Sony HXR-MC1 Full HD Compact POV Camcorder
The HXR-MC1 is an easy-to-use HD camera system, consisting of a small camera unit and a handheld controlling unit with LCD panel and recording function. This all-in-one tiny camera system needs no extra equipment, take it out and just start shooting. Also, the camera unit is splash-proof, allowing easy usage under tough conditions, such as outdoor shooting or water-side shooting. The range of HD shooting will expand using this one-and-only camera. Moreover, the unique style of the HXR-MC1 enables shooting in unordinary conditions and angles, such as shooting sports scenes from the user’s point of view and onboard shooting in motor sports. Thanks to the LCD panel equipped main unit, once the shot is taken, the user can check the material immediately. The possibility is up to the creators.
1080i Compact HD Camera. Splash-proof Specification Suited for Outdoor Use
Even though it is equipped with a full HD shooting (1920x1080i), 10x optical zoom and built-in microphone, the camera is compact, measuring only 1 1/2 x 1 11/16 x 3 1/2 inch (37 x 42.5 x 86.5 mm). It can take 1080i HD or SD images and sound in places that no ordinary camcorder can access. It is possible to attach it to various devices such as helmets or arms by utilizing the screw hole at the bottom of the unit*1, and you can obtain HD or SD images from angles that you have never experienced before. And the camera is splash-proof, making it suitable for outdoor use as well. It can be used at the water’s edge.*2
*1 Sony does not provide any special mounting hardware.
*2 Only the camera unit conforms to IEC60529 IPX2. Under no circumstances must it be used in water. That will cause problems. Do not allow the control unit to get wet, as it has no splash-proof features
All-in-one Recording Unit Expanding the Shooting Field with Battery Operation
Recording and playback are possible within the control unit of the HXR-MC1. You don’t need any external recording facility. Maximum battery operation of up to 405 minutes* is available thanks to the use of the Exmor CMOS sensor and various low-power consumption technologies. You can shoot anytime, anywhere without having to worry about power supply.
* Continuous recording with the optional NP-FH100 battery (LCD backlight =OFF). It becomes about 200 minutes under the ordinary use with frequent recording start/stop, zooming etc.
Remote Monitoring & Control
As the control unit has a 2.7-inch (16:9), 210,000 pixels LCD panel that uses ClearPhoto LCD plus, the images captured by the camera are at your fingertips to be checked. All the menu settings can be done using the touch screen LCD panel. The control unit is also equipped with a recording button, zoom lever, and manual control dial. So you can control the camera remotely while watching the images. With the HXR-MC1, it is easy to shoot in a way that is impossible with ordinary camcorders. No special equipment such as external monitors or remote control devices are needed.
Sports Shooting
If you’re shooting while taking part in extreme sports such as skydiving, paragliding or skateboarding, it is hard to check the images you’re recording. With the HXR-MC1, even if you attach the camera to your helmet, you can easily check the angles using the LCD panel of the control unit and adjust the angle of view with the zoom lever. Once the recording to Memory Stick PRO Duo™ has started, all you have to do is to enable the control unit’s HOLD switch to prevent operating error, put the control unit into your backpack or a pocket, and get going.
Motor Sports
With the HXR-MC1, it’s possible to capture powerful visuals in which the ground comes toward you just as though you’re riding a motorcycle or driving a racing car. The HXR-MC1’s tiny camera increases your choice of where to mount it on a car body. You can even shoot inside the cramped interior of a car by using an optional wide conversion lens.
Live Relay/ Recording
The control unit of the HXR-MC1 has connectors for both HDMI output and analog video output. By using a commercially available HDMI/HD-SDI converter or an A/D converter, you can also make live relays or recordings using HD-SDI signals. If you use visuals that close in on the subject, such as images taken by the HXR-MC1 on the posts of a soccer goal or a close shot of a musician’s hands, you can achieve even more powerful live images. The HDMI and analog video connector outputs SD signals when the recording mode of HXR-MC1 is set in SD.
