Sony DCR-SR42 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: When you're recording a special occasion, keeping things simple is the safest way to go: Just point, press a button, and let the camcorder do the rest. That's the approach championed by Sony's DCR-SR42 Handycam ($540 as of April 24, 2007), which ...

Pros: Powerful zoom Touch screen eases menu navigation

Cons: Lacks white balance calibration Low-quality still images

Verdict: Though the DCR-SR42 may seem pricey, its powerful telephoto lens and simple operation make it attractive for informal videography

Review summary: Camcorder with 30GB hard drive

Pros: Compact and lightweight ; large storage capacity ; bundled dock ; built-in lens cover

Cons: Mediocre video and still photo quality ; no wind filter ; small, fingerprint-magnet touchscreen LCD ; software free for Windows but not for the Mac

Verdict: Given its mediocre video quality, the Sony Handycam DCR-SR42 seems overpriced for what it delivers

Review summary: sony handycam dcr-sr42 review: Given its mediocre video quality, the Sony Handycam DCR-SR42 seems overpriced for what it delivers.

Pros: Compact and lightweight, Large storage capacity, Bundled dock, Built-in lens cover

Cons: Mediocre video and still photo quality, No wind filter, Small, fingerprint-magnet touch screen LCD, Software free for Windows but costs extra for Mac.

Verdict: Given its mediocre video quality, the Sony Handycam DCR-SR42 seems overpriced for what it delivers.

Pros: Compact and lightweight ; large storage capacity ; bundled dock ; built-in lens cover

Cons: Mediocre video and still photo quality ; no wind filter ; small, fingerprint-magnet touch screen LCD ; software free for Windows but $100 for Mac

Verdict: Given its mediocre video quality, the Sony Handycam DCR-SR42 seems overpriced for what it delivers.

Review summary: At first glance, the Sony DCR-HC42 looks promising enough. It's compact, sports a 2.7-inch widescreen LCD, and shoots colorful, vibrant video outdoors. Unfortunately, it suffers from very noticeable purple fringing, a distracting purple glow that ...

Pros: 2.7-inch widescreen LCD ; Active Interface Shoe (hot shoe)

Cons: Images have purple fringing ; no manual controls ; image stabilization is electronic, not optical ; poor low light performance ; dock required for video transfer

Verdict: The DCR-HC42 is virtually identical in appearance with the DCR-HC32, with well-placed controls, and the same slightly awkward power switch and eject lever. There are only a few buttons and controls on the body of the camcorder, with most options ...