Rating: 
Summary: GREAT Camera, period.
Review: I have had the DCR-PC9 for about two months now and used it extensively for a trip to the UK. The compact design allowed me to carry it around London without it annoying me. I was able to charge two of the batteries during the time I was sleeping, so I was never out of juice. After coming home and reviewing my shots, the clarity is amazing. I have not seen any other camcorder at this price accomplish this. In addition, all the connections are on the camera, unlike other vertical digital camcorders which require an external unit. The features of this camera continue to amaze me, the MPEG movie function, to the very convienient still picture function, which helped me eliminate the need for a point and shoot (yet another item that you don't have to worry about). I would have to agree with the mic problem that others have mentioned, but this is a simple problem that can be fixed with an external microphone. This camera is great; it makes me look forward to using it everytime.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT Camera, period.
Review: I have had the DCR-PC9 for about two months now and used it extensively for a trip to the UK. The compact design allowed me to carry it around London without it annoying me. I was able to charge two of the batteries during the time I was sleeping, so I was never out of juice. After coming home and reviewing my shots, the clarity is amazing. I have not seen any other camcorder at this price accomplish this. In addition, all the connections are on the camera, unlike other vertical digital camcorders which require an external unit. The features of this camera continue to amaze me, the MPEG movie function, to the very convienient still picture function, which helped me eliminate the need for a point and shoot (yet another item that you don't have to worry about). I would have to agree with the mic problem that others have mentioned, but this is a simple problem that can be fixed with an external microphone. This camera is great; it makes me look forward to using it everytime.
Rating:
Summary: A ++
Review: I have had this camcorder for about 2 months now, Its amazing! The first I noticed when I opened the box was the size. It is SMALL! Can fit in a pocket and great for anyone on the go...great for traveling, superb picture quality. I bought mine for [price]...Brand new, factory sealed, never before used or opened. USA version, not grey market or international, and not refurbished. Came with a 1 year factory warrenty from Sony.
Rating:
Summary: Exceptional
Review: I never expected this camera to be so small. Till the last moment I was in two minds between this and the Canon Optura Pi. But once this was delivered, all apprehensions were allayed. It is very small and sleek and is very versatile. The IEEE1394 link helps one to transfer movies to the pc, though a 2 minute movie could use upto 250mb in the pc. The controls are a bit awkward but after a couple of uses one gets used to it. One thing Sony should provide with this is a shoulder strap. The touch screen menu is a winner all the way.
Rating:
Summary: Great Compact Camera - Highly Recommended!
Review: I originally did extensive research on the "vertical palm size" mini-DV camcorders and narrowed my decision down to the Sony DCR-PC9, the Canon Elura 20MC and the JVC GR-DVM75. Let me tell you that this was an extremely difficult evaluation because all three cameras have their strengths and weaknesses and there was no clear choice. The digital video technology found in all three of these compact cameras is absolutely amazing. I originally purchased the JVC but I had concern with the workmanship and the quality of the hardware - I had read several reviews where the owner eventually experienced problems and the cost to service the camera was extremely steep. I ended up buying the Canon Elura 20MC and did a side by side comparison against the JVC. Not being completely satisfied with either camera, I finally purchased the Sony camera as well. This ended up being an involved process but it was the only way to really evaluate the cameras.Although you can make arguments that one camera had slightly sharper images or another one handled colors slightly better, overall all three cameras produced crisp, accurately colored images in outdoor sunlight settings. Under outdoor overcast conditions, the colors can be on the dull side but the video still was of decent quality. All three camcorders performed poorly under low light conditions. The low light video taping was indoors at night with single or double lamp lighting with light bulbs between 60 and 100 watts. The Cannon Elura produced the poorest quality video (even with the low light setting) - very dark and grainy and the quality was actually poorer than an 8mm analog camcorder. The Sony and JVC with standard auto-shutter settings produced about the same level of video quality which was less grainy but still on the dark side. The lower shutter speed settings on the JVC and Sony improves the image but the video becomes very choppy. As stated in other reviews, the Sony Night Shot (IR based) feature is impressive and works relatively well under "no light" conditions but creates the greenish monotone image. I am not sure how much video I will actually keep with the Night Shot but it is fun to use. Sound quality is good on all 3 cameras but I do agree with the other reviewers who have commented on the problems associated with having the microphone located on the top of the camera. All the camcorders pick up some motor noise but the noise seemed to be more prevalent on the Canon. I also thought the sound was a little muffled on the Canon when compared to the other two camcorders. The Canon and JVC have wind screen options but I found them to be of limited value. Not surprisingly, the digital stills from all 3 cameras were extremely poor. Even with the XGA resolution and built-in flash, the JVC stills were only marginally better than that of the other cameras. The best field stills (captured from video) came from the Canon and then the JVC. If you want to produce "print quality" digital stills, my recommendation is to purchase a separate dedicated digital camera instead of spending extra money on a higher CCD count. You can read about specific features and functions in other reviews for the 3 camcorders but here is a summary of my side by side comparison: For the Canon Elura 20MC
