HDR-HC9E Camcorder Product Information
The HDR-HC9E replaces the HDR-HC7E which was one of the
first high definition camcorders to do away with the CCD sensor
in preference of a new 1/2.9in CMOS sensor with a gross 3.2 megapixels which is
actually more detailed than required for HDV. Interpolation is used to increase
still photo resolution to 6.1 megapixels for 2848 x 2136 photos. Sony’s ClearVid
technology regains any image quality loss that you might expect to see from a switch
away from a CCD sensor.
The HDR-HC9E utilises the new Super SteadyShot optical system,
rather than the earlier electronic system found in earlier models – this provides
excellent results!
The Sony HDR-HC9 offers help to you via its built-in guide accessed via the touch-screen
LCD. This includes many shooting modes including Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Candle,
Sunrise-Sunset, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, Beach and Snow, spot
metering, spot focus, exposure, and other settings, with full explanations as to
why you would want to use them.
Fortunately for more experienced users, the P-Menu has been retained so that you
can access these settings in a more direct fashion. You can also manually set the
shutter between 1/6th and 1/10,000th, and vary the exposure, although there is no
guide as to how this relates to F-stop or gain settings.
Auto-Exposure Shift and White Balance Shift are other useful functions of the HDR-HC9E and the spot focus and metering are simply amazing.
You simply touch the part of the screen that you would like to be in focus and exposed
properly. The Smooth Slow Record system first released in the hi-def
HDR-HC3E remains ever present – a truly advanced feature not seen in consumer camcorders
until recently. This enables you to create the super slow-mo clips normally seen
on the BBC sports events by buffering up to 3 seconds at 4 times the usual frame
rate for extra smooth playback – excellent lighting conditions are often required
to make good use of this. Sony also provides control of settings such as saturation
via Camera Colour, an X. V. Colour setting, and Sharpness.
High Definition: HDR-HC9E - HDR-HC9 More Info
Having described many of the more advanced settings however, it should be said that
the HDR-HC9E is a very user friendly camcorder for the novice user to pick up and
produce excellent point & shoot videos.
There is an accessory shoe - Sony's proprietary intelligent version and a single
button on the right hand side enables the tiny flash to pop up to the side of the
lens.
The HDR-HC9E is a fantastic performer, especially in bright sunlight
where colours demonstrate the top quality saturation that you now expect from Sony.
The pictures are extremely sharp and using the manual controls you have complete
control over your high definition recordings. Another plus point is the colour balance
which even in dull shooting conditions is excellent with very little grain.
Although AVCHD is fast becoming the standard for high definition camcorders, pushing
the older tape-based HDV models out the way, the earlier format still has its strengths
when it comes to editing. Now that virtually all editing software supports it, including
the Windows Vista version of Windows Movie Maker, you will have no issues with the
HDR-HC9E's footage. Aside from the requisite 4-pin FireWire jack, it also sports
proprietary connections for component and composite video, plus RCA audio, although
the breakout cable for S/video is an optional extra. A full-sized HDMI port is available,
and the venerable LANC microjack is still included.
If you have had a good think about this model and feel that the Sony HDR-HC9E
is the one for you, simply do a UK HDR-HC9E Price Comparison
on the right of this page.
If you require more in depth information, please Read More...