Review: Sony Handycam DCR-SR45
(Credit: Sony Electronics Inc.)It's probably not good when the bulleted features for a camcorder don't include anything about video quality or the components used that would suggest that the camcorder has good video quality. Such is the case with the Sony Handycam DCR-SR45. Sony's Web page for the SR45 lists hybrid recording (it'll store video on its 30GB hard drive or to Memory Stick Pro DUO cards), built-in zoom mic, Quick On button, a 40x optical zoom/2,000x digital zoom, and 2.7-inch touch panel.
To be honest, along with its ease of use and compact size, these are the camcorder's best features, though we question the value of a 40x zoom since your subject needs to be pretty still and you better have it on a tripod. But again, there's no mention of video quality as a prime selling point.
And now that we've finished testing it, we can see why.
Josh Goldman is a senior editor for CNET Reviews, covering digital cameras, camcorders, and related accoutrements. His ego is too big for this little box. E-mail Josh.
