I just bought one a month or so ago and it had been amazing. I have also used the Z-1 and the FX-1 and though the HC-1 is not as good...it is pretty damn close.
The HC-1 has been discontinued by Sony and the HC-3 that is coming out is far more consumer oriented than the HC-1. The HC-3 lacks a manual focus ring and the external mic and Headphone jacks among other things.
