Camcorders

Sony DCR-SR87

Price range:

$369.95 - $490.99

Summary: A 80GB standard-definition hard-drive/flash combination camcorder from Sony with a 25x optical zoom and USB port.

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Type: Combination hard disk and flash models

About - Sony DCR-SR87
The DCR-SR87 is part of the camcorder test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, camcorder models like the DCR-SR87 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below. Picture quality: Picture quality is based on the judgments of trained panelists who viewed recorded video images shot in good light at the highest quality setting available. Low-light picture quality: Low light Picture quality is based on the judgments of trained panelists who viewed recorded video images shot in dim light at the highest quality setting available. Ease of use: This takes into account ergonomics, weight, and how well the LCD images appear under bright sunlight.

About - Sony DCR-SR87

The DCR-SR87 is part of the camcorder test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, camcorder models like the DCR-SR87 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Picture quality:: Picture quality is based on the judgments of trained panelists who viewed recorded video images shot in good light at the highest quality setting available.
Low-light picture quality:: Low light Picture quality is based on the judgments of trained panelists who viewed recorded video images shot in dim light at the highest quality setting available.
Ease of use:: This takes into account ergonomics, weight, and how well the LCD images appear under bright sunlight.

About This Brand
Leads the camcorder industry in market share and offers the largest model selection of standard- and high-definition models, some of which have recently topped our Ratings. They've also introduced some pocket camcorder models. Consumer models are known as Handycams. Along with Canon, it still offers a high-definition MiniDV tape model.
Read our Brand Reliability

About This Brand

Leads the camcorder industry in market share and offers the largest model selection of standard- and high-definition models, some of which have recently topped our Ratings. They've also introduced some pocket camcorder models. Consumer models are known as Handycams. Along with Canon, it still offers a high-definition MiniDV tape model.

Read our Brand Reliability

Features & Specs - Sony DCR-SR87
Format The type of recording tape or disc that a camcorder uses. Key differences among the formats include picture quality, size of camcorder, and compatibility with a DVD player. Digital8 (D8) Uses 8mm or Hi8 tape to record. Many models can also read 8mm and Hi8 recordings. MiniDV. Uses a MiniDV tape (a little larger than a matchbox) to record images digitally. DVD-RAM. Records onto a little over 3-inch disc in digital MPEG-2 format, the same one used for commercial DVD. Discs are rewritable. Discs cannot be played on most DVD players. Has the widest range of editing features comapred to the other DVD types. DVD-R. Like DVD-RAM but not interchangeable with it. Discs are not rewritable. Discs can be played on most DVD players. DVD-R DL. Like DVD-R but has two layers that roughly doubles the capacity. DVD-RW. Like DVD-RAM but not interchangeable with it. DVD+R. Like DVD-R but not interchangeable with it. DVD+R DL. Like DVD+R but double the capacity. DVD+RW. Like DVD-RW but not interchangeable with it. Hard Disk. Records onto a built-in non-removable hard-drive. You either play the recordings from the camcorder, or download them to a computer or video recorder. Memory. Records onto solid-state memory cards similar to the ones used by digital still cameras. Memory may be built-in or an add-on card or both. Format	Hard Disk, Memory Stick Pro Duo flash memory
Weight (lbs.) This is measured in pounds and includes the recording media. Weight (lbs.)	0.8
Optical zoom Allows the camcorder to fill the frame with far-away objects at the touch of a button. An optical zoom rated at 16x means the camcorder can magnify the image up to 16 times the normal size. Optical zoom	25x
LCD size (in.) Measured diagonally, it typically ranges from 2 to 4 inches. LCD size (in.)	2.7
Battery life (min.) This is how long the camcorder can continuously record images with the LCD viewer in constant use and occasional use of other features such as the zoom lens. Battery life (min.)	65
Full auto switch This essentially lets you point and shoot. The camcorder automatically adjusts the color balance, shutter speed, focus, and aperture (also called the "iris" or f-stop with camcorders). Full auto switch	Yes
Quick review This features lets you view the last few seconds of a scene without having to press a lot of buttons. It's handy for helping you decide if you need to reshoot a scene. Quick review	No
Built-in light Provides illumination for close-ups when the image would otherwise be too dark, but it's no substitute for a well-lit room. A built-in light is more convenient than a clip-on one. Many camcorders have an automatic setting for turning the light on. Built-in light	No
AV Input These let you record sound or images from another camcorder or VCR. AV Input	No
Microphone Input Jack for an external microphone to improve sound quality and prevent picking up noise from the camcorder. An alternative to using the built-in mike. Microphone Input	No
Digital still capable Some camcorders can take snapshots, much like a digital camera (though not necessarily of the same quality). The camcorder can then be plugged into a computer and the images downloaded from the memory. Using a removable memory card (such as MemoryStick, Compact Flash, or SD Card) you can transfer stills to a computer without having to connect the camcorder, but you need proper card-reader hardware. Digital still capable	Yes
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User Reviews - Sony DCR-SR87

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[5 of 6 customers found this review helpful]

VERY POOR LCD QUALITY - BEWARE

By Sunny from MN on 11/27/2009

Pros:

Easy to operate, Long battery life

Cons:

Ergonomic/design flaws, Inadequate features, LCD DOES NOT FUNCTION, Performance/quality problems, Poor audio, Poor low-light performer

Describe Yourself:

Semi-pro Videographer

How long have you owned it:

One-to-three months, One-to-three months

Bottom Line:

No, I would not recommend this to a friend

[...] the LCD which will stop functioning without any misuse of the product I will never purchase or recommend that they purchase a SONY camcorder until this problem is fixed by SONY (this is the second SONY camcorder I have purchased - in spite of having the first camcorder's LCD going bad I decided to give them a second chance).

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To find the model that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value. Here's one tip: Don't pay for more features than you'll use.