SlashScope

Computeractive have published a review of the Sony HDR-CX6EK digital camcorder. 'Sony’s HDR-CX6EK records high-definition video directly to a removable memory card, making tape, DVD and even hard disk-based camcorders seem like dinosaurs in comparison. Rather than using MPEG2, Sony has plumped for the newer AVCHD codec based on H.264/MPEG4. This allows the camcorder to store up to around half an hour’s worth of HD video (at top quality, 1,440x1,080 resolution) onto the supplied 4GB Memory Stick Pro Duo. That might not sound like a lot, but theoretically you could dump your footage onto a PC or DVD, wipe the card and start again. The only small problem is that the ACVHD format currently enjoys only limited support on the desktop.'

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Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 3:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A review of the Sony HDR-SR8E hard-disk camcorder has been posted over at Trusted Reviews. 'The SR8E has a fair level of high-end features. The built-in lens cover opens automatically when the camera is turned on. The accessory shoe is of course Sony's propriety version, so third-party accessories won't fit. This is a shame, as minijacks are built in for microphone and headphones. But the accessory shoe also supports Sony's 5.1 surround microphone, the ECM-HQP1, assuming you can find one for sale. If you can't, the built-in microphone has three channels - left, right and rear - which it uses to mix the surround signal it records to Dolby Digital 5.1.'

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CNET have published a review of the Sony Handycam HDR-SR7 (60 GB hard disk drive) camcorder. ‘Along with its trio of siblings--the tape-based HDR-HC7, the flash-based CX7, and the DVD-based UX7--the SR7 uses Sony's 1/2.9-inch, 3.2-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor, recording video at 2.3-megapixel (HD) or 1.7-megapixel (SD) resolution before downsampling and encoding to 1080i HD (1,440x1,080) or SD (720x480), respectively. It also shoots photos at native 2.3-megapixel (16:9) or 3-megapixel (4:3) resolutions, despite the grandiose 6-megapixel claim on the body, which refers to a maximum interpolated resolution. It sports a 10x zoom Zeiss T*-coated lens and 5.1 Dolby surround-sound recording.’

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Camcorder Info have published a review of the Sony DCR-HC38 camcorder. 'The Sony DCR-HC38 is a tiny step up from Sony’s actual entry-level, the HC28. The primary difference, a 40x optical zoom, may actually be the most compelling reason to buy it. The manufacturers know that people respond to big numbers, and 40x is about as big as we’ve seen. But there’s precious little else to this camcorder. The HC38 has virtually no manual controls and a poor menu system. But cheap and easy count for a lot, and Sony has those areas covered. There’s not much to the sideways dome shape of the DCR-HC38’s front side. Its 40x optical zoom lens has a focal length of 1.9mm-76mm and a filter diameter of 30mm. Beneath the lens is the oval NightShot Plus infrared light sensor, followed by the built-in stereo microphone located at the bottom. This is a relatively standard layout for a MiniDV camcorder. Some manufacturers like to mount the microphone on top, but based on the DCR-HC38’s compact size, it would make sense to keep it out of finger reach. To the left of the lens is the lens cover switch.'

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Digital Trends have published a review of the Sony HDR-HC7 camcorder. 'The Sony HDR-HC7 looks like so many other camcorders with its horizontal configuration and silver-toned body with black accents. In fact, it looks similar to the Canon HV20 except the tape compartment is slightly more compact. The two companies are fierce rivals so the look-alikes must come from different factories, right? The HC7 measures 3.25 x 3.25 x 5.5 (WHD, in inches) and tips the scales at 23.2 ounces including battery and Memory Stick Pro Duo card. Tiny it isn’t but it feels very substantial.

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Camcorder Info have posted their “First Impressions” review of the Sony HDR-SR7 camcorder. ‘In a world where AVCHD camcorders are multiplying like rabbits, Sony has proved itself yet again as the prime contributor. The HDR-SR7 ($1400 MSRP) appears to show enormous potential as Sony’s leader of the AVCHD HDD pack with a 60GB hard drive, mic and headphone jacks, and multifunction cam control dial. Both this and the next model-down, the HDR-SR5, offer 1/3” ClearVid CMOS sensors, but the SR7 packs in significantly more pixels, making for better resolution but possibly worse low light performance. Sony's latest round of announcements marks seven AVCHD camcorder releases since last July, but can the SR7 match their initial HDD model, the HDR-SR1, for handling? Trading out the control ring for a small dial is a bad start, but we're willing to give it the benefit of a doubt. Let's take a closer look.’

