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"Very disappointed." on by hydeb
Pros: Large harddrive, good size, easy to use.
Cons: fair picture quality, no view finder,
Summary: While I like the touch screen and the many hours the large harddrive can hold, there are more problems for me than it is worth at $799! The lack of a viewfinder became a huge problem when recording outdoor sports. The LCD just doesn't do the job when there is alot of action to follow, and it's washed-out with ambient light. The time and date is a viewable option when reviewing in the camera/LCD screen or when going out with analog, but when the files are transferred digitally, the time and date diappear. According to Sony engineers there is no option to retain the time and date in a digital transfer. Therefore I can transfer the files via the analog cables then capture it in a Pinnacle USB Box to be transferred back to digital and all for $800. WOW, why did I buy a digital camcorder? Another problem with the Sony and Pinnacle compatiblity is that when the files are transferred digitally, and moved into Pinnacle, the sounds gets delayed and by the end of 90 mintutes it is 30 seconds or more behind. The CCN 1 Meg, falls short of the 3 Meg CCN other similiar camcorders espcially the models with 3 CCN's. Similiar models have 20x optical zooms, and better lenses. So why did I buy this model, I was baited by the large harddrive. How much is it that worth? I am going to take it back and get my account credited even though the restocking fee is $150. It is better to make a $150 mistake than live with a $800+, (extra batter, maint. contract, etc.) one! Wait for a better model and cures to the software or solve some of the problems with the DCR-SR100 model. Ok, it is not a high-end model, but you should get what you pay for at least.
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"Not if you have a Macintosh" on by Scott Simons
Pros: Ease of use, quality video
Cons: Very difficult to import into a Macintosh
Summary: Camera is great, no problems there. No firewire port. To import to a mac you will need to spend an additional $45-100 for programs to convert video to work with imovie. Sony never mentions this until after you have opened the box. If you have a mac avoid the Sony hard drive camcorders.
Updated
OK, so I'm not AS upset as I was. MPEG Streamclip is a FREE program that will allow you to play your Sony Hard Drive movies AND convert them to Quicktime to use in imovie. It works well and is fairly quick. NOTE TO SONY, Maybe you could mention this instead of making your customers find the solution themselves OR pay $70-100 to the software company YOU recommend.
The camera takes excellent quality video. You will need to clean fingerprints off the screen but it is a well designed camcorder. NEW rating for the camcorder-8. NEW rating for SONY-2. -
"A camera for the above average user or one who can read instructions and the manual." on by ddg1977
Pros: 60 Gig hard drive, no tapes mini dvd to buy, what more could you ask for.
Cons: Have not found one yet, but will repost if I found one.
Summary: OK for those of you shopping around and looking for that new camcorder. This is perfect for the average or above average person to record home movies, I repeat movies. If you want great pictures buy a digital camera with 3.1 pixels or more. The camera does have the ability to shoot stills at 1meg and well it isn't the greatest. Look if you want some phenomenal camera that shoots great pictures and movies then be prepared to pay $1,000 or more. If you want a camera to record those great moments with your family well this is it. Take the time to read the manual and the instructions and you will find the many things you can do with the camcorder. The easy button is perfect for the family who has the spouse who is not a techy and does not want to full around with the manual controls. The movies that you burn play well in the DVD player. If you are expecting a picture like the movies that you buy well not happening and I dont think they make that type of camera yet. For the price and not having to buy mini dvd discs that record 20 to 30 minutes at high quality and or buying a rewritable mini dvd which you then will load onto you drive and then onto normal DVD which I might ad the video will degraded a little, or do you buy this camera and have the ability to record up to 14 hours in high quality or 41 hours of regular play. You make the decision and I am extremely happy with my choice.
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"GREAT LITTLE CAMERA, 60 GIG HARD DRIVE!" on by robtyty
Pros: SMALL, COMPACT, EASY TO USE, GOOD VIDEO
Cons: 1 MEGAPIXAL STILLS, STILL GOOD QUALITY
Summary: Ok, here is what I needed. Compact camcorder, hardrive (tapes and DVD suck)and some type of still photos.
I have had this camera for two months. I have recorded on a roller coaster, on my bicycle and some plain old stand and shoot. No problems at all! very good video quality!
I use Adobe Premiere Elements to do my editing, no problems. It is a little tricker to upload video, BUT WHAT DO YOU EXPECT, IT'S VIDEO!
Don't listen to the whiners....it's a good camera!!!! -
"Great Little Camera!" on by horn38
Pros: image,Hard Drive, Size
Cons: Battery Life, should come with a larger battery
Summary: I have had 2 other Hard Drive cameras in the last 2 months..JVC and the DCR-SR40..both had poor image quality and disappointed me for the price they cost. But the DCR-SR80 has a great image.. even on a 70" HD widescreen. This is a great camera!
Sony Handycam DCR-SR80 user reviews
Where to Buy
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