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.

First camcorder-I really like it a lot! Purchased it for our honeymoon and was really able to capture great memories. It is very small so you can carry it wherever you go without it being cumbersome. It is very lightweight so you're able to do a lot with it without feeling bogged down. The video quality is awesome(at night too) - however, the picture quality from the digital camera is just so so. Also, it has a tendency to pick up more than average outside noise because the mike is on top and forward on the unit. I would definitely recommend this unit.

About 2 months ago I purchase this camera forunner the DCR-PC5. What I liked about the dcr-pc5 was its small size, still camera mode, the use of he sony memory stick and np series batteries (both compatiable with my soncy dcr-p30 digital still camera)and its great looking hi res video. I had received a sony CCd-TR81 handycam as a graduation gift about 10 years ago and new that a sony was a fairly reliable and durable camera. Some issues that I had about the DCR-PC5 included marginal battery like with the supplied np-11 battery,low still camera resolution and quality, slow still image transfer to by pc via paralell port and slightly akward ability to hold the camera. (I'm 6'2 and have big hands, that might be the problem). Last week a good friend of mine loaned me his DCR-PC9 and I was suprised at the improvements. The battery life has been noticebly increased, the slow parellel connection has been replaced by usb transfer port. How come sony dosent allow still image data transfer via the ieee1394 firewire? Odd. I still think the camera is a little akward to hold and if you don't have a still digital camera and only need to post photos to the web then this is fine. Again the video quality is excellent and I like this camera much more then canon's optura mc10-mc20 line. Feels more solid. Also analog signal can be uploaded to the camera and stored in a digital format and then thransfered to your pc if your into editing which I am. Also a ton of editing effects are built right into the camera. Some people will balk at the price of this model but its worth it even if your only gonna use it seldomly. ...

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!

I believe compactness of a camera doubles its usage, as its not hassle to carry, and you don't stand out in crowd while shooting.
This compact pocket size cam is packed with quality features, excellent video, easy touchscreen operation and convenient download of still and video to your PC. 640x480 still resolution looks lil less, but ok for emailing and web purpose.