Sony's New Hard Disk Camcorder

JVC was the first to offer a hard disk-based digital video camcorder, but now Sony has caught on with its new DCR-SR100, an $1100 model that has a 30GB hard disk and built-in Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound. Does two count as a trend?

Sony says you can record up to seven hours of DVD-quality video with the DCR-SR100--so, seven mini-DV tapes' worth. You can take 3-megapixel still images with the camcorder, too.

A special top-mounted microphone captures 5.1-channel surround sound, but you can also can use the camcorder with Sony's new Bluetooth wireless microphone that maps to the camcorder's center channel. So, for example, you could attach it to someone speaking at a conference, and that person's voice is always front-and-center while others' may move. The mic will cost $200.

The DCR-SR100 feels a little chunkier than a typical mini-DV camcorder, but not as square as a DVD-based camcorder. Still, it's easy to hold comfortably in one hand. Despite the size, it has only a 2.7-inch LCD screen, which looked a tad small on the camcorder, but one of the 3.5-inch screens on some Sony's other models probably wouldn't fit.

JVC announced new second-generation Everio models, but I haven't seen those yet. The most significant enhancement seems to be the ability to connect them to a special external DVD burner, so you can burn DVDs without using a computer. Should you op to use a computer, transfer speeds have been improved significantly, says JVC.

Comments

But the big question is does it use a standard recording format so one use 3rd party nonlinear editing programs such as Final Cut Pro or Final Cut Express? Or is it like the JVC Everio that uses a proprietary format that can only be edited by JVC's software?

Ed Shields

January 05, 2006

9:51 AM PT

Nothing personal, guys, but everyone else on the planet is reporting that this thing is called the DCR-S100.

Mr B

January 05, 2006

9:57 AM PT

Sorry; it is the DCR-SR100. We're blogging without a copyediting net. Thanks for the gentle correction.

Alan Stafford

January 05, 2006

6:00 PM PT

R E A L L Y be anxious to know about the editing capabilities. I'm ready to buy but really confused by the formats - tape is universal, DVD is very questionable, now this adds a "3rd wheel to the bicycle"....

mike

March 03, 2006

5:41 AM PT

I have the JVC Everio GZ-MG30. I love the convenience of it but I have only one complaint about it. The video quality is not that clear, especially indoors or low lighted rooms. It is best outdoors in the sunlight. I wonder how the quality of the video on this one is like.

Dennis

April 26, 2006

11:04 PM PT

I LIKE TO BUY THAT CAM DCR-SR100 BUT I HAVE ONE QUESTION THAT IF I CAN DELETE FROM THE HARD DISK LIKE ANY PC HARD DISC AS DELETE COPY..SO LIKE THAT I WILL HAVE A SPACE ALL THE TIME,OR ONE TIME THE HARD DISC IS FULL I CANT RECORD AGAIN?PLS CAN SOMEONE TELL ME..

FRED

May 12, 2006

2:55 AM PT

I bought this camera a few days ago and Im very impressed, the quality is phenominal both in light and low light environments its everything I expected this cam to be, and FRED you can delete the video files right off the camera by using its LCD touch screen its very easy. You can also delete them from your computer via USB link but the thumbnail of the video or picture still remains on the cameras playlist and it will give you an error if you try and play it so its best to delete off of the touchscreen.

Xylicon

May 15, 2006

7:55 PM PT

Xylicon... how easy is the transfer to your computer and then burning to DVD? The main reason I would buy this or the Everio is to make sharing videos that much easier.

Aaron

May 18, 2006

11:13 AM PT

I read a review at amazon that said sony is discontinuing this model, anyone have any insights if this is true and if so, why?

shannon

July 15, 2006

3:21 PM PT