Digital Handycam(R) Camcorder DCR-PC100

For most video moviemakers, even amateurs, modern digital technology is the state of art. Most digital video cameras on the market follow the mini-DV standard that is tied to a certain tape format. The main advantage of this technology is that due to the very narrow margins of the recording medium the cameras can be made very compact.

Sony's DCR-PC100E combines a video camera with a digital still picture camera (Digicam). On top of that, there are many interesting features that will excite every video freak, the most prominent of which is a built-in mini night-shot device that allows the recording of videos in absolute darkness. We put   the compact DV camera through a thorough test and it accompanied us on several   business trips and company visits. This ordeal revealed many positive features but also a few distinct weaknesses.
 
 

Feature Giant in the Semi-Professional Class

Compared to the rest of the DV competition (Canon, JVC, Panasonic, and others) the  Sony DCR-PC100E is equipped with everything, although it is in a class of its own when   you consider what is on offer for the price. Another exclusive feature is the integrated lens system from Zeiss, well known for its excellent luminous intensity. If you are using DV camera only occasionally, the Sony DCR-PC100E is probably not the one for you.

Besides the camera itself, the shipment consists of numerous cables and a card reader for the Memory Stick module. This module stores the photos (when the digica  function is activated). 

When connecting to different video devices or the PC, the Sony has almost no limits.  All interfaces are installed in the camera, so the Sony DCR-PC100E does not need a pesky docking station. Television sets or analog video recorders can be connected via the built-in video input, while the digital Firewire interface (I-Link, IEEE1394) connects  the camera to the PC. But the latter requires an appropriate IEEE1394 card . An additional audio/video jack completes the interface collection. All connectors and interfaces are behind detachable flaps, protecting them relatively well from dirt or dust.
 

Camera as Digital Video Recorder

The Sony DCR-PC100E is suitable, not only as a digital video camera  or digicam, but it is also possible to record video or audio signals from any source such  as a video recorder or television set. For this purpose the camera offers an S-video input and a combined audio/video input. The DV interface (I-Link or Firewire IEEE1394)  delivers the best quality: This interface enables you to make digital copies or  recordings without any data losses at all. It requires a special Firewire cable that is not included in the shipment. Additionally a second DV camera or a DV recorder is  necessary for a true digital copy.
 

The Highlight: Built-In NightShot Device

While the camera still delivers a somewhat useable picture up to 7 Lux in regular operation, you  can film in total darkness using the nightshot function. However, one should not get  one's hopes up too high because the range of the built-in infrared light is restricted to  a few meters. Nevertheless the picture quality is convincing, and combining it with the  activated zoom function makes for interesting night shots.
 

Built-In Still Picture Function - Substitute For A Digicam

Besides functioning as a digital video camera the Sony DCR-PC100E comes with a  built-in camera for still pictures that is principally supposed to serve as a digital  camera. The maximum resolution is 1152 x 864 pixels. But the quality is not comparable to good digital cameras. Good digicams  deliver significantly better results, especially with the automatic brightness adjustment.  The included memory module - the Memory Stick invented by Sony -definitely deserves criticism. With a memory capacity of 4 MB it only holds 6 high-resolution pictures. The  Memory Stick can only be accessed with the included reading device. This additional  box is equipped with a serial port and is part of the package. The actual data transfer  requires a lot of patience though. It took us almost 5 minutes to transfer six pictures  from the 4 MB module. The included software, Picture Gear 3.2, is quite handy in that it  offers the major functions needed to process the pictures. If you want to store more  pictures, you need to buy a Memory Stick module with 16 MB of memory capacity. It  holds up to 25 high-resolution pictures. The 4 MB module the manufacturer included in the package is much too small even if you only use it occasionally.
 

Handling And Actual Use

When you actually get to use the Sony DCR-PC100E it is very impressive - with a  weight of only 560 grams and an ergonomic leather strap it handles very nicely. Because it is quite small it can be stowed away easily and worn almost unobtrusively.  The design of the casing is more functional than visually appealing. Compared to older  models the viewer was improved quite a bit - despite the compact design it does not  need to be extended anymore.

The position of the stereo microphone is not quite as convincing - it's situated on top  of the camera, making it very sensitive to noises generated by wind. Even sequences  recorded in a light wind gave the impression of a hurricane-like storm during playback. Another area for criticism is the lens system. The angle of the lens is not wide enough  to record large objects from a short distance. An extreme example would be filming skyscrapers from street level in a large city. In this case the objects are simply cut off.

The included battery (7.2 Volts, 8500 mAh) facilitates recording video sequences for at  least one hour. However, it makes a difference whether the LCD monitor is used or not.
 

Conclusion: Top DV Camera With Small Weaknesses

This camera combines the functionality of a digital video camera with a digicam. During the recording of video sequences the Carl Zeiss lens with its high luminous intensity  delivers excellent pictures. Even in critical light conditions the exposure control of the  CCD sensor attempts to create an optimal picture. The highlight is the integrated night  vision function: The built-in infrared light allows recording in total darkness. The camera  can also be used as a digital video recorder - a second camera or a DV recorder may  be connected via the integrated Firewire interface (I-Link).

The list of weaknesses of the Sony DCR-PC100E is actually quite short. The microphone  on the top is very sensitive to wind and exaggerates noises. Hi-fi freaks appreciate an  external microphone. Also the memory capacity of the Memory Stick module is much  too small - 4 MB only stores 6 pictures at high resolution. On top of that the serial data  transfer to the PC will certainly test the patience of many users. The lens system could  also be improved as the wide angle is too small to record large objects from a short  distance in full size.
 

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Design & specifications are subject to change without prior notice.