Sony recently targeted the young YouTube/video-blogger crowd with their $149 (sans memory stick) GC1 Net-Sharing Cam. The GC1 does double-duty as a 5MP camera with flash and a video camcorder capable of capturing 640×480 30fps video in MPEG4 format, ready for uploading to any of your favorite video sharing sites. At the highest video setting, you can capture about 90 minutes of video on a 2GB Memory Stick. There’s no real point in getting a larger memory stick as the internal battery lasts for about 90 minutes per charge as well.
At $149, you can’t expect the GC1 to be anything remarkable but I was surprised at how much you get for so little: a flip-up 2.4-inch LCD with adequately ergonomic, thumb-centric controls. It’s built from plastic and feels as cheap as you might think although the GC1 only weighs 5 ounces so that will keep your mind off of the build quality.
Video quality is not impressive and audio quality is good for low volume indoor voices and the like but anything louder results in noticeable distortion. Case in point this video of me turning on my car, shot with the GC1. You can also see how the video becomes slightly distorted and “wavy” with faster movie sequences, such as when I was running down the stairs.
Then again, I’m taking the GC1 away from its arena of expertise – indoor, video-blogger talking-into-the-camera type stuff like wine expert Gary Vaynerchuk does on his personal site. In that regard, I think this camera is well-suited. With the low cost of the GC1, there’s not much stopping someone from pursuing video-blogging or just tinkering around with a cheap camcorder. For me though, the GC1 seems like the perfect camcorder to take around to social events and not have to worry about breaking, like I do with “real” cameras. Can someone say Facebook videos?
If you’re standing on the other side of the road, you might want to check out the Panasonic HDC-SD5 – it records HD straight to SD memory cards and is small to boot.
Verdict: Fun little gadget, nothing more.
What kind of video camcorder do you have or are you looking to get, if any?
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{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s not bad, especially for that price. Plus, I like the sound of the GT!
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I use a Sanyo in a similar genre. It’s not on flickr, this is the next closest one:
http://flickr.com/cameras/sanyo/hd1/
The one I use, the Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1, is 10 MP, waterproof, and takes HD video. Straight to SD card, as well. It’s small enough that I carry it everywhere in a jacket pocket, though with it’s strange form factor, much of my video comes out a bit shaky. It’s a good all-around randomness camera, but I never use it for real photography (have a canon Digital Rebel for that).
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I use my phone Nokia N95. Also captures 640×480 30fps video.
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I use a Canon TX1, great HD video and 7MP photo. Has image stabilization as well.
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I have a Sony CyberShot DSC-W55 point-and-shoot camera that I use for both photography and video. It’s pretty rugged (it’s been put to the test) and both the video and photo quality is great. It retails for around $200, so if I were in the market for a camera like the GC1, I’d just spend the extra money and get a full function, high-quality camera. That being said, the GC1 seems pretty affordable and effective for its intended purpose.
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I like this little camera, so cheap! I’ve been wanting a Xacti, not sure which model though.
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Not expensive, but its image quality isn’t that good, and it shakes :) Look like an old camera I had, if you took pictures in movement, they ware all shakes, quite funny!
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Good for a cheap cam. This might be something I buy for the home-video stuff…
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I just received a Sony GC1 for christmas today. I can’t complain, it takes decent movies and pictures might i add. In dim-lit situations it tends to be a bit darker then normal, but that’s not unusual. I’ve only been playing with it for a few hours, but so far I think it’s good.
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hi
I’m seriously considering either the Canon HV20 or Panasonic PV-GS320. Does anyone have any experience with either of these video cameras? I record here at my home music studio, doing DVD lessons for drummers worldwide.
Thanks for any comments or ideas.
Chuck S
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I have the Sony HDR-HC7 and really like it a lot. It’s really small and the HD video quality is amazing. This particular video camera also features sony’s nightshot technology which is true night vision. IMO it’s one of the best HD video cameras available.
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I recently bought a flip… I then found the GC1 and picked it up… I plan of giving my flip to my daughter… The GC1 is a fun little recorder I use for video sharing with family and my work. Like everyone is saying…it can fit in your pocket and is extremely user friendly when it comes to recording and sharing. I use my larger cam and canon D10 for more serious projects… The GC1 is a great little topy for the money..
Oh…btw Paul… nice ride :)
I think I’ll buy it . . . seems to be ok for real estate short 10 minute in-outdoor films to send to potential clients . . don’t own another video camera and this one seems to be pretty good.
I’ll buy it next week !
I got the Sony GC1 from Kmart on clearance, at $105, it’s great. I see the Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1 is great, it’s the price that’s not great. I also don’t know that recording at 10 MP makes it look better on YouTube.
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Hi Paul
I purhchased one of these GCI for my daughter when I was in hong kong and it cost me $400 Aust Dollars. We cannot get the video component to work it is as if it is recording still frames. I nearly died when I saw the cost of them on your site. I rang Sony who did not want to have anything to do with me even though my understanding was that I had a global warranty on it. I obviously have been ‘had’ and I can’t get it to work on video. Any suggestions for Me HELP
tHANKS
I bought one and within 1 week it has crapped out. After a reset the screen displays access until the battery goes dead. Buttons do not function, nothing works…my advice…do not buy one…I bought an 8 gig sony memory stick too at about the same price as the camera…I will have to take a loss on the whole thing….Bad Sony!
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Hi, I have the same problem, the screen displays access, and does not move at all….that means that is broken? FOREVER!!!!! I JUST GOT IT TODAY!!!!
Still no problems here.
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ok well i have one of these but my wont turn on and its all charged up what do i do or can someone help me??
Hey just wondering if anyone knows if i’m screwed. I have this camera and i was watching a video i recorded on it when it just froze. It wouldnt turn off so i just let the battery wear out. After i charged it, it still wont turn on…any ideas or am i just S.O.L?