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  • Performance

  • Format

  • Auto / Manual Controls

  • Still Features

  • Handling and Use

  • Audio / Playback / Connectivity

  • Other Features

  • Comparisons / Conclusion

  • Photo Gallery

  • Performance
  • Format
  • Auto / Manual Controls
  • Still Features
  • Handling and Use
  • Audio / Playback / Connectivity
  • Other Features
  • Comparisons / Conclusion
  • Photo Gallery

Performance

The Sony DCR-SR42 is an entry-level camcorder, which means that you should immediately lower your expectations for video performance. It features the standard entry-level specs; a 1/6-inch CCD with a gross pixel count of 680,000 and an effective pixel count of 340,000.

The SR42’s image at an even 3000 lux (bright light) was adequate. The sharpness is quite poor – no surprises here – but the color was decent, producing a relatively even and saturated spectrum. As with most lower-end Sonys, the SR42 produced heavy amounts of blue noise. Though this was more noticeable in darker areas, we saw it in bright light, too. Looking carefully around high-contrast areas, we also saw signs of oversharpening – an in-camera correction that boosts contrast to increase perceived sharpness. While this is common in most camcorders, it can go too far. In this case, it blew out some of the white areas.

Last year’s Sony DCR-SR40 gave a more or less identical performance. The JVC GZ-MG155, which retails for the same price, produced slightly less saturated and more accurate colors. It also yielded better fine detail capture. Canon does not offer any standard definition HDD camcorders, but they do have a number of similar DVD camcorders. The Canon DC220 sells for $50 less than the Sony SR42. This camcorder also produced less saturated colors. The sharpness and fine detail capture was about the same as the SR42.

Out of the lab, the Sony DCR-SR42 was a truly mediocre performer. The image generally lacked a lot of detail and did not have great dynamic range. However, as we’ll describe later, the automatic responses to changes in light were rather good.

Video Resolution* (2.75)*

The video resolution of the Sony DCR-SR42 is tested by shooting a DSC Labs video resolution chart at an even bright light and examining the playback footage on an HD monitor. At best, the camcorder was able to produce an approximate horizontal resolution of 250 line widths per picture height (lw/ph) and a vertical resolution of 200 lw/ph. This score was low compared to the competition.

Low Light Performance* (4.58)*

The low light performance was tested in three stages. First, we shoot our DSC Labs Chroma DuMonde color chart at an even 60 lux and 15 lux, then compare the results against competing camcorders. At 60 lux, the blue noise became a major issue. We’ve seen heavy amounts of blue noise in every low-end Sony camcorder for the last few years, and they’re clearly not putting any time or research into correcting it. The noise is most pernicious in darker areas of the chart. We saw the same problem out of the lab. Any areas in moderate shadow produced the same noise.

The overall color retention was reduced considerably, but it was still possible to identify all the colors. This is about average for a single 1/6-inch chip.

Competing camcorders were generally better. The JVC GZ-MG155 has a slightly brighter image overall. There was just as much blackish noise, but none of the blue noise. The Canon DC220 was even worse when it came to black noise, causing a fair amount of fine detail loss. Again, it did not have the Sony’s blue noise, which is much more distracting to the viewer than black or gray noise.

At 15 lux, most of the color information was lost. The black noise picked up in the extreme, running roughshod over the details. This is not what we would consider a usable image. Among the competition, the levels of noise and focus difficulty varied, but they were all bad.

The second part of the test involves shooting the same chart under an even light, then steadily lowering the light while tracking a waveform monitor, an instrument that measures camcorder’s exposure levels. The light is lowered until the camcorder can produce a peak of 50 IRE. The Sony DCR-SR42 was able to produce 50 IRE at 13 lux, about the same score as other Sony camcorders with a 1/6-inch chip. Canon was also about the same, while the JVC GZ-MG155 required almost twice that much light.

