Sony DCR-IP220
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: DCR-IP220
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- An oddly designed, overpriced camcorder with one redeeming feature: it takes good stills.
Read more
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CNET editors' review
Sony DCR-IP220 price range: $478.99
- Reviewed by: Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 11/11/2002
- Released on: 10/28/2002
The good: Decent still images for a camcorder; built-in flash; top-loading cassette; zoom/focus ring on lens.
The bad: Poorly placed zoom and photo shutter controls; touch-screen navigation poorly implemented; LCD can't tilt backwards; MicroMV not widely supported.
The bottom line: An oddly designed, overpriced camcorder with one redeeming feature: it takes good stills.
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| We like the IP220's power/mode switch better than the traditional dial; it's easier to use without looking. | A manual focus/zoom ring on the lens is among this camcorder's perks, and the microphone is relatively well placed near the front of the camera. |
The camera meets a few of our criteria for good design, but not many. The cassette hatch opens from the top with no interference from the hand strap. But the battery loads on the bottom, so you can't swap it while the camera is mounted on a tripod. Unfortunately, the odd body shape results in some awkwardly and inflexibly placed controls. For example, the LCD flips up from the back of the camera rather than to the left. Although you can twist it and fold it back down against the body, it can't tilt the right way for those crane-your-neck skyscraper shots.
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 The stylus for the touch-screen LCD tucks neatly into the camcorder's hand strap. |
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The zoom toggle and photo-capture button, which sit precariously close to each other, lie just behind the place where your right index finger falls, so you'll spend a lot of time twisting your wrist slightly to reach the zoom. The twisting combined with the weight distribution--the bulk of it rests on your lower thumb joint--results in some irritating hand cramps. You may find it easiest to support the camera with both hands, which isn't much of a problem, since you'll need your left hand to operate the backlight setting, focus mode switch, fader button, and various night-shooting mode switches.
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| Long live the top-loading cassette hatch. | Much of the benefit of the touch screen is lost, thanks to Sony's awkward navigation scheme. |
You navigate all menus via the LCD touch screen, to mixed effect. On one hand, we really like being able to simply touch the screen to set a spot-metering point. But with the rest of the menus, you navigate the same way you would with a hardware control: instead of just pointing to the menu item of interest, you must touch the up and down arrows and the Execute "button" with your finger or the stylus. We'd prefer either a more intelligent touch screen or traditional control-based navigation to this.
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 You can adjust exposure for backlit subjects with a touch of a button. |
Though hardly feature-laden for its price tag, the IP220 provides all the essentials, as well as relatively high--for a camcorder--1.9-megapixel effective resolution for capturing stills. Video capture uses a more modest 1 megapixel. The 10X optical zoom covers a range of 52mm to 520mm (35mm equivalent) when shooting video and changes to a more useful 39mm-to-390mm range for capturing stills. A switch allows you to toggle the function of the lens ring between manual focus and zoom.
This camcorder concentrates more on the automatic than the manual. You can manually adjust exposure (sort of) by increasing or decreasing scene brightness via an exposure shift slider on the touch screen, and in still-capture mode, the IP220 surprised us with exposure bracketing. In addition to the spot-metering function we mentioned in the Design section, the camera has a spot-focus mode that operates similarly via the touch screen. As with Sony's other point-and-shoot camcorders, white-balance tuning is restricted to Indoor and Outdoor presets, automatic, and a Hold setting that locks the current color balance when activated.
On the other hand, when it comes to low-light-oriented features, this camera stands out. In addition to common low-light modes such as Color Slow Shutter and the infrared NightShot mode, there's Super NightShot, which optimizes the infrared footage it captures through exposure adjustments, as well as NightFraming, which allows you to focus and compose your scene in total darkness with the aid of the infrared emitter, then shoot a full-color still with the pop-up flash.
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| Included accessories. | Because Sony's MicroMV format hasn't yet garnered widespread support, you'll be seeing a lot of the bundled MovieShaker software. |
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 Input/output ports. |
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You should consider your shooting habits carefully before buying this model: the minimum video focal length of 52mm (35mm equivalent) provides an even narrower angle of view than the typical 10X zoom, which makes shooting buildings, landscapes, and events more difficult.
It also delivers a mixed bag for basic usability. Both the ring-based and switch-based zoom controls feel appropriately responsive. But the zoom ring is fairly narrow and close to the lens, and we found it awkward to rotate smoothly while keeping our fingers out of the picture. Similarly, the touch screen proves a little too sensitive for fine-tuning exposure. Simply touching the plus and minus buttons onscreen makes them slide all the way up and down the exposure scale too quickly.
