Going HDD

Sony DCR-SR100

So, I finally decided on the make of the digital camcorder that the center should buy: the Sony Handycam DCR SR series.

The DCR series is Sony's hard disk drive series. These camcorders use no tape, save video directly to a hard disk drive, and can export video directly to a computer for fast editing via a USB 2.0 port. No conversion from Mini DV or DVD required.

There are 3 model numbers that I'm considering (in order of preference): DCR SR100 (~$850, released 2006); SR200 (~$850, releasing Mar 2007); and SR62 (~$650, releasing Mar 2007).


Sony DCR-SR62, so pretty!

Pros and Cons: Should I try and get the DCR SR100 now? Although current prices are much higher, ~$1000, than if I try to pre-order the 2007 models, even the SR200s. However, those don't hit stores until March. And maybe by then the SR100s, what's left of them, may go down. I'd actually prefer the SR100, because it still has a viewfinder! Meanwhile, the DCR SR62 is pretty reasonable, but its lens is a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, not the better T* lens that the 100s and 200s have.

Hmm ...