Sony DCR SR200 2.1MP 40GB Hard Disk Drive Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

Customer Reviews

Great camcorder

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.

A really great camera!!

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!!

Defective out of the box

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.

Sony delivered for the trip of a lifetime!

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 :-)

Great so far!!

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.

good camcoder, fast shipment

2008-05-16
The DCR-SR200 is the best of both video and still worlds. Its dual record mode even lets you take 2.3 Megapixel photos while recording video. The Megapixel technology enhances your digital videos and digital still photography performance. Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating for increased contrast. The DCR-SR200 will also record in Dolby Digital 5.1ch surround sound with a built-in microphone. Enjoy your personal home movies the way you experienced them while recording. The 2.7-inch Wide (16:9) LCD screen provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. A unique Shock Absorber protects the Hard Disk Drive from physical damage. Super SteadyShot(R) Picture Stabilization System Super NightShot(R) Infrared System Scene Modes - Beach, Candle, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Snow, Sports Lesson, Spotlight, Sunrise & Sunset and Twilight SteadyShot Image Stabilization Built-in 5.1 channel microphone 35mm Equivalent Optics/Lens - 41.3-485 (16 - 9 Camera Mode), 50.5-594mm (4 - 3 Camera Mode), 40.4-404mm (16 - 9 Memory Mode) and 37-370mm (4 - 3 Memory Mode) Shutter Speed - Auto, 1/2-1/500 Compatibility - Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, XP Home and XP Professional Dimensions - 3 x 3 1/8 x 5 7/8 inch (76x78x149mm) Weight - 1 pounds 2 ounces (535 grams) with supplied battery

Great camera, easy to use BUT......

2008-04-25
Great camcorder....I love the ease of use but my DVD player won't play the DVD that is produced by the 1-step burn feature. The battery that comes with unit is a piece of crap so be prepared another $100 for an extended life battery. Sony should be ashamed to put something that cheap with such a good product. Overall I'd highly recommend this camcorder!

Good

2008-04-11
Works good in day time. Its not that clear if the background is dark. Can't able to shoot if it dark with a small lighting.

Awesome Camera

2008-04-05
Love this camera... Could not be more satsisfied with it... Would recommend it to anyone looking for a great deal!!

Happy with Purchase

2008-03-28
Happy with purchase. First video camera I have had. Low light picture is not great. Shipping took longer than I hoped.

Cameras & Photography Products and Books

	Click!. The No Nonsense Guide to Digital Cameras Review: ... "Click! The No Nonsense Guide to Digital Cameras" is misnamed. It covers a lot more than just cameras. In a couple of hundred pages, it includes using a scanner and Adobe Photoshop Elements 2 to rescue faded, damaged family photos, the basic guidelines to good picture taking, how to use Elements 2 to improve your digital photos, and how to print and preserve your pictures for the ages. White, the author of the bestseller "How Computers Work," knows how to pack a lot of helpful, understandable information in a brief no nonsense book.
	Sony Cybershot DSCS90 4.1 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom Review: "This Camera is one of the best in its price range. It takes beautiful clear pictures and can be used right out of the box, but its worth learning all its features. The included memory holds about 20-25 pictures so I upgraded to 128mb. I reccomend getting a 128mb card and the Sony camera case. Not only is this one of the best cameras in its class it includes decent software and rechargeable batteries that are at least a 20$ value. HIGHLY reccomend over canon,kodak, and fuji. One more thing this camera has CARL Zeiss lens (if you dont know, great lens) all the competetors have generic lens."
	Sony Cybershot DSCF88 5MP Digital Camera with 3x optical Zoom Editorial Review: Kick back with your favorite DVDs anywhere! Sleek, portable player features IR wireless remote. Plays DVDs, CDs, MP3s and Kodak Picture CDs. Includes 12V power source adapter and Li-Ion Battery Pack. Model D1710. 90-day limited warranty.

PC Magazine Guide to Digital Photography

Editorial Reviews from Book News, Inc.
A couple of digital photography experts weigh the advantages and disadvantages of film vs. digital photography, and explain the basics underlying both types of photography. The Grottas provide reality checks on such issues as whether the number of megapixels really matter, and tips on camera selection, use, and e-mailing and organizing photos. The handbook includes color and b&w images, a glossary, and sidebars and Web links for further technical details.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland.

From the Back Cover The megapixel hype
The fact is a camera’s megapixel rating is only a measure of how many pixels (photosensitive sites) an image sensor has…. An image sensor is simply one component of an entire system that produces a digital photograph… So resist buying into the megapixel hype when you’re choosing a digital camera. From Chapter 1

Digital Cameras	Binoculars	Canon	Sony
Photo Printers	Telescopes	Kodak	Nikon