Digital Trends

The Sony DCR-SR100 looks completely different than the JVC GZ-MG505 even though both have 30GB HDDs. This size drive holds seven hours of MPEG2 DVD-level video, a simply incredible amount that puts any tape- or disc-based camcorder to shame. There are issues dealing with all the info on the drive but we’ll get into that in a moment. The SR100 is much bigger and heavier than the JVC. It measures 3.4 x 2.75 x 5.9 (WHD, in inches) and weighs 21.4 ounces with battery and wrist strap. By comparison the JVC weighs 17.6 ounces and is 2.9 x 2.9 x 4.9. Neither is pants-pocket sized but the Sony is much bigger. The Sony also has a silver finish compared to the all-black GZ-MG505.

 

The DCR-SR100 is not the most elegant piece of electronics I’ve handled recently but it’s not ugly, it just takes getting used to. The front is dominated by the 10x optical zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* (T-star) lens that can be digitally boosted to 120x. Although the JVC hits 300x digitally, I suggest you turn off the digital zoom in either case since picture quality really suffers. Hurray! This camcorder has a built-in lens cover, something that eluded the designers of the JVC and recently reviewed Toshiba gigashot HDD camcorder. You’ll also find a flash to help with stills and a remote control sensor.

 

The right side has the comfortable Velcro wrist strap with black and gray plastic covering the HDD. An embossed HDD logo lets the world know you’re using a hard disc drive camcorder. There’s also an input for optional remote accessories.

 

The top is clean with a large microphone that records Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. In some earlier iterations of this system—such as its DVD cams --Sony required an optional mic to get a complete sound field. Not so with this model. It is simply amazing that no other company has incorporated surround sound in its camcorders. Granted the effects can be a little disconcerting such as hearing your narration coming from the back of the room but if you have a Home Theater with the requisite six speakers (or more) why wouldn’t you want your memories to have enhanced audio? I guess that’s why Sony is still a dominant CE company even after it stumbled during the transition to flat panel TVs (and let’s not forget that little product called the iPod). But I digress…also on the top of the SR100 is a hot accessory shoe, something the MG505 neglected to include. With this hot shoe, you can connect a light or the very cool Sony Bluetooth wireless microphone that lets you record a specific person as the center dialog channel. It’s perfect if you have a budding thespian. Also on top are the wide/tele zoom switch and a separate key for taking stills.

 
Image Courtesy of Sony