Step-up Value
Here's a Sony feature that adds value to this digital camcorder and differentiates it from other models in the Sony lineup.

Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar Lens: Famous for its superior sharpness and color accuracy, the Vario-Sonnar lens is the most advanced multi-layer optical coating system. The Carl Zeiss optical zoom brings the action close up from far away. In addition, precision digital zoom interpolation technology means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.

Image Stabilization
Sony's SteadyShot picture stabilization keeps your images smooth and steady without degrading picture quality. The technology uses motion sensors, which tends to be more accurate than most other systems used in the camcorder market.

Optics
The multi-coated Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens ensures light capture will be well-contrasted and clear. The 1/4.7-inch advanced HAD CCD sensor accurately records images in vibrant color and sharp resolution. The PC105 has a robust 10x optical zoom that fits most purposes, but for extra distance the camera can reach 120x through the digital zoom. You can choose from three focusing systems to keep your images sharp and in focus: full range auto, manual, and spot focusing.

More Features
You can record video in low to no light situations with Sony's NightShot system, which uses infrared light to capture images invisible to the human eye. With the function on, subjects up to 10 feet away can be seen in total darkness. You can also use the color slow shutter for color night shots instead of the regular green night shot hue.

Sony's Stamina power management system and InfoLithium battery give the PC105 a long operating time. To keep you informed of current battery life, Sony's AccuPower meter displays the number of minutes remaining right in the viewfinder.

You can take digital stills and record small MPEG EX movies using the included 8 MB Memory Stick. This is where the 1 megapixel resolution CCD really shines, creating images with vibrant color and detail. The intelligent pop-up flash keeps your images well-lit and visible.

The PC105 features an easy to see 2.5-inch color LCD and a color viewfinder. The screen's image can still be easily seen even in broad daylight with the use of the LCD backlight. The menu is accessed via a touch screen display on the LCD, reducing the clutter of buttons on the camera.

The USB port can be used to bring in your stills onto the computer or stream video to make the camcorder function as a video conferencing tool or webcam. The IEEE1394 (Firewire) connection can be used for digital video editing on a computer, and S-Video and AV connections are also present for direct viewing on a television or VHS dubbing.

MiniDV Format
MiniDV is the new preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. With up to 540 lines of horizontal resolution and minimum color noise, MiniDV delivers a 20 percent clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of 2 full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD.

The zoom lever is not particularly easy to use, but once you get used to it is not that bad. The focus ring is easy to use, though the autofocus is so good that I hardly use the manual focus (as compared to my old Hi8). Also, the image stabilization is way superior to the old D8 one, and does not seem to introduce extra noise as was the typical case. This is especially important on a small and light weight camcorder since it is harder to keep it still than with a heavier one.

But, the main advantage of this camera, besides its compact size, is the hybrid LCD touchpanel. Forget about those bright days when you had to stick to the viewfinder because you could hardly see the LCD screen under the sunlight. With this one, you can see it perfectly, whether under the direct sun or on a dark place... You can even save some battery power by switching off the backlight when using it outdoors. The 2.5" is a bit small, but I don't believe you can put a bigger one without making the camcorder bigger too. The LCD is high resolution and looks very sharp. The color viewfinder is not tiltable and resolution is not as good as the LCD, but helps extending battery life, which BTW is accurately measured and displayed.

I would have placed at least a scroll/select wheel for the menu system, though the touch panel is really easy to use. But the scroll wheel is faster to use for selecting things on a typical Sony menu. However, the most used functions have direct access from the LCD touch panel buttons, and the spot focus and spot metering, where you select the area of interest by touching it on the LCD, is a cool addition that you don't have in many cameras.