Sony Handycam DCR-SR42
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: DCRSR42
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Given its mediocre video quality, the Sony Handycam DCR-SR42 seems overpriced for what it delivers.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/03/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Sony Handycam DCR-SR42 price range: $499.95
- Reviewed by: Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 05/14/2007
- Released on: 03/01/2007
The good: Compact and lightweight; large storage capacity; bundled dock; built-in lens cover.
The bad: Mediocre video and still photo quality; no wind filter; small, fingerprint-magnet touch screen LCD; software free for Windows but $100 for Mac.
The bottom line: Given its mediocre video quality, the Sony Handycam DCR-SR42 seems overpriced for what it delivers.
Though most digital cameras produced today have sufficient resolution to make the spec itself almost a nonissue, the same can't be said about camcorders. That goes double for camcorders which record directly to hard disk or DVD, since they need sufficient pixels to compress into a decent image. The resolution of the hard-disk-based Sony Handycam DCR-SR42--680,000 pixels--falls into the insufficient range, especially since its effective video and still resolution is a mere 340,000 pixels. In fact, it seems as if the only reason for the SR42 to exist is so that retailers can upsell you to the DCR-SR62; trading a higher-resolution 1-megapixel sensor for a more modest zoom lens--25x versus the SR42's 40x--makes sense to me given the $50 price difference between the two models.
The SR42 comes in two flavors, one with a 30GB hard disk that can hold up to 7 hours of best-quality video, and a version with a 60GB hard disk (the DCR-SR42A) that holds up to 14 hours. Unless you really think you'll need to shoot more than 7 consecutive hours of video with no way to copy it off the hard disk, I can't imagine spending the extra $100 for the bigger hard drive; an extra $25, maybe. Like all the SR models, the SR42 bundles the Handycam Station, which charges the battery and connects to a TV or PC. It also supports one-touch DVD burning via software or when connected to the Sony DVDirect.
On one hand, the SR42 feels compact and lightweight--only 13.3 ounces in a sea of 1-plus-pounders. But the plastic body also feels a little cheap, more like what you'd expect for half the price. It's almost too small, as well. My fingers overshot the top of the squat body, making it awkward to shoot one-handed; I had to pull my wrist and fingers back to manipulate the zoom and record controls with my right hand.
As with the rest of the Sony consumer camcorder family, the SR42 uses a touch screen-based menu system. On this camcorder's 2.5-inch, 4:3 aspect LCD, you need tiny fingers to navigate, preferably ones without fingertips, since the screen can literally become obscured by fingerprints. You don't need to use the menu much, since the SR42 has only the most basic of feature sets. It includes 10 scene program modes, a few digital effects and transitions, spot metering and focus, and NightShot infrared shooting mode.
Video records to the hard disk in MPEG-2 format, and thankfully, you needn't rely on the bundled version of Pixela's Motion Browser to edit, since there are plenty of alternatives available. Still, if for some reason you wanted to use that odd piece of software on the Mac, you'd have to fork over $100 for it. Stick with iMovie.
Like all but the SR300, the SR42 uses the electronic image stabilizer version of Sony's SteadyShot. But the video tends to be so mushy and artifact-ridden that it's hard to tell whether the stabilizer is working, even zoomed out to its 40x maximum.
Despite its range, it's fairly easy to control the zoom switch for a fast or consistent crawl, though the autofocus takes a little longer to catch up. The stereo audio, though surprisingly decent, suffers from the lack of a wind filter. Even a modest breeze whips across the audio track with tornado-like rumbles. The camcorder lacks a microphone input as well as an accessory shoe--typical omissions in budget models.
As the Handycam DCR-SR42 exemplifies, for the moment, there are still no bargains to be had in hard-disk-based camcorders--unless you really don't care about the video quality. If you want a decent hard-disk model, you've got to pay a little more. Despite its inconveniences, in this price range, tape-based models like the Panasonic PV-GS320 or quality DVD-based models like the Canon DC40 are still the way to go.
User reviews
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Good features, good price, good picture
by center77 on February 8, 2007
Pros: Linux friendly, image stablization, easy to use.
Cons: Camera is very light, which may result in shaky picture.
Summary: I bought this to record one to five minute videos, and then pull them into Blender for special effects. Linux compatibility was a must. I plug the USB cable to ...
