Apr 18, 2009 05:00 PM
12585 Views
(Updated Apr 18, 2009 05:15 PM)
Sony SR11 is one of the best HD cameras that I have tried out till now. It cost me approx$650(Rs 29, 250/- that is about 10, 000 Rs cheaper than a lower end model, SR10, being sold here in Sony World Showroom in India)
Camera specifications are as follows
It has 1/3" CMOS Sensor
Can capture upto 6.1 megapixel Photographs( Though the Video Camera interpolates and even gives 10.2 megapixel photographs)
Very good lowlight sensitivity
Rich Color rendition and excellent clarity
Good battery life - Upto 120 mins( Company provided battery NP60)
Harddisk space of approx 60 GB will give more than 15 to 20 hrs of good quality video especially if you record it at HD 7 MBPS
Can record to an internal 60GB Harddisk or also to a Sony M2 Memory Stick
Good computer connectivity - USB 2.0 Port
Zoom Mic, 12x Optical zoom and good digital zoom too( Of course upto a certain limit)
Best part is it has got a viewfinder too, in addition to a large LCD ultra clear touchscreen panel( Many Small Camcorders do not have a viewfinder, while this might not be a big issue when you are shooting indoors, it can be quite difficult to shoot without a viewfinder outdoors when it is very sunny and bright, since the LCD Panel that almost all camcorders have might not be able to show the image well due to strong backlight)
In the past few months that I have owned this video camera, I have shot many more videos that what I had shot with my tape based cameras - especially because the harddisk media is so comfortable to use. Its been a real boon to me since I have been able to get candid photographs and videos of my son who is hardly 3 yrs old and unpredictable - You never know when you might get a good shot.
Here is one such candid video of him playing tabla:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=pbLhWwz0vzs
Hence overall I am satisfied with this Videocamera.
Of late Sony Has discontinued this camera, instead they have released Sony HDR-XR500V
It has got similar specifications with a few extra goodies like - a 120 GB harddisk instead of the 60GB on SR11.
Another Good HD Camera is Sony HDR-CX12( But this camera doesnt have a Harddisk, instead it uses Somy Memory Stick as the recording Media)
Also read this. Part 2
About Sony Showrooms and Sony Products available in India
I have visited quite a few, but the one that has left an indelible negative mark on me is the Sony World Showroom in Kormangala Bangalore
I am suprised as to how a company like Sony does not monitor the quality of service offered by its dealers and Sony branded Outlets
Sony products are well know for their ease of use and quality. I wanted to buy a High Definition Video Camera and hence went to a Sony Showroom in Kormangala - Bangalore.
A few facts about Sony Showrooms that I have visited- Especially the Sony World Showroom in Kormanagala- Bangalore. These guys know nothing about customer service
You better be dressed to kill, if you need them to pay any attention to you, else they will look down upon you
They also dont give you the correct technical specifications and might not be very helpful if you need their assistance in helping you decide a product based on technical specs - rather than the Showroom comission specs!
Their service is pathetic. Most of them dont even know about their products. The best HD they had was Sony SR10 which was priced at around Rs 39000 to 40000.
.And I am happy the Sony World Guys were rude, Because if not for them, I would have probably settled for the Sony SR10 which is nowhere near Sony SR11 when it comes to HD Quality!
