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"Great Hard Disk Hybrid Camera" on by Juan_o_Mejia
Pros: 40X optical zoom; night shoot; 30G memory
Cons: stabilizing function at max zoom not the best
Summary: This is a great camera with lots of features. The biggest selling point would have to be the 40X optical zoom, however at its max its quite unstable so you definitely need a tripod. If you dont care much about extras and want just a basic Hard Disk cam at a better price with better stabilizing tech, buy the Panasonic comparable model... its extremely stable even at full 42X zoom. Anyway, you are able to take pics with this camera as well, but chances are you already have a digital still cam which does a better job. This model comes with night shot which is always a good addition, and for those in the know, you can add an IR filter in order to use the night shot in plain daylight. The touch LCD is also a nice addition, but it would have been nice if they included a stylus... that you you wouldnt leave your finger prints on the screen. Its pretty compact and light weight. The focus is a bit sensitive in my opinion, especially in full zoom at which point its better to switch to manual... again the Panasonic is better in this department. There's still more to this camera, but at the price range despite its minor drawbacks, its definitely worth it.
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"HDD...Means No Disks Required (need flash cards)!!" on by suprflyt
Pros: Knowing you do not need to be carrying around MiniDV tapes or MiniDVD is a bonus. With over 400 minutes of record time available on the 30GB HDD even when set to HQ and also the ability to zoom (2000x) in on most anything, within reason, means fun!!
Cons: Image stabilization works well if you are not zoomed in, but if you are planning on using the zoom feature make sure to use a tripod or a steady stick because the focus will not stay. The small wide aspect touchscreen will take some learning also.
Summary: Even though this is not a hi-definition Hybrid camera it still makes a very nice camera to bring where ever you want to go.
The night shoot I found works pretty well if you want to have some night fun (sitting around the fire ring I was very surprised), there is a but and that is the auto-focus does have some difficulties if you move too quickly.
The microphone works very well also in picking up voices when zooming in and out. Not sure how it really works, but it does!!
The touch screen menus follow the Sony line pretty well...if you have used previous Sony touch screen cameras you will know. The only thing is the screen is really sensitive and large fingers will have problems!
Battery life doesn't surprise me very much at all...about an hour and 45 minutes of continuous use is what I have been able to get with the standard battery. So, purchase the larger or additional battery if you know power is going to be a problem.
If you are looking for a camera to take hiking, camping, road-tripping or to have around the house to catch those moments and not worry if the tape or DVD is full then this would be a very good choice for an average $400! -
"Small, lightweight, 30GB HD... you can't go wrong!" on by Stick2006
Pros: I really like the Photo Capture ability, comes in handy. I love the small size and the easy to use touch screen which is very responsive. The menu is very nice and everything is easy to find once you use it a few times. The zoom is smooth.
Cons: The zoom is smooth but gets real jittery when you use it from long distances. The pictures can be pretty blury at times. The video could be better especially for the price but even still it's a sweet camcorder.
Summary: I found the video quaility to be pretty good in HQ mode, you might not get as much recording time but it's pretty good quaility. As for the pictures, I put them on Windows and my ipod touch and both are pretty good, more so on the ipod. I do admit that some of the pictures look kind of blury in Windows but once I get them to my Ipod they look much better. I like the Nightshoot feature, came in handy a few times and it will again I'm sure. Really love the 30GB hard drive, more than enough room for some pictures and videos.The 30GB hard drive is more than enough space for an avrage day, specially when you're backing them up on a PC or discs. The very lightweight and smallness of the camcorder makes it easy to take it anywhere. It's an all around great device.
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"SO easy to use and the touch screen is sweet" on by bmarsh5
Pros: So easy to use and smooth
Cons: Quality could be a little better, but no biggie
Summary: NICE
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"Great Little camera" on by stpr_Joel
Pros: Great picture and Great Features
Cons: No real film editing software
Summary: I bought this camera for filming filming our own TV show. It has worked great the picture looks DVD quality and the the digital camera portion really comes in handy. I would recommend buying it to any one who is looking for a great for not a huge amount of money
DCR-SR45 30GB Handycam Camcorder DCR-SR45 user reviews
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