Sony Handycam DCR-SR85 Camcorder Review

With a 60GB internal hard drive, the DCR-SR85 (MSRP $549.99) has the largest storage capacity of Sony's entry level standard definition camcorders. Replacing last year's DCR-SR42, Sony added a larger hard drive, a slightly revamped design, and a 100% increase in effective pixel count. The step-down model, the Sony DCR-SR65, is nearly identical to its big sister in every way—except for the smaller, 40GB hard drive under the hood and the $100 cheaper price tag. With the DCR-SR85, Sony delivers a camcorder with decent video performance and a good amount of settings and connectivity options. The NightShot mode and Sony-proprietary accessory shoe, along with the huge 60GB hard drive, are the main features that will earn the DCR-SR85 numerous fans.

With many manufacturers pushing HD models, the standard definition market has become dominated by ultra-compact devices and "YouTube" camcorders—like the Creative Vado, RCA EZ210, and Pure Digital Flip series. Even with significantly better video quality and more versatile features, can sizable camcorders, like the DCR-SR85, stay afloat amongst this wave of diminutive competition? 

The Front (6.50)
Even with a large, 60GB hard drive bulking up it's right side, the Sony DCR-SR85 is a very compact camcorder. In the front there isn't much going except for the Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens. The lens has a focal distance of 2.5 - 62.5mm (making the 35mm equivalent 43 - 1075mm), an aperture of f/1.8 - f/3.2, and a filter diameter of 30mm. Underneath the lens is a lens cover switch that opens and closes the built-in lens cap. Curved around the left side of the lens is a infrared light for the camcorders NightShot system (the sensor for the provided remote control is also housed here).

The front of the Sony DCR-SR85 looks rather ordinary.

A built-in lens cover switch hides underneath the lens.

The Right Side (4.25)
On the right side of the DCR-SR85 is a large chunk of hard plastic with an adjustable hand strap looped around the bottom. This is the camcorder's 60GB internal hard drive, and it's also what you wrap your hands around when using the device. On the left is a little door, which slides open to unveil an AV-out and USB port. The port door feels sturdy and the sliding feature should help protect it from a snapping off. The hand strap is nothing special, but it's comfortable and adjusts well to a variety of hand sizes.

The 60GB internal hard drive bulks up the camcorder's right side.

The Back (5.25)
The back of the DCR-SR85 should look familiar to anyone who's accustomed to using a traditional camcorder. The battery compartment takes up a good chunk of this area, and it's not an enclosed chamber which means you have the option of upgrading to a larger, longer-lasting battery pack. To the right of the battery are a variety of controls—a ring toggle acts as the camcorder's on/off switch. When turned on, another flick of the toggle switches the DCR-SR85 from video to stills mode. At the center of this ring is the start/stop record button, which is branded with the traditional red dot at its center.

Above these controls are a set of information icons and signal lights, which let you know what mode the camcorder is in, if the battery is charging, and when the hard drive is being accessed. At the very top of the back side is a Quick On button, for putting the camcorder into and awakening it from sleep mode. Down at the bottom, underneath the ring toggle, is a flip-down port door that covers the DC input. This is the only port cover on the camcorder that feels fragile and easily breakable.

The back of the DCR-SR85

The Left Side (4.50)
Opening the LCD door on the camcorder's left side reveals a 2.7-inch LCD screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio (wide screen) and a resolution of 211,000 pixels. Sony uses a touchscreen system to access menus, manipulate manual controls, and change settings. Even though 2.7-inches is a decent size for an LCD (it's the same size Sony uses on the DCR-SR65 and SR45), it's still small enough to make the touchscreen system annoying to use. Alongside the left of the LCD screen are four buttons, all of which can also be found elsewhere on the camcorder. At the top is the Home menu button (which can also be accessed via the touchscreen), below are zoom buttons (there's also a zoom toggle on the top of the camcorder), and at the bottom is the camcorder's other record button. Putting replications of these important buttons here is a smart idea by Sony—it provides options for different handling methods and assists with shooting at unusual angles.

The left side of the DCR-SR85 with the LCD closed

Inside the LCD cavity are four round buttons. The first button, closest to the lens, is a tiny reset button that is embedded in the camcorder's casing. Since this button resets all the settings on the camcorder, Sony makes it purposefully difficult to access (a paper clip or pin is required to push it). Next is the back light button, represented with a bright light icon. When pressed, this button will automatically adjust exposure levels on back-lit subjects. It's mystery why Sony singled out this feature to have its own button rather than placing it in the menu with the rest. Now comes the Disp/Batt info button. While the camcorder is on, pressing this button changes what information is displayed on the LCD screen. If pressed when the camcorder is off, this button brings up a battery information screen. The final button inside the LCD cavity is the disc burn button, marked with an arrow and two circles. This button is used for burning footage onto a disc using Sony's supplied computer software (the software is Windows only).

The LCD cavity...

... and the flip out LCD Screen

Underneath this set of buttons, just outside the LCD cavity, are two more buttons: Easy and Playback. The Easy button launches Sony's renowned "Easy Mode," which is designed for those with little camcorder experience. "Easy Mode" restricts users from being able to make manual adjustments and puts the camcorder into an entirely automated mode. The Playback button (marked with an arrow), which can also be found on the LCD touchscreen, puts the camcorder into Playback mode and allows you to view the clips and images you've captured.

The Top (5.50)
Sony puts a few interesting features on the top of the DCR-SR85. At the very front, right above the lens, is the camcorder's internal microphone. It is placed well, although people with large hands may accidentally rub the mic with their pinkies.

The top of the camcorder has a few hidden features.

Behind the microphone is an active (hot) accessory shoe, which is where you can attach a flash or recording light. The shoe only works with Sony-made accessories, but there are third-party adapters available. An identical shoe is found on the step-down model, the Sony DCR-SR65, but no shoe is offered on the two-steps-down DCR-SR45. The shoe is covered by a sliding door that retracts into the camcorder's body. After some repeated use, the sliding mechanism didn't move all that smoothly and opening the door had some noticeable friction (as well as an audible squeak, like it needed some oil). Even so, the cover felt strong and it's embedded location shouldn't be prone to snapping off or cracking.

The accessory shoe is only compatible with Sony-brand accessories.

Behind and to the right of the shoe is a switch for putting the DCR-SR85 into NightShot Plus mode, which uses an infrared sensor to enhance the low light capabilities of the camcorder. Recording in this mode gives the image a bright, green glow. Next to the NightShot switch, on the part of the camcorder where your right index finger should rest, is a standard zoom toggle. Just behind this is a small shutter button for taking photographs.

Besides having a 60GB hard drive, the DCR-SR85 can also record to MemoryStick cards (they must be purchased separately). Above the battery, a door slides open to exhibit the card slot. The door is a bit loose, but it feels strong enough.

The Bottom
The battery release button is located on the bottom of the DCR-SR85. Also found here is the tripod mount and an input for connecting the camcorder to its provided docking station.

The battery release, docking station connector, tripod mount,
and lens cover switch are all located on the bottom.