Finally, we shoot a GretagMacBeth Color Checker chart an even 60 lux, then import frame grabs into Imatest imaging software to determine noise, color accuracy, and saturation. At best, the camcorder was able to produce a color error of 13.6. This score is similar to nearly all Sony camcorders at 60 lux, regardless of the imager size. This indicates that a major contributing factor to the color error must be the color processing rather than merely the sensitivity. Sony tends to saturate its colors more than most. Imatest determined the noise level of the SR42 at 60 lux was 1.8625 percent. The saturation level was 68.99 percent.

In summary, the DCR-SR42 is by no means a powerhouse low light performer. If Sony could finally do something about the abundance of blue noise in its entry-level camcorders, it might actually stand a chance.

Stabilization* (3.6)*

The DCR-SR42 is equipped with Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), which is common for an entry-level camcorder. EIS functions by creating a digital buffer around the frame to compensate for shake, while the more effective Optical Image Stabilization isolates the lens element from the body of the camcorder.

We tested the effectiveness of the DCR-SR42’s EIS using our custom-built camcorder shake emulator. Two speeds were used to simulate typical shooting activity. Speed One is equivalent to stationary handheld shake or a slow walk on level ground, camcorder in hand. Speed Two simulates a light jog or bumpy car ride with the camcorder. At Speed One, the DCR-SR42 exhibited a 50 percent shake reduction while Speed Two yielded a 44.44 percent reduction. This sub par performance is most likely due to the camcorder’s tiny size and limited EIS capabilities.

Wide Angle* (10.4)*

We tested the DCR-SR42’s maximum field of view using a vertical laser. The camcorder was mounted to a tripod with the LCD flipped open, EIS disabled, and the zoom pulled back to a full wide angle. Footage was then interpreted using an external monitor to attain a true reading. The DCR-SR42 displayed a wide angle measurement of 52 degrees, which is on the high end of the scale.

 

 

 

 

Format

Compression* (4.0)*

The DCR-SR42 utilizes MPEG-2 compression and is capable of recording video in three different quality settings: HQ, SP, and LP. HQ records at 9 Mbps, SP records at 6 Mbps, and LP records at 3 Mbps. The DCR-SR42 interprets footage via a Variable Bitrate (VBR) that adjusts itself based on the complexity of the footage. Shooting a hockey game requires a much higher bitrate than a shot of paint drying on a wall. The benefit of a VBR is that it is a major space saver in terms of file size. Even if you’re shooting at 9 Mbps, the rate is fluctuating continuously, requiring less HDD space to store the footage.

Recorded video clips are given an .MPG file extension, which is widely compatible among consumer editing suites, unlike some HDD camcorders that split audio and video data into separate files that must be reassembled through additional software. The .MPG files can simply be dragged and dropped into a timeline.

Media* (6.0)*

The DCR-SR42 is equipped with a 30GB non-removable hard disk drive (HDD) capable of storing 440 minutes of footage in HQ mode, 650 minutes in SP mode, and 1,250 minutes in LP mode. HDD camcorders offer the longest record times of any media by a long shot, and those who care more about quantity than quality will find themselves with close to an entire day’s worth of video. The only downside to this is that the DCR-SR42 will now hold hundreds, even thousands of video clips — a mega library that could take a significant amount of time to wade through.

HDD is also the only media that cannot be removed, unlike tape, DVD, and solid state camcorders. If the DCR-SR42 is damaged, that’s it — say goodbye to that prized footage. Of course, the DCR-SR42 features Drop Detection, which shuts the camcorder off in the event of a sudden gravitational shift, but what about water damage or a large Mack truck? SD cards, MiniDV tapes, and DVD discs can fit inside a pocket, but the DCR-SR42 must remain in hand or in the camera bag, making it more vulnerable to threats.

Editing* (6.0)*

The DCR-SR42 ships with Picture Motion Browser Version 2.0.06 for Windows — an exceedingly rudimentary editing program that allows you to trim clips, export stills, and burn footage to DVD. Popular NLEs like Adobe Premiere, Apple Final Cut Pro, and Ulead Video Studio are highly compatible with the DCR-SR42’s .MPG file format, and files need only be dragged and dropped into the program to start editing.