Summary: I bought this to record one to five minute videos, and then pull them into Blender for special effects. Linux compatibility was a must. I plug the USB cable to the camera and to my Debian Linux laptop, and the camera appears as a file system. I just drag the video files onto the laptop. No proprietary Windows drivers needed, although it does come with some software. Picture and sound are good.
3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Easy to use; GREAT optical zoom; Results!
by reviewer 1 on May 6, 2007
Pros: 40X OPTICAL zoom is favorite feature; buttons are all easy access; results meet all expectations; hard drive!
Cons: hmmmm. not yet.
Summary: I video horseback riding lessons and shows. The strength of the optical zoom is a great feature for close and distant shots. Often use a tripod, but it is also ...
Summary: I video horseback riding lessons and shows. The strength of the optical zoom is a great feature for close and distant shots. Often use a tripod, but it is also handheld quite a bit. Solid fit in palm alows me to hold it steady, no fumbling to zoom, start or stop. Picture quality meets my expectations, and I cast a critical eye. I purchased bigger battery, but mostly use the battery that came with the handycam.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great home-movie camera, easy to hold and run, awkward "viewfinder"
by Walt28 on March 24, 2007
Pros: Compact, and lightweight, good aim&shoot ability; low-light performance is surprising, considering its 1/6" CCD; easy extraction of movies or stills
Cons: Absence of any way to aim this camera accurately in sunlight;
Summary: Overall, its performance seems very similar to that of my previous camcorder, a Sony DCR-TRV103. The small size and light weight are great benefits for my most common application, vacation ...
Summary: Overall, its performance seems very similar to that of my previous camcorder, a Sony DCR-TRV103. The small size and light weight are great benefits for my most common application, vacation travel.
Reviewers of Sony cameras in this same hard-drive storage category (last year's SR40, 80, etc.) universally complained about the lack of an eye-level viewfinder suitable for in-sunlight photography. They were very right. With these cameras, the limits of the frame are a matter of guessing, because you cannot see the image at all when there is a bright sun around. Talk about point-and- shoot... These cameras essentially require the user to do just that. I'd like to be able to buy a simple, easily attached "hood" to clip over the LCD, with a simple lens so I coulde put the camera up to my eye and view the LCD with it in near-darkness. Even though I might not be able to operate the touch-screen (unless there were no "bottom" on the hood), such an addition would do wonders for ability to aim, using the LCD, in sumlight.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Lots of borderline bad features balanced out by really good image quality
by Onlies on September 12, 2007
Pros: Very nice quality image, (noticably better than Panasonic SDR H18), touch screen is high tech... I guess?
Cons: Zoom takes a while to focus, shakey image on the computer
Summary: Bias: I hate the touch screen. You don't get the option of not using it, and its a little more navigation than I'd like. But there's nothing ...
Summary: Bias: I hate the touch screen. You don't get the option of not using it, and its a little more navigation than I'd like. But there's nothing wrong with it.. it works, its sensitive and etc, you just have to aim pretty well and not have big fingers or anything.
The one salvaging feature of this camera is that the video quality is sharper than the average (I also bought a Panasonic SDR H18 at the same time), although colors are a little pale. Not too bad if you're not comparing it to anything, though.
It's very easy to connect to the computer, and video plays on any of your usual media players- no need to install software just to watch the video. Dragging and dropping out of My Computer is enough.
A con of the base is the connection: if you don't sit the camera on the base just right, it won't charge- and while downloading videos onto the computer, the smallest nudge tends to break the connection.
Also, zoom takes a little while to focus, and when playing videos back on my computer I notice that during zooming or if something is moving too quickly, *the image gets pixelated lines in it*. I tend to forget to close the lens after use, since there's no lens cap- just a switch by the lens.
I went with the Panasonic equivalent, but was sad to leave behind the superior image sharpness. That's the only thing I'll miss, though.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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terrible video quality
by driandsouza on August 30, 2007
Pros: hard disk convenience
Cons: terrible video quality, ineffective steady shot feature
Summary: I owned a DCR TRV 110E which recently packed up and, being satisfied with previous sony products, (I have a vaio laptop, sony music system & digicam)I decided to ...