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| The InfoLithium battery lasted about 1.5 hours under average shooting conditions. | You have to flip open the LCD to reach the Memory Stick's eject latch. |
Like numerous other cameras of its class, this Sony sports a stereo microphone positioned above the lens. The mike does a fine job capturing the videographer's cursing and commentary but is less suited for capturing the subject's conversation and tends to pick up lots of ambient noise.
 Still captures are pretty good for a camcorder (image shown at 100 percent). |
This camcorder thrives in daylight, where it delivers vibrant colors; indoors, images emerge washed-out. When we used automatic white balance, our images had a slight pinkish cast under tungsten lights and a green cast under fluorescents. Daylight shots are cool but not conspicuously so.
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| Video looks sharp in quarter-screen display and well exposed, although indoor shots (left) tend to look less saturated than outdoor ones (right). | |
Colors aside, the still captures are sharper and less noisy than those of most camcorders we see, though still not up to the quality of a dedicated 2-megapixel still camera. Video appears sharp at quarter-screen resolution and acceptable when blown up to full screen, with the usual degree of compression artifacts. The long lens naturally keeps wide-angle distortion to a minimum, and we didn't notice any distortion at the maximum zoom.
We're also quite pleased with the IP220's exposures, which appear even and accurate. The flash especially surprised us; it's neither harsh nor overly strong, so test photos came out well exposed with no hot spots (except, of course, for the backlight). The camcorder manages to capture a relatively broad range of highlight and shadow detail, too.
 Color Slow Shutter mode works well for shooting relatively motionless scenes in low light; when there's a lot of motion, it delivers a more surreal effect. |
User reviews
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no dvd recorder will work
Pros:
Cons: called sony and they have no dvd recorder that you can go direct from camera to recorder,have a mac and seems that doesn't work either spent $2000.00 on this lemon.
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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2 in 1 - Best in Still/Video
Pros:
Cons:
Summary: I read the reviews & had doubts but after the recommendation from technician I finally bought it. It's been 6 months & till today this is one of my ...
Summary: I read the reviews & had doubts but after the recommendation from technician I finally bought it. It's been 6 months & till today this is one of my wise investment I believe. Still pictures are excellent & Video is top quality. Sony is the best. I had bought Canon Elura before that. I returned it & paid $150 back as restocking fee from US1Camera.com but I am still happy since I couldn't live with the quality. ePhotoclub.com gave me the best deal.
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Not Macintosh compatible
Pros:
Cons:
Summary: It includes an i.Link (i.e. FireWire) port, but it absolutely does not work with Mac OS 9 or X. I found that misleading to the point of being ...
Summary: It includes an i.Link (i.e. FireWire) port, but it absolutely does not work with Mac OS 9 or X. I found that misleading to the point of being deliberately incompatible.
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Best Stills and Video: Thats the reason tp buy one of these.
Pros:
Cons:
Summary: Amazing Quality, Great Looks, Great ergonmics, if you read the instructions on how to hold it, This camera comes to life in the day time, but dies in dim light. ...
Summary: Amazing Quality, Great Looks, Great ergonmics, if you read the instructions on how to hold it, This camera comes to life in the day time, but dies in dim light. Apart from that it is a camera to buy. MV is amazing the size of your enter key.
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it's the bomb....
Pros:
Cons:
Summary: i can tell sony had put a lot of effort to come up with something here... little pricey... but it's all for a reason...
Summary: i can tell sony had put a lot of effort to come up with something here... little pricey... but it's all for a reason...
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better then others
Pros:
Cons:
Summary: I both it 1 month ago and its working very well with my laptop. the nightshot feature is great like other sony meterial. no problem with micro DV other than ...
Summary: I both it 1 month ago and its working very well with my laptop. the nightshot feature is great like other sony meterial. no problem with micro DV other than its cost
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An excellent top of the range camcorder
Pros:
Cons:
Summary: I've owned this camera for 2 months now, and it is excellent. I had some initial teething problems (the software is not compatible with Quicktime 6), but am able ...
Summary: I've owned this camera for 2 months now, and it is excellent. I had some initial teething problems (the software is not compatible with Quicktime 6), but am able to use a full range of software to transfer and edit movies. I did a lot of research before choosing it, and have not been disappointed. It is the best camera in it's class on the market today (IMHO!)
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The best camcord
Pros:
Cons:
Summary: I spent 2 months reading reviews and comparing different camcorder models and brands. I like compact size camcorders, but i was warried about the video quality because i hered that ...