Due to MPEG-2’s relatively small file sizes, you will not need a super computer to manipulate clips. All that is needed is a USB connection and a fairly recent version of Windows of Mac OS — the DCR-SR42 will actually show up as a hard drive, and files can be dragged and dropped right to the computer.

 

 

 

 

Auto / Manual Controls

Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (7.0)

The automatic controls on the Sony DCR-SR42 are great, as is expected from a Sony camcorder. In fact, the automatic responses are one of the best reasons to buy it, particularly the auto exposure. Major transitions from light to dark are smooth. They go faster than a pro camcorder might, but this will please most consumers. The more impressive performance happens with subtle exposure shifts. The metering method appears to be center-weighted, with an appreciation of the overall frame. When panning across complicated shots with lots of hot spots and shadows, the camcorder always seemed to maintain a healthy balance. Exposure shifts during these shots were almost imperceptibly smooth.

The other key auto controls: white balance, shutter speed, and focus, were all good, as well. Mixed lighting proved to be problematic, as it does with most camcorders. When the light is uniform, particularly outdoors, it handles well enough. The focus remains faithful down to moderately low light.

There are few "manual controls" in the traditional sense, but there are several assisted controls the user can employ; think of them as manual controls with training wheels. Two of Sony’s most popular are Spot Focus and Spot Meter. When activated, each creates a frame around the image on the LCD. Simply touch the area of the screen that you want in focus or properly exposed. The controls don’t work well with small objects, but if the area is at least as wide as your finger, you might find them very helpful.

The Scene mode menu

There are also a large number of Scene modes: Auto, Twilight, Candle, Sunrise & Sunset, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, Sports, Beach, and Snow. This is one of the largest ranges of options of any manufacturer.

*

Overall Manual Control (3.0)*

Sony is not known for its generosity with manual controls, and the DCR-SR42 will do little to change that reputation. Sony makes its mark with ease of use and automatic controls. They also include assisted manual controls (listed above) that allow the user to feel engaged in the shooting process without having to understand the principles of photography.

The SR42 includes a mediocre manual focus, exposure compensation, and white balance. There is no aperture, shutter control, or gain control.

Zoom (5.0)

The DCR-SR42 has a small zoom toggle located on the top toward the rear. We would have preferred it to sit a little farther back, as the middle finger tends to fall on it, rather than the index finger. With its massive 40x optical zoom, good control is important. While the toggle could have been better placed, the action on the zoom is very good. Depending on finger pressure, we were able to get three to four zoom speeds. Best of all was the crawl, which was very slow and steady across the entire zoom range. Many camcorders will only give you a slow crawl for a portion of the range, then incrementally speed up.

When zooming, a small scale appears in the upper left corner. It gives you an approximate sense of where in the zoom range you are, but an actual numerical value would have been more useful.

Zoom Power Ratio (40.0)

The Sony DCR-SR42 features an incredible 40x zoom, which is certainly one of its strongest selling points. Just to get a sense of what 40x actually accomplishes, we set up a little test in the office. Ultimately, we were able to read text in a 12-point font from 34 feet away. Granted, a solid tripod was absolutely necessary, because the resolution on this camcorder is bad, as is the stabilization system. Even great camcorders have noticeable shake after 5x or 6x. A handheld 40x shot would be useless.

Focus (3.0)*

The manual focus control, as expected from a low-end Sony, is poor. The touch screen interface is simply the worst method to adjust focus, and the tiny, 2.5-inch LCD on the SR42 only adds frustration. When activated from within the Camera menu, the screen becomes cluttered with icons and graphics, seven in total, completely blocking the subject of your shot. It’s as if Sony is actively trying to prevent you from making a manual adjustment. Also, the more touching you do, the more grease accumulates on the screen, making focus completely impossible. Clearly, Sony wants you to use the automatic focus. If you’re expecting control, look toward any other manufacturer.