Pros: Quality Video, Progressive Scan, extended Recording Modes, good ergonomics and design, well constructed, the smallest of the 3 camcorders, manual exposure and shutter speed settings
Cons: Poor low light quality, short battery life, too small for large hands, microphone picks up the most motor noise of the 3 cameras, poor stills, no software, requires a shoe for external microphone and head phone, no USB support For the Sony DCR-PC9
Pros: Quality Video, NightShot, the most features/functions of the 3 cameras, battery life was about 30% better than the other camcorders, lens ring for manual focus
Cons: Construction feels cheap, Poor Ergonomics, poor stills, cumbersome menu system, uses Sony's proprietary memory stick, limited remote controller functions For the JVC GR-DVM75
Pros: Quality Video, High Band Processor emulates progressive scan, Built In Flash, well designed remote controller, good number of features/settings
Cons: Construction feels cheap, Poor stills, short battery life, poor viewfinder resolution, requires a shoe for USB connection, Here are a couple of general observations for purchasing a camcorder. Most sales people only know the specs of each camera but have limited (if any) "actual use" experience outside the store. The image quality on the LCD screen is not a good indicator of the actual quality of the recorded video - you really need to view the video image on a TV screen. Finally, you cannot fully assess the quality of a camcorder within the confines of a store. Because I am planning to do quite a bit of indoor video taping I decided to keep the Sony. I really hated to give up the Canon progressive scan. I originally thought I would keep the Canon (see my review under Elura 20MC) but the poor quality video in low light eventually prompted me to evaluate the Sony. The bottom line is that each camcorder is an excellent product and the best camera for you is dependent on your needs. If you are on a budget, the JVC offers the best overall value, performance, features for your money. Although I only had limited, the hardware quality of the JVC seems to be on par with the Sony. If you are primarily video taping under good lighting conditions and want to capture stills from video, then I would recommend the Cannon. The Elura was also the most compact, most comfortable and best designed. If you need a camera with many digital effects, options and special functions and are video taping in low light/night conditions then I would purchase the Sony. Good luck!
Rating:
Summary: Great Compact Camera - Highly Recommended!
Review: I originally did extensive research on the "vertical palm size" mini-DV camcorders and narrowed my decision down to the Sony DCR-PC9, the Canon Elura 20MC and the JVC GR-DVM75. Let me tell you that this was an extremely difficult evaluation because all three cameras have their strengths and weaknesses and there was no clear choice. The digital video technology found in all three of these compact cameras is absolutely amazing. I originally purchased the JVC but I had concern with the workmanship and the quality of the hardware - I had read several reviews where the owner eventually experienced problems and the cost to service the camera was extremely steep. I ended up buying the Canon Elura 20MC and did a side by side comparison against the JVC. Not being completely satisfied with either camera, I finally purchased the Sony camera as well. This ended up being an involved process but it was the only way to really evaluate the cameras. Although you can make arguments that one camera had slightly sharper images or another one handled colors slightly better, overall all three cameras produced crisp, accurately colored images in outdoor sunlight settings. Under outdoor overcast conditions, the colors can be on the dull side but the video still was of decent quality. All three camcorders performed poorly under low light conditions. The low light video taping was indoors at night with single or double lamp lighting with light bulbs between 60 and 100 watts. The Cannon Elura produced the poorest quality video (even with the low light setting) - very dark and grainy and the quality was actually poorer than an 8mm analog camcorder. The Sony and JVC with standard auto-shutter settings produced about the same level of video quality which was less grainy but still on the dark side. The lower shutter speed settings on the JVC and Sony improves the image but the video becomes very choppy. As stated in other reviews, the Sony Night Shot (IR based) feature is impressive and works relatively well under "no light" conditions but creates the greenish monotone image. I am not sure how much video I will actually keep with the Night Shot but it is fun to use. Sound quality is good on all 3 cameras but I do agree with the other reviewers who have commented on the problems associated with having the microphone located on the top of the camera. All the camcorders pick up some motor noise but the noise seemed to be more prevalent on the Canon. I also thought the sound was a little muffled on the Canon when compared to the other two camcorders. The Canon and JVC have wind screen options but I found them to be of limited value. Not surprisingly, the digital stills from all 3 cameras were extremely poor. Even with the XGA resolution and built-in flash, the JVC stills were only marginally better than that of the other cameras. The best field stills (captured from video) came from the Canon and then the JVC. If you want to produce "print quality" digital stills, my recommendation is to purchase a separate dedicated digital camera instead of spending extra money on a higher CCD count. You can read about specific features and functions in other reviews for the 3 camcorders but here is a summary of my side by side comparison: For the Canon Elura 20MC
