Customer Reviews for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
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Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Model: DCR-SR42
SKU: 8211534
UPC: 027242713659
This compact camcorder features a 30GB hard drive, so there is no need to lug around extra tapes or discs. Easily transfer content to your TV through the included Handycam station.549.99
Average Customer Rating:
3.9
out of 5
(54 Reviews) 54
Rating Snapshot 54 reviews
5 stars
25
4 stars
15
3 stars
3
2 stars
4
1 star
7
78% of customers would recommend this product to a friend
(
42 out of
54)
Customer Reviews for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Review 1 for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Horrible Video
Customer Rating
1.0
Posted by: camman
on 03/23/2008
What's great about it: touch screen, lightweight, hard drive
What's not so great: picture and video quality
I was really excited to get this camcorder, and had fun using it. Then I had to go and upload the video and pics onto my computer. It has the absoulte WORST video and picture resolution I have ever seen. I had bought my daughter a 100 dollar aiptek camcorder and it has better video and picture quality than the sr42. Had it for one day, took it back the next. DO NOT BUY!!!
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Review 2 for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
a great camcorder
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: ribert
from san antonio
on 01/12/2008
What's great about it: pretty good movie quilty
What's not so great: none
ive had this camera for 6 months it is a great camera i take it almost every where
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 3 for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Poor Quality Videos
Customer Rating
2.0
Posted by: Amanda86
on 01/04/2008
What's great about it: easy to use, lightweight
What's not so great: very poor still pictures, poor video quality (very grainy/snowy)
I wish I had read the other reviews on this camcorder before making this purchase; the video quality is not at all what you would expect from a Sony digital camcorder - very snowy, even in brighter lighting. The still camera is about the same quality as you would find on a cell phone... overall, I am very disappointed, but based on other reviews, I will give Sony another try with the SR200. I'll write a review on that camcorder when I recieve it and test it out. Hopefully the video quality is better like the reviews say!!
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Review 4 for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
NICE CAMCORDER
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: HOCKEYPUCK
from PHILA PA
on 01/02/2008
What's great about it: NO TAPES, LIGHTWEIGHT
What's not so great: NO CMAERA LIGHT, STILL PICS NO GOOD.
I did a lot a searching for this camcorder. Look at JVC, Panasonic and Sony. I picked the Sony for its price and quality. The camera is very,very light. I had the old 8mm camear and it got heavy after awhile. The on screen functions are great. Just got done transferring to DVD and it looks great. For the price this camera is worth it. I would like to see Sony upgrade the still pixs but i guess that is why I also own a Sony digital camera. Also would like to see a light for the camera even though the night vision works well.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 5 for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Its Ok
Customer Rating
3.0
Posted by: Todd597
from Wisconsin
on 12/29/2007
What's great about it: Size, Functions, Usability
What's not so great: Resolution
This camera is fine for the average use. I have a high def TV and it is pixelly on playback of my videos. It is not the "you tube" quality that some are saying, but it could be better. The hard drive is great. This camera does not deserve a 1 star rating for any reason, it is a good camera. I just think if I am going to spend $500, just as well spend the extra and have a great one. I plan on taking it back and getting the SR200. It just has more features and I think will stay up-to-date longer down the road.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 6 for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Go for the upgrade
Customer Rating
1.0
Posted by: Mark11
on 12/28/2007
What's great about it: Great transfer onto PC with Vista, light weight, hard drive is great
What's not so great: picture quality is poor even in good light, photo images are not usable
I purchased this camera to take Christmas videos of the kids opening the gifts with 3 large windows letting in tons of natural light and the image quality was still poor. Check the review of the camcorder at cnet.com and what they describe as "you tube" quality video is right on the money. Sony's handycam base to transfer is great, the hard drive is the best I have ever used, the shock protection is a great idea. Using Windows Vista transfering video clips in to Movie Maker and making good DVD's is easy and fun. I took my camcorder back to bestbuy and upgraded to the SRC200 and it is the right one. Great video quality and stills are usable too. Spend the extra money and get the 200 it won't disappoint like this one.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Review 7 for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Not So Good
