Sony HDR-SR1 Camcorder Reviewby John NeelyPublished on Oct 25, 2006 12:00 PM
|
Advertisement
|
|||||||||||
|
Comparisons
The Sony HDR-SR1 and HDR-HC3 are closely related camcorders. Both record HD video, and both employ Sony’s ClearVID CMOS sensor – an imager that yields excellent HD resolution color. The biggest difference between the two camcorders is in their video compression, and this has a direct bearing on their performance. The tape-based HDR-HC3 using HDV compression while the HDR-SR1 uses the newer AVCHD format. While these camcorders both produce very good-looking HD video, we think HDV compression yields a superior image. This is likely a result of the higher 25Mbps data rate of HDV versus 12Mbps for this AVCHD camcorder. The SR1 produces video that is close to the HC3’s picture, but adds noise and compression artefacts no present in the HC3. Video performance aside, the HDR-SR1 comes out far ahead of its sibling, with a multifunction ring and mic and headphone jacks. While the HC3 is a very good camcorder, the lack of a ring and jacks for third-party audio accessories render it a point-and-shoot device. Assuming the workflow issues with AVCHD are fixed, the HDR-SR1 has the potential to qualify as a reputable option for indie filmmakers and even professional producers looking for an inexpensive second camcorder. Despite its slightly inferior video, the features tip the balance in favor of the SR1.
Sony’s top of the line standard definition HDD camcorder is the DCR-SR100, and it performs much like the HDR-SR1 in SD video mode. The big question is, how much do you get for the extra $300 MSRP of the HDR-SR1? Actually, quite a lot. With the HDR-SR1, you’ll not only get footage at HD resolution but a much stronger feature set including the multifunction ring, mic and headphone jacks, HDMI terminal, and zebra patterns. While we like the DCR-SR100, it will never be an HD camcorder and for this among other reasons, the HDR-SR1 gets our nod if you can afford it.
This year’s consumer HD camcorders produce great-looking video, and there are more options than ever before. Compared to SD video, HD is still a young medium, however, and both the HDR-SR1 and Canon HV10 are hobbled by some growing pains. The HV10 produced amazingly sharp video bright (3000 lux) light, and turned in the highest resolution scores to date for a consumer HD camcorder. Despite its stellar bright light scores, the HV10 flagged in low light. The SR1 produced a noisier image in bright light with a slightly lower resolution, but held its ground in low light.Both camcorders bring significant strengths and weaknesses to the table, performance aside. The HDR-SR1 has control ring that makes manual control adjustments a cinch, and includes mic, headphone and HDMI ports – all missing on the Canon. The Sony is also an easier camcorder to use overall, thanks in large part to its size and streamlined menu. The HV10, however, is the smallest HD camcorder yet produced, and packs some great picture control options into tiny frame. Unfortunately, handling the Canon is a chore due to its miniaturized controls and awkward upright stance. All this leads us to declare the Sony HDR-SR1 the winner in this head-to-head unless you need an HD camcorder you can slip into your pocket.
JVC’s $1300 was, in our view, the best HDD camcorder on the market before the arrival of the high-definition HDR-SR1. While JVC’s top-of-the-line Everio is an SD camcorder, in certain respects, particularly manual control features, it outdoes theSR1. The Sony enters the ring with a 1/3” ClearVID CMOS sensor that’s bigger than the 1/4.5” CCD on the GZ-MG505, and its HD video is much sharper. Handling is too close to call – the Sony is easy to use with a great multifunction ring and excellent zoom toggle. JVC features a joystick-based interface, and a nicely designed menu structure that’s a bit easier to navigate than Sony’s. Although it lacks a ring control, the Everio offers more refined control over gain, exposure, and shutter speed. Both camcorders have mic and headphone jacks. Comparing an SD camcorder to an HD camcorder isn’t really fair, and if these camcorders both shot equivalent quality video, we’d have a tough time making the call. But the video performance scores of the HDR-SR1 speak for themselves, and a price only a few hundred dollars more than the GZ-MG505 seals the deal for Sony.Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (7.0)
If you’re a point-and-shooter, aka someone who can find the on-off switch, the record button, and not much else, this camcorder could be for you. It’s easy to use all around and performs quite well in full auto mode. Add the fact that this camcorder uses an onboard HDD drive rather than discs or tapes and you’ve got one of the most approachable HD camcorders available. If you want to pay a little less, the HDR-HC3 is a great deal as its dropped considerably from its initial MSRP of $1500. You’ll lose HDD simplicity, and some manual control features you wouldn’t use anyway, but you’ll pay several hundred dollars less.
