Sony DCR SR-32E

[OU812]

I'm thinking of buying the above camera, mainly for the HDD, so I don't have to take any extras (DVD/Tapes) with me on holiday. What format is the image saved in? I know it'd not as editable as a recording on tape, but will I still be able to do some basic editing? Also, will it be in a format that I can upload to the web or can it be converted into a suitable (wmv, etc) file type for web sharing? Also, are there any other alternatives I could be looking at for the price? (Max about £300).

[redsox_mark]

It records MPEG2 video. You can edit it

Quality isn't so great with this, or other HDD cams in this price range.
I'd rather put 7 tapes in my case (to match the HDD capacity) and get a DV model in this price range.

[redsox_mark]

See this thread on the SR32

Is the Sony DCR-SR32 really that bad?

[OU812]

Originally Posted by redsox_mark

It records MPEG2 video. You can edit it

Quality isn't so great with this, or other HDD cams in this price range.
I'd rather put 7 tapes in my case (to match the HDD capacity) and get a DV model in this price range.

Most of the reviews I've seen on it say the quality is quite good. Hmmm. What about the DVD recorders? Any benefits with those over tape?

[OU812]

Originally Posted by redsox_mark

See this thread on the SR32

Is the Sony DCR-SR32 really that bad?

Hmmm, that makes very interesting reading. Back to the drawing board I guess. Now, tapes or DVD?

[redsox_mark]

You'll see some info in the FAQ on DVD cams which may put you off. Quality-wise they are similar to HDD cams; they use the same MPEG2 format. The advantage is you can shoot, finalise, and put the disc in a DVD player. But there can be issues.

Here is a review of the SR42, which is the US version of the SR32.
Is the Sony DCR-SR32 really that bad?

It's not terrible, you may be OK with it. It is just that HDD cams like this in this price range with a small single sensor aren't as good quality as a DV tape cams in the same price range. Or you can pay more and get a decent HDD one.

[OU812]

Originally Posted by redsox_mark

You'll see some info in the FAQ on DVD cams which may put you off. Quality-wise they are similar to HDD cams; they use the same MPEG2 format. The advantage is you can shoot, finalise, and put the disc in a DVD player. But there can be issues.

Here is a review of the SR42, which is the US version of the SR32.
Is the Sony DCR-SR32 really that bad?

It's not terrible, you may be OK with it. It is just that HDD cams like this in this price range with a small single sensor aren't as good quality as a DV tape cams in the same price range. Or you can pay more and get a decent HDD one.

I'd love to pay more but I have 1 limiting factor (the Mrs!! ) so I'm stuck to around the £300 mark. Plus we'd only really be using the camera for the odd holiday (couple times a year) and for days out in the summer. I had a Sony Mini-DV camcorder until last year, got it about 4 years ago and it was so big and bulky I never used it. I assume the new range on Mini DV Camcorders are more compact? (I have to admit I enjoyed messing around editing films I'd made with my old camcorder, it's just a shame that transferring tape to a PC takes so long!)

[redsox_mark]

Yes, today's miniDV models are more compact; though the tend to be slightly larger than a HDD (or flash memory cam).

For instance, the Panasonic GS230, which is a good DV model in your budget, is 71.0 mm (W) 72.5 mm (H) 122.9 mm (D)
The SR32 is 73.0 (W) 72.0 (H) 109.0 (D)

[OU812]

Originally Posted by redsox_mark

Yes, today's miniDV models are more compact; though the tend to be slightly larger than a HDD (or flash memory cam).

For instance, the Panasonic GS230, which is a good DV model in your budget, is 71.0 mm (W) 72.5 mm (H) 122.9 mm (D)
The SR32 is 73.0 (W) 72.0 (H) 109.0 (D)

I've just been looking at the GS230, which seems to have a fairly good spec and reviews for the money. I've just whipped my ruler out and that's still pretty small compared to my old Sony. Thanks for the advice Redsox!!!!

[OU812]

Originally Posted by OU812

I've just been looking at the GS230, which seems to have a fairly good spec and reviews for the money. I've just whipped my ruler out and that's still pretty small compared to my old Sony. Thanks for the advice Redsox!!!!

Soooo, just a quickie. Further to my posting above would I be wasting my money getting a GS230 now or should I wait a while and see what else comes out later in the year? I've can get a GS230, Jessops camcorder kit, that includes a bag, cleaning equipment and a spare battery for £319.97 which includes a £40 discount using a £25 off code and £15 off the accessories!

[redsox_mark]

All of the major manufacturers have already announced their 2008 models, most of which are being released over the next couple of months.
I don't think there will be anything which performs better than the GS230 for the price. There will be a bunch of new HDD (and SD card) models, which may bring prices down further on those. Canon as new SD card models, with a single 1/6" ccd. Panasonic has the H280 (successor to the H250), 3 CCD SD/HDD model... but still expect this to be over your budget. Sony's new HDD cams look like much of the same, worryingly on the high end model (SR210) the sensor is 1/5" compared to 1/3" on the SR190.

[OU812]

Well, I think for the amount of use it's going to get the GS230 seems like a good deal to me!!

[redsox_mark]

Yes, I agree... I don't think you'll get better by waiting

[OU812]

Originally Posted by redsox_mark

Yes, I agree... I don't think you'll get better by waiting

Great, thanks for all the help. I hope my new Credit Card is waiting for me when I get home so I can do some shopping!

[marchudman]

I bought this model from Amazon and sent it back because the quality was rubbish compared to a £150 - £200 Mini DV Camcorder.