Customer Rating
1.0
Posted by: abcdefghi
from Folsom, CA
on 12/26/2007
What's great about it: Small, lightweight
What's not so great: Picture Quality
Bought today, will take back in the morning. Picture quality both video and stills are grainy and blury? Easy to use, zoom is awsome, but the picture is borderline awful! Might look into the SR200 or a Hi Def model.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Review 8 for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Satisfied Purchase
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: firecop
from Mount Carmel, IL
on 12/26/2007
What's great about it: great picture and sound quality, easy to use
What's not so great: could have longer battery life
I did alot of research before choosing the SR42 Sony camcorder and so far I have been really pleased with my purchase. I have not experimented with downloading my recordings onto my computer and then make a DVD with them but will adventure into that in the near future. The ease in using this camcorder is great. Once I got the time/date stamp set up, the remaining operation of the camcorder was pretty simple. I do recommend reading the booklet first as this will answer most questions about this product. It also includes an instructional DVD if you want to go beyond the basic operational instructions. The price wasn't bad in comparison to the other camcorders although I noticed that the sale price went down another $16.00 since I made my purchase a week ago. But that's the way the old ball bounces. I would definately recommend this camcorder to any novice user. I recorded my son opening his christmas presents today and the recording came out great. I am planning on purchasing a bigger battery and additional charging unit as the battery that is included with this particular camcorder only gives a little over an hour of recording time.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 9 for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
What the other reviews don't say.
Customer Rating
2.0
Posted by: DeanB
on 12/24/2007
What's great about it: Hard Drive, Brand Name
What's not so great: Poor Image indoors
I was shocked when I downloaded some video on my PC. I could not believe how bad the image was. Even at full resolution it was like watching a video on Youtube. The best looking video was recorded in a very well lit store and was still nothing to brag about.
I decieded to do a back to back comparision with my 10yr old C-VHS. The test was done indoors, during the day, curtians shut, some lights on and some lights off. The C-VHS had a better picture.
I returned it and upgraded to DCR-SR200. It was well worth the extra money. There is no comparsion between the SR200 and SR42. I know it is more money but the SR42 is just not worth it's price.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Review 10 for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Very Poor Warranty
Customer Rating
1.0
Posted by: LGLDSR
from Boston, MA
on 12/19/2007
What's great about it: Excellent resolution
What's not so great: Horrible Labor Warranty - USE CAUTION!
While an excellent Camera please note that Sony (unlike Canon and most others) only provides a 90-DAY Warranty on Labor. In other words, if this requires warranty service on Day-91 then be prepared to shell out a flat fee of at least $129.00. Consider purchasing those Units (again, such as Canon, et al) that offer a one year warranty on both Parts AND Labor. For this reason only I have given it a very low rating.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Review 11 for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Simple & Small
Customer Rating
4.0
What's great about it: Easy to use, compact, no media.
What's not so great: Standard resolution.
This video camera is great because there's no more cassettes, DVDs or mini-discs to buy. All the data is stored on a hard drive in the camera. Then you can store them on your computer and burn only the good shots to DVD to share with friends & family. It's easy to use and isn't big and cumbersome like camecorders from the 90's. The resolution isn't great for zoomed footage, but I guess that's typical for standard resolution cameras. Can't wait for HD Camecorders. Until then, this is a good option.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 12 for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Cant ask for a better cam at this price
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: JerryTaurus
from Newark, DE
on 12/16/2007
What's great about it: Good quality video,sound,touch screen operations
What's not so great: Shaky when zoomed, Zoom not exactly feels 40X
This is the best camcorder, at this price. It gives decent video quality,audio and the touch screen operation is a delight.It snuggly fits into the hand which helps a lot with good recording.When i compared the zoom of this to the 32X zoom of JVC model,i found the JVC zoom to be superior, but the video quality of Sony is too good.But if you zoom it to max, then the cam becomes too shaky and u have to place it on a tripod to get the normal pic.
