|
|
Sony HDR-SR1 Camcorder
|
The
Sony HDR-SR1 is no doubt the most remarkable camcorder of this year, a
pack of latest technologies and manual controls. In conjunction with the
recording of DVD - HDR-UX1 (USD 730.00), SR1 compresses the movie clip
in AVCHD, the latest high-definition format, for the first time, enables
users to leave tape behind. The SR1 make recording to a 30Gigabyte hard
disk, the space for an incredible four hrs of video. The camcorder also
has a microphone input, a headphone jack, and the multipurpose ring for
four independent manual controls. This is one decorated device.
|
|
As in the HDR-UX1, we have
some fears regarding the first series of AVCHD (aiming on the reality
that no third party support is there for editing), but on the whole, we
consider it is one of the best camcorders of this time.
Features
The Sony HDR-SR1 (USD1120)
proposes two options for the media for still photography, dissimilar to
the HDR-UX1 (USD 730) that only records stills to Memory Stick Duo
cards. As well support for card recording, this camcorder allows users
to capture still to the onboard Hard Disc Drive. No Memory Stick card is
supplied with camera. Still images are saved as JPEG files, and the
camcorder has four resolution modes. They are 2304 x 1736 (4megapixels),
2304 x 1296 (3 mega pixels), 1600 x 1200 (1.9 mega pixels), and 640 x
480 (0.3 mega pixels VGA).
This camcorder also offers
a function named Dual Record that enables to shot high-resolution still
images during recording movie. The majority camcorders have a concurrent
video/still record function presented just for shooting of low
resolution still images. Dual Record is offered in the SR1 and UX1
models, by the quicker records shifting rates given by their CMOS
imagers. There are two more still resolutions the camcorder defaults to
while Dual Recording other than the resolutions given above: 2016 x 1134
(2.3Mega pixel in the ratio of 16:9) and 1512 x 1134 (1.7Megapixels in
the ratio of 4:3). In the feature of Dual Record, these are the only
resolutions presented. Still images can be taken in both Fine and
Standard quality forms, and all photo function is present in the Camera
Settings menu in the Home Menu and the Camera Menu. Switching between
modes is done by switching on and off the mode dial, or choosing an
option on the 1st page of the Home Menu.
|
The similar set of manual
picture controls existing in video mode can be operated in still
photograph mode, & they are also offered in the Camera Menu. Still mode
feature also includes few photo-specific functions, plus flash level
(degrees of High, Normal, & Low) and red eye reduction. Top-end Sonys
for example the DCR-DVD505 (USD664) & HDR-HC3 (USD970), the flash is on
top of the lens at the last part of the lens barrel. |
|
Captured still images can
be played by using the playback option in the lower-left area of the LCD
display, or the minute button on the lower-left part of the camcorder.
The SR1 camcorder also has the ability for PictBridge photo printing,
slide show formation, and image removal and management.
Resolution
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.
Performance
The Sony HDR-SR1 created
still images that have exceptionally crispy appear to them, compared to
other cameras in its category. Equal to the HDR-UX1, the camcorder in
fact shaped a little extra in-camera sharpening that gave some spoiled
pixels, but you truly must focus in to observe that. From a macro
perspective, you should be pleased with the results. Through an overall
viewpoint, you must be delighted with the performance. The color result
was not much fine though, & this is the aspect in which the majority of
camcorders not succeed to face up to assiduous still camcorders.
The complete range of the
Sony camcorders in this category, presented the similar effects of great
sharpness, lackluster color .The Canon HV10 enhanced the colors to some
extent. To conclude, the JVC GZ-MG505 hit the highest point with
stronger, much balanced color effects, even if it particularly be
deficient in the sharpness.
|
