that was it. I knew it was something. Focus ring is definitely important. As long as it can handle a wireless adapter that works for me. I noticed on B&H that the HC1 doesnt have LANC support where the HC3 does. Now how can a consumer cam HC3 support LANC and have no focus ring? Seems silly to me.

Patrick,, I dont know a thing about the HC1, a ltittle about the 3 ,but for some reason sony thinks these cams should also take a nice still picture, and maybe there is a market for that ,I dont know, but i think that has a lot to do with the weird features.
Good luck on your purchase !! and hope you make some great video.

Thanks. I agree with the still cam thing. I have a digital cam for stills so the digital still features are irrelevant to me.

Ill probably go with the HC1 until I make enough cash to step up to the Z1. My TV production kids will freak out when they see the quality difference between that and the Canon XL1s. I cant wait to see their jaws drop and will be waiting for the line begging to use it for their film festival in the 2nd semester.

HC1 and HC3 both have LANC.
HC3 doesn't allow for any audio input or output other than the microphone that is built in.
HC1 is discontinued.
HC3
HC1

"HC3 has no focus ring,, ouch ." The HC3 has the Camera Control Dial which can be used to maually focus. Maybe not as handy as a focus ring.

EdB

the inputs are definitely needed. as most if not all stock mics have sucked from my experiences especially for anything other than home movies.

Which is the best small HDV cam today (significantly smaller than a Z1)?

I got the HC3 because it has a little better low-light capability (5 lux vs. 7, if you believe Sony's data).

The absence of mic in/phone out is terrible, but I figured I could learn HDV on the HC3 and when I get a "real" HDC camcorder, the HC3 will make a good second camera.

Buddy

I just recently purchased the HC1 due to the similarities with the A1's. I have two HVR-A1U's and I posted here asking what others thought. The recommendation was for another A1, but with the price difference and the use as a b roll camera, I could not justify it- plus I would never use the audio from it as i have 2 other A1's that I get audio from. (I use the A1's for their smallness as I mainly film weddings). I have not been dissappointed so far with the HC1. One thing I wish though, is that it would give you more control over the exposure and let you know f stops, gain, etc.
Great for b roll though and very similar to the A1.

But if this camera is to be used as a main camera, why not save about 600 more and by the A1?

j razz

My trusty Sony TRV-11 started having intermittent Firewire connection problems, and finally gave up entirely. It is flaky in many other ways. So, since I invested in the FX1 six months ago, I figured I'd replace the TRV-11 with a small HDV camera. I looked at the HC-1 and HC-3 and was very unimpressed with the feature set. No analog inputs on either. The HC-3 is too dumbed down.

Then I read about the Canon HV10. It isn't yet on shelves, so I can't tell for sure, but on paper, this looks like a much better camera in almost every way, compared to the HC-3, and probably the HC-1 as well. Read about it here:

Canon Breaks into the Consumer HDV Market with the HV10

and here:

Canon Web Site HV10 Information

The first link above has a table/chart that compares the HV10, HC-3, and HDR-UX1.

[Edit]

Found some more info here:

Sony HDR-HC3 vs. Canon HV10

which is basically from the NY Times review of the cameras (not necessarily where I usually go for my reviews ...). Here's an excerpt:

"The Canon HV10, for instance, will get you the new Instant AF, which combines the usual internal auto focus with an external sensor that judges distance to the subject. The HV10 also features an optical image stabilizer, which is a plus when compared to the Sony HC3’s electronic image stabilizer. The HV10 also features analog input, so that you can record your old video footage onto MiniDV tapes for preservation or editing purposes.""

Here's a link to the complete NY Times article that seems to work without a subscription (although I have previously registered at the site):

NY Times HV10