The focus controls in action

Exposure & Aperture (5.5)

The DCR-SR42 has a simple exposure control to brighten and darken the image. It’s perfect for beginners, but advanced users will be disappointed with the lack of aperture control. To activate, go to the Exposure feature in the Camera menu. Like with manual focus, Sony insists on junking up the screen with a lot of graphics, although it’s less detrimental here. A large scale appears in the middle of the screen with plus and minus buttons on either side. Push the plus button to make it darker, and the minus button to make it lighter – that simple! There are no numerical values given. The scale has a total of 28 increments.

Shutter Speed (0.0)

There is no shutter speed control on the DCR-SR42. Precious few consumer camcorders from Sony offer shutter, though nearly every JVC, Canon, and Panasonic does.

White Balance (5.5)

The white balance options are also listed in the Camera menu. They include Auto, Outdoor, Indoor, and One Push (Manual). The choice of presets is less impressive than most Canons and JVCs, but Panasonic is similarly weak.

Making a manual adjustment is fast and simple. Select the One Push option, aim at your white or grayscale target, then push the white balance icon button.

The white balance  options in action

Gain (0.0)

There is no gain control on the Sony DCR-SR42. Only Panasonic offers this option in the consumer range.

Other Manual Controls (1.0)

Auto Slow Shutter - The Auto Slow Shutter option allows the camcorder to drop below its normal minimum of 1/60 for the auto shutter down to 1/30 of a second.

Color Slow Shutter - The Color Slow Shutter is much more drastic than the Auto Slow Shutter. With this option, you’re giving the OK for the camcorder to drop down to incredibly slow speeds. The manual does not specify, but it appears to be as slow as a half-second.

 

 

 

 

Still Features

Still Features* (3.5)*

The DCR-SR42 has some very limited abilities to capture digital still images to the 30GB HDD or a Memory Stick PRO Duo card. Images can only be captured at VGA size (640 x 480) in either Fine or Normal quality. The DCR-SR42 offers a Self-Timer that can be set to a fixed 8 seconds, and that pretty much does it for still features here. Let us do some math here for you. 640 x 480 is approximately 0.3 megapixels. The average point-and-shoot still camera this year had a 7.1 megapixel sensor – that’s 23 times the resolution of this camcorder. * *

The JVC GZ-MG155 can snap stills up to 1152 x 864 in size and features a Continuous Shooting mode and a video light.

When playing back stills, the on-screen playback controls consist of Return, Previous Clip, Start/Pause Slide Show, Next Clip, and Photo Playback Options. The Photo Playback Options menu is modeled after the Video Playback Options menu, and contains the following items: Print, Copy, Slide Show Settings, Data Code, and Delete.

Still Performance* (8.55)*

We tested the still performance of the Sony DCR-SR42 by shooting a GretagMacBeth Color Checker chart at an even, bright light, then running the stills through Imatest imaging software to determine color accuracy, noise, and saturation. At best, the camcorder was able to produce a color error of 7.02, which was on par with other camcorders in its class. The noise measured 1.6475 percent, which was skewed due to heavy noise in the blue channel.

Outside of the lab, the SR42 was not much of a still performer. What good is a 640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels) image in an age of 11-megapixel pocket cameras? The score for this section, based primarily on the color accuracy score, can be misleading, and does not factor in the small photo size. Be sure to consider the Still Resolution score below.

Still Resolution* (1.88)*

The still resolution was tested by shooting an Applied Image ISO 12233 resolution chart at an even, bright light and running the stills through Imatest imaging software. At best, the camcorder was able to produce an approximate horizontal resolution of 375.2 line widths per picture height (lw/ph) – with a 8.79 percent oversharpening – and a vertical resolution of 263.4 lw/ph – with a 3.46 percent clipping and a 27.2 percent oversharpening.

In order to get this best score, we needed to boost the exposure on the SR42 by one increment.

 

 

 

 

Handling and Use

Ease of Use* (7.0)*

There’s nothing quite easier to use than an entry-level Sony. However, this Sony is the cat’s meow when it comes to hassle-free shooting. Point-and-shooters far and wide will swoon over the DCR-SR42’s Easy mode, which provides excellent automatic adjustment. All the shooter has to do is hit the record button and it’s family barbeque time! The best part is that the DCR-SR42 does not require tapes, discs, or SD/SDHC cards to capture video. All footage is stored to the camcorder’s 30GB internal HDD, which offers more than 440 minutes in the highest quality setting.

