Sony HDR-SR1 Camcorder Reviewby John NeelyPublished on Oct 25, 2006 12:00 PM
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Still Features (8.5)
The Sony HDR-SR1 provides two media options for still photo recording, unlike the HDR-UX1, which only records stills to MemoryStick Duo cards. In addition to support for card recording, this camcorder enables still capture to the onboard HDD. No MemoryStick card ships with either camcorder. Still photos are recorded as JPEGs, and the camcorder includes four resolution settings: 2304 x 1736 (4MP), 2304 x 1296 (3MP), 1600 x 1200 (1.9MP), and 640 x 480 (0.3MP VGA).
This camcorder also features an option called Dual Record by Sony, which allows simultaneous capture of high-resolution stills while recording video. Most camcorders that do include a simultaneous video/still record option allow only for capture of low resolution still frames. Dual Record is made possible on the SR1 and UX1 by the faster data transfer rates afforded by their CMOS imagers. In addition to the resolutions above, there are two still resolutions the camcorder defaults to during Dual Record: 2016 x 1134 (2.3MP 16:9) and 1512 x 1134 (1.7MP 4:3). When using Dual Record, these are the only resolutions available. Stills can be captured in either Fine or Standard qualities, and all photo options are in the Camera Settings sub-menu of the Home Menu and the Camera Menu.
Switching between modes is done by toggling the mode dial, or making a selection on the first page of the Home Menu.
The same suite of manual image controls available in video mode can be used in still photo mode, and they are also found in the Camera Menu. Still mode also adds some photo-specific options, including flash level (set to High, Normal, or Low) and red eye reduction. Like related high-end Sonys such as the DCR-DVD505 and HDR-HC3, the flash is above the lens at the end of the lens barrel.
Stills can be played back by pressing the playback icon in the lower-left corner of the LCD screen, or the small button on the lower-left side of the camcorder. The SR1 supports PictBridge photo printing, slide show creation, and image deletion and organization.
The HDR-SR1, like the HDR-UX1, does not feature a photo burst mode.
Still Resolution (14.9)
The stills of the HDR-SR1 were tested for their resolution by shooting a standard ISO 12233 resolution chart and running those stills through Imatest imaging software. At best, the camcorder scored a resolution of 1488960.75.
The chart below shows how the HDR-SR1 stacked up against the competition. As you can see, the score was statistically identical to the HDR-UX1, and just a little better than other camcorders in its class.
Still Performance (9.35)
The Sony HDR-SR1 produced stills that had outstandingly crisp look to them, compared to other camcorders in its class. Identical to the HDR-UX1, the camcorder actually created a little too much in-camera sharpening, which resulted in some botched pixels, but you really have to zoom in to see that. From a macro perspective, you should be pleased with the results. The color performance was not so good however, and this is the area in which most camcorders fail to stand up to dedicated still cameras.
All the Sony camcorders in this class, the HDR-HC3, the HDR-UX1, the DCR-SR100, and the DCR-DVD505, shared the same results: great sharpness, lackluster color. The Canon HV10 pushed the colors a little better, but still could produce a completely even spectrum. Finally, the JVC GZ-MG505 topped them all with stronger, more even colors, though it notably lacked the sharpness of the Sonys.