Summary: I owned a DCR TRV 110E which recently packed up and, being satisfied with previous sony products, (I have a vaio laptop, sony music system & digicam)I decided to go for the relatively more expensive SR42E. Big mistake. the video quality is pathetic. Also, the'steady shot' feature is not very effective as the picture keeps shaking (much more than with my previous TRV110E). Extremely disappointed with Sony. I am left with the feeling that I paid much more for much less.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome Little Camcorder!!!!!
by adamgis on April 14, 2007
Pros: EASY, EASY, EASY TO USE, great video quality, software easy to install and use.
Cons: Battery a bit hard to put on, my camcorder doesn't sit flush against the docking station (I have to hold it down to get the videos to download), battery life is short (90 mins).
Summary: This camcorder is INCREDIBLY easy to use. I had it out of the box and after the battery charged (120 mins later), I was testing the camcorder out.
All I ...Summary: This camcorder is INCREDIBLY easy to use. I had it out of the box and after the battery charged (120 mins later), I was testing the camcorder out.
All I did was set the "Easy" function (explained in the manual) and I was using the camcorder in a matter of minutes. The Touchpad viewfinder/monitor is awesome, and makes the camcorder extremely user-friendly. This really is a "Point & Shoot" camcorder.
The docking station is very easy to hook up to the computer, by way of the provided USB cable. The video quality of the camcorder looks great on my computer (I'm using Windows XP Home), and the audio quality is just as good as the video quality, on the computer.
I haven't tried hooking the camcorder up to my 40" LCD TV to see how the video looks on that, but I'm perfectly happy with the way it looks and sounds on my computer.
I haven't used the still image function on the camcorder and don't plan to. That's why I have a 5.0 MP digital camera. I use this camcorder strictly for video taking during trips, birthdays, vacations, family gatherings, etc.
I also have not tried the one button "Disc Burn" function yet. But I'll be trying that out some time soon.
This camcorder does have a few downfalls, described above, but the pros FAR outweigh the cons. Also, if you're going to buy this camcorder, you might wanna consider putting out the money to get a good quality carrying case, and an extra battery.
Overall, I'm extremely happy with the purchase of my new camcorder, and don't see myself needing another one in the near future.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Worst Sony I've owned
by 2TuuTango on July 25, 2009
Pros: OK for foreign vacations, small and not a pain to carry.
Cons: Very disappointing video and still images.
Summary: I bought this in a hurry without doing any investigation prior to my purchase because I was about to leave for my 25th wedding anniversary in Europe. As I saw ...
Summary: I bought this in a hurry without doing any investigation prior to my purchase because I was about to leave for my 25th wedding anniversary in Europe. As I saw this in a Best Buy, I thought "Hey, it's a Sony. It HAS to make great pictures. Boy was I wrong and I wish I had taken my old Digital 8 Sony that makes VASTLY superior video.
This little gem does a remarkable job at recording great sound though. But if you need a sharp picture, stay away from this camera. I did like the ability of the camera to edit and remove unwanted video clips. It charges quickly and the learning-curve wasn't to bad for my 55 year old brain. Still images were so bad, I gave up using it as a capture device and stayed with my Casio camera instead. -
Scrambled screen after 5 months. Now unusable
by rxsid70 on December 6, 2008
Pros: Love HDD. Fits nice in my hand, comfortable.
Cons: After owning/using for approx 5 months, screen looks like 'snow' on T.V. in addition there is a waving white line in middle of picture. Can't see out lens. Guessing about 40 to 50 hours of use. Useless in less than 1/2 year. Simply ridiculous.
Summary: I would definitely NOT recommend this Sony DCR-SR42.
Summary: I would definitely NOT recommend this Sony DCR-SR42.
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A good lightweight pocket camera that is easy to use..
by airhound on September 26, 2008
Pros: Easy to operate. Thumb and index finger control. No disks or tapes to lose. Quality Zeiss lens. Sony quality. Good, toll-free customer service. Compact size. enough features to keep it interesting but still easy. The price was right.
Cons: It gives away steady shooting for light weight. Could use a wind screen. LCD brightness had to be turned up all the way for outdoor/daylight shooting. I wish it had an optical viewfinder.
Summary: If you want broadcast-quality video, get a broadcast-quality camera. The DCR-SR42 works fine as a grab-and-shoot camera which is what most people do regardless of what they say or purchase. ...
Summary: If you want broadcast-quality video, get a broadcast-quality camera. The DCR-SR42 works fine as a grab-and-shoot camera which is what most people do regardless of what they say or purchase. I found it for $260 in a retail store. It's a lot of camera for $260.