Some ppl complained that the camcorder is not detected by the pc, Even i got that problem, but really that is not a problem, u have to follow the steps(described in Sony support site) Connect the cam to PC via the USB, put it on the docking station and connect the ac adapter to the docking stn and then switch on the cam and open the lcd and then select the PC, this way you can connect cooly to the PC.
This is full worth for your money.
Some ppl complained that the camcorder is not detected by the pc, Even i got that problem, but really that is not a problem, u have to follow the steps(described in Sony support site) Connect the cam to PC via the USB, put it on the docking station and connect the ac adapter to the docking stn and then switch on the cam and open the lcd and then select the PC, this way you can connect cooly to the PC.
This is full worth for your money.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 13 for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Great All Around Camera
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: MattyHubastank
on 12/11/2007
What's great about it: Small, lightweight, HDD storage, touch screen
What's not so great: Poor still photo resolution
I received this unit as a gift early in the year and I couldn't be happier. The built in 30GB hard drive can store hours of video before transfering to your computer, it's compact and sleek enough to carry around without being too obtrusive, and the touch screen makes for easy menu navigation. The video quality isn't exactly HD, but it's adequate for any amateur videographer. The only gripe so far is the poor resolution of the still camera which is very grainy. One would think that, with a Carl Zeiss lens, pictures would come out relatively clear no matter what the resolution, but honestly who buys a video camera to take still photos anyways?
Simple to use, fine video quality and adequate storage, this is a great video camera for anyone wanting to make home and vacation movies with ease.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 14 for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Messed with it but wife won't let me have it till
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: wizeguy2007
from Las Vegas
on 12/05/2007
What's great about it: Size and ease of use and night shot
What's not so great: not sure yet
I just wanted to add that there was a review I didn't agree with. It stated that the camera had no features like sephia etc. I guess this person hasn't played with the camera much but I would like to let him know it has Sephia and all those nice little extras. He just needs to look through the menu screens a bit. I got to turn it on and use it for about a half hour and I was pretty impressed with it but then again I haven't tried to download anything yet, I just plugged it into my TV and zoomed around my room. I feel bad for the man who might have gotten a messed up camera but I think he should give it another chance. I think he will be very pleased once he gets one that isn't broken or maybe he put the camera on Night shot with out realizing it and thats why his video was green. Anyway I look forward to using this little guy and hope I enjoy it as much as I think I will.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 15 for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Extremely Disappointing
Customer Rating
1.0
Posted by: JP2090
from Marietta, GA
on 11/19/2007
What's great about it: Lightweight, compact, hard drive
What's not so great: doesn't work, display
Purchased the camcorder on Staurday, November 17, 2007 for my sons Thanksgiving recital/ play on Monday, November 19, 2007. It recorded a toatl of 9 minutes 35 seconds before the screen went green and stopped recording. No matter what was done to the camcorder, it never recovered from the green screen of death. Was unable to see my sons performance due to this problem, on a BRAND NEW UNIT!!!!!
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Review 16 for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Best camera ever used
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: dady92562
from murrieta,ca
on 11/14/2007
What's great about it: Easy to use and lightwaight
What's not so great: Manuel lenscap
I havn't owned too many video camera's but when I was in the serious market for one, this one stood out above the rest. It more then suits my needs and is very easy to use. It has very good picture quality and easy to burn to DVD>
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 17 for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
You Could Make Your Own "Survivorman" Show With It
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Schadeboy
from Sierra Vista, AZ
on 11/05/2007
What's great about it: Small, compact, easy to use, exceptional video quality, great sound, no tape-drive motor noise, easy computer transfer.
What's not so great: Controls are a bit on the tiny side, and a little too sensitive; my fingers constantly brush the zoom controls.