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Camcorder Info have published their "First Impressions" review of the Sony DCR-HC48 MiniDV Handycam camcorder. 'In our tests, the HC46 was a strong performer, producing video that was near the top of its class. We found the camcorder to suffer from blue noise randomly scattered throughout the image, evidenced by numerically higher blue channel readings than expected. This is an unfortunate deficiency found in many Sony camcorders. Resolution scores for the HC46 were very good and only the Elura 100 among similarly priced MiniDV camcorders outclassed it. Sony’s top-of-the-line MiniDV DCR-HC96 is the only camcorder to carry over unchanged from last year, and we found it to be a stellar performer with superb color reproduction and sharpness.

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A review of the HDR-FX7 Handycam camcorder from Sony has been posted over at CNET. 'Though "budget" isn't a term that readily applies to a $3,500 camcorder, you might think of Sony's Handycam HDR-FX7 as a budget version of its older sibling, the $3,700 Handycam HDR-FX1. Like the HDR-FX1, the HDR-FX7 is a three-chip, "prosumer" HD video model; they have roughly the same design and feature set. That's where the similarities end, however, as the HDR-FX7 has completely different sensors and optics that effectively make it an altogether different camcorder.

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Camcorder Info previews the new Sony HDR-UX7 camcorder. 'The Sony HDR-UX7 ships with the same 1/2.9” ClearVID CMOS sensor (3.2 MP gross pixels) found on Sony’s upper-end HDV consumer camcorder for 2007, the HDR-HC7. This sensor is a major upgrade for the UX line. It is the most significant distinguishing factor between the HDR-UX7 and its step-down sibling the HDR-UX5 which has a 2.1 MP CMOS sensor. We expect to see good things from the 3.2 MP sensor that also appears in the HDV HDR-HC7. However, we also expect to see some performance differences between these top-end high definition camcorders.

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Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 3:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A comprehensive review of the Sony HDR-FX7 Camcorder has been posted over at Camcorder Info. ‘Sony has categorized the HDR-FX7 as a consumer camcorder, despite the very un-consumer MSRP of $3500 and a very prosumer design and manual control suite. Ah, were it only so that people shopped by imposed categories. Instead, of course, they shop by price, and Canon’s XH A1 makes a very persuasive contender at a mere $500 more. How can Sony compete? The FX7’s ClearVID CMOS sensors make a great impression in bright light, but under low light conditions the performance falls to pieces.

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Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 9:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A review of the Sony DCR-SR40 Camcorder has been posted over at Camcorder Info. 'Sony’s new entry-level HDD camcorder, the DCR-SR40, made its debut this fall in a crowded market, with media, video standards, and manufacturers vying for consumers’ attention. It’s a market in flux, as HD video becomes an affordable option for the masses and convenience-oriented formats like HDD (hard disc drive) grow in popularity. With a head-spinning array of options available to consumers, the lowly DCR-SR40 may have a hard time making a name for itself. It produces mediocre video, takes still photos so small they barely deserve to be mentioned, and it costs more than many DV or entry-level DVD camcorders. Yet there is one area in which the SR40 excels above just about any other camcorder we’ve seen: ease of use – and that may turn out to be its saving grace.'

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Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 10:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

CNET have reviewed the Sony Handycam HDR-SR1 Camcorder which allows you to record high-definition video directly to a Hard Disk Drive (HDD). 'A virtual twin of the Sony Handycam HDR-UX1 but with shiny black-plastic accents, the HDR-SR1 delivers essentially the same video but without some of the accompanying media headaches. It too uses the AVCHD format to record 1080i HD video, but on a 30GB disk rather than DVD. Interestingly, Sony charges about $100 more for the SR1 than for the UX1--both are a bit pricey--which probably has more to do with market elasticity than cost of production.

