HDR-HC9 | HDR-HC9 MiniDV HD Handycam® Camcorder | Sony

MiniDV HD Handycam Camcorder

Model number: HDR-HC9

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Model Highlights: 3.2-megapixel ClearVid™ CMOS sensor, 6.1-megapixel still image capture, 10x optical zoom / 20x digital zoom, 2.7" touch panel

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Record your memories in HD brilliance. The HDR-HC9 MiniDV HD Handycam® Camcorder delivers high definition quality and versatility with a professional grade Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar?® T* lens, 10x optical/20x digital zoom, and a 3.2 megapixel ClearVid™ CMOS sensor for stunning video and 6.1 megapixel still images. Use the Dual Record Mode to capture still images and video at the same time, while Super SteadyShot® optical image stabilization helps ensure clear images. View everything you shoot on the 2.7" wide Clear Photo LCD Plus™ display featuring touch panel technology. Even save your still images directly to a Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media card (sold separately) to easily transfer and share your photos.

1/2.9” ClearVid™ CMOS Sensor 3.2 Megapixel (Gross)

Sony’s original ClearVid CMOS Sensor provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video performance (up to 1080 lines of horizontal resolution in HD format, or 530 lines of horizontal resolution in SD format). Additionally, the megapixel technology enhances your digital still photography experience with the ability to shoot high-resolution (6.1 Megapixel) still images. Unlike traditional CCD Imagers, CMOS Sensors require less power, providing improved battery performance.

Dual Record

While recording video in High Definition you have the ability to capture still images directly to Memory Stick Duo™ media (sold separately).

Active Interface Shoe

Sony’s proprietary hot shoe makes it easy to use Intelligent Accessories, such as external lights and microphones, by providing power and on/off capability directly from the camcorder.

USB 2.0 Interface⁶

The USB 2.0 interface⁶ provides an easy way to connect your camcorder to a PC for fast transfer of video and still images for editing.

Assignable Buttons

For ease of recording, three buttons on the exterior of the camcorder are user-assignable so that they can be set to the options most commonly utilized.

Cinematic Mode

Perfect for creating your own movie masterpieces, Cinematic mode lends a 24 frame film-like effect to your recordings.

Multi-Language Menu

Change the menu display from English to English (Simplified), Canadian French, Latin American Spanish, or Brazilian Portuguese

PhotoTV HD Viewing with HDMI™ Output⁸

With direct HDMI™ output to your BRAVIA® HDTV and other compatible HDTV screens, so you can view and share photos in breathtaking clarity and detail. You can choose between standard 4:3 and widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio -- and with select BRAVIA® HDTV models, your photos are automatically optimized in sharpness, gradation, and color reproduction⁸.

Smooth Slow Record

By increasing the record rate from 60 frames per second (fps) to 240 fps, you can capture 3 seconds of fast motion and play the video back in 12 seconds. The Smooth Slow Record mode is a great tool for analyzing a golf swing or a viewing a bird in flight. In addition, you record an audio track to narrate the video footage.

2.7" Wide¹ (16:9) Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus™ Display (211K Pixels)

The 2.7" Wide¹ (16:9) LCD screen provides exceptional viewing clarity with improved resolution (211K pixels). The display rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles, as well as provides sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback. The widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.

Professional Quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T Lens

Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T lenses use highly advanced optics to deliver vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation, and perfect renditions of subtle tones. The additional T coating further reduces unwanted glare and flare for increased contrast and color.

i.LINK® Interface (IEEE1394) ⁵

Quickly transfer images from the camcorder to compatible devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface⁵, including camcorders, digital VCRs, and PCs, using this high speed, bi-directional digital video/audio connection.

Stamina® Battery Power Management System

When using the Sony InfoLITHIUM® Battery, the Stamina® Battery Power Management System helps the camcorder prolong battery life for extra long continuous recording times from a single charge.7

Built-in Intelligent Flash

For added clarity and detail when taking pictures in low-light situations, the built-in flash improves pictures and reduces shadows.

Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media Slot

Capture still images directly onto Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media (sold separately) for easy transfer to PCs for emailing, printing, or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick® devices (sold separately).

Picture Effects

Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony's Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Monotone, Pastel and Sepia. Effects available in Playback mode: Monotone, Pastel and Sepia.

Scene Selection Modes

Scene Selection modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Beach, Candle, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Lesson, Spotlight, and Sunrise & Sunset.

Super SteadyShot® Optical Image Stabilization System

The Super SteadyShot® Optical Image Stabilization System from Sony reduces blur caused by camera shake and vibration, so your images stay crisp and clear. This optical stabilization system achieves an even higher level of smoothness without the image degradation that can occur with some digital stabilization systems.

