Hi--

First, sorry for contacting you directly, but you appear to be very well informed about video moviemaking
and willing to answer questions for newbies.

I answer many emails...;-)

My question is very mundane I have bought a Sony PC9 and am now having second thoughts as I read the
newsgroups. My goals in the purchase were the following

to have a camera that could be used to learn the basics of moviemaking I have ambitions, perhaps lofty, of
eventually making feature-length documentaries and fictional indie films (I made simple 16mm films 15
years ago).
to have a camera that I can take with me easily wherever I am traveling - which implies smallness

Are these criteria realistic does (1) require that I get a bigger 3 chip camera (e.g., TRV900 or GL1)?

No. You can make "small" videos quite well with the PC9 (I have done it
with the earlier PC1 - as did someone in producing a feature-length
video using the PC-1). It does limit you in terms of image quality,
sound quality with the built-in mic, limited low-light range, and lack
of manual controls (the better 3-chippers would help here [but NOT the
GL-1! See www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder-comparison.htm ;-], but
within its limitations, you can learn a lot, or even produce serious
videos if you take into account its shortcomings/advantages [I use mine
for close-in unobtrusive work, or for unattended "pole" use...]).

Is progressive scan essential for professional quality editing or image quality (e.g., Elura 10/20 or Optura
100mc)?

NO!!! It should not be used for shooting NTSC video, even if it is to
wind up on film (this is different, if shooting PAL...).

What about sound recording? Is the PC9 capable of getting appropriate audio? How about the others.

All but the one-chippers and Canon GL-1 have manual control of the
audio - but the AGC on the PC9 is good, and with sensitivity-matching
of an external mic (matching often not needed with the PC9...), the
sound can be excellent. Mini-disk recorders are also cheap, and good
for recording additional tracks...

I appreciate any advice you can offer on this decision.
Steve Freedman

See www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder--comparison.htm (different from
the URL above...) for comparison of the PC9 image with other Sonys.
The PC9 is a pleasant, handy camera. When you outgrow it, keep it for
backup/second-camera/deck use and get a good 3-chipper (probably Sony,
the TRV900, VX1000, or VX2000 (or PD150, if you need its features...).