CAPTURE THE MOMENTS

Product Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder

Digital video camera type HDD

Product dimensions Length (mm) x width (mm) x height (mm) 129x76x81; 470g

Audio type Surround

Image sensor type CCD

Image stabilisation (optical) Yes

Tripod mount Yes

Optical zoom 15x

Digital video format MPEG

Video speed (fps) 25

CCD pixels 2360K

Night shot mode Yes

Digital-still shot mode Yes

CMOS Size 1/5

Display technology TFT touchscreen

Screen size 2.7 inches

Hard disk recording SD HQ 9Mbps (720x576)

880min;

SD SP 6Mbps (720x576) 1310min; SD LP 3Mbps

(720x576) 2510min

Supported memory media Memory stick pro, Memory stick duo, memory stick pro duo

Power supply AC power, battery

Battery type Rechargeable - (Li-Ion)

Wired terminals/Ports AV output, DC In, mini-USB

Features

• Capture video to hard disk drive or memory stick media; 60 GB storage

• 2.3-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor with Exmor technology; 

Bionz image processor

• Face detection for video and digital still photos

• 2.7-inch widescreen touch-panel clear photo LCD Plus display

• Professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens; Dolby digital 5.1-channel recording

Compared to Sony DCR-SR45 (Rs40, 500); Sony DCR-SR65

(Rs47, 000); Sony HDR-SR10 (Rs68, 300)

Price Rs63, 000

What can you say about a `handycam` that managed to outperform even a `high definition camera`? Without doubt, the DCR-SR220 is the star of Sonys standard-definition Handycam line-up, especially in the `Hard Drive Handycam` Category.

With the other SD cameras we reviewed, especially the SR-45, the result was grainy and the sound quality was not up to par. For cameras in this price range, this is an unforgivable sin. Moreover, the stills taken by those cameras could only be termed as a joke.

Expecting better from the HD-SR10, it was surprising to discover that the entry level HD Handycam did not come even remotely close to our expectations. The 40GB hard drive is not sufficient for the HD recordings set at the highest resolution. Focus in low light conditions was poor. The colours were dull and the details were not of the eye-popping variety you would expect with HD quality. This brought us to the SR220, which manages to strike the right balance between user-friendliness and high-end functionality.

Visually, the SR220 is not the most stylish camcorder on the block, but it manages to impress where it counts -- it is both lightweight and highly portable with an impressive build quality. We also found that the LCD`s touch screen interface is very easy to get to grips with, allowing first-time users to cycle through different modes and functions without needing to consult the manual.

What is more impressive, however, is its video quality. With a 60GB hard drive capable of recording up to 41 hours of continuous footage, and a premium Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens with a 15x optical zoom, it was found to be both competent and versatile in capturing videos. The camera`s feature ClearVid CMOS sensor, with Exmor technology with dual noise reduction to keep picture noise at a minimum, is combined with the Bionz signal processing engine and produces vivid, natural-looking video and photos.

Users will find the dynamic range optimisation included to counter the unfavourable effects of high-contrast shooting, such as loss of picture detail in harsh lights and deep shadows. Also, the 2.3-megapixel CMOS sensor does an admirable job of capturing sharp, colourful images and while it cannot compete with the pricier HD models like the HDR-SR11 (Rs88, 100) or HDR-SR12 (Rs105, 000), it will leave most users more than satisfied.

Furthermore, a handy feature found on the SR220 is `face detection`. As the name implies, the technology can identify up to eight faces in the camcorder`s LCD frame, and automatically adjust focus, exposure and colour control for natural-looking skin tones.

The SR220 also has an option of included memory stick slot boosting its storage capabilities by up to 16GB. Conveniently, you can also transfer your data from the hard drive to a memory stick, which is a great way to free up the memory while on the road or transferring data to a compatible computer with the minimum of fuss. Transferring your videos to a PC is a simple process thanks to the included docking station, which also doubles as a battery charger.

