Sony DCR-SR200 2.1MP 40GB Hard Disk Drive Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom | List Price: $849.98 Discount Price: $517.99

| Brand: Sony Binding: Electronics
Features: - 40-gigabyte hard drive stores over 25 hours of long-play video or over 8 hours of high-quality video
- 2.1-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor for crystal-clear video and still images
- 10x optical zoom; 80x digital zoom
- 2.7-inch widescreen touch-panel Clear Photo LCD Plus display
- Handycam Station included
| Accessories: | | | Sony VCT870RM Tripod w/Remote for Sony MiniDV, DVD, HDR-HC5 & HC7 Camcorders | Sony VCTTK1 Pocket Tripod for Sony Camcorders | Sony VCTD580RM Remote Control Tripod for Sony MiniDV, DVD, HDR-UX1, HDR-HC1, HC5 & HC7 | Kenko SGW-043 - Converter | Sony VF37CPKS Filter Kit for HD1000U, HDR-HC1, HC5, HC7, UX1, UX5 & UX7 Camcorders |
Great so far!! [Posted on 2008-05-21] I have had no problems with this camcorder yet I have only used it a few times since I purchased it. It is very user friendly and I have already shot video and put it on my computer. The quality is great and so far I have nothing negative to say about it. I am pleased with my purchase.
Sony delivered for the trip of a lifetime! [Posted on 2008-05-26] <>
Given the quantity and quality of other reviews, I'll be brief. I purchased this camera for two specific purposes:
1)3 week trip to Italy
2)Recording business promotional videos
Accessories purchased:
1)3rd party value pack, including tripod, extended battery, small camera bag
2)3rd party larger camera bag, with extended life battery (ActiForce InfoLITHIUM)
Use cases:
1)Outdoor filming & stills (all lighting conditions, including underground)
2)Indoor filming & stills (medium and intensive florescent lighting)
In all tested conditions, the camera performed splendidly! My greatest surprise was how well it performed during underground filming in Herculaneum and Pompeii. We were in constantly changing light conditions, and no shots were missed.
Audio: the audio pickup was excellent. Perhaps too good in fact, since we were always chattering away in the background and some of the conversation was perhaps not best to be picked up on a microphone. In any event, the sound quality was well suited to our purposes.
Travelability: The camera traveled well in a larger bag. The on/off spin toggle made it very easy to turn on and off during constant filming opportunities.
============
Second use case: controlled environment for indoor business promotional videos. I had occasion to record three separate promotional videos, using the camera and an inexpensive plastic tripod. Both performed well, and in controlled conditions, there was no need to resort to an external microphone. Bottom line: internal 5.1 microphone is good for daily/general use. Just note that it can be a bit sensitive. Otherwise, the business videos were created without incident. (I got very used to the "mirror mode" feature quite quickly for solo filming)
Software: software installed and ran well on both 32-bit and 64-bit Vista. Video transferring, dvd creation, all very easy to do with this package. I filmed almost constantly in Rome, and still consumed less than 30G of the 40G available hard disk capacity.
Overall: very, very highly recommended. I am happily using this camera on a daily basis and am pleased with the results
One final note: Beware "portrait photos" or inverting the camera to take long vertical shots. they will invert in the Sony software. I'm sure there is a quick fix for this either in the Sony software, or a third party add on. I'll figure it out :-)
Defective out of the box [Posted on 2008-05-26] After comparing several different models, I chose the sr220 for several reasons: High capacity HDD, High-end resolution, and the Sony brand name.
Well, I'm sure it must be a great camera, judging by all of the glowing reviews. But,to date, I have not had the chance to actually USE IT!
I purchased the sr220 from Dell for a little over $700. I also picked up a 'Bluetooth' wireless microphone ($150) and the VMK1000 AIS remote mic adapter($153)
I read the manual and checked out the camcorders features shortly after it came in the mail. However, I did not get a chance to use it until AFTER the 20 return period.
The first time I used it, it DID NOT record. I was taping for 30-45 minutes, yet nothing was stored on it.
Thinking it must be user error, I re-read the manual ( as well as the more detailed instructions that come on a Cd Rom.
The next opportunity came several days later. When I tried to record, I got an error message 'cannot access hdd.'
So, my review of a brand new $700 camcorder is this:
My Sony DCR sr220 camcorder has the EXACT same capabilities and picture
quality of a bar of soap. Each will record and playback EQUALLY.
A little harsh? Maybe. But, when someone shells out over $700 for something, it SHOULD WORK!
I had to send it in for repair and have yet to hear ANYTHING.
I'll probably sell it on EBay and go with a different brand.
A really great camera!! [Posted on 2008-06-09] I am so happy with this camera. I purchased the camera so that I could video my Sister's wedding for her, everything turned out just great! I would not change a thing with this camera, a really great item!!
Great camcorder [Posted on 2008-06-16] Great product, lightweight, goods features, stable shot, ease of use, and easy to download files. I have had this camera for 5 months now and have had no problems with it. Very happy with the weight of it and the docking station is great.
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