Pros: Quality Video, Progressive Scan, extended Recording Modes, good ergonomics and design, well constructed, the smallest of the 3 camcorders, manual exposure and shutter speed settings
Cons: Poor low light quality, short battery life, too small for large hands, microphone picks up the most motor noise of the 3 cameras, poor stills, no software, requires a shoe for external microphone and head phone, no USB support For the Sony DCR-PC9
Pros: Quality Video, NightShot, the most features/functions of the 3 cameras, battery life was about 30% better than the other camcorders, lens ring for manual focus
Cons: Construction feels cheap, Poor Ergonomics, poor stills, cumbersome menu system, uses Sony's proprietary memory stick, limited remote controller functions For the JVC GR-DVM75
Pros: Quality Video, High Band Processor emulates progressive scan, Built In Flash, well designed remote controller, good number of features/settings
Cons: Construction feels cheap, Poor stills, short battery life, poor viewfinder resolution, requires a shoe for USB connection, Here are a couple of general observations for purchasing a camcorder. Most sales people only know the specs of each camera but have limited (if any) "actual use" experience outside the store. The image quality on the LCD screen is not a good indicator of the actual quality of the recorded video - you really need to view the video image on a TV screen. Finally, you cannot fully assess the quality of a camcorder within the confines of a store. Because I am planning to do quite a bit of indoor video taping I decided to keep the Sony. I really hated to give up the Canon progressive scan. I originally thought I would keep the Canon (see my review under Elura 20MC) but the poor quality video in low light eventually prompted me to evaluate the Sony. The bottom line is that each camcorder is an excellent product and the best camera for you is dependent on your needs. If you are on a budget, the JVC offers the best overall value, performance, features for your money. Although I only had limited, the hardware quality of the JVC seems to be on par with the Sony. If you are primarily video taping under good lighting conditions and want to capture stills from video, then I would recommend the Cannon. The Elura was also the most compact, most comfortable and best designed. If you need a camera with many digital effects, options and special functions and are video taping in low light/night conditions then I would purchase the Sony. Good luck!
Rating:
Summary: dcr-pc101 is the newer version of this model
Review: I was going to buy the dcr-pc9 based on [a] review but when I went to a store they told me that the dcr-pc101 was the updated replacement that included some modest improvements including much higher still resolution (1 megapixel) and 520 vs 500 scan lines plus USB streaming. I bought the Sony dcr-pc101 and have been very happy.
Rating: 
Summary: Fantastic video, Useless stills
Review: I was in the market for a small, high-quality MiniDV camcorder, and the PC-9's specs looked perfect. I have had mine for a month now, and I am very happy with it. Although it is slightly larger than some of the JVC's and Canon's Elura II, it is still very small. Also, unlike JVC and Canon camcorders, the PC-9 feels extremely solid and robust. The construction is top-notch, and you don't feel worried about breaking it, despite its small size. One note of caution, however: be careful not to leave the camcorder in a bag with a lot of stuff crowding it, as the lens cap is prone to coming off. This shouldn't be a problem if it's in a nice padded case, but I carried mine in a bag with other equipment and several times was alarmed to find the lens unprotected. The PC-9 has a 680K pixel CCD, which is more than is needed for 525 lines of horizontal resolution. Be wary, however, of other cameras with a 480K pixel CCD, because even though the DV format only uses 525 lines, a single CCD doesn't actually record as many discrete pixels as its pixel count claims (thus the advantage of a 3 CCD camera, which the PC-9 is not). Unfortunately, many people are looking for an end-all solution for video and still photography. There is nothing for a reasonable price that accomplishes this goal. While still digital cameras are 3 or 4 megapixels, with this camcorder, you are stuck at .68 megapixels - not too impressive. Yes, they are acceptable for small internet jpegs, but forget about looking at them on a nice monitor, and don't even think about printing them. I mention the poor quality of stills not because the PC-9 is any worse than its competitors, but simply because paying extra to have a Memory Stick slot for stills is an utter waste of money (and space, to some extent). Still, the PC-9's fantastic video quality, small size, excellent build, and easy-to-use controls and navigation make it a great buy for anyone looking for quality, affordability, and style.
Rating:
Summary: BEST ONE OUT THERE FOR UNDER 1K
Review: Just got my DC9 and was amazed. Apart from getting it and a UV filter, 5 60min tapes, leather case and 32mb stick- all for under 1K, it's a great LITTLE camcorder. Easy to switch between modes, all done wih one hand. If held properly (best way, IMO: 1st finger on zoom, 2nd and 3rd around the front body, 4th around the pull-down stick (on grip) and thumb near the record button). Very easy to use the LCD and definitely get the NP-FM50 (180 min at full charge).
Rating:
Summary: BEST ONE OUT THERE FOR UNDER 1K
Review: Just got my DC9 and was amazed. Apart from getting it and a UV filter, 5 60min tapes, leather case and 32mb stick- all for under 1K, it's a great LITTLE camcorder. Easy to switch between modes, all done wih one hand. If held properly (best way, IMO: 1st finger on zoom, 2nd and 3rd around the front body, 4th around the pull-down stick (on grip) and thumb near the record button). Very easy to use the LCD and definitely get the NP-FM50 (180 min at full charge).
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