It is not all rosy though. As it has become the norm for consumer-level camcorders, the SR220 lacks a viewfinder to supplement its 2.7in LCD screen. This can often prove frustrating in sunny conditions when the display is difficult to see, or when you are running low on battery life.

Conclusion

With high-definition video beginning to dominate the consumer markets, some of you may well wonder why pay so much for standard-def camera. The fact of the matter is that SD video remains a viable format that will look more than adequate even on an LCD TV. In some cases, such as the SR220, it can even look superior to similarly priced HD models. As such, we have no problem recommending this handycam to those who are looking for a way to record memories in high quality.

Overall Sony`s DCR-SR220 offers impressive picture quality and versatile recording options, along with a host of user-friendly features. If you value lots of storage space over full HD resolution, then this standard-def offering has plenty to recommend it.— U.M.

CREATIVE FINGERS

Bored at work? Well, the Finger Drum mouse pad might help alleviate some of that boredom and make a passable drummer out of you.

It has an integrated electronic drum pad that allows you to play eight different percussion sounds, including bass, snare, two rack toms, a floor tom etc. using only your fingers.

The MP3 player input enables you to play drum solos over any song from your digital music library. A demonstration mode accompanies six preset patterns, and you can record up to 30 of your own rhythms. So what are you waiting for?

PLAY THE MUSIC!

The Sony Walkman B-series players are capsule-shaped and come with a USB flash drive, FM tuner, and have a quick charge function.

These are available in 1GB and 2GB versions and you can choose one from black, blue, pink and red colours.

GRENADE UNDER MY HAND?

The `Hand Grenade Mouse` is an interesting little accessory especially if you like weapons and military equipment. It is made from an old grenade casing, which adds to its authenticity, and would probably serve to make your computer look a little more intimidating.

MY INVISIBLE BANK

The Vanishing Money bank is a cool little way to save money. When you put money into this bank, it disappears magically, and `reappears` when you open it up. It is a great gift for kids to give them a head start in saving money.

SHUT OUT THE NOISE!

The `Plane Quiet Platinum Headset` could be a blessing for people who travel a lot. It has a luxurious leatherette headband and ear cups, offering great comfort and a snug fit that makes sure that most of the surrounding noise will be blocked by its noise-cancellation technology.

The active noise-reduction technology, used in the headset, is able to quieten up to 80 per cent of ambient noise without affecting sound quality, thanks to the 40mm rare earth neodymium speaker drivers that are capable of high-fidelity audio reproduction.

JOY RIDE

The Magnetix iCoaster allows you to build your own rollercoaster! Your coaster cars are actually little metal balls, which tow up an elevator and push along the track via the power of magnetism.

The iCoaster comes with an ingenious sound FX music studio and built-in speakers. You can also locate special sensor along the tracks, as it comes preloaded with over 100 musical combinations, but if you don`t find them interesting, you can plug in your own MP3 player and have a fun ride.

SPEAKERS` FUN

The Lightwave CS1SPK colour changing speakers not only offer the novelty of funky accessories, they also provide great sound, allowing you to turn your room into a rave with your own choice of music!

The speakers also have real-time beat recognition and red, blue and green static colour modes.

ECO-FRIENDLY WEB-CAM

Disguised by the look? This is an octopus looking, environmental-friendly, cute little web-cam. Using recycled packaging, the camera has a reduced CO2 impact and uses renewable materials.

It features flexible legs, 1.3MP, 30FPS and has a built-in microphone and is available in red, blue, grey and green colours. So, all those marine lovers will love to have this octopus near them.

SEARCHING FOR SOMETHING?

If you tend to misplace stuff, then the EZ-Find could be very useful for you. It is capable of tracking up to 25 items, has a 12-character LCD display, EZ programmable tag identification, a finding range of up to 100 feet (although it works best within 60 feet).

The loud 92 decibel alarm rings when the EZ-Find locates your misplaced items, which is sure to be heard by everyone around.

Compiled by Sanaa Jatoi

Source Internet