Sony DCR-SR100 Camcorder Reviewby David KenderPublished on May 3, 2006 12:00 PM
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Widescreen/16:9 Mode (6.0)
Moving between the 16:9 and 4:3 format is a simple process when shooting with this camcorder thanks to the inclusion of an external control located in the space masked by the LCD screen when closed. The wide select button is well labeled and allows for users to toggle between these two formats when the camcorder is not recording. If recording footage it will be necessary to stop recording to switch between formats.
Scan Rates/24p (0.0)
The scan rate for the Sony DCR-SR100 is 60 fields per second interlaced and unlike other Sony camcorder models like the Sony HDR-HC3 hi-def camcorder, it does not offer any other scan rate or frame option.
Other Features (4.5)
Fader - The fader feature is a digital effect that can be applied by the user when shooting video footage. The fader effect is listed on the first page of the P-menu and allows for fades to be applied during the recording process. The fader options provided in-camcorder allow for white fader and black fader for both fade-in and fade-out. In addition to these two options is the inclusion of an overlap and wipe for fade-in only.
Digital Effect/Pict. Effect - The Digital Effect and Pict. Effect sub-menus are listed within the overall administrative menu within the Pict. Appli. category. The digital effects menu will allow for users to select between luminance key and old movie settings. The old movie setting applies a sepia wash to the image while the luminance key engages a rudimentary cut out tool that keys out brightly lit areas in a still image with video footage currently being captured. While tepidly amusing and successful it didn’t entertain for long. The Pict. Effect sub-menu allows for the user to engage settings of sepia, black & white, pastel, and mosaic settings which performed with reasonable success.
Electronic Image Stabilization - An image stabilization is certainly a necessary feature on a camcorder engaging 10x optical zoom and users will find that the Sony DCR-SR100 comes with an electronic stabilization feature under the Sony-brand SteadyShot moniker. Electronic stabilization is better than no stabilization and will certainly compensate for some camcorder shake, however the image resolution will be compromised with an electronic image stabilization system. The better option, not found on this model, would be an optical image stabilization system like those found with Panasonic camcorders which will result in smoother, steadier shooting without the compromised image quality.
Analog to Digital Conversion - The Sony DCR-SR100 is capable of analog-to-digital conversion. Users will find this especially helpful considering the 30GB hard drive and the ability to record extensive periods of analog video footage before transferring to a different media format.
Drop Sensor - In an effort to protect the internal disk drive, the Sony DCR-SR100 has a default drop sensor. This sensor recognizes sudden shifts in camcorder height and overrides the ability to record or play footage on the camcorder. This setting can be turned off by the user.
Color Slow Shutter - The color slow shutter feature can be found within the final page of the P-menu structure. This option enhances the saturation levels being recorded by the camcorder and is intended for usage primarily in low light level situations where colors may become muddied. The downside to employing this feature is the possibility of unrealistic color results as well as the potential for marked decrease in shutter speed.
Battery Charge Information - To access the battery charge information, the user must first turn the camcorder into the power-off state. Once this is complete the disp. / batt. info button on the left side of the camcorder is pressed and the information appears on the LCD screen for both LCD screen and viewfinder record time with current battery charge.
Active Interface Shoe - The Active Interface Shoe is located on the top of the camcorder body directly behind the in-camera microphones. This proprietary hot shoe only accepts Sony accessories equipped with the special Active Interface design. Options include video lights, flashes for still image capture, and rudimentary shotgun, wireless, and stereo microphones.
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