Sony's DCR-SR100 disk-based camcorder reviewed

Remember that hot Sony DCR-SR100 disk-based Handycam we first set eyes to at CES? Yeah, the one with a 30GB hard disk, 3.3 megapixel sensor, 2.7-inch touch-screen LCD, and 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound recording -- that one. Well, CamcorderInfo laid fist-to-product and inked a full review for our consumption. JVC may have been first to market with a hard disk recorder, but the review claims the SR100 is the first to produce "good video." In fact, they say it blows those JVC MG70 and MG77 modesl with MOD file format recordings (Sony goes MPEG-2) "out of the water." Granted, the SR100 still isn't quite up to the quality of MiniDV-taped recorders but the gap is no doubt, "closing quickly" which is good news indeed. Sure, the cam suffers from only a few manual controls and the reviewer doesn't like the Sony touch-screen interface which makes handling the unit a problem. Still, the camera is an easy to use, point-and-shoot camcorder for all your baby, uh, shooting needs. We'll just have to wait and see how it holds up to that mysterious 3CCD JVC GZ-MG505 before getting ourselves in too much of a tizzy over this $1,000-ish camcorder.

[Abraham @ May 4th 2006 9:04AM]

Why do all engadget writers put "er" or "uh" just before an inserted joke or funny sounding sentance? If you can't convey humour in your writing without such devices then your uh not very good.

Having said that i love engadget so i don't know what to believe

[nemi @ May 4th 2006 9:39AM]

Who in their rite mind we buy one of these with HD camcorders already out and prices dropping to $1000 soon.

Common sony, put a faster CPU and bus in it and let it record 1Mp res from that 3mp sensor (ie. 720p HD).

[Mark @ May 4th 2006 11:09AM]

"In fact, they say it blows those JVC MG70 and MG77 modesl with MOD file format recordings (Sony goes MPEG-2) "out of the water."

I've used the JVC and found that the MOD files are simply MPG files in disguise. Renaming the extension is all that is required to "convert" them to mpeg.

I read comments that doing this would cause me to lose the audio track, but it didn't happen.

[Jason @ May 4th 2006 12:01PM]

When I can get a 1080p hard drive based HD Camcorder for $1000 I'll bite.

Till then, no dice Sony.

[Paul @ May 4th 2006 12:29PM]

@4

Firstly, the difference between 720p and 1080p is hardly noticeable.

And 1080p, I bet you don�t even have a TV which has 1080p capabilities?

And Sony do make a 1080p camera...it costs just under $100k (as most film production companies use this).
Good luck with getting some discount....

[Jason @ May 4th 2006 12:55PM]

Paul,

On a 60" or better television the difference between 720 and 1080 is very noticeable to people with a sharp set of eyes.

My current television does 1080i and my next one to be purchased (when the current one outlives its useful life) will be 1080p.

Just like we will likely see digital SLR bodies at a $399 price point within a few years I believe that we will see high resolution HD consumer camcorders at prices that seem dirt cheap compared to what is available today.

[Paul @ May 4th 2006 1:59PM]

Jason -

Your point about having it on such a large TV is most likely true. As most consumers here only purchased something aroung 32" - Its hardly noticable...

You have a 60".....that must be a beast....to watch and move!!

[Jason @ May 4th 2006 2:26PM]

Paul,

Ya, it's a big ass RPTV but the picture on it is quite good (though not up to snuff when compared to the new LCOS and top of the line DLP sets).

I've read several articles that indicate that the break point for noticing 720 to 1080 improvements is about 40" diagonal size on the screen. The larger than 40" the screen is the more noticeable it is, and on 52", 60" and 70" sets it is very noticeable.

I think more consumers will have sets in this size in the coming years and be much more discriminating about the quality of their source material, especially when they see great 1080 material like some of the movies and series that HBO does in HD.

Peace out

[Johan @ May 4th 2006 10:45PM]

Nice, detailed review. There's an earlier one, done in March this year, over here:

http://www.digitalworldtokyo.com/2006/03/sonys_first_hdd_corder_tested.php

[Digi @ May 6th 2006 3:15AM]

I think this is the best camcorder in the $1000s range in the market.

[Fredy @ May 21st 2006 1:30AM]

I am interested in this corder however, I am not able to find what type of HDD it uses, is it removable, can I take a couple on the road instead of a Laptop? That information seems obscure although, I've only been at Sony.com........Sure would like to know.