact camcorder Rating:
My criteria for a camcorder included compact size und the highest Mega pixel CCD for digital picture clarity. I researched the dcr-pc120, dcr-pc101, canon optura 100 und 200mc. (I decided to stay away from the microMV camcorders namely because they only have 60min max recording tapes and i feel the miniDV's have a larger audience)
I chose the dcr-pc120bt sony because:
1. it had a built in quality intelligent flash (4 settings - forced, red eye reduction, off, auto)
2. Hologram AF Low Light Laser Assist function (this function is incredible, using a class 1 laser for focusing in low lighting)
3. 0 lux nightshot rating
4. Progressive shutter system
5. Sony's great features and the warranty/options Sony offers
I considered the following equal in my comparison:
1. the digital zoom is not much good after 120x, therefore canon's 200x didn't become a factor
2. both have carl zeiss lenses
3. size
4. canon's optical stabilization is basically equivalent to sony's digital stabilization.
cons on the dcr-pc120bt:
1. grip and functioning the controls are a bit ackward (it takes a few days to get used to)- the canons 200mc is much more comfortable.
2. bluetooth functions pushes up the price.
I have no regrets on buying this camcorder! It took 2 minutes to install the USB driver and my computer recognized the memory stick as a removable disk where I could download pictures. If you can afford it, purchase this high quality pc120bt camcorder.
Comment: It stands out Rating:
During my research I shortlisted following camcorders: Sony dcr-pc120bt , dcr-pc101 and Canon Optura 100mc.
All three had very similiar features but
120 stood due to following reasons:
1) 1.5 Mpixel CCD + progressive shutter
2) Halogram LF-- this feature will give even a 3 M.pixel cam run for it's money
3) Mpeg movies capability i.e It records Mpeg format on tape/memory stick which you can email as it's many times smaller than video file.
4) Built in intelligent flash
5) I could buy it for less ...with 5 year warranty.
...
Cons:
1) Canon 100mc has Optical stabilizer
2) dcr-pc101 has touch screen LCD. ( Idon't know how much I will touch though!)
3) Zoom control is on odd place for my big hands!
Camera arrived last week and I compared to the videos of my previous recordings (JVC dv + panasonic DV -- borrowed from friends) and difference is as big as HDTV Vs Regullar and unbeliable Snapshots !
This camera has bluetooth which I will enjoy couple of years later when there are more bluetooth devices.
Anyway , I like it for that price.
Comment: This camera is a lot better than the new DCR-PC330 Rating:
I own one DCR-PC120BT since more than 9 months now. And last week I had the chance to test the new 330. Forget it! After several days of practicing with both cameras the DCR-PC120BT is the clear winner!
Posted at November 11, 2003 07:58 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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