Sony DCR-SR42 Camcorder Reviewby Michael PerlmanPublished on Nov 15, 2007 10:13 AM 
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The DCR-SR42 is Sony’s entry-level hard disk drive (HDD) camcorder. Retailing for $549, the camcorder clearly demonstrates the pricing stratification in the market. Of the three leading standard definition formats, HDD camcorders are almost always the most expensive, followed by DVD (the Sony DCR-DVD108 is $349), then MiniDV tape (the Sony DCR-HC28 is $279). Were you faced with the choice between HDD and DVD, the vote is clearly in HDD’s favor. Though the video quality is no different between the DCR-SR42 and the DCR-DVD108, the HDD has none of DVD’s weaknesses: short recording times and easily damaged or lost media. The SR42 may not be the best entry-level HDD overall, but it’s a decent value for the money.
The Front (3.0)
Up front, the DCR-SR42 (Review, Specs, $0.00) is all lens. The 40x optical zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens has an aperture range of f/1.8-f/4.1 and focal length of 1.9-76.0mm (35mm equiv. = 36-1440mm). The lens has a filter diameter of 30mm. Since there is no flash or video light to contend with, an attachment would fare well on the DCR-SR42. The built-in stereo microphone resides at the bottom, underneath the Sony logo. This is a wise placement for a microphone on a camcorder this compact — mounting it to the top would lead to noisy hands interference. The remote sensor and NightShot infrared light are located to the left of the lens, tucked behind the tiny manual lens cover switch.
The Right Side (3.75)
The right side of the DCR-SR42 is home to the hand strap and AV-out terminal—and that’s it. The AV-out terminal is shrouded by an oval plastic cover attached to the body of the camcorder via two thin plastic strips. Take caution during transport, as this enclosure could snap off like a twig under too much pressure. The DCR-SR42’s hand strap is thick, yet light on the padding. Still, this is better than most JVC Everios offer.
The Back (4.0)
In back, the DCR-SR42’s thin battery back is the center of attention. The battery pack does not jut out far, but it doesn’t matter anyway — the DCR-SR42 has no viewfinder. As that’s the case, feel free to upgrade to a larger pack. Above the battery is the gnarled mode dial, which shifts from Video to Photo mode. The record start/stop button lies to the right of the battery, and the DC-in jack is located at the bottom, housed by a thin rectangular plastic shield. All elements are well laid out and easy to access.
The Left Side (4.75)
The left side of the DCR-SR42 reveals nothing until you pop open its 2.5-inch LCD screen. The LCD cavity contains four buttons: back light, display/battery info, easy, and playback. A Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo slot is embedded along the right side of the LCD cavity, and the playback speaker is situated to its bottom left. Sony keeps it light here, despite the fact that the DCR-SR42 does not contain an onboard USB terminal. There’s plenty of real estate to play with inside the LCD cavity, but for an entry-level camcorder, minimalism is to be expected. Taking one look at that diminutive 2.5-inch LCD screen will send you back in time. Then you’ll remember this camcorder is a Sony, and that all menu operation is touch screen-operated. Que sera! Most users will just throw the DCR-SR42 in Easy mode, anyway. A vertical panel of controls is aligned on the left side of the LCD panel, containing the following buttons: home, zoom out, zoom in, and record start/stop.
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The left side of the DCR-SR42 from the outside... |
... and the LCD cavity. |
The Top (4.75)
You won’t find much up top — surprise, surprise. Just the NightShot Plus switch, zoom toggle, and photo button. The Zoom toggle has a feel similar to most Sonys — smooth and accurate. You’ll also notice a rectangular outline at the lens end of the camcorder that looks like an accessory shoe cover. Don’t try to pry this off. On any other standard-definition Sony this panel reveals an accessory shoe, but not on the DCR-SR42. Sony is simply saving dollars by utilizing the same camcorder body.