Summary: I spent 2 months reading reviews and comparing different camcorder models and brands. I like compact size camcorders, but i was warried about the video quality because i hered that compact size gives lower quality. Finally I decided to purchase Sony DCR-TRV40E or Sony DCR-IP210E. When I compared them practically in one Sony Shop I found that the big LCD of DCR-TRV40E does not give clear view like the Smaller one of DCR-IP210E. Also I found that DCR-IP210E gives better video quality that 40E in memory mode. It was very easy to select 210E because its compact size and good quality from the first check. Now I have this camcorder (210E) since one week and I found my neighbor has 40E. I am to much happy of my decision and my neighbor deceided to change his camcorder to 210E because we found that 210E is better in every thing. Now I recommend 210E (210E is for the Middel East. It is called 220 also but with BlueTooth). Very good Video, Video Memory and Picture Quality while it has same features like 40E (40E is for the Middel East. It is called 50 also but with BlueTooth). Realy I think that it is the best camcorder and is better than Cannon, Panasonic and JVC. It's size also is very suitable for portability and realability.
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Very nice design and features
Pros:
Cons:
Summary: The overall performance of the camera is great. The picture quality and 1200x1600 resolution cannot be better for a camcorder. It's very easy to use, but I am not ...
Summary: The overall performance of the camera is great. The picture quality and 1200x1600 resolution cannot be better for a camcorder. It's very easy to use, but I am not sure why would you need a Bluetooth feature to browse Internet and upload MPEG or JPEG files thru the dial up connection of the Bluetooth adapter(which is priced too high). The only thing that I am not happy is the format (MICROMV) is not supported by other editing software and it canNOT work with Sony's (!) Click to DVD software!!!! So I am not sure how to burn DVDs...though quality of the video is close to perfect. Still debating whether to return it or not...
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Not a good 2 in one combo. Compatibility issues abound.
Pros:
Cons:
Summary: It takes a LOT of time to load. This model doesnt do either of its marketed roles correctly. There are blured image areas near the edges. The camcorder function seems ...
Summary: It takes a LOT of time to load. This model doesnt do either of its marketed roles correctly. There are blured image areas near the edges. The camcorder function seems ok, but this is NOT a good digital still camera. You can get better quality images from other vendors. Overall, I would NOT recommend this model. Go look for something else. The price is not justifiable.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: DCR-IP220
- Description: The world's first 2.11-megapixel digital camcorder is here, and it's from Sony. Sony's revolutionary DCR-IP220 Network Handycam camcorder IP uses MICROMV technology to deliver exceptional video and still image quality in an incredibly compact and ingeniously designed package. Not only does the DCR-IP220 record exceptional video at 530 lines of resolution, but the still image resolution is unprecedented for a Sony Handycam camcorder at 1600x1200 (2 megapixels)! This unit features an all-new design with the 2-1/2" SwivelScreen color LCD mounted on the back, making it even easier to see the action as it happens. And video and still images on Memory Stick media can be easily emailed or posted to the Internet, right from the camera, using Bluetooth networking technology!
General
- Product Type Camcorder
- Enclosure Color Silver
- Localization English
- Resolution 2.1 megapixels
- Camcorder Sensor Resolution 2.11 megapixels
- Effective Video Resolution 1.08 megapixels
- Digital Zoom 120 x
- Effective Photo Resolution 1.92 megapixels
- Total Pixels 2,110,000 pixels
- Camcorder Media Type Micro MV
- Optical Sensor Size 1/3.6"
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Min Illumination 0 lux
- Digital Video Format MPEG-1
- Image Stabilizer Electronic (Super Steady Shot)
- Min Shutter Speed 1/4 sec
- Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec
- Shooting modes Digital photo mode,
Frame movie mode - White Balance Automatic,
Presets,
Custom - White Balance Presets Outdoor,
Indoor - Exposure Modes Program,
Automatic - Exposure Metering Spot
- Image Recording Format JPEG
- Camera Flash Pop-up flash
- Flash Modes Auto mode,
Flash OFF mode,
Forced mode - Webcam capability Yes
- AV Interfaces S-Video,
