Sony is going all out with their standard definition tapeless camcorders this year, replacing their entry-level camcorders with the DCR-SR42, DCR-SR62, and DCR-SR82. The are also replacing their higher-end model with two new camcorders. The first is the Sony DCR-SR200, which features a 1/3″, 2.1 megapixel CMOS sensor. Last year’s high-end model, the Sony DCR-SR100, featured the same sensor but had a 1/3″ CCD sensor with 3.3 gross megapixels. Upgrades, however, include the larger 40GB hard drive and the included Handycam Station.
Sony’s top model this year, the Sony DCR-SR300, utilizes Sony’s 1/2.9″ CMOS sensor. The gross pixel count is 3.2 megapixels. The major upgrade here is the Optical Image Stabilization, which hasn’t been seen on Sony consumer camcorders for quite a while.
Both camcorders feature Memory Stick Duo slots, Dolby Digital 5.1 recording, and Sony’s Smooth Slow Recording. We’ll see if the optical image stabilization and sensor upgrade is worth the $150 jump from the Sony DCR-SR200 to the DCR-SR300. The two camcorders will retail for $850 and $1000 respectively and will be available in March.
Just a correction.
Last years Sony SR100 was a CCD sensor, the NEW SR200 is a CMOS sensor which sony believe to be of better quality and clarity, hence the use on their High Defintion Camcorders.
cheers
Ed
Thanks, Ed, not sure how I missed that one!