Manage updates with the Download AppSony Handycam HDR-SR1
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: HDRSR1
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Sony Handycam HDR-SR1's combination of hard disk capacity, easy adapatability, great design, and a broad feature set make it the consumer HD model to beat for 2006.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/22/2013 |
CNET editors' review
Sony Handycam HDR-SR1 price range: $1,999.00
- Reviewed by: Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 10/30/2006
- Released on: 10/23/2006
The good: Hard disk holds about four hours of best-quality HD video; sharp, saturated, low-noise video; excellent build quality; fast, smooth focus with effective image stabilization.
The bad: Mediocre still photos; frequent motion artifacts in video; lame but necessary bundled software; no windscreen filter for microphone.
The bottom line: The Sony Handycam HDR-SR1's combination of hard disk capacity, easy adapatability, great design, and a broad feature set make it the consumer HD model to beat for 2006.
User reviews
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Not ready for primetime & MAC USERS NEED NOT APPLY.
by ispsec on December 21, 2006
Pros: HD and features
Cons: What the hell will you edit it with.. NOTHING WORKS WITH THIS FORMAT.. Not even Sony's own Vegas Video is supported.
Summary: You know I think C|Net doesn't focus sometimes.
While this camera is amazing with features and has a permanent address on "Cool Factor Blvd." One needs to really ...Summary: You know I think C|Net doesn't focus sometimes.
While this camera is amazing with features and has a permanent address on "Cool Factor Blvd." One needs to really understand that once you get this home, there is nothing good you can use to EDIT THE VIDEO WITH...
Sony did add it's own crap software (Windows Only), but they had to because no one supports the AVCHD format yet (a form of H.264 - but not H.264 that Sony wants to replace HDV with in the future). Not even Sony's own Vegas Video is supported.
There are a few companies that have signed up to support the format but you will wait until mid-2007. So if you want to go out and shot your family, then bring the HDR-SR1 home and download the video into.. Aaahh.. Final Cut Pro, iMovie, Vegas Video, or any other great editor.. FORGET IT!!
Plus the camera only has HDMI and USB support for editing. Yep.. NO 1394 (iLink or Firewire)
This product, while cool, is just to much ahead of the curve for the entire populous.
Wait for other HD models and wait for the 2nd version of this when the price is lower. It is to bad because I now have to take mine back and find something I can use without the headache. I feel like I am a beta tester when trying to edit with the HDR-SR1.
No wonder Sony is starting to loose it.. First $600 for the PS3 and now a camera you spend $1500 for and you cannot edit with the most popular editing software on the planet.
There will be a lot of returns this XMAS.
Please Santa take this crap back and have another cookie..21 out of 26 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This High def., hard drive camcorder is just perfect.
by jpbrunke on October 27, 2006
Pros: It has everything you need and it is very quick with an outstanding picture.
Cons: The only one I have found is not about the camera but about the software for it. AVCHD. But I am sure that that wont be a problem soon.
Summary: This camera was perfect for me. At first I was looking at sonys dvd-505 because of the burn to dvd. Then I saw the HC3 with the High def. but ...
Summary: This camera was perfect for me. At first I was looking at sonys dvd-505 because of the burn to dvd. Then I saw the HC3 with the High def. but i didnt like that i had to buy small dvds or tapes. When I saw this camcorder and the options that it had, it was perfect.
I have had it for about a week and a half now and I only paid 800 for it. I have only been doing a little recording but when I do it looks perfect on my 57inch sony high def tv. Also when i played it back on the tv I thaught that my lens had something on it. Turns out my tv had a spider in it and had put a spider web on the screen. I didnt see that before playedback with this camcorder.
I was thinking that with the hard drive that i would have to wait for it to be stored for like a min or two. But it is like only 2 seconds then I can record some more.
The sound quality is also very good. When I played it back on the tv it recorded the door opening and everytime i watched it i thaught someone came into my house.
The 3.5inch touch screen for me is very easy to use no problums with that. I find that all the buttons are easy for me to get to.
I have a HP media center computer m7570n and when I went to make a dvd it was really very quick with the on touch button option and with the supplied software but I dont really like the supplied software. Playback on the dvd was also very good.
I would say that if your looking for a high def. camcorder get this one you will love it.14 out of 17 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Finally HDD HD!!!!
by kntektt on October 27, 2006
Pros: Video quality, HDD, High definition, View finder, Focus, 4MP with flash
Cons: No AVCHD editing software...YET!
