Sony DCR-SR40 Camcorder Reviewby David KenderPublished on Dec 11, 2006 11:00 AM 
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Widescreen/16:9 Mode (5.0)
The DCR-SR40 (Review, Specs, $469.79) is a 4:3-native camcorder, meaning its imager has a 4:3, or standard-definition video aspect ratio. There is also a 16:9 recording option, that can be engaged from the Camera Set sub-menu. The DCR-SR60 and DCR-SR80 (Review, Specs, $699.99) offer the upgraded features of a widescreen LCD and an external Wide Select button for toggling between aspect ratios. It is only possible to move from one aspect ratio to the other when the camcorder is not actively recording.
Scan Rates/24p (0.0)
The Sony DCR-SR40 records video at 60i (60 interlaced fields per second), the norm for standard definition video. Some higher-end camcorders offer additional scan rate options such as 30p, 24p, or 24F but 60i is typical for consumer camcorders today.
Other Features (4.5)
Fader – Consumer camcorders are designed with convenience in mind, and most include some basic digital effects that can be applied to footage in-camera. The DCR-SR40 includes a fader effect on page 1 of the P-menu, with white and black fader options for fading into or out of a shot. In addition to these basic fades, the SR40 includes overlap and wipe options for fading into a shot, but not for fade-outs.
Digital Effect/Pict. Effect - The DCR-SR40’s Digital Effects are in the Pict. Appli. sub-menu of the Camera Set menu. These include Luminance Key, which keys-out the brightest portions of a still image over video, and Old Movie, which makes applies an old-fashioned film look to video. Under Picture Effects in the menu are several more effects for modifying the look of your video, including sepia, black & white, pastel, and mosaic. In-camera effects are a short-hand way of adding some spice to your video, but they mostly went out of style with America's Funniest Home Videos.
Electronic Image Stabilization – Virtually all consumer camcorders now include some kind of image stabilization system, and the DCR-SR40 in equipped with Sony’s branded Super SteadyShot EIS (electronic image stabilization) system. EIS is very effective in terms of reducing camera shake, but they accomplish this by using part of the visual information as a buffer. This approach reduces the resolution and quality of the video image. OIS (optical image stabilization) is a superior stabilization method that does not impact video quality, but its also more expensive to implement. OIS can be found on higher-priced camcorders such as Panasonic’s SDR-S150 (Review, Specs, $699.95), retailing for nearly double the price of the DCR-SR40.
No Analog-to-Digital Conversion - Not so much as “other feature” as a “missing feature,” we wanted to draw attention to the fact that both the DCR-SR60 and SR80 offer analog inputs, but the DCR-SR40 does not.
Drop Sensor – The DCR-SR40 is reliant on its internal HDD for storage, and Sony has integrated a drop sensor that disables the HDD mechanism when it detects a sudden shift.
Color Slow Shutter – The Color Slow Shutter feature reduces the shutter speed of the SR40 below its normal 1/60 second in order to capture a more saturated image in low light. Using this feature may produce video with a stuttering appearance, so if you plan on using Color Slow Shutter, you would be advised to give it a test run so you know what to expect.
Battery Charge Information – Most camcorders provide only a limited amount of information about battery life, in the form of an on-screen icon of a battery showing a rough estimate of how much power remains. Sony’s new HDD camcorders provide more detailed information about both battery life and HDD space, accessed by pressing the Disp./Batt. Info button when the camcorder is powered down or in standby.
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