On Fri, 17 May 2002 23:55:29 -0400, "Dr. Judith Mazza" wrote:

>I am very close to ordering this camera, but unfortunately, cannot actually
>touch one here in the DC area. No one seems to have it anymore. My
>interest in this (thank you, David) was sparked by its greater light
>sensitivity. Unlike the DCR-PC120BT (7 lux) rating, the DCR-PC9 has a 5 lux
>rating.

In practice, the difference is notable, but not great...

>I did contact a very knowledgeable local dealer, but he told me "if
>you didn't like the 120BT, you're not going to like the DCR-PC9." When I
>asked why, he said that the lense is smaller so the "light gathering" will
>be worse. He coudn't explain the lux rating. He also didn't carry this
>particular camera since "it's not Sony's top of the line."

He wasn't very knowledgeable - the filter mounting diameter
is different, but the lenses are similar in "speed". The PC9
has a 3.3-33mm f1.7 lens, the PC120 has a 4.2-42mm f1.8
lens, actually very slightly "slower". It is a myth that the
front element size determines "light gathering ability"...
And, it isn't Sony's "top of the line" - the VX2000 is,
in Mini-DV... (For those who have not seen it, these Sony
*imaging types*, and others, are compared in three lighting
conditions, at:
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder--comparison.htm

>I'm going on a trip in about 10 days and would have liked to bring the
>camcorder with me (or else I will be lugging my TRV-700 Hi-8).

Hey, if you want to sell me that one cheap, let me know!
(The TR700 was the best of the one-chip Hi-8 camcorders.)
BTW, this is too close to the trip to be ordering, checking
out the camera for faults, and exchanging it (with a *good*
dealer), unless local... Also BTW, DO NOT EVER change tape
brands once you begin with one - order enough for the trip
(www.taperesources.com is cheap, fast, and good).

>I'm not
>particularly concerned with the still image function. It's not something
>that I think I'll be using. None of the digital camcorders are so strong in
>this area that I'll be leaving my digital camera at home.

Good plan. Unless noticeable color noise is acceptable, no
video camera that I know of (NTSC) will shoot good stills
above the small 640x480 resolution (good enough for web use,
though).

>I would appreciate hearing from people who are actually using this camera:
>
>1. Are you satisfied with the touch screen, are the menus confusing?

I detest the touch screen. It requires more "touches" to
navigate than a simple button-and-wheel arrangement, it
requires the silencing of the useful "beep" to avoid driving
yourself and everyone around nuts while changing menu items,
it is difficult to see in bright light for making
adjustments, and the menu set-up is confusing.

>2. How are the ergonomics?

Unusual. I leave the strap "handle" folded and extend
only one finger up through the strap to the zoom slider,
holding the camera like a gun handle. It is comfortable
to operate this way, but the grip is less secure than with larger cameras...

>3. How many extra batteries do you take with you and did you buy the
>battery charger

If you can charge (in camera) overnight, one extra
"70"-size battery (Sony only) should do. The charger
is small, though, and may be easier to carry than the
camera AC supply...

>4. What type of little case is most convenient to carry it in?

Anything that fits what you want to carry well, with
the camera set up ready to use, and all accessories
included that you want with it... Most camera stores
or discount stores carry a range of small bags. Make
sure it is easy to access (I avoid zippers for the
camera compartment).

>5. Are you satisfied with the sound and, of course, with the final video
>output.

Yes, for what it is (tiny and light). I have other cameras
with better sound and picture, but some are more "touchy"
about lighting contrasts for acceptable picture, and the
best do not qualify as "small and light"... It is a compromise...

>6. Is it truly small (and light) enough to take with you for those
>spontaneous moments?

Yes - if the bag is selected for minimal size and ease
of access...