Three Standard Definition HDD Camcorders from Sony for 2008

by Michael Perlman
Published on Jan 6, 2008 2:30 PM




Sony News Coverage

Sony High Definition
HDD 
Camcorders

 Sony High Definition
DVD Camcorders 		 Sony High Definition
HDV Camcoder		 Sony Standard Definition
HDD Camcorders		 Sony Standard Definition
DVD 
Camcorders		 Sony Standard Definition 
MiniDV Camcorders

 

 

Sony DCR-SR220 HDD Camcorder

  

Complete DCR-SR220 Photo Gallery

  
Today, Sony announced its 2008 line of standard definition HDD camcorders: the DCR-SR45 ($499 MSRP), DCR-SR65 ($599 MSRP), DCR-SR85 ($699 MSRP), and DCR-SR220 ($849 MSRP). This year, consumers will notice smaller imagers with reportedly enhanced processing on nearly all Sony camcorders. Sony HDD camcorders tout the capability to record video to both HDD and Memory Stick PRO Duo. Sony’s entire 2008 camcorder line is equipped with built-in stereo zoom microphones as a standard feature.

The DCR-SR45 (photo gallery, specs) replaces last year’s DCR-SR42, featuring revamped architecture and a 2.7-inch wide LCD screen. The DCR-SR45 is notably more sleek, boasting a brand new circular mode dial ring, covert Memory Stick PRO Duo slot, and spring-loaded, retractable port covers. One of the most unconventional aspects of the DCR-SR45 is its 1/8-inch, 680,000 imager. Last year’s DCR-SR42 featured a 1/6-inch imager with an identical pixel count, yet Sony reports that new image processing will retain the same video quality for the 2008 models.

The DCR-SR65 (photo gallery, specs) is Sony’s step up from the DCR-SR45 with a 1/6-inch, 1,070,000 pixel imager, 40GB internal HDD, and included docking station. Both the DCR-SR45 and DCR-SR65 record video in the following quality settings: HQ (9Mbps), SP (6Mbps), and LP (3Mbps).


Complete DCR-SR45 Photo Gallery

The DCR-SR85 (photo gallery, specs) receives an upgraded 60GB internal HDD, but shares the same 1/6-inch 680,000 pixel imager with the DCR-SR65. Aside from the capacity boost, the DCR-SR85 is identical to the DCR-SR65.


Complete DCR-SR65 Photo Gallery

The DCR-SR220 (Photo Gallery, specs)is Sony’s top of the line standard definition HDD camcorder, featuring a 1/5-inch CMOS with the ability to capture up to 4-megapixel stills. The DCR-SR220 is also equipped with Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization (OIS), a Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* lens, 5.1-hannel Surround sound recording, and an enhanced 211,000 pixel LCD screen. Sony’s HDD leader offers Face Detection, Dual Record mode, and a zoom microphone function.


Complete DCR-SR85 Photo Gallery

The Sony DCR-SR45, DCR-SR65, and DCR-SR85, are expected to ship toward the end of January 2008 for $499, $599, and $699 respectively. The DCR-SR220 is set to ship toward the end of February with an MSRP of $849.