The market for High Definition Hard Disk format Video Camera is very limited. There was only one Brand (Sony) available at the leading Electronic Stores in Mumbai. The Sony website list three models in this category. HDR - XR 100E is one of them.
The Handycam is excellent for people interested in High quality pictures. However you must have a HD LCD TV to make the most use of the camera. What I liked most about this camera is listed below -
- Picture Quality - Makes you feel like a professional videographer. Picture appears smear free and
very clear with rich colors.
Still camera Mode - The camera can be used as a 4 mps still camera. Just press the mode button and the camera in your hand is an excellent still camera.
Automatic Still image - You will enjoy this feature. While shooting a video the camera automatically detects a smiling face in the scene and captures a still picture of the smiling person. It will surprise you that without shooting a single still picture you have a collection of automatically created stills.
5.1 ch. sound recording - Playing back a recording video will create a sound effect that appears real and live. Sometimes you are confused whether you are hearing the sound from the speakers or around you.
Zoom sound - The sound and voices appear to come closer (zoom) as you zoom your camera closer to the object without having to move from your location. A sense of realism.
6. Low light performance - The picture is fairly clear even during evenings and after sunset.
Quick Power On - Just open the LCD screen and camera switches on and is ready to go.
Easy operation - Selecting options and setup is very simple. All functions are available by simply touching the LCD screen.
Others - Clear LCD display, Face Detection, Smile shutter, Lens cover, dual recording format use Memory stick along with Hard Disk.
But the camera is not without limitations. Some of them are -
No Flash - There is no built-in flash nor provision to connect an external flash. Still photos taken indoor at night could be a problem.
Low still image resolution - 4 Mps camera for a HD system is poor. It could have been better.
Optical Zoom - It could have been better than the low 10x
HDMI Cable - Sony does not provide one with the camera. It has to be bought separately. A HD camera must have HDMI cable provided in the box.
No optical viewfinder - Using LCD could reduce battery duration.
Overall, a very good Handycam. You will really enjoy the HD and the features available on it.
Go for it.