Filming Small Animals and Insects
The tiny camera of the HXR-MC1 is also good for shooting small animals and insects. The small size of the camera makes it ideal for shooting wild animals, which are very cautious. It is possible to record continuously for about 405 minutes (6 hours 45 minutes)*. You can also shoot the world of insects by sliding the camera through the grass.
* Continuous recording with the optional NP-FH100 battery (LCD backlight =OFF). It becomes about 200 minutes under the ordinary use with frequent recording start/stop, zooming etc.
Images From Operators’ Sightlines
Images taken from the sightlines of operators with special skills, such as process engineers can be used as simulation material or as a training video to help others acquire such skills. Also the recorded video can be used later on to help the user analyze the actions or the action pathways made by a person or object carrying the camera.
Exmor™ CMOS Sensor – Cutting Edge Image Sensor Technology
“Exmor” CMOS sensor, which is also used in professional camcorders and high-end D-SLR cameras, is used in the HXR-MC1. It achieves low noise by multiple micro A/D (analog to digital) converters. The image sensor in the HXR-MC1 is also using ClearVid pixel array which has 45-degree rotated pixels. This unique layout offers high picture quality while keeping low-light sensitivity.
Long-time Recording to “Memory Stick PRO Duo” by Efficient Video Compression for HD and SD
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” offers the optimum recording media for the compact HXR-MC1 control unit. In addition, the highly efficient compression methods used in both HD and SD modes achieve long recording times, which make the most of Memory Stick PRO Duo storage capacity. In HD recording mode, video is recorded in AVCHD, which uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 compression – the same method used in Blu-ray Disc™. If SD recording mode is selected, video is recorded in MPEG-2.
Other Functions
Still Picture Recording
Still picture approximately 4M pixels (2304x1728) can be recorded (when recording at 4:3).
Dual Recording
The dual recording function allows high-resolution still picture recording even when shooting a movie. A high-resolution still picture of approximately 2.3M pixels can be recorded simply by pushing the PHOTO button of the control unit during movie shooting.
Creating Still Pictures out of Movies
It is possible to create still pictures of approximately 2.1M pixels from recorded pictures. Even after shooting a movie, it is possible to render any decisive moment into a still picture.
Smooth Slow Recording Function
By capturing images with 4 times the number of fields compared to the normal rate of shooting per second, it is possible to record high-speed movements that would be impossible for the human eye to catch completely*.
* Simultaneous sound recording is not available. The picture quality becomes lower than when shot in normal mode.
Equipped with Touch Screen LCD Panel with HOME and OPTION MENU
As it’s equipped with Sony’s unique touch panel LCD panel, setup during shooting or video operation can be carried out easily simply by touching the LCD panel. You can shoot, play back video, change settings, and edit pictures by selecting a category from the “HOME MENU”, which is the doorway to the features. Also with “OPTION MENU”, you can directly access to the detailed camera settings and make the settings easily by displaying functions available according to the situation, such as during shooting or playback. There are functions that can be operated comfortably even by beginners, such as the “Help” function, which gives you the contents of each item.
Visual Index
You can quickly locate the scene you want to see using the function that allows you to display a list of the scenes you have shot in the form of pictures (thumbnails). Simply by touching the scene you want to see among the list of thumbnails displayed, you can easily play it back. If one piece of shooting is one file, the first scene of each file is the thumbnail.
Film Roll Index
It is equipped with the “Film Roll Index”, which can display the index at certain intervals, not only the beginning of each scene but also the contents of a movie scene. This makes it easier for you to search for a scene you want to watch. The index display intervals can be selected from 3 seconds, 6 seconds, 12 seconds, 1 minute and 5 minutes.
File Splits
It is possible to delete unwanted parts by splitting a file on the control unit.
Play List
You can create a “Play List” by selecting your favorites from the original movies.
What's Included:
- HXR-MC1 Digital HD Video Camera
- AC Adaptor
- Power cord
- Component A/V cable
- A/V connecting cable
- USB cable
- Rechargeable battery pack(NP-FH60)
- Controller hook, Cable clamper
- CD-ROM(Video Camera Application Software)
- CD-ROM(Manuals for Digital HD Video Camera Recorder)
- Operating Guide