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Lori Grunin has penned an insightful review of the Sony Handycam HDR-UX1digital camcorder over at CNET. 'Normally, my product reviews begin with a discussion of, well, the product. In this case, however, the fact that the Sony Handycam HDR-UX1 is quite a nice camcorder seems completely beside the point.

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A review of the Sony Handycam DCR-SR80 hard-drive-based camcorder has been posted over at CNET. 'The DCR-SR80's somewhat boxy design is far from sexy, but its gunmetal-ish color is more attractive than the silver plastic of the DCR-SR40. To Sony's credit, there's not a lot you can do, design-wise, with a big 12X optical zoom lens, a hard drive, and a 2.5-inch LCD. Measuring 2.8 by 2.7 by 4.6 inches, it's neither large nor small, but at 13.8 ounces with the included NP-FP50 680mAh rechargeable InfoLithium battery installed, it's fairly lightweight and comfortable to shoot with for extended periods of time.

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Camcorder Info has reviewed the Sony HDR-UX1 camcorder and concludes it is the "best HD value under $1,500 currently on the market". 'The Sony HDR-UX1 is equipped with a 1/3” CMOS sensor, the same chip found on the HDR-HC3, the HDR-SR1, and the DCR-DVD505. This chip offers 2.1 gross MP (that’s 2,100,000 pixels). In 16:9 aspect ratio, the chip produces 1.43 effective MP, and in 4:3, it produces 1.08 effective MP. This chip produced killer results in the HDR-HC3 and DCR-DVD505, some of our favorite camcorders in their respective categories. Now we have the new high definition AVCHD compression to factor into the equation. Let’s see how it did.'

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Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 4:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Camcorder Info reports on the announcement of the new HDR-FX7 HDV camcorder from Sony . 'In a worldwide announcement, this morning Sony introduced the HDR-FX7, the latest addition to their consumer HDV line. While similar to their first HDV camcorder, the HDR-FX1, the HDR-FX7 is not a replacement. The HDR-FX7 is a modified version of the FX1, transitioning to CMOS imaging sensors rather than CCD, adding a larger 20x optical zoom, and significantly shrinking size and weight by 25% and 40%, respectively. With this new introduction, Sony is making no apologies that this camcorder is a prosumer camcorder without indie film aspirations.'

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Camcorderinfo has reviewed the "middle of the line DCR-DVD305 camcorder" from Sony. 'This camcorder shares a body design with its step-down cousin, the DCR-DVD205, and its specs are virtually identical. In fact, it may be best to look at the DCR-DVD305 as a modestly pimped-out version of the 205. Instead of a run-of-the-mill 5.5” CCD, you get an Advanced HAD CCD. Rather than just an onboard stereo mic, you get a 5.1 channel surround sound mic that pops above the “hood” like a hot rod engine. It also adds a MemoryStick PRO Duo slot, remote control, and USB terminal for extra horsepower – all for just a hundred extra bucks. So is all that flash worth the upgrade?'

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Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 5:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

CNET has reviewed the Sony Handycam DCR-DVD205 and opined the device was one of the better DVD camcorders in its price range. 'One step above Sony's bottom-of-the-line DVD105, the Handycam DCR-DVD205 is essentially the Handycam DCR-DVD305 without the impractical extras: standard stereo recording rather than Dolby 5.1, no media slot for still photos--they're saved to the DVD instead--no accessory shoe, and no analog input for copying your old tapes to DVD.

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Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 9:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

CNET reviews the excellent Sony Handycam DCR-SR100.which is hard-drive-based as opposed to the DVD-based models. 'The Sony Handycam DCR-SR100 seems designed around the constraints of its long, wide 10X zoom lens and the 2.7-inch-wide touch-screen LCD; it's a squat, squared-off cylinder that's odd looking but not unattractive. It feels quite solid and comfortable to hold--not too heavy at 1.3 pounds--but it's big enough to require a carrying case. We've complained before about Sony's touch-screen interface--that it's simply annoying on a large LCD and close to unusable on a small one such as the DCR-SR100's. It's full of tiny buttons and the touch screen itself is prone to smudges and fingerprints. Tweak-happy users will find themselves either cursing this camera or praying for a stylus. If you like the touch screen, however, then you can kick the SR100's design rating up by a point. The left bezel sports duplicate zoom and record buttons, though they're neither responsive nor very useful.'

