Sony DCR-SR85 1MP 60GB Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 25x Optical Zoom

I purchased this model a few weeks ago and have been using it as I can. The one thing I'd read alot about was the viewfinder LCD screen can be hard to see out in the bright daylight and that is very true with it. It made the LCD Screen be just like a mirror. All I could see was my reflection. I emailed Sony and they suggested the back light should be turned on then. I haven't had another situation like that since so I'm anxious to try that and see if its any better. I did have one day that it was a little tough to see the viewfinder and I found that shading my eyes helped me see it better. I think video quality is very good. I tried the night setting and yes it might make things a bit greenish, but you can see so well. I would not recommend using it to take still photos. If you try to use it for that you are definitely going to need a tripod or monopod. The pictures were not that great at all. However, the more I'm using this camera, the more I like it! I think the software that came with it is pretty great. It hasn't been too hard to figure out, but then I've done a small amount of video editing with another program I use.. just minor stuff. I have ordered the SONY VRD-MC5 DVDirect® MC5 Multi-Function DVD Recorder which will allow me to Transfer home movies and digital pictures to DVD quickly and easily, without a PC. Connects with virtually any camcorder, VCR, DVR or digital camera. I'm very excited to try that out! All in All.. I'm very happy with this camcorder and I did a lot of research before finally deciding this one was the one!

I purchased this product to replace my broken T1, which was sufficient for me to capture photos and video clips for my baby's growth. After very long research, and debating on another DC or Camcorder, I picked this one based on Amazon's reviews, and more likely, hoped the 1M still shot capability would be good enough, and also utilize the hybrid feature of this machine for my just-bought 4GB MS. Unfortunately, other than the compact sze of this camcorder, nothing was really pleased me: no view finder, just-so so video quality (unless in bright light or outdoor, which I don't use that much), very poor (soft) still image, the photo button will not aid to a stable picture, no snap shot feature during taping, hybrid function does not help a lot, because the 60GB HDD is larger enough for my applications, no thumbnail available for video clips (wondering why the format is different from T1); after all, the price is too high, even for a SONY! Good parts: video clip size is small, comparing to CANON, night shot mode is sharp! and Amazon has a pretty good service system, I've got full refund and bought a CANON SD1100IS instead, and loved it so far. so maybe in the couple of year, another camcorder, but HD for sure.

The unit is verty compact and light weight. It is easy to use and particularly convenient for travel applicatuions. My unit has 60GB hard disk drive which is sufficient for most of my one to two week travel applications.

This is my first camcorder and I selected this after a careful study of exisiting models across various brands like panasonic, jvc, canon. This was fitting my budget with lots of required specifications. I did go to nearest electronics shop and had a look at it before ordering it and comparing it other models. I used it extensively in my recent trip to smokies and it was fantastic. Lots of space..I need not bother about space. Four days of usage and I was hardly using 10 gb out of 60 gb. Clarity was good. Wish I could explore all the features of it. I would recommend this to any new comers into the camcorder world.

It is a good handy cam, however I was not satisfied with video resolution. But at this price you can't expect more then that. Camcorder had a problem with zoom in and out operation, there was some mechanical noise and it was getting recorder in video. So returned it. Got full refund from amazon instantly... no troubles at all, Thanks amazon!