On the downside, making manual adjustments is vexing due to the tiny 2.5-inch LCD screen coupled with a touch screen interface. The buttons are just too small for such a miniscule screen. A stylus would almost help here—in fact, Sony equipped some of its past models with styluses. The DCR-SR42 is almost bare — it is one of the most minimalist camcorders on the market, featuring limited connectivity and external buttons and controls. It would take a lot for a beginner to feel bogged down while shooting with the DCR-SR42.

Handling* (5.0)*

The DCR-SR42 is Sony’s smallest camcorder, and it has to be. JVC’s standard definition Everio line is well renowned for its stellar portability factor. The JVC GZ-MG155 is almost the size of a balled fist, and can fit in a large pocket. Sony, ever the fierce contender, answers with a camcorder that is just 10 percent larger in size, and five grams heavier. The Panasonic SDR-H20 is slightly larger than the DCR-SR42, and weighs more. This is not to say that the SDR-H20 is a monster—at this price range you’re paying for large hard drives stuffed in tiny, portable frames. The DCR-SR42 just happens to fall between the unmistakably petite GZ-MG155 and slightly plumper SDR-H20.

So how does this little bugger handle? Well, the DCR-SR42 is one of the most comfortable compact camcorders on the market. The entire right side is ergonomically sloped to fit the natural concave shape of the hand. Anyone with hands larger than a first grader’s will have to adjust the DCR-SR42 to fit the natural placement of their fingers, but for the most part, the onboard layout is well orchestrated to accommodate a broad spectrum of anatomy. A two-inch trench is embedded along the top of the DCR-SR42 to provide grip for the middle and ring fingers. The zoom toggle lays smack dab in the middle up top and is easily accessible via the index finger. The thumb has a tendency to stray across the battery pack, but the record start/stop button is within close reach.

You’ll want to shift your hand down a bit within the hand strap for your fingers to line up with their designated controls. The good news is that the DCR-SR42 is outfitted with a thick, durable hand strap. Although the hand strap does not provide adequate padding, it is miles ahead of the GZ-MG155’s unpadded nylon strap. The DCR-SR42’s hand strap is also mounted higher than most camcorders, which means your hand will stay glued to the right side, rather than the camcorder flopping to at an awkward 45-degree angle.

While the DCR-SR42 is a solid camcorder in terms of feel, operation is another story — the DCR-SR42 is saddled with a 2.5-inch LCD screen. While this might not be an issue on other camcorders, we all know Sonys tout touch screen displays. Without a stylus, making manual adjustments and navigating through the menu is truly discouraging. The buttons are tiny and sometimes must be pressed several times before kicking in. The GZ-MG155 utilizes an LCD-mounted joystick, which is far superior in terms of manual adjustment and overall navigation.

Menu* (6.5)*

Sony’s implementation of the touch screen "Home" menu has been met with great success as consumers gravitate toward the intuitive, organized structure and soothing selection sounds. For the most part, options are categorized and placed in appropriate locations — all manual controls and effects can be found within the Camera menu. All administrative functions are located within the Home menu, and Video and Photo settings are divided into "Movie Settings" and "Photo Settings." One gripe we have about the Camera menu is that when you manually adjust the camcorder’s Exposure, Focus, etc., you are booted back to the standby screen instead of returning to the Camera menu to make further adjustments. This one-by-one method of manual control adjustment is a time eater and ramps up the annoyance factor of your shooting experience.

