It is possible to use the focus ring for focusing just like an SLR camera.

ENGADGET: Sigma DP3 Merrill packs a Foveon X3 sensor and a fixed F2.8, 75mm-equivalent lens

Like the HC1, the HC3 records up to 1080i onto standard mini-DV cassettes in HDV format, but it ups the ante with stills up to four megapixels (and even simultaneous widescreen 2.3 and 4:3 1.7 megapixel stills while shooting video), although it has a lower gross pixel count, no manual focus ring, and we've heard grumblings of a "noisier" picture.

ENGADGET: Sony HDR-HC3 cam is real, promises to bring HD recording "mainstream"

When the Fn 2 lever next to the lens is placed downward, the ring around the lens switches to analog control so it can be used as a focus or a zoom ring.

ENGADGET: Olympus Stylus XZ-2 is a digital compact stuck in a mirrorless camera's body, we go hands-on

Otherwise, it's aimed more at the casual carry-around crowd with a 40 percent smaller body, touch-screen focus selection, control ring exposure adjustment, a 3-inch 920k dot TFT LCD, art filters (in the smartphone app), image (or film) stabilization and 1080P 30 fps HD video.

ENGADGET

Or maybe it was more like Rocky going into the ring with Clubber Lang, unable to focus on the fight as his beloved Mick lay dying in the training room from the heart attack suffered just before the bell rang for the first round.

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