Sony DCR-PC5: There are better camcorders for your money...

Author's Rating:

Pros: High Quality Video, Nice Features

Cons: Not Sony's Best Value

Author's Review
What would you do if you were the manufacturer of the
greatest line of camcorders on the market today? It seems
to me, the answer is to simply make slight adjustments in
order to improve on what has already been shown to work.
Sony is in that position, and from the looks of the DCR
PC5 they are deciding on a different approach. The PC5 is
radically different, both in shape and in features, from what
Sony has offered in the path. Unfortunately for Sony, not
all of the changes have been for the better. While some of
Sony’s newest innovations, such as an onscreen menu, are
successful, two key changes are not. The two key
shortcomings of the PC5 are poor low-light recording and
size. Apart from these two problems, the PC5 is very
similar to the DCR TRV20, which incidentally I would
have to recommend over the PC5.



Smaller Size

As Sony has strived to make smaller and smaller
camcorders they have forgotten to ask themselves one
simple question: IS SMALLER NECESSARILY
BETTER? In my opinion (which is what this page is all
about after all) the answer is NO.

While the recent trend to make space-saving electronic
components has resulted in such great developments such
as smaller computer chips, digital cameras, and stereos, the
effect on camcorders has not been equally spectacular. I do
not desire to bring back the days of full size VHS tape style
video recorders, however I must point out that there is a
point at which decreasing the size of a camcorder will
actually decrease a camcorder’s overall success.
I have found that it is much easier to keep a camcorder
steady if I can actually feel the weight of the camera in my
hand. I am not fully aware of the reason for this, I only
know it to be true.



Poor Low-Light Resolution

Despite the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar Lens, the PC5 is
clearly not as well suited for night recording or other low-
light situations. This is an incredible disadvantage, and is
often reason enough for some to select alternative models.



Considering the negatives involved with this model it is
easy to wonder why Sony would even bring the PC5 to market.
Obviously there must be a few positives, and there are
plenty to be sure. Among the bright spots are the Carl Zeiss
Vario-Sonnar Lens, which in satisfactory light conditions can
produce stunning results, a color viewfinder, playback
zoom, and an included “Memory Stick” digital storage
system.

All of these positives, however, can be found on the DCR
TRV20, and unless the diminished size of the PC5 is
personally appealing I would recommend giving the
TRV20 a serious look before deciding on the PC5.


Should you eventually decide on the PC5, I am still here to
help. In an effort to save you just a few bucks on your
incorrect selection, I will share the following sites which
offer the camera at a lower price than Epinions list price of
$1600. In a tight contest, the sale price listed on
www.store.yahoo.com of $1335 is beaten out by
www.aaanet-inc.com’s regular price of $1325. In addition,
www.aaanet-inc.com makes a special price of $1265
available to anyone who also purchases their “camera kit.”
Definitely deals worth checking out. As always please note
that I am in no way connected to either of these sites and I
am only making an effort to share information, such that
you will be able to make the most informed purchasing
decision possible.