10X Optical / 20X Digital Zoom

The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.

Switchable HDV/DV Format Recording

Record and play back both High Definition and Standard Definition video recorded on standard MiniDV cassettes (sold separately).

HDMI™ Connection

HDMI™ connectivity provides a simple, high-quality video and audio connection, with the ability to transmit HD video from the camcorder to compatible HDTVs via a single cable.

InfoLITHIUM® Battery with AccuPower™ Meter System

Unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony's rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening "Memory Effect," so you’re free to charge the battery at any time. Additionally, Sony's exclusive AccuPower™ meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

Battery Information

At the touch of a button, battery information is displayed on the LCD screen when charging and when the camcorder is turned off. When using the LCD screen or viewfinder, the display will show how much the battery is charged -- in 10% increments -- and the recordable time left.

Easy Handycam Button

Using a camcorder can be intimidating for some people. With a press of the Easy Handycam Button, most of the advanced features of the camcorder are "locked out," letting you focus only the buttons essential for recording.

On Screen Zoom and Record Buttons

For additional control of the camcorder, Zoom and Record buttons are features on the frame of the LCD screen. This allows for more flexibility when holding the camcorder, especially in overhead or low angle shots.

Progressive Shutter System

A mechanical shutter system that provides progressive scan performance while utilizing an interlaced scanning system. Digital still images will be sharp and clear with excellent definition.

Super NightShot® Infrared System

With the Super NightShot Infrared System, you can capture video in total darkness (0 lux) up to 10 feet away.

Product Specifications

Optics/Lens

Lens Type : Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T
Aperture : F1.8-2.9
Optical Zoom : 10x
Digital Zoom : 20x
Focal Length (35mm equivalent) : 49 - 490mm (4:3 Camera Mode), 40 - 400mm (16:9 Camera Mode)
Filter Diameter : 37mm

Focus Control

Focus System : Full range auto / Manual

Flash

Flash Type : Yes

Interface

SD Output : Multi AV
HD Output : Yes (via i.LINK®) ; Yes
i.LINK« Interface : Yes
USB Port(s) : Yes (ver 1.1)
PhotoTV HD : Yes
Headphone Jack : Yes (Stereo Mini)
Microphone Input : Yes
Accessory Shoe : Yes
PictBridge Compatible : Yes

Software

Supplied Software : Picture Motion Browser Ver.2.0.17
Operating System Compatibility : Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional, XP Home, XP Professional, Windows Vista

Imaging Sensor

Imaging Sensor : 1/2.9" ClearVid™ CMOS sensor (with Exmor™ technology)
Pixel Gross : 3200K
Effective Picture Resolution : 3040K Pixels (4:3), 2280K Pixels (16:9)

Viewfinder

Type : Color Wide 16:9 (123K Pixels)

Exposure System

Exposure Settings : Dial + Touch Panel
Scene Mode(s) : Auto, Twilight, Twilight Portrait (Still only), Candle, Sunrise & Sunset, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, Sports Lesson, Beach, Snow
White Balance Mode : Auto / outdoor / indoor / Onepush (Touch Panel)
Minimum Illumination : 5 lux (Auto Slow Shutter ON, 1/30 Shutter Speed)

Convenience Features

Manual / Auto Lens Cover : Auto
S/S & Zoom button on LCD : Yes
Fader Effect(s) : Black, White, Mosaic, Monotone

Weights and Measurements

Dimensions (Approx.) : 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch (82 x 82 x138mm)
Weight (Approx.) : 1 lb 3 oz (550g) without Tape and Battery, 1 lb 6 oz (650g) with Tape and Battery

Service and Warranty Information

Limited Warranty Term : Limited Warranty --- 1 Year Parts; 90 Days Labor

Recording

Media Type : MiniDV Cassette (sold separately)
Still Image Mode : JPEG
Still Image Max Effective Resolution : 6.1 megapixel
Video Format : HDV (MPEG2) / DV (AVI)
Video Resolution : 1440x1080
Video Actual (Pixel) : 1710K Pixels (4:3),2280K Pixels (16:9)
Video Signal : NTSC color, EIA standards
Recording and Playback Times (in Internal Media)(2ch) : SP: 60min/80min., LP (DV only): 90min/120min.
Photo Capture from Movie : Yes
Dual Record : Yes (up to 3 Photos)
Audio Format : Stereo MPEG1 Audio Layer2
Microphone/Speaker : Yes

