As Sony’s first tapeless camcorder attempt, it’s noteworthy that the DCR-SR100 is getting acclamation from its first reviewers. It is notable, too, that JVC has been making hard-drive based camcorders for a while and has yet to reach a significant level of video quality. PC Magazine has their own Sony DCR-SR100 review online and ready for your perusal.
The Sony DCR-SR100 comes complete with a 30GB hard drive, 10x optical zoom, and a rather large 1/3″ CCD sensor. The camcorder itself is a bit bulkier than the JVC tapeless camcorders, being larger in physical size and weighing about 6 ounces more. 3MP still shots are available, which are good enough for a decent 4×6.
PC Magazine found the video to be the best in a tapeless camcorder so far. Color reproduction was accurate with negligible noise or artifacting. PC Mag also found that the sound quality and autofocusing were better than the JVC tapeless camcorders.
I had wondered if the DCR-SR100, the first hard drive camcorder from Sony, would be good enough to be awarded an EC [editor’s choice]. Its high price and relative bulkiness held it back from that nod, but it’s still the best hard drive camcorder I’ve tested.
Tapeless digital camcorder are not up to par yet, but steps are definitely being taken in the right directions.
I have the DCR-SR100 and love it except for one thing. The video taken with the camera and transfered to a DVD plays as a series of individual video clips rather than seemlessly as a movie or TV show should. I wonder if I am doing something wrong. Is there software I can buy to correct this?