Sony DCR-SR80 60GB 1MP Hard Disk Drive Handycam with 12x Optical Zoom

by Sony

Product Details

• Item Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000GT49AC
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,330 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 21, 2006

Product Description

Manufacturer Description

Manufacturer Description Housing a 60GB hard disk drive, the DCR-SR80 is ideal for storing massive amounts of video and still images. With a 1-megapixel still capture feature, you can create pictures in 16:9 format and save them directly to the hard disk drive. 12x optical/800x digital zoom makes sure everything you shoot through the Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens is vibrant, clear, and true to life.

DCR-SR80 Highlights

Recording Time (60GB)

• HQ (9Mbps): 14 hours, 50 minutes
• SP (6Mbps): 21 hours, 50 minutes
• LP (3Mbps): 42 hours

1.0-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD imager; 1070K gross 1/5.5-inch Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 690K (effective) video pixels provides stunning detail and clarity, for exceptional video (up to 520 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance. Realize great looking digital still images with 1,000k effective pixels.

12x optical/800x digital zoom The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, the digital zoom interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.

High-quality Zeiss optics ensure you'll get the most from the SR80's 1-megapixel CCD and 12x optical zoom

Professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario- Tessar lens Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating for increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-tolife color saturation and perfect renditions of subtle tones.

2.7-inch wide touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD Display (123K pixels) The 2.7-inch wide (16:9) LCD screen provides excellent viewing clarity. The high resolution 123K-pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback, and the widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.

Digital still memory mode Capture still images up to 1152 x 64 resolution, directly onto the internal 60GB hard disk drive for easy transfer to PCs for emailing and printing via the computer.

Super SteadyShot picture stabilization system An advanced version of Sony's SteadyShot system that controls an even higher range of shake and vibration frequencies, to achieve an even higher level of smoothness without degradation of video like some other image stabilization systems.

USB 2.0 interface USB 2.0 interface provides an easy way to connect your hard disk Handycam camcorder to the computer for fast transfer of video and still images to your computer for editing. The camcorder can also be used as an external storage device, convenient for archiving, storing and trasporting your videos and still images.

One-touch DVD burn Easily burn a DVD copy of your footage using the supplied software. Simply connect you DCR-SR80 to your PC via the Handycam Station and supplied USB cable and press the one-touch DVD burn button.

Easily transfer video and still images to your PC through the Handycam Station

Handycam Station Simply placing the camcorder on the supplied Handycam Station cradle provides quick connections to a TV for viewing or a PC for editing and sharing, all while charging the battery so your camcorder is always ready to go.

DVDirect compatibility The DVDirect system allows for easy transfer of video and still images to a stand-alone DVD burner via USB 2.0.

Easy PC backup Easily back up your footage to your PC using the supplied software. The footage will be stored on your PC's hard drive for archiving purposes and viewing at a later time; the footage is stored by date allowing for quick access. In addition, only new footage is transferred to your PC each time you backup your footage.

One-touch wide-angle shooting Easily switch between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios for shooting, with just the touch of a button.

HDD Smart Protection keeps your hard disk drive safe from impact

HDD Smart Protection A unique shock absorber protects the hard disk drive from physical damage if the unit is dropped. When the 3G sensor detects a drop (loss of gravity) the power to the hard disk drive is turned off in order to prevent damage. During this time the DCR-SR80 remains powered on and recording video to the built-in buffer. Once the unit has recovered from the drop, the buffer is then recorded to the hard disk drive.

Progressive shutter system A mechanical shutter system that provides progressive-scan performance while utilizing an interlaced scanning system. Digital still images will be sharp and clear with excellent definition.

Active interface shoe Provides a location directly on the camcorder to which one may add optional accessories while providing power and twoway communication with those accessories.

Super NightShot Plus Infrared System With Sony's Super NightShot Infrared System you can capture natual looking video, even when shooting in low light. Record subjects up to 20 feet away using the built-in infrared system, but without the overall monochrome color commone with earlier low-light recording systems.

Additional Features

• Manual focus
• Analog inputs
• On-screen zoom and record buttons
• Program AE (Auto Exposure) modes
• Picture effects
• Fader fffects
• InfoLithium battery with AccuPower
• Meter system
• Battery information
• Easy Handycam button
• Tele Macro function

What's in the Box

Power adapter/in-camera charger (AC-L15), rechargeable InfoLithium battery (NPFP50), Handycam Station, A/V cable, ImageMixer for hard disk drive, application software, drivers and handbook, USB cable

Note: Additional software required for use with Apple computers.

