Sony DCR-SR80 Camcorder Reviewby John NeelyPublished on Nov 2, 2006 7:00 AM
|
Advertisement
|
|||||||||||
Widescreen/16:9 Mode (5.5)
The DCR-SR80 supports both 4:3 video natively, and includes a 16:9 option. Toggling between the two aspect ratios is easy, thanks to an external button in the LCD cavity. The button is labeled Wide Select, and can only be used when the camcorder is not actively recording video.
Scan Rates/24p (0.0)
The Sony DCR-SR80 records video at the SD standard 60 interlaced fields per second, and does not offer any additional scan rate options such as 24P. This is typical of consumer camcorders in this price range.
Other Features (5.5)
Fader - Like most consumer camcorders, the DCR-SR80 includes several digital effects that apply transitions or styles to video footage. The fader feature is applied while shooting video, and begins or ends a shot with a fade. The fader can be found on page 1 of the P-menu, and includes white and black fader options for both fade-in and fade-out. There are also options for overlap and wipe for fade-in only.
Digital Effect/Pict. Effect - Digital Effects can be found in the Pict. Appli. sub-menu of the Camera Set menu. Two effects that Sony refers to as “Digital Picture Effects” are Luminance Key, a rudimentary keys out that brightly lit regions of a still image with recorded video, and Old Movie, which applies a film look to the image. Several more options are called “Picture Effects” in the menu, including sepia, black & white, pastel, and mosaic. We find the distinction Sony makes between the two classes of effects arbitrary since they are all digital effects that change the look of the video image, but there must be some hidden rationale that we can’t decipher.
Electronic Image Stabilization - Image stabilization systems of various flavors are ubiquitous on today’s camcorders, and the DCR-SR80 brings Sony’s Super SteadyShot EIS (electronic image stabilization) system to the table. EIS systems are quite effective at minimizing camera shake, however they accomplish their digital magic by using a portion of the image as a buffer zone, reducing the resolution of the recorded image. OIS (optical image stabilization) systems are better, as they accomplish the same task without reducing video resolution. OIS is found primarily on higher-priced camcorders, but the Panasonic SDR-S150 does employ OIS, and is one of the cheapest (and smallest) camcorders on the market with this feature.
Analog-to-Digital Conversion - The Sony DCR-SR80 can be used to convert an analog video signal to MPEG2 video stored on the HDD. Once converted to MPEG2, video the originated from the analog source can be manipulated like SR80 footage, to digital pass through, there an analog signal is passed through the camcorder to another digital device – a feature found on Panasonic’s 2005 PV-GS400 but lost on the 2006 PV-GS500.
Drop Sensor - The Sony DCR-SR80 has an integrated drop sensor that recognizes sudden shifts in camcorder height, and disengages HDD use to protect the disk and data.
Color Slow Shutter - Color Slow Shutter is an option on page 2 of the P-menu that can be engaged to increase video saturation in low light situations that tend to wash out colors. The downside is that Color Slow Shutter reduces the camcorder’s shutter speed below 1/60, resulting in a stuttered – but colorful – image.
Battery Charge Information - When the DCR-SR80 is powered down or in standby mode, pressing the Disp./Batt. Info button displays information about remaining HDD recording space, and remaining battery life.
Active Interface Shoe – Sony’s Active Interface Shoe is a proprietary hot shoe that accepts only Sony accessories including microphones, video lights and flashes. The shoe is located on top of the camcorder, and is protected by a rigid plastic cover.
Advertisement