Sony has released three new HDD camcorders for the new year, the HDR-SR10, HDR-SR11, and HDR-SR12. All three camcorders record in the AVCHD codec at full 1920×1080 resolution. The Sony HDR-SR10 is the baby model of the three and has a 40GB hard drive. It features a 4 megapixel, 1/5″ CMOS sensor, 15x optical zoom, and a 2.7″ widescreen LCD.
The next model up, the Sony HDR-SR11, features a new, rather large 5.7 megapixel, 1/3.15″ CMOS sensor. Accordingly, the optical zoom decreases to 12x, but the LCD screen size increases to 3.2″ with a whopping 921k resolution. Comparatively, most camcorders have around 200-250k pixel resolution on the LCD screens. A viewfinder is also included on the Sony SR11. Other features on the Sony HDR-SR11 that enthusiasts will especially enjoy are a microphone jack, headphone jack, and multi-function dial. The SR11 features a 60GB HDD.
Finally, the Sony HDR-SR12 doubles the hard drive capacity from 60GB to 120GB, retaining all other features.
All three camcorders feature face detection, a technology already prominent in digital cameras. Up to 8 faces can be tracked simultaneously, and the camcorders will actually allocate more pixels during AVCHD compression to the facial areas for better quality when recording people.
All three camcorders will be available in March, with the Sony HDR-SR10 setting you back $999, the SR11 $1,199, and the SR12 $1,400.
Why do Sony descrtibe these cameras as full HD when they only do 1080i not p.
They don’t even have a 720p mode, so they’re no good for fast movement analysis unless you are prepared to throw away half the image.
Why have Sony thrown out iLink, having been so involved with its design and that it can sustain much higher data rates one would think it is obvious to keep it.
All I really want is a HD progressive scan firewire camcorder like my old tape one. It seems I have to spend a fortune for a professional model.
Wellcome to Sony and they’re lockin strategy . Buy this.. it will only work with sony technology… i.e…memory sticks etc…
Oh, don’t forget what a wonderful company Sony is for putting rootkits on your computer without your knowledge.. They were just trying to help you… right?
Screw Them. Boycott all products from this monster.
It’s not like Canon does not make just as good products.
I have several video cameras, starting off with 2 different JVC’s then moving up to the Sony HDR-HC3 (2 years ago) and recently upgrading to the HDR-SR11 (due to a robbery). I have to say that prior to my recent video camera upgrade I have always had a very difficult time in transferring the video from my miniDV tape onto my computer. This new connection with the USB 2.0 transfers video like a dream!!! What else could one ask for. The software that comes with it anylizes your camera and based on your settings, will transfer the video onto your computers harddrive very quickly. Because you are transferring from a harddrive to a harddrive, you don’t have to spend minute for minute transferring video.
Over all I am so pleased with my new purchase and am looking forward to my next vacation to shoot HD video and edit into a movie much quicker and easier.