Product Description

This camcorder shoots videos and stills without tapes or discs! Sony DCR-SR80 contains a 60GB Hard Disk Drive to store all of your high-quality stills and videos. With 12x Optical/800x Digital Zoom and a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens, everything will be as clear as you remember it. With DVDirect recorder compatibility and pre-packaged software, you can easily transfer, edit, burn and share everything you've captured with your family and friends. Just connect the Handycam(R) station to your PC to store and share your precious moments forever - Special one-touch DVD burn function to your PC's DVD recorder! You can also shoot in 16:9 widescreen or 4:3 aspect-ratios. Super SteadyShot(R) Picture Stabilization System On (LCD) Screen Zoom and Record Buttons Auto and Manual Focus Auto and Manual Exposure Progressive Shutter Easy PC Backup - Easily back up your footage to your PC using the supplied software. The footage will be stored on your PC's hard drive for archiving purposes and viewing at a later time; the footage is stored by date allowing for quick access. In addition, only new footage is transferred to your PC each time you backup your footage One Touch DVD Burn - Easily burn a DVD copy of your footage using the supplied software. Simply connect your DCR-SR80 to your PC via the Handycam(R) Station and supplied USB cable and press the One Touch DVD Burn button Super NightShot(R) mode Active Interface Shoe Unit Measurements - 2 3/4 x 2 7/8 x 4 5/8 / Weighs 14 ounce with battery Includes - Power Adapter/In Camera Charger (AC-L15); Rechargeable InfoLithium(R) Battery (NPFP50); Handycam(R) Station; A/V Cable; Application Software, Drivers and Handbook; USB Cable

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A step up from Mini DV, December 8, 2006

By 

Charlie Caldwell (Waterloo, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony DCR-SR80 60GB 1MP Hard Disk Drive Handycam with 12x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Just bought this camera from Circuit City about two weeks ago. The first camera I had to return the next day because the image on the LCD was stuck upside down. The camera powers up pretty fast and you can begin recording in just a couple seconds. I love the fact that you can browse through the video and play anything on the fly. I would have thought at this price point it would take better still shots (only 1mp)but that wasnt really the reason I bought it anyway. Low light is ok.. it's no better or worse then my JVC Mini DV. I like the Sony 'night shot' feature. It allows you to take video in total darkness with a built in infrared mode. Do yourself a favor though and purchase an extended battery. The one that comes with it is pretty worthless at only a 1 hour rated life. I purchased the extended 9 hour battery and can realistically get about 4-5 hours without having to charge. The touchscreen is a little different but you get used to it quick. Kinda wish it had a viewfinder but that's on the next model up.

Mainly I purchased this because I was sick of dealing with tapes... I have a whole box of VHS and Mini DV tapes that I now have to take the time and convert to usable formats on my PC. The beauty of this camera is that all that goes away and the video is going to be in it's purest form for this level of camera. It doesnt take hollywood level video but at least you are removing one step out of the equation when having to re-render it. The software that comes with it is pretty worthless. about the only thing I liked was it has the ability to archive any changes from the camera whether video or photo and auto back it up with one click.

Don't buy the SR-40 or SR-60 you will be disapointed with the features vs. price. If you are looking to upgrade from tape go with this one the SR-80 becasue it is the best value over the two lower models. If you can afford it (i couldnt) Get the SR-100 becasue it has the better camera (3mp) and a viewfinder.

Compare the reviews of Sony vs JVC before you buy a HD Camera!!

31 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good camcorder if you are not serious about editing your video, December 26, 2006

By 

Ganesh Kumar Eswaran "Ganesh Kumar" (Bangalore, India) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony DCR-SR80 60GB 1MP Hard Disk Drive Handycam with 12x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

This camcorder does capture good video. But the main drawback is that it records in MPEG2 format (DVD quality). Initially its nice and easy to capture video and watch it on your computer by downloading the files using the USB 2.0 connection. It gives you instant gratification. But after capturing 4 or 5 hours of video, you will notice that your videos aren't so great as you expect it to be. Its not the fault with your camcorder. Its because all of us shoot extra footage, unwanted scenes, shakes, etc which we want to edit. You may want to add a title or two, add transitions, add backgroud music, combine your photos with the video, etc. Basically you may want to edit your footage. Its here when you find the major drawback of this camcorder. The MPEG2 quality video is not good for editing. The video quality is so compressed that you won't have sufficient bandwidth to edit the video.

MPEG2 is a LOSSY compression technique used to compress large video files into smaller files that can be fit into a 4 GB or 8 GB DVD. Since the camcorder compresses the video and then writes to the hard disk, the source file that you download to your computer is already compressed and has lost much of its data during the compression. If you edit this already compressed file, you lose more data during the process thus resulting in poorer video quality.

