Hello all

Does anyone know if the new Sony PC103 (single chipper) is true 16:9 as
opposed to

1. standard cropping; or
2. 'improved 16:9' as the sony marketing people say it is

I own a PDx10 with true 16:9 and was looking for a second 16:9 camera
that would allow me to shoot the same event with 2 cameras in true 16:9
ratio.

In addition, when I don't want to bring the PDX10 out, I can bring a
smaller camera (maybe the new PC103) and be able to use the footage
filmed on this in 16:9 with other material already in the can from the
PDx10. (Obviously the mixing and matching with normal 4:3 would not be
good!!)

At a UK street price of under £600, I am very tempted.

Thanks P

Panasonic gs100

If the PC103 is the same as the PC105 then you're in luck as it uses the same type of low resolution loss widescreen mode as the PDX10. It also gives a 14% wider viewing angle like the PDX10.

Please do also check out the new Canon Optura Xi with DIGIC DV. The combination of it's 1/3.4" 2.0 megapixel (1752 x 1258) CCD, Optical Image Stabilization, RGB Primary color filtering, a real manually-focusable lens (Canon optics) and a real manual exposure mode (plus AUTO, AV, TV, High Background, Color Night Mode and Color Super Night Mode), Zebra Pattern, DIGIC DV (cool) and true "High Resolution" 16:9 mode yields a very sweet looking image, easily comparable to camcorders costing a lot more.

I have personally seen the output of the Optura Xi using the new "16:9 High Resolution Mode" and was taken aback by the quality and detail in the image. Lots of nice features.
http://canondv.com/opturaxi/f.html

Advanced Photo Features, Manual Audio Level Control, built-in super-fast recycling flash (continous shooting mode!), 3.5" color LCD screen, MPEG-4 Movie Mode, Advanced Accessory Shoe and many more features.

Definitely worth taking a look at. Take a look at the Tentoe Interactive Video and download the .pdf brochure.

I want one.

- don

Yeah the Optura Xi looks nice but its price is very close to 3CCD cams like the DV953 and PDX10.

The PC105 can be had for half price of the yet to be released Xi.