I spent some time checking out the sample footage at http://www.fxsupport.de/11.html for the SR1 and compared it to the HC3. Besides the HC3 being a bit more saturated than the SR1 the images appear to be very much the same. Note these are PAL versions "25 fps" which could explain why I don't see much noise, since it has less frames to capture per second than the NTSC version.

Has anyone ever thought that maybe Sony is developing these cameras to do well at 25 fps and we just get the downgraded versions by virtue that the camera has to process more frames per second at 29 fps being NTSC

I have often seen comments in UK based camcorder forums that PAL versions of a given model SD cam show less noise at low light levels than the NTSC version, particularly the models with smaller CCDs, so there might be something in your slower frame rate theory.
I don't think this is a deliberate strategy on Sony's part, just that the inherent characteristic of the video lends it's self to less noise. This does not mean that 25 fps is better than 29 fps, as there are other disadvantages such as flicker. There is no PAL and NTSC in HD, of course, just different frame rates.
I do not claim that any system is superior to any other (other than HD is superior to both), I have no wish to start a PAL vs NTSC war, just that some characteristics seem to accentuate features/shortcomings in certain camcorders.

Regards, Mike

Well in the case of AVCHD (not pal or ntsc) if it has to capture less frames using the same bitrate then the answer is obvious. It would lead to a "not as compressed" image, in theory.

I was very excited about this camera after reading the reviews, and purchased one. I've decided to be patient with the pro software dilemma, and hope that everything catches-up soon.

Here's an issue that I'm not so patient about:

I attached an external mic to my brand new HDR SR1 and immediately noticed a hissing noise coming through the headphones. When I hit record, the camera starts buzzing. The noise DOES record to the hard drive, and is apparent on playback. I have since tested other types of quality mics with the same outcome (dynamic & condenser).

The reviews that I've read only praise the fact that the HDR-SR1 has an external mic input. This feature is one of the reasons that I bought this camera.

I have contacted Sony and am waiting for their response, but was wondering if anyone else is experiencing this problem.

Thanks!

Have you tried adjusting the MICREF from Normal to Low?

I tried hooking a pair of condensers to the external mic jack and they were LOUD and there was noticable noise. They were picking up all kinds of crazy room noise and there may have been some noticable hiss just in general. I'm a big fan of the Cool Edit Pro noise reduction feature to handle problems like that.

If you're looking to record something like interviews you could try using a microphone with better background rejection.

-Esotic

Look, let's call a spade a spade. This HDR-SR1 is a GREAT piece of hardware with NO legimate software support. I've read dozens of posts and have not seen a single legitimate solution for editing Sony's Hd files: .m2ts without diluting their Hd quality. There is NOTHING out there right now to edit this great camera's output while maintaining the HD quality. NONE of the alleged solutions work, period. I just want to edit the m2ts files and it SIMPLY CAN'T BE DONE with any of the many bogus solutions proposed in this forum. I'd LOVE to be proved wrong. If there is ANY piece of software that solves this hardware-software time lag PLEASE let me know. This is NOT an ego trip, I'd simply like a solution. If not now, then as soon as possible. Thanks!

I've been transcoding my AVCHD files into HDV until I get real AVCHD support. It actually works ok. It's not an optimal solution, but it's far from impossible.

So, let's recap:

Install the PowerDVD7 Trial to get the DirectShow filter that works with TMPGEnc 4.0 XPress which actually transcodes the AVCHD files into whatever format you want (DivX, WMV, HDV, etc).

Cheers,

-Esotic

I've just purchased one of these a few days back, it's a great camera except for one BIG problem.

The hiss... Same as agent99.

It's there on the internal mic and the wireless mic. With mic level at low, the hiss is reduced but so is the recorded sound level. It can be cleaned up with Cool Edit Pro / 2000, but that shouldn't be needed on a camera of this level + all the hype about it's Dolby 5.1 sound.

The background hiss is there on playback through headphones, on the TV via the HDMI output and when converted to an MPEG-2 file and burnt to DVD via Studio Plus V10.7. I see Sony acknowledge an issue with sound on some of these, however mine isn't in the affected S/N range.

This camera has replaced an HC40 which had excellent sound with no real hiss.

Are others experiencing this issue?

I was thinking about buying one of the these but may delay if im unable to edit anything for a client until the software supports it, unless is it easy enough to downconvert the footage to SD to go to DVD using some supplied software, as easy as downconverting on the Sony FX1??

The software provided by sony for managing and playback of the files does provide a mechanism for exporting the AVCHD files to DVD Quality MPEG2 (widescreen).

-Esotic

you'll need adobe premiere pro 2, mainconcept mpeg pro 2, a kick *** computer

open up a mainconcept hdtv project
import your mt2s file
you'll need to convert it because your computer wont be able to handle the file without stuttering
hit file, export, movie
hit settings and choose maniconcept mpeg as file type
hit compile settings and adjust as need be then ok
check all settings are ok in export settings and make sure you check deinterlace video in the rendering section
thats it hit ok and save as an mpeg file then import this file back into your project and you can do whatever you want with it

According to Sony, even with their new VAIO computer (AR270 with Blu-ray) you can only burn HD video footage from the SR1 as backup files and it can not burn HD video footage to disc.

I can verify that the MICREF setting to low worked for me. I picked up the ECM-HW1 bluetooth mic today and was disapointed with the sound quality until I set the MICREF to Low, otherwise the sound is full of noise.

I get decent sound out of the ECM-HW1, but it feels a bit cheap for a 199$ MSRP unit. I'd be upset if I paid full retail for the unit. In fact the belt clip for it cracked when I was installing the batteries in the mic. I wish the unit was a bit more solid. Any suggestions for a higher quality wireleess mic for the HDR SR1 if I out grow the ECM-HW1?

Check this thread
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/t132634.html

Any suggestions for a higher quality wireleess mic for the HDR SR1

Probably any would do. There would only be problems how to mount them.
I atached separate nand holder on cam and put receiver on it.

I am new to the HDR-SR1 camera and have experienced the same chopiness of the video playback that many in this thread have experienced. Did any of you have a successful solution to overcoming this problem? Thx