When you edit these videos, add some transitions or special effects, increase/decrease brigthness or noise, etc, the newly edited video loses further clarity and thus makes your video look ugly and pixelated.

In summary please don't buy this camcorder if you are serious about your videos and would like to edit them. But if you are not bothered about editing and want to watch your unedited footage forever, then go for it.

That said, if you still think you want to go for this camcorder, please read the review on its other features:

1. Super NightShot Infrared System: Not a useful feature. Its amazining to initially see how this camcorder is able to "see" using infrared light. But the moment you shoot your subject using infrared light, you never want to shoot again as they will appear like devils when shot using this infrared light. Remember infrared footage appears almost black-and-white and not color. And the subject's eyes really look like devil.

2. 2.5-inch wide SwivelScreen LCD display with touch panel capabilities: Sony convenietly "forgot" to mention that this screen is NOT widescreen. Most of the camcorders now-a-days come with widescreen LCD. Its a good feature if you always want to shoot in widescreen. In fact I would suggest you to shoot in widescreen only as all future TVs and current LCD/Plasma TVs are widescreen. You can future proof your video by shooting widescreen. This camcorder DOES support widescreen video but the LCD is NOT widescreen. So when you shoot widescreen, you see black bands on the top and bottom.

3. Digital still photos: Please don't rely on this feature. The best photos from this camcorder as as good as the worst photos from any popular digital camera. Technology has still not matured to the point where a camcorder can shoot as good as a digital camera and vice versa.

4. 20x optical/120x digital zoom: Optical zoom is very good. You can handle upto 10X optical zoom without a tripod. Any more zoom requires the use of a tripod. I was able to zoom in and read a car tag from the top of Sears tower, Chicago. I love the zoom feature in this camcorder. Don't use the digital zoom feature. Turn it off. As mentioned above, MPEG2 compression already makes the video bad in quality. The digital zoom further makes it worst.

5. Professional-quality Carl Zeiss lens: Yes its good. The image quality is truly great. No doubt about it.

6. Super SteadyShot picture stabilization system: Good enough to avoid small vibrations caused when going on a ship for example. But not good enough for the shakes encountered when walking with the camcorder. Don't expect to get great footage in such conditions. For great footage, you must still rely on a steady hand or a tripod.

7. On-screen zoom and record buttons: Not an useful feature. The camcorder tends to shake more when you use these zoom buttons on the LCD because the LCD is always projecting outside when shooting video. Hence you shake the camcorder more when you touch the LCD than when you touch the camcorder's body.

8. USB 2.0 interface: Good interface. Fast enough to download 30 GB in 1.5 hours. Firewire interface would have been great. But USB 2.0 is also good enough

9. Image Mixer Software: Very useless software. The free Picasa software from Google is far better in organizning your videos and pictures than the software that comes with this camera. Forget about this software.

10. InfoLithium battery with AccuPower meter system: Great battery life. I could shoot for upto 1 hour 20 minutes with one battery. Remember we always don't shoot continously in everyday life. We turn the camcorder on and off repeatedly when shooting. This battery last for 1 hour 20 minutes during normal shooting as explained above. If you shoot continously you may get longer battery life.

11. NOTE: This camcorder does NOT have an Active Interface shoe. Other Sony camcorders do have this feature. This allows you to add other Sony accessories, for example, extra flood light. If you are not planning to add any accessory, then don't worry about the absence of this feature.

12. DVDDirect compatibility: This feature allows you to directly burn your video and photos to DVD. I don't think this is a very useful feature. Its always better to download to computer, and burn only the good files and photos to DVD instead of burning all of them.

Overall summary. Buy this camcorder only if you are not serious about editing the videos. Its a good buy for point-and-shoot-and-view pleasure only. In my opinion, a mini-DV camcorder (DCRHC42 for example) is still a better bet than a DVD or hard drive based model. The only inconvenience in a mini-DV model is that you have to be a bit techy to download video to computer. If you are ok with that, the mini-DV still provides good value for money as its far cheaper than DVD or hard-drive models.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Every thing is good except low light performance, October 13, 2006

By 

Alok Mathur "alokmathur" (Milpitas, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony DCR-SR80 60GB 1MP Hard Disk Drive Handycam with 12x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I agree with the previous reviewer. The low light performance of this camera is pretty bad. Deeps reds are more like deep pinks...but other colors are quite natural, though a bit flat.
It is a nice camera otherwise: very compact, HDD makes a world of differenc in ease of use. Handgrip takes some getty used to.
Stills are useless. No built-in flash makes situation even worse.
Would have liked to have component video out so that we can get widescreen output diretly from the camcorder to TV.
I may end up trading this for the big-brother DCR-SR100....