The Home menu offers the following options:

 

The Camera menu is composed of the following options:

Camera Menu in action

Portability* (7.0)*

Lower-end HDD camcorders like the Sony DCR-SR42 are a tourist’s dream. They can fit inside a fanny pack, require no tapes or DVDs, and are extremely lightweight to alleviate potential arm strain from filming an entire day at Six Flags. The DCR-SR42 measures a petite 73 x 72 x 109mm (2 7/8 x 2/ 7/8 x 4 3/8 inches) and gingerly tips the scale at 380 grams (11 ounces). The DCR-SR42 is also compact with minimal extruding parts — this thing will endure a significant beating as long as you don’t inadvertently let it slip out of your hand while riding the Great American Scream Machine. The DCR-SR42 will fit in some large pockets — we managed to fit it inside a small sports sock — but a small camera bag will provide optimal protection. Please don’t tote your camcorders around in socks. The DCR-SR42 is equipped with a manual lens cover, so be sure to close it before transport — there are few things in the camcorder world that are worse than a scratched lens. We recommend at least one larger NP-FH60 backup battery pack or two NP-FH40s.

LCD and Viewfinder* (4.0)*

Monitoring options are slim on most HDD camcorders. The DCR-SR42 is the only horizontal-grip camcorder this year to feature a 2.5-inch LCD screen. The LCD screen extends 90 degrees from the body of the camcorder and rotates up to 270 degrees. There is no viewfinder to be found on any of Sony’s HDD camcorders, so you’re stuck with the DCR-SR42’s 123,200-pixel display. The screen itself exhibits a decent picture, but colors are washed out and sharpness is lacking. There is a vertical panel of controls along the left side of the LCD panel: Home, Zoom Out, Zoom In, and Record Start/Stop.

You can control the brightness of the LCD screen via a horizontal slider found in the Sound/Display settings, in addition to a one-touch LCD Bright option. Color saturation can also be adjusted using a horizontal slider. Those who plan on using manual controls will want to steer clear of these display options. There is always the possibility of discrepancy between what you see on the screen and what it actually being recorded. Sony gains points for convenience, but the DCR-SR42’s only viewing pane leaves much to be desired.

Battery Life* (12.0)*

We tested the life of the DCR-SR42’s NP-FH40 battery pack by filming continuously in Manual mode with the LCD flipped open and EIS disengaged until the battery ran out of juice. The DCR-SR42 lasted 119 minutes and 46 seconds (1 hour, 59 minutes, and 46 seconds) — an admirable performance for such a small pack. We recommend a couple backup battery packs to last a full day’s worth of shooting. Sony offers the NP-FH60, which lasts approximately 35 percent longer than the supplied NP-FH40.

 

 

 

 

Audio / Playback / Connectivity

Audio* (3.0)*

Audio options are slim to none on the DCR-SR42, as the camcorder lacks an accessory shoe and mic and headphone jacks. The only control you have over the built-in stereo microphone are two level settings: Normal and Low. In Normal mode, sounds are recorded at a fixed level, no matter how loud or soft. In Low mode, sounds are recorded at a variable level that adjusts to loud or soft tones. Nevertheless, you won’t notice much of a difference with such a cheap onboard mic. At this price point, it’s hard to find a camcorder that offers advanced audio options.

Playback* (3.0)*

Playback on almost any Sony is simple, and the DCR-SR42 does not stray from the rest. In order to access Playback mode, you can either press the external Playback button in the LCD cavity or the on-screen playback button in the bottom left corner of the LCD screen. Once in Playback mode, a blue screen appears containing miniature thumbnails that represent individually recorded clips. The zoom toggle shifts the amount of displayed thumbnails between six and 12 at a time. A row of buttons line the bottom of the LCD screen: Video mode, Video Playback, Photo Playback, Memory Stick Photo Playback, and Playback Options.

In order to play back a clip, touch its corresponding thumbnail and it begins playing within the entirety of the LCD screen. A number of on-screen Playback controls line the bottom and sides of the LCD screen: Previous Clip, Next Clip, Stop, Rewind, Play/Pause, Fast Forward, and Playback Options. The Playback Options menu contains the following items:

While playing a clip back, you can press the playback options button and Volume and Data Code settings will be available.