Component video Lens System
- Type Carl Zeiss 10 x x Zoom lens - 4.5 mm - 45 mm - F/1.8-2.1
- Lens aperture F/1.8-2.1
- Features Low dispersion glass
- Optical zoom 10 x
- Lens system type Zoom lens
- Min focal length 4.5 mm
- Max focal length 45 mm
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Filter Size 37 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 52 - 520 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual,
Automatic - Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive,
Manual Additional Features
- Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
- DV input Yes
- Additional Features DPOF support,
Built-in speaker,
PRINT Image Matching,
Backlight compensation,
Digital noise reduction,
Touch-screen control,
Date/time stamp - Remote control Remote control - Infrared
- Software PIXELA Image Mixer 1.0,
Drivers & Utilities,
Sony MovieShaker - Included Accessories S-Video cable,
Lens cap,
Hand strap,
Camcorder shoulder strap,
IR remote control,
Cleaning tape,
USB cable,
Power adapter,
Stylus,
Audio / video cable Camera Flash
- Effective Flash Range 1 ft - 8 ft
Display
- Type 2.5 in LCD display
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Headphones,
1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire/i.LINK),
1 x S-Video input / output,
1 x Composite video/audio (input/output),
1 x USB,
1 x DC power input - Memory Card Slot Memory Stick card
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type LCD
- Viewfinder Diagonal Size 0.44 in
- Viewfinder Resolution 180,000 pixels
Memory / Storage
- Media type Micro MV
- Included Memory Card 8 MB Memory Stick
- Image Storage Super-fine JPEG 1600 x 1200 : 6 VA - With 8MB card,
Fine JPEG 1600 x 1200 : 12 VA - With 8MB card,
Standard JPEG 1600 x 1200 : 18 VA - With 8MB card,
Super-fine JPEG 640 x 480 : 40 VA - With 8MB card,
Fine JPEG 640 x 480 : 80 VA - With 8MB card,
Standard JPEG 640 x 480 : 120 VA - With 8MB card - Video Capture MPEG - 352 x 240 - 60 sec - With 8MB card,
MPEG - 144 x 96 - 300 sec - With 8MB card
Battery
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 1350 mAh ( Included )
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
- Microphone technology [Aug 27, 2010 from CDS: Audio Input] Electret condenser
Power
- Mfr estimated battery life 130 min
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Features Rotating
- Viewfinder Color Support Color
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Expansion / Connectivity
- Wireless connectivity Yes (Bluetooth)
Physical Characteristics
- Width 3.9 in
- Depth 5.4 in
- Height 3 in
- Weight 1.1 lbs
Product series
-
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: CCD,
None,
0.7 lbs,
3.1 in,
4.1 in,
10 x x Zoom lens - 2.3 mm - 23 mm - F/1.7-2.3,
Sony Handycam DCR-IP5 - Camcorder - Consumer - Micro MV,
1.9 in -
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: CCD,
None,
0.7 lbs,
3.1 in,
4.1 in,
10 x x Zoom lens - 2.3 mm - 23 mm - F/1.7-2.3,
Sony Handycam DCR-IP7 - Camcorder - Consumer - Micro MV,
1.9 in -
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: CCD,
Pop-up flash,
0.9 lbs,
5 in,
2.9 in,
10 x x Zoom lens - 3.7 mm - 37 mm - F/1.8-2.0,
Sony Handycam DCR-IP55 - Camcorder - Consumer - Micro MV,
2.4 in -
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: CCD,
Pop-up flash,
1.1 lbs,
5.4 in,
3 in,
10 x x Zoom lens - 4.5 mm - 45 mm - F/1.8-2.1,
Sony Handycam DCR-IP220 - Camcorder - Consumer - Micro MV,
3.9 in -
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: CCD,
0.4 lbs,
2.7 in,
3.6 in,
10 x x Zoom lens - 3.2 mm - 32 mm - F/1.8-2.3,
Camcorder,
Sony Handycam DCR-IP1 - Consumer - Micro MV,
1.5 in
Accessories
- KATA D-Light Capsule-185 DL - protective case for camcorder (35033780)129.95
- KATA D-Light Capsule-185 DL - protective case for camcorder (35033783)129.99 - 160.26
- Norazza Ape Case ACPRO1900 - case for camcorder (35170265)99.99 - 134.71
- Canon TC80N3 Timer Remote Control for EOS D30, D60, D10, 1D, 1V 20D SLR Cameras (33615634)134.95 - 135.99
- KATA D-Light Capsule-183 DL - protective case for camcorder (35033782)149.89
- Ewa-Marine VC-1M - rain cape for camcorder (34345336)109.95
- Hoodman EX KIT PRO LCD screen hood loupe (34409067)159.95
- Sony ACC-HDV7 digital camera accessory kit (33969762)129.99
- Canon CA 950 - Power adapter + battery charger (33615515)164.99
- KATA GDC HDV Case CC-193 - case for camcorder (32959760)99.00 - 129.99
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Sony
- Address:
16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127 - Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
- Email: contact@sel.sony.com
- Fax: 941-768-7790