LCD Display

LCD Type : 2.7" wide¹ touch panel Clear Photo LCD Plus™ display (211k pixels)

Drive System

Shutter Speeds : Auto, 1/2 - 1/500 (Scene Selection Mode)

Advanced Features

Assignable Dial : Yes
CinemaTone Gamma/Color : SkinTone, Mosaic, Solarization, Monotone, Sepia, Neg. Art, Pastel
Image Stabilization : Yes (Optical)
x.v.Color™ : Yes

Power

Power Consumption (in Operation) : HDV: 4.2W / 4.5W, DV: 4.0W / 4.3W (VF/LCD)
Power Requirements : 7.2V (battery pack); 8.4V (AC Adaptor)
Battery Type : InfoLITHIUM® with AccuPower™ Meter System (NP-FH60)

Convenience

Digital Picture Effect(s) : Still, Flash Motion, Trail, Old Movie, Cinematic effect
Easy Operation : Yes
Low Light Capability : S-NS

In the Box

Remote Commander® Remote Control (RMT-831)
Application CD-ROM w/ Driver
Lens Hood

Power Adapter/In-Camera Charger (AC-L200)
Component Video Cable
i.LINK Cable
Enjoy Handycam DVD

InfoLITHIUM® Rechargeable Battery (NP-FH60)
Multi A/V Cable (Stereo)
USB Cable

Product Profile

Support

Find related product support and help in Sony eSupport

Product Warranty

Limited Warranty

Rechargeable Camcorder Battery Pack

$159.99
Rechargeable Camcorder Battery Pack

$99.99
InfoLithium V Series Battery Pack

$59.99
General Soft Carrying Case

$29.99

HDR-HC9 5 5 3 3

Excellent Camcorder Quality of the camcorder is excellent using the HD mini dv tapes according to my daughter and son-in-law. They also wanted to view mini dvs from a camcorder they no longer have. They are VERY impressed with this camcorder! March 1, 2011

Get one if you can I moved from the HC1, to the HC7, and now the HC9. WOW what a camera. The picture quality on the TV is amazing. Camera has taken a tripod fall and acted like nothing happened. Would recommend the UV filter to protect the lens. Yes they really do protect it. Replaced the filter and looks like nothing ever happened. It is sad to see Sony quit making the Mini DV camera for the consumer line. Now you have to move to the PRO line to get it. That should say something by itself. The PRO's still use tape. Quality is much better and you have the tape as a backup. In addition this camera offers less to break because it does not have a harddisk to deal with. Hate to get disk errors on that vacation and not be able to record the memories. December 7, 2009

Excellent Consumer Camcorder This is one of the best consumer video cameras available. The mini-dv format provides far superior quality than using a hard drive camera. The menu system is easy to use. Connection to a computer via firewire is a snap. The Sony software for capture works well. But you can also capture with many other video editing programs that support firewire. The still pictures are very good. You can take a still photo while you are shooting video. Buy this camera now as Sony may discontinue. July 1, 2009

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VIEW FOOTNOTES

1. Viewable area measured diagonally.

2. Camcorder captures high definition footage in the AVCHD™ format. Using the enclosed PC software, high definition footage can be copied onto DVD media. However, DVD media containing AVCHD footage should not be used with DVD based players or recorders, as the DVD player/recorder may fail to eject the media and may erase its contents without warning. DVD media containing AVCHD footage may be played on a compatible Blu-ray Disc™ player/recorder or other compatible device.

3. DVD media/formats are not universally compatible.

4. HD viewing requires a Sony HD connector cable or HD Cyber-shot Station® cradle and HDTV. All sold separately.

5. i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary depending on the software applications, operating system and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other

6. Not all products with USB connectors may communicate with each other due to chipset variations.

7. Actual battery life will vary based on product settings, usage patterns, battery and environmental conditions.

8. Compatible BRAVIA® HDTV and special TV settings are required. Further details are available in the BRAVIA® TV instruction manual.

9. 30GB means 30 billion bites. Available storage capacity may vary and a portion of the memory is used for data management functions.

10. Requires BRAVIA Sync feature in each product. Please refer to owner’s manual to determine compatibility.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony, AccuPower, Advanced HAD, Handycam, i.LINK, InfoLITHIUM, like.no.other, NightShot, PlayStation, Remote Commander, SteadyShot and SwivelScreen are trademarks of Sony. Carl Zeiss and Vario-Tessar are trademarks of Carl Zeiss. PictBridge is a trademark of CIPA. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. PlayStation is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment of America. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Features and specifications subject to change without notice. Non-metric weights and measures are approximate and may vary.

Screen Images Simulated