Connectivity* (4.0)*

Onboard connectivity options are rather absurd on the DCR-SR42. You get a DC input, an AV-out jack, and a Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo slot. No USB! If you want to transfer your footage , you’ll have to rely on the included Handycam Station, which includes the same DC-in and AV-out terminals, and the USB. Why Sony felt the need to withhold an on-camera USB is a riddle. It could have saved a lot of hassle and skipped the docking station altogether.

 

The Memory Stick slot is embedded within the LCD cavity with no cover of any sort, so you’ll have to make sure the LCD screen is closed when the camcorder is not in use. The AV-out terminal is on the right side of the camcorder, housed by a rugged oval shield attached to the body of the camcorder via two thin plastic strips. The DC-in is located in back to the right of the battery, and features a rectangular design that is less prone to pulling out. The DC-in jack is protected by a tiny rectangular plastic strip.

 

 

 

 

 

Other Features

What’s in the Box?

The Sony DCR-SR42 ships with the following items:

  • AC Adapter

  • Power Cord

  • Handycam Station

  • A/V Connecting Cable

  • USB Cable

  • Wireless Remote Commander

  • NP-FH40 Rechargeable Battery Pack

  • CD ROM: Handycam Application Software

  • Operating Guide

Not many additional items are needed for an entry-level HDD camcorder. There is no need to buy discs or tapes. A backup battery is a must-have at this price point, and a small camera bag will seal the deal.

Other Features* (2.0)*
*Drop Protection - *In those fateful instances where gravity takes aim at your camcorder, Sony has included a Drop Protection setting to prevent any lost data in the event of a G-force tragedy. When Drop Protection is enabled, the camcorder automatically shuts off when it senses sudden, jerky movement. The DCR-SR42 may be cosmetically injured, but the data should remain intact.

*Super NightShot Plus System - *The DCR-SR42 follows in the NightShot legacy with Super NightShot Plus. As if regular NightShot wasn’t enough, the DCR-SR42 is equipped with an infrared light that can be activated from within the Movie settings. Now footage will appear even more eerily greenish.

*Fader - *For dramatic transitions, you can turn on the fader, which begins each clip with a fade-in and ends each slip with a fade-out, activated by the record start/stop button. Choose between black or white.

*Digital Effect(s)- *Almost every Sony we’ve seen this year has included Digital Effects, but our faithful readers know all you get is an Old Movie effect and nothing else. This time, you can only apply the Old Movie effect in 4:3 mode, not 16:9.

*Battery Info- *When the DCR-SR42 is powered off, you can check the remaining battery life by pressing the display/battery info button. A screen containing a horizontal battery charge level meter appears. The remaining recording time is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

 

 

 

 

Comparisons / Conclusion

Comparison
Sony DCR-SR40
Last year’s DCR-SR40 ($599 MSRP) features the same imager, manual controls, limited connectivity, and classic Sony tricks like Easy mode and Super NightShot Plus. Therefore, video performance is essentially the same between both camcorders. You’ll also have to deal with that vexing 2.5-inch LCD screen that Sony neglected to upgrade for 2007. There are two significant improvements on this year’s DCR-SR42: revamped handling and an absurd 40x optical zoom. The DCR-SR42 has morphed from its predecessor’s brick-shaped, Everio-like body into a smooth, ergonomic dream. The 40x optical zoom is twice the DCR-SR40’s, and will delight stalkers and adventurers alike. For $549, we’d opt for the DCR-SR40, but check out the next camcorders before you hit up the ATM next to Best Buy.

Sony DCR-SR62
For an extra $50, the DCR-SR62 ($599 MSRP) offers a higher 1,070,000 pixel count, larger 2.7-inch LCD screen, and a hot accessory shoe. We can tell you right now that the DCR-SR62 is a better deal. Although we haven’t gotten a chance to test this camcorder, the DCR-SR62 most likely offers a sharper image due to its pixel increase. The 2.7-inch LCD screen softens the blow a bit when it comes to manual controls, and the DCR-SR62 is capable of supporting an external microphone or video light, thanks to its Active Interface Shoe. On the down side, you still have to deal with highly limited connectivity and no onboard USB terminal. The best part is that the DCR-SR62 flaunts the DCR-SR42’s old price tag. For $600, it’s between the DCR-SR62 and the next comparison.

