Digital Zoom: 2000 - Optical Zoom: 60 - Image Stabiliser: Electronic (Steady Shot) - Supported Media Type: Memory Stick PRO Duo - Viewfinder Type: without Viewfinder more
Complementary the HD range is a line-up of nine brilliantly affordable Standard Definition models in a choice of Memory Stick, hard disk or DVD formats. Shooting onto convenient... more
flash memory plus HYBRID recording on optional Memory Stick, 800 k pixel CCD sensor, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 60x optical zoom/2000x digital zoom,
can choose record to the 4GB internal flash memory or expand the memory even further using the Memory Stick slot (Memory Sticks available separately). The quality C...
can choose record to the 4GB internal flash memory or expand the memory even further using the Memory Stick slot (Memory Sticks available separately). The quality C...
SONY DCRSX30ER.CEH
The Sony DCR-SX30 in Red is very light and compact. A fun easy shooting camcorder with an ... more
ultra-powerful 60x optical zoom / 2000x digital zoom. Benefits from SteadyShot image stabilization for clearer video and stills when shooting handheld.
flash memory plus HYBRID recording on optional Memory Stick, 800 k pixel CCD sensor, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 60x optical zoom/2000x digital zoom,
flash memory plus HYBRID recording on optional Memory Stick, 800 k pixel CCD sensor, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 60x optical zoom/2000x digital zoom,
flash memory plus HYBRID recording on optional Memory Stick, 800 k pixel CCD sensor, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 60x optical zoom/2000x digital zoom,
Sony DCR-SX30R Red
Light & compact Handycam records almost 3 hours of quality Standard Definition video onto ... more
4GB internal memory. Super power 60x zoom Carl Zeiss lens linked to zoom mic. Quick start-up by LCD open- SteadyShot image stabilisation and easy to use Picture Motion Browser software for WEB upload.
Sony DCR-SX30E Blue
Light & compact Handycam records almost 3 hours of quality Standard Definition video onto ... more
4GB internal memory. Super power 60x zoom Carl Zeiss lens linked to zoom mic. Quick start-up by LCD open- SteadyShot image stabilisation and easy to use Picture Motion Browser software for WEB upload.
This is a versatile memory stick camcorder with extra 4 GB of internal memory. The DCR-SX30 can record just under 3 hours of film on its internal memory alone.
The DCR-SX30 is a very good ‘cheapish’ cam recorder with lots of decent features (see bellow). That is one of the best in the category of decent non HD camcorders. It is very light, fun to use and a very powerful zoom.
Features
• 60x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar zoom lens with option of up to 2000x digital zoom • 800,000 pixel CCD sensor • ‘SteadyShot’® image stabilisation to avoid shaky movies • 2.7 inch Wide touch screen LCD display for ease of use • ‘Face Index’ and ‘Film Roll Index’ features that make searching for footage easy. • Ultra-low power consumption in Sleep Mode • Optional Stamina battery allows up to 13 hours' continuous shooting time • Quick start-up. • Stereo sound recording that has a zoom microphone that synchronises with lens zooming to help picking out distant sounds. • ‘One Touch Disc Burn’ using USB and easy PC backup • ‘DVDirect Express’ compatible -- >allows high-speed burning to disc with DVD writer • Easy to use Picture Motion Browser PC software for managing and uploading video and photos in calendar view.
Specifications
(complete list can be found at http://www.sony.co.uk/product/sdh-standard-definition-on-memory-stick/dcr-sx30e#pageType=TechnicalSpecs)
*Weight = 250 grams (lightweight)
*Photo Mode Resolution =640 x 480 pixels
*Pixels = 0.8 Megapixels
*High Definition Recording = No
*Image stabilizer = Yes
*LCD screen = Yes
*Zoom = Yes
*Built in flash = No
*MPEG movie mode = No
*Built in Editor = Yes
Price
If you look hard, you can find it on some sites such as www.globalelectricals.co.uk for £199 with no shipping. This may not be such a reputable dealer so remember use a credit card with security. Beware prices vary lots, e.g. Marks and Sparks sell this for £289, with £3.50 shipping.
This is a very good price for a camera of this quality; back in 2007 something with this specification would sell for £200 more than now. Even competitors of this camera are a lot more expensive, usually above the £350 mark, they do however offer lots of features, but so does this. Then again …… when was the last time you bought a gadget and used all the features???
Style
The Sony DCR-SX30 comes in three fantastic colours, Red, Silver and Blue, all of which in my opinion are very stylish. The camera fits perfectly into the palm of your hand and has a nice feel to it. The surface is very shinny and aluminum and the nice compact size will allow you to place this camcorder in your pocket of your jeans or in a bag.
You certainly won’t look like your carrying an old Kodak around.