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Newlaunches.com shares some insights into two of the first full High Definition camcorders from Sony which will be available later in 2006. 'The HDR-UX1 records in readily available 3 inch recordable DVD's and the HDR-SR1 has a built in 30GB hard drive. The cams feature HDMI outputs for connecting to HD televisions and support AVCHD format based on MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec for video compression and Dolby digital audio. Both models are also equipped with an advanced Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens for lifelike colors and a 3.5 inch swivel touchscreen TFT. Other benefits include four-megapixel digital still capture, a Dual Record function that allows you to shoot video and simultaneously capture 2.3 megapixel stills, and a Smooth Slow Record function to shoot video in slow motion.'

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Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 5:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Matt Culler posts a comprehensive review of the entry-level Sony DCR-DVD105 camcorder on Camcorder Info. 'Sony’s lowest-end DVD camcorder this year, the DCR-DVD105 comes around the bend with virtually the same specs as last year’s DCR-DVD92 and performs similarly. This year’s model does include some extra software, as well as sports a better design and a color viewfinder, but you might get more value from your money by looking at the next model up, the DVD205. The Sony DCR-DVD105 offers a 1/6” CCD with 680K gross pixels (340K effective). This is the smallest chip size you’ll find among the major manufacturers, and is common among entry-level models. As expected, the image at 3000 lux is underwhelming. The picture isn’t bad—it’s just not good.'

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Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 11:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

CNET previews the Sony DCR-DVD405 camcoder and offers an interesting comparison with a previous Sony device. 'Varying sensors and LCD sizes make a world of difference between the Sony DCR-DVD405 and its uptown sibling, the DCR-DVD505, beyond just the $200 price gap. The top-of-the-line DVD505 uses Sony's new 2-megapixel ClearVid CMOS imager and provides a large 3.5-inch LCD, while the DVD405 makes due with an old-hat 3-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD and an undersize 2.7-inch display. Those two differences are enough for the DVD405 to produce visibly inferior video--though still better than average for a DVD camcorder--and to bump a merely tolerable user interface over the line to annoying. In fact, most of the key aspects of the DVD405 are the same as its predecessor's, last year's DVD403; compared to this year's competitors, however, it merits a lower rating. As a result, unless you really crave the Dolby 5.1 Surround recording, the similarly priced three-chip Panasonic VDR-D300 edges it in their class.'

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Camcorder Info has constructed a comprehensive review of the Sony HDR-HC3 Camcorder. 'The release of the HDR-HC3 has probably been the subject of more buzz than that of any other camcorder this year. Significant changes from the HDR-HC1, the camera the HC3 replaced, demonstrate the evolution in the HD market over the past year. While the HC1 targeted early adopters who demanded prosumer features, now consumers everywhere want their new camcorders to have HD. The HC1 demonstrated Sony's ability to make high-end camcorders with excellent video quality; now, in the HC3, Sony combines this expertise with its skill at producing easy-to-use camcorders for lower-end consumers.'

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When you place the Sony Handycam DCR-HC96 in your palm be aware your are holding a very neat piece of hardware. 'The Sony Handycam DCR-HC96 camcorder comes with easy solutions to transfer images and video recording to your computer. USB Streaming allows you to broadcast live video to family and friends, and the i.LINK DV interface provides a connection from the camcorder to a variety of compatible devices. What's more, the supplied Handycam Station provides quick and easy connections to a TV for viewing or to a PC for editing and sharing video. Just placing the camcorder on the Handycam Station instantly makes the connections.'

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Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 4:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Gadgetmadness.com previews the Sony DCR-SR100 30GB camcorder set for launch sometime next month.'The DCR-SR100 stores over 20 hours of LP video (7 hours in high-quality mode) and features 3.3 megapixel HAD CCD and Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lenses which translates to a "real purty picture." Nightshot mode lets you capture video in total darkness (sweet) and the built in microphone captures audio in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. The only drawback I can see is that this camcorder doesn't do high definition.'

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Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 4:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)