Summary: I got this camcorder the day of release, 21st. I bought the dcr-sr40 and the video quality on my 55in HDTV was not impressive, but I am very picky. Did ...
Summary: I got this camcorder the day of release, 21st. I bought the dcr-sr40 and the video quality on my 55in HDTV was not impressive, but I am very picky. Did not want to spend the 1500, but glad I did. The video is compareable to that of the HD channels from comcast. The HDMI cable hook up ROCKS, although it does only come with component. The manual ring in the front is great as you can set it to control different things. The adjustable view finder is great for outdoor use when the sun might hit the 3.5in LCD screen to make it unviewable. This also comes with a remote, which makes taking the 4.0 MP pics easy! I plan on getting either a PS3 or Blueray player, so I can watch the DVD's in HD! Overall, GREAT!!!!
9 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Camera with a Major fall back
by Paul Valles on January 23, 2007
Pros: Great Picture, Fantastic sound quality. very easy to use.
Cons: AVC is in control but nobody can find it. Low light Pig. And focus already
Summary: The feel of the camera is comfortable. Switching from video to still was easy. Touch screen was cool. Once transferred to video, I found the picture to be superb, but ...
Summary: The feel of the camera is comfortable. Switching from video to still was easy. Touch screen was cool. Once transferred to video, I found the picture to be superb, but very dark sometimes depending on direction of lighting, you have to relocate for it to lighten up. The back light button was not much help. It hesitates on auto focus from movement and to its target. To much digital trailing. Best if on a tripod for interviews, not so good for action shots. I don't like the proprietary software that Sony is trying to push. You almost had me. Thank you crutchfield.com for not charging a restocking fee on returns. The sound is incredible for still video concerts. I wish I could edit. You can reorganize frames as needed. What you video is what you get on DVD to burn. I’ve heard the FX1 should satisfy me. Additional 2k. It would be worth it for me. sorry for the low score, but editing is a major score reduction.
9 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great so far,
by Mark Younger on October 26, 2006
Pros: Great picture in high def, easy to use , good software
Cons: none so far , wish it came with HDMI cable
Summary: I like it so far , great picture in high def on my 50" plasma, easy to down load images to hard drive and convert from high def to Mpeg files. ...
Summary: I like it so far , great picture in high def on my 50" plasma, easy to down load images to hard drive and convert from high def to Mpeg files. Takes great still pictures and easy to use this function. Have yet to fill up the hard drive.
Updated
I have recorded over 20 of my kids sports events and burn both SD and HD DVDS with great results.Recently purchased PS3 and played a HDR-SR1 burned HD DVD and it was excellent.. Hey Sony I have posted great reviews and been featured in USA Today promoting your products - loyal customer for years - Rebates? I hear other reviewers speaking of reabtes.. I need some type of rebates before my wife kills me for spending my kids college money on camcorders and PS3's!9 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Camera NO SOFTWARE SUPPORT!
by Malibu310 on November 10, 2006
Pros: Much better than the first small Sony HD effort
Cons: No software support - call Sony and they dont seem to be concerned that no one supports AVCHD.
Summary: Great capabilities... I just wish that Sony would make sure the industry was ready for their hardware at time of release... fustrating that I will have to wait till "spring" ...
Summary: Great capabilities... I just wish that Sony would make sure the industry was ready for their hardware at time of release... fustrating that I will have to wait till "spring" at least when Vegas supports AVCHD... Adobe said no idea when they will support it! Go to Sony's web and they claim a long list of software already supporting AVCHD.... call Sony and they say what's your problem?.... you can "view" video using software supplied... Anyhow sure takes a real good standard mode video and the lack of tape is fantastic! I'd rate the camera a 10 if there was support from software or Sony.
[Edited by: admin]9 out of 14 users found this user opinion helpful.
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the best camcorder ever
by theddygrumo on October 29, 2006
Pros: everything in it
Cons: none so far.
Summary: i'm very picky and i read reviews first before i buy it specially on this price range.i just bought it this morning and watched all my recordings and ...
