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Sony NSCGC1 Net-Sharing 5MP CMOS MPEG4 Camcorder | 
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| Brand: Sony
Category: Photography
List Price: $149.99
Buy Used: $84.99
You Save: $65.00 (43%)
New (17) from $103.88
Avg. Customer Rating:  24 reviews
Media: Electronics
Batteries Included: No
Display Size: 2.4
Minimum Focal Length: 6.95
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3
Dimensions (in): 8.8 x 2.9 x 9.7
Warranty: 1 year warranty
MPN: NSCGC1
Model: NSCGC1
UPC: 027242723085
EAN: 0027242723085
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Delivery confirmation via e-mail. Like new
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| Features:
| • | Simple-to-use, ultra-portable camcorder | | • | Shoots web-ready MPEG4 footage in QVGA or VGA, or converts to webcam with bundled driver software | | • | Pre-loaded PMB Portable software allows for direct publishing to video-sharing websites such as Crackle | | • | Captures still images at resolutions up to 5 megapixels | | • | Built-in battery and flash; 2.4-inch color LCD screen |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Sony NSC-GC1 is extremely small and light. Here's a camcorder to shoot your world and send it out on the Internet - still or video. Share your world. Shoot crystal clear footage with the NSC-GC1 MPEG4 net sharing camcorder and keep your viewers on the edge of their seats. Thanks to the 2.4? SwivelScreen(TM) LCD and SteadyShot(R) Picture Stabilization System, video will be easy to capture and a joy to watch. Store images on MemoryStick Pro Duo cards (not included). The long-lasting LITHIUM Ion battery system lets you enjoy the filming experience longer, while the USB interface enables you to share your memories with the world over the Internet. Long-lasting, rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery Change the menu display from English to French, or Spanish Scene Selection modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Beach, Candle, Fireworks, High-Speed Shutter, Landscape, Snow, Soft Snap, Twilight, Twilight Portrait Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony's Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode - Monotone and Sepia USB 2.0 interface Capture MPEG4 video and 5 Megapixel Still Images (2592 x 1944) directly onto Memory Stick(R) media (sold separately) for easy trasnfer to PCs for uploading, emailing or printing; Tested to support up to 8GB media capacity; does not support high speed transfer function Dolby Digital Output - AAC-LC Recording Format - Stereo Dimensions (Approx.) - 1 3/16 x 4 1/8 x 2 1/4 (29 x 104 x 56mm)
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| Customer Reviews: Read 19 more reviews...
 VERY DISAPPOINTING! September 26, 2007
53 out of 66 found this review helpful
Being the first consumer to review this, I feel its my duty to make sure you all out there know the pros and cons of this new "Net Sharing Cam".
I have previously owned the Sony DSC-M1 in which I recorded some lectures and tutoring sessions during my first two years of medical school. I loved that camera so much that I did not purchase the Sony DSC-M2.. Thats why this time around I didn't think twice of a new first generation product by Sony with similar features to replace my 3 year old camera/camcorder combo.
The DSC-M1 costed $599 when it first came out, and this GC-1 is only $199. I didn't think too much of the price difference because the features are pretty much the same as 3 years ago: 5MP camera, MP4's at VGA 640x480, 90 minute battery life, about the same size, etc. I just figured they toned it up a bit and released it as a new model and cheaper price since this is 'so 3-years ago'...
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
Right off the bat you can tell this Sony GC-1 is likely made out of cheaper parts to account for the cheaper price. The packaging makes it look like a toy more than a camera (most of which come in boxes by Sony, but this one comes in a plastic package). The physical appearance is nice, but it feels cheaper than the DSC-M1 sinc its more "plastic-like" than "metal or solid-like". Thats not too bad though if it can match performance-wise to my old Sony DSC-M1 (read below). Also, even though the dimensions are almost the same, the weight is noticably lighter than before and is worth mentioning.