Overall, this is an exceptional camera at this price point. I did what I would consider to be a good deal of research on this, and I feel that I made a good decision. I bought this camera from a local Best Buy, who price-matched the online sale price. The thing I like most about this camera, which is a direct result of having a hard drive instead of tape, is the fact that there is no noise from the drive mechanism that gets recorded. On my older camcorder, the tape drive mechanics made a high-pitched whine that would end up getting recorded along with all the other audio. If the surrounding audio was loud enough, the whine would be overpowered. But in quiet settings, or settings where the camera is far away from the action, the whine would overpower the audio I wanted to record. With this new camera, that doesn't happen. It's very quiet. It's so quiet it's almost unnerving. I love it.
I also find the compactness of this camera to be quite useful. It's not unwieldy at all, and makes for easy storage in smaller camera bags. It also makes it very easy to get different types of angels that would otherwise be cumbersome with my older camera. I can hold this camera in ways that allow me to get at eye-level with my younger children, which not only makes for better videos, but thrills the kids to no end (they're always telling me to turn the display panel around so they can see themselves).
There are a number of features that are missing that came with my old camera, though. Such as the hotshoe mount, and no built-in camera light. But I never used those anyway. I also don't like the sensitivity of the zoom controls. With my big hands, I brush the zoom controls easily and can activate them when I don't intend to.
I find the 2000 digital zoom to be a bit overkill. Once you pass the 40-X optical zoom, the digital zoom becomes more or less useless (at least for me). The Image stabilization does not hold up at this point, so if you must use it, use a tripod.
Importing the video from the camera to your computer is pretty simple. I like to use Adobe Premiere CS3, and while that application can import the video with apparent ease, I am having trouble with audio. For the time being, I'll attribute that to my lack of experience with Premiere, or Global Warming, whichever is more convenient. A work-around that I have found so far is to import the raw video to Windows Movie Maker and then publish the video to WMV format. Premiere can take this format in without problems. However, keep in mind that I'm using Windows Vista. I don't know if this work-around will perform as well under XP or any other OS.
Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase, and look forward to many years of use from this little camera. I highly recommend it if you're looking for something that's easy to use, lightweight, and records to a hard drive.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 18 for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Great camcorder
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: apollosdad
from Portland OR
on 10/20/2007
What's great about it: Excellent video quality & easy to use
What's not so great: Small and no eyepiece, but that's a matter of preference.
This thing sure beats my old Hi8 video camera!!!
I can just record and record to my little heart's content. Excellent quality video...The still images leave something to be desired, but that's what I got a still camera for. It does not, however, have all the on-camera effects that my old Hi8 did like negative, sepia, mirror, etc. The fact that it's a hard drive camcorder makes it easier to edit and add whatever effects I am able to using video editing software...try that with a video tape based camcorder...not so easy, now, is it.
I can just record and record to my little heart's content. Excellent quality video...The still images leave something to be desired, but that's what I got a still camera for. It does not, however, have all the on-camera effects that my old Hi8 did like negative, sepia, mirror, etc. The fact that it's a hard drive camcorder makes it easier to edit and add whatever effects I am able to using video editing software...try that with a video tape based camcorder...not so easy, now, is it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 19 for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Everything she was looking for!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: hardrollin
from Glenn Heights, TX
on 10/19/2007
So far it's been everything my wife has been looking for in a camcorder. Not only does it have great quality in video and pictures, but long battery life as well. It's very convenient in size and nice looking too. Like I said, she loved it and she isn't easy to please!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 20 for Sony Handycam Camcorder with 30GB Hard Disk and 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Poor video quality
Customer Rating
1.0
Posted by: javagate
on 10/18/2007
What's great about it: Easy to use and get video/pics to the PC
What's not so great: Really poor quality video even at the sale price.
I returned this Camcorder after only 1 days of use. The video was mediorcer to bad. The still pics were of terribile quality too.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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