Summary: i'm very picky and i read reviews first before i buy it specially on this price range.i just bought it this morning and watched all my recordings and still shots. and it was fantastic. the colors are crisp even in low light. though i haven't used all it's features yet but for now i'm very satisfied.
goodbye tapes and hello hdd. fast and no hassle transfer to computer. i also bought the dvdirect burner with it which is very compatible.
this hdr-sr1 is a bit expensive but when you see it's output you could still say a good bang for the buck.Updated
i should have scored it ten now i just found out that the video on sd mode is also very clear compared to other high end sd video camcoreder and the hd that is down converted to sd is also very crisp.5 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Substandard format. Run away
by fantasyva on June 30, 2007
Pros: Good picture, ease of use
Cons: Video format proprietary and completely unacceptable
Summary: I purchased a similar Sony Hard drive camcorder. I've had over 10 years experience with consumer level camcorders and my last 2 have been Sony mini DV camcorders that ...
Summary: I purchased a similar Sony Hard drive camcorder. I've had over 10 years experience with consumer level camcorders and my last 2 have been Sony mini DV camcorders that overall I have been reasonably happy with.
I was really excited regarding a Hard Drive over using tape, figuring that I would be able to download and edit my videos more quickly. WRONG !
I have a music and gift store and am really in to independent music and live bands. I've shot videos of hundreds of up and coming bands over the years. I typically import the video I shoot into Windows Movie Maker where I can add titles, and reduce the file size to post the videos online.
The only editing software that Sony includes is very basic. Want to add a title to your video? So sorry, Sony doesn't give you the option to do so. Want to send your video in an email or post it online? Well that's just too bad.
Does Sony let you know in any way shape or form that when you buy this camcorder that you won't have the options that you had on every previous Sony you may have owned? Geez, I guess they forgot that too. Besides the propriety of their video format, they also have started using proprietary cables, and there's no input to pass through an older camcorder for editing either.
I returned my new Sony HD camcorder and recommend staying away from this format till Sony gets off it's high horse and puts out a patch that allows for standard computer based editing programs. When I called their customer support I was amazed that they just generally assumed that I would have to live with whatever they gave me. I returned it after 10 days, the goodwill I'd always had for Sony completely shattered.
If you just want to burn your raw footage to a DVD and have the prowess of Grandma, you'll love this camera, but if you want to put a title on it or do any editing, or to even have decent sound quality, run far away from this format and Sony too.
I understand that you can't edit their DVD format either, and they've discontinued all their better quality mini DV camcorders which is a real shame.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best Camera for me. I nearly bought the HC3 but I am glad I bought the SR1
by Calanas on December 11, 2006
Pros: Great video, sound is very crisp and transfers to PC harddrive very easily. I also burnt a CD in SD and the Picture and sound was excellent from my perspective!!
Cons: The only con that has come to my attention so far is the non-availability of good editing software. How ever it is a problem I feel will be resolved in the next few months.
Summary: So far I am glad I bit the bullet and opted for the SR1 because I have been able to video and burn some SD high quality footage to a ...
Summary: So far I am glad I bit the bullet and opted for the SR1 because I have been able to video and burn some SD high quality footage to a CD. The amazing part has been that all of the above has been accomplished using a laptop that does not quite meet the minimum system requirement for a PC. I am currently using a Dell Latitude D610 Intel(R)Pentium(R)M processor 1.73GHz 798MHz, 504 MB of RAM.
Based on the chatter on some message boards it seems advanced editing software should be released in the next few months or so. By the way I bought the SR1 on 12/10/2006 from Best Buy and last night I found myself stating, "I am so glad I opted for the SR1 over the HC3!!" The manual ring is fantastic for bringing into focus objects that the auto focus has problems focusing. Also the sound is crisp and I was amazed at it's sensitivity. I hope to add to this review as I gain further experience. Based on my experience upto this point I would rate it 10/10 but since I have not had the chance to utilize all the features I am rating it 9/10. However I can not see myself going out and exchanging the SR1 for any other Camcorder. It definitely meets my needs!!3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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So far I love it
by Tomcauley on March 31, 2007
Pros: Great video, great stills
Cons: It does so much I need to read a lot
Summary: I've had this thing only a few days and so far it seems really great. I guess the real test will be when I try to make a DVD. ...
Summary: I've had this thing only a few days and so far it seems really great. I guess the real test will be when I try to make a DVD. I had some concerns about compatability but today I easily converted an HD file to an mpeg2 which played back with high quality
Updated
I forgot to mention that I bought mine at Abe's of Maine and paid only $1134 with no sales tax or shipping charge. The last camera I bought several years ago was also from them. They will always try to sell you add-ons but you can just say "no thanks" and get the item you are after for a great price.Updated
I just moved up from a Hi 8 and this thing takes incredible videos in low def not to mention HD. It's extremely easy and intuitive to use. I can easily burn DVD's but the HD ones play back very jerky on my computer. The sound plays back impecibly though. I guess you need a really powerful computer to play them but I'll take things one step at a time. Standard Def comes in various qualities and looks and sounds fantastic. You can take a 2 megapixal still pic while filming or a 4 MP ne while not filming. These look great and there is even a red-eye flash setting.
