I had my first one of these for several years (probably about 10 or so). About a year ago the LCD panel quit working, but I was still able to use it for my purposes, and also because I remember where the "HDD" button is on the panel so I could copy the videos to my computer. In any event, I tried fixing the LCD but was unsuccessful, so I found a replacement on eBay. It has been working perfectly and so I continue to use it every day. I love that the videos the camera produces are easy to manage, can be made using Night Vision and that the camera gives me about 15 hours of video. For my needs, it's just about perfect. That's why when my first one broke, I sought a second one. It's that good.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This product is very likable bc of its grip, its easy to use and its affordable battery price and rather straight forward pixel quality type of compression (as opposed to AVCHD of today's headache) and a CCD based sensor; all of which giving way to a satisfaction close to or BETTER than the Non-HDR resolution achieved by a DV tape-based picture quality such as the acclaimed DCR-HC96, let alone the hard-drive storage conveniency factor. The data transfer interface and hi-fi features might not be grand relative to its image quality yielding; but in your hands it does accomplish what u wants for a very good non-HD recorded video,a full measure of price/performance ratio type efficiency, with the reserve that you want to spend less than $550 on it(emphasis added). Again, I go w/ it bc of its large CCD sensor, the rather affordable battery series, its very grip and easiness in connectivity, let alone NOT having to deal w/ software to convert unsupported "1080 res" image compression. But don't compare it w/ a hi-priced Sony HD camcorder, bc performance/price would not be same any more. An easy 'very good' but since short of 'excellent' there is only 'good' from the Rating. Alas.Read full review
I waited a long time for Sony to bring out a HDD camcorder and, now that I have one, I am very happy that I waited. It is so easy to use, the picture quality is amazing as is the Dolby 5.1 surround sound. I really like the "One-touch" DVD burn function, which effectively makes it function as a DVD Camcorder, but you also get great software for editing, burning etc. that, after a little bit of practice, is very user friendly. I had one small problem with a software conflict as I already had Nero on my PC and the Sony ImageMixer software did not work properly at first, but this was soon fixed when I unistalled Nero and then re-installed ImageMixer first, then re-installed Nero and now both are working perfectly. So, if you already have editing and burning software on your PC and you find that the Sony software does not work properly, just do as I did and you should have no problems. Otherwise, I cannot say enough good things about this camcorder. Simple to use, great battery life (but get the extended life battery if you can) and so much recording time you won't know what to do with it!Read full review
I am a person that likes to research things a ton before I end up buying anything. I spent a lot of time finding out what characteristics of camcorders in general make better camcorders. Then I looked at the brands. Then I bought. 1. Hard Drive: I chose hard drive because I don't want to mess with tapes or small dvd's, and buying them. You can get better quality with MiniDV (except for this model and the one above it), but I would rather use a Hard Drive. You just have to ask yourself, what type of person are you? 2. CCD's (the thing that captures your world and makes it digital): This has 1 CCD, (1/3rd) inch. You generally want more CCD's, however Sony equipped the SR-100 with an Advanced HAD CCD that has better quality than normal CCD's and is the next best thing to High-Def. 3. Many camcorder review websites say Sony is better than JVC. I'm sure if you want an average camcorder with average quality, you can go with JVC. I plan on not buying another camcorder for many years. 4. The other Sony Hard Drive camcorders (lower models) SR-40, SR-60, SR-80, have had reviews of not being better quality of picture than Mini-DV. So why pay a lot more for hard drive and not get better quality? SR-100 gets better quality picture. 5. Capturing video onto computer is a breeze. You can transfer files quicker because they are files, and not cassette footage. 6. Still pictures are actually good on this camera. I read reviews of other camcorders whose stills are worse than your digital camera. Stills are taken in 3MP. I compare them to my other digital Camera (3.2MP) and they are just as good. 7. I ALMOST FORGOT MY FAVORITE FEATURE! 5.1 Digital Dolby Surround Sound!! The sound sensor area is curved on top with sensors that detect the direction of the sound. And it works! I have surround sound at home, and I popped in a home movie and we are listening to it in Surround Sound! I've used every function of this camcorder (mostly to tryout) and everything is easy to use and I love it. If you use the instant recording onto DVD, it automatically creates a menu. You can record in 16:9 or 4:3. I record in 16:9 and High Quality. It's very crisp quality! (You have HQ, SP and EP) HQ gives you 7 hours! I'll never be in a place where I'll have to use more than 7 hours of space without having access to a computer. We went on a week vacation to Disney World and only took 2 hours of footage. So, If you like to do research, than by all means, do your research. Go to camcorderinfo.com and easycamcorders.com. They will tell you which one is the best. There is a Sony model above this one - HDR-SR1 which records in High-Def. It is a better model and it costs more. However, the reviews said High-Def technology for camcorders is still new, so you might want to wait a few years before you buy. Please do not buy from unknown internet stores. Only go with large companies that you trust, or try to get it for less from another eBayer (not eBay store). I got mine from another eBayer. Unknown internet stores will call you and try to upsell you on accessories, and then end up cancelling your order if you don't buy. Happy Buying!Read full review
I searched long and hard at all types and makes of video cameras before deciding on this Sony hard drive. I've use it for over a month now and it exceeds my greatest expectations. It's relatively easy to use and has many functions that I have not gotten into yet. The only drawback is finding and using a video software package. I finally settled on Sony's Movie Studio + DVD 7 version which does not go into using the Sony hard drive camera so I had to spend lots of time figuring out how to get my files into my computer and into the Movie Studio software. Ends up it's all a drag and drop process and very simple. Once in the Movie Studio, making a CD is very easy and fun. I've not attemped to make a DVD yet. Well worth the money!
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