MiniDV Camcorder Review

PC100 Sample Photos

Sony PC100 Camcorder

Outdoor pictures taken with the PC100 Directly to the Memory Stick

1182x864 (400k)
640x480 (144k)

You can control the quality of the JPEG image as well (super fine, fine, standard). This affects the image size (first one is 500k at super fine). The images above were taken in 'standard' mode. I can't tell the difference from 'super fine' to 'fine'; you can save more pictures this way!

Pictures taken with the PC100 onto Tape

640x480 (130k)

Only 640x480 photos can be captured on tape (not 1152x864). They are also a bit less clear, as you can see from the above picture. To download to your computer, you transfer from tape, then to the memory stick (there is no connection from the camcorder to the computer; you use the separate memory stick reader device).

Indoor/Night pictures taken with the PC100 (Memory Stick, no flash)

576x432 (38k) (1152x864 shrunk by 50% to maximize quality)
576x432 (38k) (1152x864 shrunk by 50% to maximize quality. Lightened a bit in PhotoShop)

Notice that the images are a bit dark, and as a result, more 'grainy' than the outdoor photos above. There are acceptable to me (way better than the JVC in any light condition), and I know I can buy a flash to improve them further.

Flash pictures taken with the PC100 (Memory Stick, flash)

The photo series below shows a low-light scene at 4 feet (effectively candle-lit). The first photo is without a flash; notice the grainy texture that is due to the low light sensitivity of the PC100. The second photo shows the same picture with a normal flash shot; not bad! The third scene is a flash shot with the exposure set down to lessen the brightness (not very effective!). The forth shot is a distance outdoor shot with regular flash; notice that it is a bit dark.

  1. 576x432 (38k) (1152x864 shrunk by 50% to maximize quality)
  2. 576x432 (38k) (1152x864 shrunk by 50% to maximize quality)
  3. 576x432 (38k) (1152x864 shrunk by 50% to maximize quality)
  4. 1182x864 (61k)