Updated on Jan 4, 2009Fantastic camera. Great pics and movies and easy to use. Lot's of software support now and I can burn to DVD or Blu-ray. Size , weightr and feel are perfect. I wish I could now upgrade to one with the face recognition. The upgraded Sonny free software hasit though2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: HDRSR1
- Description: For the first time ever, record high-definition video directly to a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) with the HDR-SR1 Handycam camcorder. And with the duel HD/SD Format, you can record in standard definition as well. With a 4.0 Megapixel Still capture feature to the HDD or Memory Stick Duo, you’ll be able to freeze time in flawless detail. When you’re behind the lens, you’re in the director’s chair. A generous 3.5" Wide (16:9) Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD screen and multiple connectivity options let you have complete control from capture to cut.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type Camcorder
- Camcorder Sensor Resolution 2.1 megapixels
- Digital Zoom 80 x
- Total Pixels 2.1 megapixels
- Camcorder Media Type Hard disk drive
- Optical Sensor Size 1/3"
- Optical Sensor Type ClearVid CMOS
- Min Illumination 0 lux
- Analog video format NTSC
- Digital Video Format MPEG-2
- Image Stabilizer Electronic (Steady Shot)
- Min Shutter Speed 1/60 sec
- Max Shutter Speed 1/500 sec
- Slow shutter modes 1/60 sec
- Shooting modes Normal movie mode,
Digital photo mode - White Balance Automatic,
Presets - White Balance Presets Outdoor,
Indoor - Image Recording Format JPEG
- Widescreen Video Capture Yes
- AV Interfaces Composite video,
Composite video/audio Lens System
- Type Carl Zeiss 10 x x Zoom lens - 5.1 mm - 51 mm - F/1.8-2.9
- Lens aperture F/1.8-2.9
- Features Built-in lens shield
- Optical Zoom 10 x
- Lens system type Zoom lens
- Min focal length 5.1 mm
- Max focal length 51 mm
- Filter Size 30 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 37 - 370 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual,
Automatic - Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
Additional Features
- Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
- Additional Features USB 2.0 compatibility,
Dolby Digital 5.1 channel recording - Remote control Remote control - Infrared
- Software Drivers & Utilities,
Picture Motion Browser 1.0 - Included Accessories Component video cable,
IR remote control,
USB cable,
Power adapter,
Audio / video cable Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type LCD
- Viewfinder Resolution 123,000 pixels
Display
- Type 3.5 in LCD display
Connections
- Connector Type 1,
1 x Accessory shoe,
1 x USB,
1 x Composite video/audio output,
1 x Component video output,
Headphones,
Microphone,
Remote control,
HDMI output Memory / Storage
- Media type Hard disk drive
- Memory Card Slot Memory Stick Duo card
- Internal Storage 30 GB Hard disk drive
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows XP,
MS Windows 2000 Battery
- Supported Battery Sony NP-FM50
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Surround
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Labor - 90 days,
Limited warranty - Parts - 1 year Power
- Battery type - Lithium ion
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Features Rotating
- Resolution 211,000 pixels
- Viewfinder Color Support Color
Physical Characteristics
- Width 3.1 in
- Depth 6.5 in
- Height 3.3 in
- Weight 1.6 lbs
Accessories
- Canon WP V3 - marine case for camcorder (34930183)449.95 - 499.99
- Porta-Brace Hiker Backpack Camera Case HK-1 - case for camcorder (31058034)441.81 - 459.17
- Porta-Brace Shoulder Case SC-D500 - case for camcorder (31026190)372.37 - 429.00
- Canon WP V2 - marine case for camcorder (33984051)367.76 - 499.00
- Ikelite Underwater Systems marine case for camcorder (34929737)599.95
- CANON XL1S VIDEO CAMCORDER CASE (7032423)399.99
- Canon WP V4 - marine case for camcorder (35138638)499.00
- Panasonic SHAN-TM700 - tripod adapter (31027498)249.95 - 399.95
- Porta-Brace Smuggler Camera Case SMG-2 - case for camcorder (31053838)424.45 - 441.81
- Portabrace PKB-275PV - hard case for camcorder (35112263)578.95 - 589.00
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
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- 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