JVC GZ-MG155
The GZ-MG155 ($599.95 MSRP) won Best Low-End HDD/Flash Memory in this year’s Camcorderinfo Selects for its slightly enhanced video quality, manual controls, and connectivity options. At this price point, the GZ-MG155 is the only HDD camcorder to pack 1,070,000 pixels in its 1/6-inch chip, while the DCR-SR42 and Panasonic SDR-H20 remain capped at 680,000. The GZ-MG155 also touts a joystick, making manual adjustment a lot more fun than punching tiny buttons on a 2.5-inch LCD screen. In addition, the GZ-MG155’s docking station includes A-Video and FireWire connections, as well as an onboard USB terminal. The DCR-SR42 can only answer with its massive 40x optical zoom and point-and-shooter-beloved Easy mode. Advanced shooters will want to look into the GZ-MG155, while loyal Sony fans and beginners will most likely gravitate toward the DCR-SR42.

Panasonic SDR-H20
Panasonic made strides with ts top-of-the-line standard definition SDR-H200, and the SDR-H20 ($599.95 MSRP) is modeled after portions of its greatness. The SDR-H20 features OIS, an excellent suite of manual controls, and stellar handling. Our only gripes are centered around the SDR-H20’s basic 1/6-inch, 680,000 imager, lack of an accessory shoe, and battery chamber port placement. On the bright side, the SDR-H20 features a rear-mounted joystick for one-handed camcorder operation. It’s a close race here. Those who wish to grow as a shooter will definitely want to check out the SDR-H20, while those who don't want to leave the cushy confines of Easy mode will want to stick with the DCR-SR42.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters

The DCR-SR42 has point-and-shooter written all over it. With preposterously long recording times, high portability factor, and classic Sony ease of use, the DCR-SR42 proves itself the best companion a trip to Disney can have.

Budget Consumers

The DCR-SR42 is the cheapest HDD camcorder in Sony’s fleet, and it’s a great overall package for beginners. Those who want more bang for the buck will want to check out the JVC GZ-MG155.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid

VGA (640 x 480) stills are suitable for … the Internet, and that’s about it. You can record stills to either the 30GB HDD or a Memory Stick PRO Duo card, but any cheap digital still camera will offer worlds more in quality and options.

Gadget Freaks

The DCR-SR42 is boring. Sorry to be so frank.

Manual Control Freaks

You get Exposure, Focus, and White Balance, but that’s it. The GZ-MG155 offers Shutter Priority, among additional manual control perks. Those looking to grow as a shooter will feel stunted with the DCR-SR42.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists

Not in any pro’s wildest dreams would they opt for an entry-level HDD camcorder as their primary or secondary piece of machinery. Perhaps as a tertiary choice for scenes with explosions?

**Conclusion
**The Sony DCR-SR42 is a pretty solid choice for light, occasional shooting for those on a budget. We promise you the video performance will not impress anyone. This is an entry-level camcorder, and delivers exactly as expected. If you’re wondering why it costs twice as much as Sony’s low-end MiniDV, it’s not image quality. In fact, if you take any two MiniDV and DVD/HDD camcorders with the same imaging system inside, MiniDV will always win – it uses a higher quality codec. That extra cash is going into increased portability, larger recording capacity, and, well … it’s a new and shiny technology; tape is old-school.

Stacked up against the competition, the SR42 wins out in ease of use. This has always been one of Sony’s core strengths. For non-techies, the Sony name recognition and big, fat "Easy" button on the side of the camcorder are like a pair of open and waiting arms. For those who want to go beyond basic point-and-shooting and see their camcorder as an opportunity to learn, we recommend our 2007 CamInfo Selects winner for Best Low-End HDD/Flash, the JVC GZ-MG155. For about the same price, the MG155 offers more powerful manual controls and a slightly better image.

 

 

 

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Michael Perlman

Michael Perlman

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Michael Perlman is a valued contributor to the Reviewed.com family of sites.

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