Durability
For what is a relatively cheap, tiny piece of equipment, it has suffered the bumps and falls of my ownership rather well. The camcorder like most of Sony’s equipment is prone to scratches, and with a camcorder like this in the size and weight you will be tempted to put it in your pocket, beware keys and coins will scratch. And if you are anything like me, you should buy a bag (see cons).
Ease of use
This camera is really easy to use. With no previous #knowledge of cameras, my 5 year old cousin preceded to record a 2 minute video of me eating an ice cream at Kynance Cove. That said, there are far too many functions for its own good, this camcorder is as complicated as you want it to be.
Once you put the camcorder into the Computer the Sony software does all the rest for you chopping and changing what you don’t want into nice beautiful semi professional looking clips, with a little human guidance.
My experience
I have had this camcorder for a few months now, having paid rather too much on it in the 1st place. However it has served me well and been very useful at times, many others and myself applaud its ease of use, and most notably the zooming functions are better than most camcorders double in price. I was attracted towards this product because of its great looks, size and speed of use. However in my own hindsight I would have bought something cheaper with a better pixel count so I could use it as a very good camera as well. No-one will make the most out of the zoom on this, with the quality of video.
Pros
*The first thing you notice about this camera is how light it is (or perhaps that’s because I’ve spend the majority of the last 9 months in a gym, SEE REVIEW ON CREAPURE). Secondly it looks great as you can see in the pictures I have provided, far more stylish than many of the competitors. Its compact size with very lightweight, and quick start up make it a perfect camera for on the go fun on the beach with family or looking around a tourist site or even to make a fun video with friends in the garden.
*This camcorder does have a great zooming ability, (60 x optical zoom and 2000 x digital zoom), better than all similar competitors and camcorders of similar prices. It also has a fantastic audio ability capable of zooming into sound and removing unwanted rustling and chatter. Also on a different level would be very good for all the snoopers out there who wish to listen in on other people, but pointing the camera towards them may not be the most subtle of manoeuvres.
*This camera is also incredibly easy to use, Sony treat their customers well, and give them a 10 year guarantee and some great really easy to use software that will put your lovely home videos on the computer in no time at all, as well as burning them, emailing them or putting them on social networking sites.
*Sony also provide lots of extra packs that you can purchase along with your camcorder, such as; Accessory Kits, Batteries & Chargers, Cables & Connectors, Cases, DVDirec, Docking Stations & Cables, Flashes & Lights, GPS, Other Accessories, Sports Packs & Tripods. These are for all camcorders, not just the DCR-SX30.
Cons
*My concern is that nowadays people demand a lot more from every than before and a digital camcorder is also expected to be a very good camera, and in this case I am afraid this is not the case. It only has a 0.8 Megapixel camera and if you look at many digital cameras of today you will see figure like 8 to 12 megapixels being bounded around as standard digital cameras. Whilst I feel that there is no need for such a high pixel count for most people’s general usage, there is, as I am sure you will agree a large disparity between 0.8 and 8 megapixels.
*The battery life is not brilliant of a camera of this ilk, 2 hours to be precise, so you may wish to purchase a new longer lasting one; at considerable expense it must be said. Upwards of £100.
*This camera does not come with a carry case, you need to buy one specially, however if you buy one with the camera from the company you bought it from, you should get a good deal. The camcorder like most of Sony’s equipment is prone to scratches, and with a camcorder like this in the size and weight you will be tempted to put it in your pocket, beware keys and coins will scratch.
Conclusion
If you are looking to produce a Hollywood blockbuster, this would not be my camera of choice, but the price reflects that. Its compact size with very lightweight and quick start up and ease of use make it a perfect camera for on the go fun on the beach with family or looking around a tourist site or even to make a fun video with friends in the garden.
Like most modern cameras, or even gadgets come to that, there are too many unnecessary features that have no place on the item.
However my only slight hesitations are the pixel count (0.8Mp) and the battery life but apart from that it is very good, so 4.25/5 from me.
Advantages: chic design, and brandname Disadvantages: many
...dont waste money on this sony product and OH!!!!!! the service at sonycentre in leeds is the worst they will fight as if you killed their camera by approaching them the worst part is about to come when the technical details are disclosed the camera has .2 and .5 mp of resolution and it does not have features to tune your image it does not shoot in dark andin low light the picture quality is of webcam dont buy this camcorder unless you are buying ...
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Complementary the HD range is a line-up of nine brilliantly affordable Standard Definition models in a choice of Memory Stick, hard disk or DVD formats. Shooting onto convenient internal flash memory or removable Memory Stick media, the DCR-SX30 stands out from the crowd with a choice of bold color finishes. In a Handycam first, entry-level SD models in all formats now feature a highest-ever 60x optical zoom range to pull distant objects closer still. Other highlights include quick start-up and SteadyShot image stabilization for clearer video and stills.
Additional features
Additional Features: USB 2.0 compatibility, touch-screen control, backlight compensation, PictBridge support, Dolby Digital AC-3 (2 channel) recording