Budget Consumers (3.0)
This is not a cheap camcorder, and only a few camcorders serve up HD video for less. For the best HD bargain at the time of writing (late October 2006), check out the Sony HDR-HC3, which is much cheaper than its initial MSRP of $1500, or the Canon HV10 selling for a shade under its $1300 MSRP.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (5.0)
The HDR-SR1 is a very good Still Photo/Video Camera hybrid, and you won’t find better still performance in the HD camcorder world. Stills max out at 2304 x 1736, or 4MP, and Dual Record allows you to snap photos while recording video. The SR1 is not a replacement for a pocket-sized digital still camera, but this one will get the job done in a pinch – and that’s more than most camcorders can muster.
Gadget Freaks (8.0)
The HDR-SR1 is not the most interesting camcorder around for hard-core gadget freaks. Other than the multifunction ring, HDD, and wow-inducing Smooth Slow Record feature, it’s a camcorder that looks and handles like many Sonys that came before, including the DCR-SR100 and HDR-HC3. Canon’s pint-sized HV10 is arguably a cooler gadget because it fits in your pocket and produces super-sharp video.
Manual Control Freaks (6.0)
The HDR-SR1 has a very nicely implemented multifunction ring, and it may be the best manual control on the consumer camcorder market this year. The appeal of a ring is the speed and accuracy it provides over image controls, and the Cam Control button allows quick switching from one ring setting to another. Panasonics offer a broader range of independent manual control over features like exposure and shutter speed and gain, but its tough not to like this ring. For once, a consumer camcorder from Sony deserves a real look by manual control freaks.
Pros/ Serious Hobbyists (2.0)
Two words: AVCHD and Handycam. AVCHD is not marketed as a pro format due to its high compression levels, and Sony’s consumer Handycam line does not offer the robust manual controls found on prosumer models. Yet the HDR-SR1 may deserve a look from indie filmmakers on a tight budget, or pros looking for a relatively inexpensive second HD cam. With a ring control, mic input and headphone jack, you won’t find more features in an HD camcorder for less cash.
Conclusion
The Sony HDR-SR1 is undoubtedly the best HDD camcorder to date, for what that’s worth in such a young category. Previously, we would have given that award to the DCR-SR100, so Sony had already proved themselves adept at the emerging format. HDD, or something like it, is the format of the future. Tapes, DVDs, and stamp-sized flash media cards are on their way out as camcorder media. High-capacity media like the 30GB HDD in the SR1 is what people will lean towards as they become more available. It’s a simple matter of convenience: 30GB can hold 4 hours of AVCHD video in the highest quality. Compare that with the HDR-UX1, which can hold 15 minutes of similar video to a single-layer disc (27 minutes on a dual-layer disc). If you’re a consumer looking at the all-in-one SR1, or the UX1 plus the 16 extra discs you have to lug around on vacation, you’re leaning towards the SR1.
Of course, the manufacturers still have to solve the issue of archiving. The HDR-SR1 features a one-touch DVD burn, but if DVDs are the only back-up choice, you’re still looking at a huge pile of DVDs with a relatively short shelf-life (5-10 years, according to most sources).
For now, the HDR-SR1 is still a great camcorder. The mic input and headphone jack are a huge boost for audiophiles, and can add an immense amount of professionalism to any backyard production. The multifunction ring is a powerful tool reminiscent on what you might find in camcorders costing 2 to 3 times as much – the key being the smooth, professional feel.
AVCHD video is still not perfect. The image is noisy, but because the consumer HD market is so limited in choices right now (3 Sonys and 1 Canon) it manages to hold its own by comparison. Also, HD video is still a novelty. Most people raised on a steady diet of increasing compressed standard definition cable television will just stand back and say, “Wow, look how sharp!”
Our other concern is editing solutions. Sony jumped the gun on their own inventiveness, releasing the SR1 and UX1 before the world was ready to accept them with workflow solutions. As it stands, the baseline software that comes in the box is the only known way of editing AVCHD video. We know for a fact that solutions are forthcoming, but they’re not here today, and we’ve heard no dates for product releases.
Overall, we’re happy to give our stamp of approval on the HDR-SR1, but there’s no need to rush out. Keep your eyes firmly fixed on the CamcorderInfo.com homepage, because we’ll be as happy to announce AVCHD workflow solutions as you’ll be to hear them.
|
Advertisement
|