MAJOR PROBLEM:
When rotating the screen the full 270 degrees (or 180 after flipping it open) to take a photo of yourself, it shows your image on the screen INVERTED (left on right, and right on left side). If you try to take a photo of yourself the long way (full body shot, verical), it shows you UPSIDE DOWN! This has not been an issue in previous Sony models I own that allow 180 degree rotating (i.e. DSC-M1). If you have played with this camera or own it, please e-mail me at amitd0c2b@yahoo.com and tell me if you have experienced this issue or not. If you don't own it and have questions, you can e-mail me as well. Please note that the 'd0c' has the number ZERO in it, not the letter O. I have verified with Sony Customer Support via phone that this may be a problem in all units currently released.
PERFORMANCE:
-If you have previously owned a DSC-M1 or M2, you will get accustomed to all the buttons fairly quickly. And you also won't complain about how to hold it without getting in the way of the flash (as CNET complains). There a few modifications to the buttons, but all in all, it will only be a learning curve for someone new to the Sony swivel screens.
-The screen is a bit pixely compared to my 3-year old camera, but not as bad as it sounds when I write this. I'm just comparing it to what I've had from Sony in the past, otherwise its adequate if you are a new owner.
-They no longer indicate how many minutes til your battery is about to die, rather it just shows a battery icon like a cell phone of it draining. I feel thats a downgrade as I loved the original battery indicator telling you exactly how much time you had left. The battery life is about the same, advertised at 90 minutes. However, the battery is internal (but it does not get weaker over time like most other batteries). The drawback on this only may be if you are out on a long trip you can't keep a 2nd spare with you anymore.
-The zoom is digital rather than optical, and I didn't understand what the difference was til I actually used this camera. Digital zoom is terrible because it has this boxy effect as you zoom in closer to the object or person, while optical zoom is much smoother (my 3 year older cam had the optical zoom, why did they downgrade, who knows?!)
-Atleast when you zoom in now or have a shaky hand, you don't have as much blur in image or video.
-The software is much better than the past, it allows you to immediately upload, e-mail, or save them to your computer in smaller file types like WMV quickly - or you can just keep them as the original MP4s as well.
-This camera has a built-in webcam which comes in very handy too if you don't own a newer laptop with a built-in cam already.
-Does not come with any memory chip or case, both must be purchased separately.
CONCLUSION:
Having a 180 degree rotating screen that shows you inverted horizontally and upside down vertically kind of defeats the purpose of having a rotating screen to take photos of yourself. Please note that this issue only occurs if rotated the full 180 degrees, not when taking normal photos of someone else yourself. Zooming is a definite downgrade as comapred to the past. Photo and video quality is slightly a downgrade. Size and weight is a definite upgrade. Software and having a built-in-web cam is an upgrade, but I rather have had better quality zooming and a properly working screen when fully rotated than a web-cam in this. Overall, its a disappointing camera compared to the past - but you get what you pay for.. But if you are looking for something low budget from Sony that will get the job done, this is the camera to go for.
On a bonus note, the GC-3 is releasing shortly, so maybe Sony will get it right with that one. I can confirm this because my instruction manual said this, as well as the case that I bought for this product.
All the best,
Amit
 Well suited for job at hand October 28, 2007
18 out of 21 found this review helpful
OK, so it's not Blue Ray High Def video, but it's good enough for the folks in England to see their grandson crunch his first leaves or do his first snow angel.
The camera is well suited for it's intended purpose -- fits in your shirt pocket -- pop up the LCD viewer, the camera turns on, and your ready to auto shoot. Uploading to a video site is so easy that even this 62 year old tech-phopic can do it without saying -- huh?
William in Colorado
 Great little video camera October 21, 2007
9 out of 12 found this review helpful
This sony video camera is just so much fun to use. You can carry it anywhere and take great videos. It also allows you to take photos. The battery has a decent play time. The battery is rechargable which is a nice feature.
I would highly recommend this great little video camera.
Super Cool! October 30, 2007
9 out of 12 found this review helpful
I bought this for my son and I to shoot funny videos of ourselves. For the price this is an excellent little device. I am sure the price will be $150 before long. For the instant video crowd and youtube people this is a great cam. The 4 gig card is a must have.
Not pleased at all. November 27, 2007
7 out of 9 found this review helpful
I have to say I read the reviews and so I purchased this. It is light weight. Simple to use. Great size. ONE HUGE ISSUE: the light is for the flash for taking pitures not recording. That means if the light is dim even if you change the settings you will get a dark video. I returned it - very disppointed.
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