Sony DCR-SR100 Camcorder Review

by David Kender
Published on May 3, 2006 12:00 PM

 
Intro Performance
Format
 Tour
Auto / Manual Controls Still Features
Handling and Use Audio/Playback/Connectivity
Other Features Comparisons/Conclusion
Specs/Ratings
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Compression (6.0)
The SR100 compresses video to the MPEG2 format in three qualities: HQ, SP, and LP. These qualities correspond to the data rate; HQ records at a maximum of 9Mbps, SP at a max rate of 6Mbps, and LP can manage 3Mbps. We say “maximum” because the compression engine uses a variable bit rate (VBR), meaning that the camcorder is smart enough to know that a scene with less motion requires less information per second. Bad compression engines that use VBR may not be able to react quickly enough when motion suddenly increases and may thus blur the picture. The SR100, however, seems to do just fine.

The Panasonic SDR-S100 also uses a VBR compression engine, with a slightly higher max rate of 10Mbps. The JVC GZ-MG70 has rates of 8.5Mbps, 5.5Mbps, 4.3Mbps, and 1.5Mbps.

One thing that we love about the SR100’s compression is the file type - .MPG - rather than the .MOD files produced by the JVC HDD camcorders. The .MOD files could not be imported directly into most editing programs. If you manually changed the file extensions to .MPG, the video would play in any MPEG video player, but the audio was lost. The SR100’s .MPG files can be dragged and dropped directly from the camcorder’s disk drive into almost any editor. We can't stress enough how important this minor change is for ease-of-use on computer editing. Most users aren't experienced with file names and when they get an error with the .MOD file type with JVC camcorders, it creates problems for them. .MPG file names are the commonly accepted file type for MPG and out-of-the-box it makes the DCR-SR100 much easier to use.

Media (4.0)
A 30GB non-removable hard disk drive (HDD) stores video and stills for the SR100. The HDD has a few safety features to prevent corrupted data, including the . Drop Sensor. Just as it sounds, this feature senses when the camcorder has been dropped, pauses the recording, and does not allow the user to reinitiate it. Physical shock absorbers further protect the SR100.

In HQ mode, the HDD can hold 440 minutes (7.3 hours); in SP mode, 650 minutes (10.8 hours); and in LP mode, 1250 minutes (20.8 hours).

The JVC GZ-MG77 also has a 30GB HDD and, at comparative recording qualities, can hold about the same amount of video. The quality of the video, however, is vastly different, with the Sony in a strong lead.

Editing (6.0)
The SR100 ships with a Image Mixer, a basic editing program designed expressly for this HDD camcorder. Some people may remember a program by the same name shipping with Sony DVD camcorders. Nowadays the DVD camcorders are boxed with PicturePackage; the Image Mixer software for the SR100 is wholly redesigned.

Thankfully, the MPEG2 format does allow for better editing capabilities when compared to HDD camcorders by manufacturers like JVC which use the aggravating .MOD format (see the Compression section above for more details). If Image Mixer proves to be too simplistic for your needs, you should have no problems importing the SR100's files into more advanced editing programs.






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