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Handycam not compatible with GX355 burner
by taesposi on May 29, 2008
Pros: Easy to use
Cons: Not compatible with BX355 burner
Summary: This camera is easy to use and compact enough to take anywhere, however Sony does not offer a cable to connect the camera to their GX355 DVD RECORDER to burn ...
Summary: This camera is easy to use and compact enough to take anywhere, however Sony does not offer a cable to connect the camera to their GX355 DVD RECORDER to burn in digital quality. Only an RCA jack is available for burning DVDs other than to the DVDirect. I have searched, called Sony and tried several stores to find a jack that would work. Otherwise, the DVD video quality is TERRIBLE, less visible than VHS. Sony should make a cable that makes these items compatible at digital quality. It is quite a waste of money to purchase digital technology to have analogue connections and poor quality DVDs. I consulted Sony before purchasing the DVR and they recommended that model for use with the SR42. I regret purchasing Sony products.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: DCRSR42
- Description: Stop stopping. None of us likes to switch tapes in the middle of a shoot, or waste time rewinding and capturing. That's why the DCR-SR42 Handycam camcorder contains a 30GB built-in hard disk drive (HDD) storage and allows you to capture up to 20 hours of recording time (LP) so you don't need to mess around with tapes. A brilliant 2.5" Touch Panel LCD display keeps the controls at your fingertips while a 40x optical/2000x digital zoom makes sure you catch all the detail. And when it comes time to share your memories, it couldn't be easier with the one touch disc burn capability and the Memory Stick Duo media slot. The DCR-SR42 puts the simplicity back into shooting and sharing your videos.
General
- Product Type Camcorder
- Digital Zoom 2000 x
- Total Pixels 6.8 megapixels
- Optical Sensor Size 1/6"
- Optical Sensor Type Advanced HAD CCD
- Min Illumination 0 lux
- Analog Video Format NTSC
- Digital Video Format MPEG-2
- Special Effects Sepia, Pastel, Monotone, Old Movie
- Image Stabilizer Electronic (Super Steady Shot)
- Digital Scene Transition Black fader, White fader
- Min Shutter Speed 1/60 sec
- Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec
- Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
- Shooting Programs Snow, Beach, Candle, Sunset, Sunrise, Fireworks, Landscape, Spotlight, Portrait mode, Sports lesson, Twilight mode
- White Balance Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Indoor, Outdoor
- Exposure Modes Program, Automatic
Main Features
- Camcorder Effective Still Resolution 0.34 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Still Image Format JPEG
Memory / Storage
- Digital Storage Media Hard disk drive - Built-in - 30 GB
- Image Storage 640 x 480
- Media Type Hard disk drive
- Recording Speed HQ, LP, SP
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 1.9 mm - 76 mm - F/1.8-4.1
- Focal Length 1.9 mm - 76 mm
- Lens Aperture F/1.8-4.1
- Optical Zoom 40 x
- Lens system type Zoom lens
- Min focal length 1.9 mm
- Lens Manufacturer Carl Zeiss
- Max focal length 76 mm
- Filter Size 30 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
Additional Features
- Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
- Digital Still Camera Function Yes
- Additional Features PictBridge support, Touch-screen control, USB 2.0 compatibility
- Software Sony Picture Motion Browser
- Included Accessories Docking station
Display
- Type LCD display - LCD passive matrix - 2.5 in - Color
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type 1, 1 x USB, 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1
- Expansion Slot(s) 1, Memory Stick Duo
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1, 1 x USB cable, A/V cable
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
- Battery type - Lithium ion
Battery
- Supported Battery Sony NP-FH40
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 3 month parts and labor warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Labor - 90 days, Limited warranty - Parts - 1 year
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Form Factor Rotating
- Display Format 123,000 pixels
Physical Characteristics
- Width 2.9 in
- Depth 4.5 in
- Height 2.8 in
- Weight 13.4 oz
Product series
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Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Camcorder, Advanced HAD CCD, 40 x, Hard disk drive, 13.4 oz
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Sony Handycam DCR-SR42A (60GB)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs:
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Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Camcorder, Advanced HAD CCD, 40 x, Hard disk drive, 12 oz
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Sony
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.sonystyle.com
- Address:
16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127 - Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
- Email: contact@sel.sony.com
- Fax: 941-768-7790
