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

Specs
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
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
Viewfinder type Some cameras have a color viewfinder, others have a monochrome viewfinder, and some have no viewfinder at all (an LCD screen is used to aim the camera with these models). Viewfinder type	None
Camcorder size $attribute.glossaryText Camcorder size
Weight (lbs.) This is measured in pounds and includes the recording media. Weight (lbs.)	0.8
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

Features
Image stabilization Automatically reduces the shakes in a scene. Also called digital image stabilization (DIS), electronic image stabilization (EIS), picture stabilizer, or steady shot. Most stabilizers are electronic (digital) and are found on both analog and digital camcorders. Some camcorders have optical stabilization. Either type can be effective, or not. (Using a tripod is the surest way to get a steady image.) Image stabilization	Yes
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
Remote A remote control is handy for operating the camcorder from a distance (say, to allow the user to be in the picture). It's also useful in playback mode since all the buttons are easily at hand. Remote	No
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

Connections
S-video output S-Video is a higher quality video connection than standard composite video input/output. Both of these outputs are used to connect the camcorder to a television or VCR to watch and/or record information saved on a camcorder's tape (or disc). S-video output	Yes
FireWire port A FireWire (IEEE-1394) port is used to connect the camcorder to a computer, or to another digital camcorder for monitoring or video editing. FireWire port	No
Computer links for stills (USB) For camcorders that are Digital Still Capable, a USB or serial port to transfer saved still images to a computer. Computer links for stills (USB)	Yes
Headphone out An output for connecting a pair of headphones to the camcorder. Headphone out	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

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