The Sony HDR-SR1 is a hard drive-based high definition camcorder using the new AVCHD format. It encodes video up to 24 megabits per second to the internal hard drive, and is the first hard drive based camcorder to record in full high definition.

The Video can be stored on either a DVD-R disc, the hard drive, or on flash media.

Other features include:

* focus ring
* microphone jack
* headphone jack
* HDMI out jack
* Control-L jack
* CMOS chip camcorder, for stills up to 4 megapixels, recorded to MemoryStick Duo
* dual record function, for recording stills up to 2.3 megapixels while shooting video
* flash

Pricing and availability: September, 2006, $1,500.

Via CamcorderInfo.

Sony Press Release

Sony is making sure home movies meet the high-def expectations of home theater fans with its new HDR-UX1 and HDR-SR1 Handycam® camcorders.

These are the first consumer camcorders to record in full 1080i HD resolution and Dolby® Digital 5.1 surround sound, offering a choice in recording media. While the HDR-UX1 model records directly to readily-available, three-inch DVD discs for effortless playback and sharing, the HDR-SR1 camcorder’s built-in 30GB hard drive facilitates mass video storage as well as in-camcorder and PC editing.

“With more families adopting high-definition televisions and acquiring HD content, we want to give them a variety of ways to enjoy their home video in the same high quality,” said Linda Vuolo, director of marketing for camcorders at Sony Electronics. “Our HD camcorder line offers people greater functionality and more choice to make high-def video creation fun and easy.”

High-Def is Not Just For Sports

Sony’s new HD camcorders bring home movies fully into the home theater fold. They feature HDMI™ outputs for simple, one-cord connection to an HD television with no data conversion and subsequent degradation of picture quality.

Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound assures a life-like audio experience when viewing your home movies. This experience can be further enhanced with the sold-separately Sony ECM-HW1 Bluetooth® wireless microphone, which amplifies the center channel sound of the multi-point surround system and even lets you record them wirelessly up to 100 feet away.

The HDR-SR1 hard disk drive model is the perfect choice for that week-long vacation in Hawaii when the convenience of long recording times and not having to manage removable media is much appreciated. This model records more than ten hours of high-def video in long play mode. You can extend the recording time of the HDR-UX1 model up to an hour in long play mode by using Sony’s new +R double-layer, single-sided DVD.

Effortless HD Playback

HD content recorded on DVDs with either the HDR-UX1 or HDR-SR1 models can be played back on Blu-ray Disc devices, such as the forthcoming Sony BDP-S1 player and PLAYSTATION® 3 video game console. Standard DVD drives on compatible PCs can also play back these DVDs with the bundled software.

Both support the new AVCHDâ„¢ camcorder recording format based on the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec for video compression and Dolby digital audio. This technology makes it possible to not only achieve high-quality HD video and audio, but also produce camcorders that are power efficient and compact.

Both models allow for quick data transfer from the camcorder to a compatible PC for playback and editing. The hard disk drive unit also features Sony’s One Touch Disc Burn button for easy DVD creation using a PC.

Imaging Technologies for Like No Other

These lightweight camcorders feature Sony’s ClearVid CMOS Sensor™ and Enhanced Imaging Processor™ technologies. Together, they provide high-resolution and heightened sensitivity for virtually smear-free video with vivid color and clarity.

Other benefits include four-megapixel digital still capture, a Dual Record function that allows you to shoot video and simultaneously capture 2.3 megapixel stills, and a Smooth Slow Record function to shoot video in slow motion.

Both models are also equipped with an advanced Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* lens to ensure true-to-life color saturation and minimize unwanted glare and flare from reflected light. Even while shooting, the camcorders’ extra-large, 3.5-inch SwivelScreen™ LCD screens display video with high-contrast and optimal color due to Sony’s Clear Photo Plus LCD™ technology. Video is easy to view on screen from any angle and in virtually any environment. The screens double as touch-sensitive control panels, giving easy access to many of the camcorders’ settings.

The HDR-UX1 camcorder will be available in September for about $1,400, and the HDR-SR1 will hit stores in October for about $1,500. Options will include a full line of accessories, including lights, lenses, microphones, InfoLithium® batteries, chargers and cables.

Sony HDR-SR1 Reviews

CamcorderInfo gives us a first impressions look at the Sony HDR-SR1 and writes, “We’re incredibly excited by this camcorder. We thought this was going to be a year of better developments on the low end, but, Sony suprised us with something truly amazing for a last minute holiday season push with these new models. Even on its own, the HDR-SR1 is something to celebrate. It’s a great camcorder, with a big LCD, a control ring (which we loved on the GS400 the king of all camcorders), mic inputs and headphone inputs. Oh yea, and we forgot, it’s HD! High definition has finally been matched with the great features at a reasonable price. While we haven’t yet seen solid results of the video performance, the word on H.264 is almost entirely positive and we expect some pretty big things - possibly even comparable to HDV. … Remember, there’s a lot to learn before you should buy, because $1500 is a sizeable investment and there are a lot of choices out there. But take a good look at the HDR-SR1; it’s a compelling glimpse into the future of consumer camcorders.” Link.

CamcorderInfo has a review of the Sony HDR-SR1 and writes, “The Sony HDR-SR1 is undoubtedly the best HDD camcorder to date, for what that’s worth in such a young category. Previously, we would have given that award to the DCR-SR100, so Sony had already proved themselves adept at the emerging format. HDD, or something like it, is the format of the future. Tapes, DVDs, and stamp-sized flash media cards are on their way out as camcorder media. High-capacity media like the 30GB HDD in the SR1 is what people will lean towards as they become more available. It’s a simple matter of convenience: 30GB can hold 4 hours of AVCHD video in the highest quality. Compare that with the HDR-UX1, which can hold 15 minutes of similar video to a single-layer disc (27 minutes on a dual-layer disc). If you’re a consumer looking at the all-in-one SR1, or the UX1 plus the 16 extra discs you have to lug around on vacation, you’re leaning towards the SR1.” Link.

CNET has a review of the Sony Handycam HDR-SR1 and writes, “If you really need video that you can edit, I recommend you stick with HDV models such as the Handycam HDR-HC3 or the Canon HV10 for your high-def needs. Though there’s really no wonderfully convenient way to shoot HD video yet, the Sony Handycam HDR-SR1’s combination of hard disk capacity and easy adapatability–it lacks only some killer software to improve the convenience quotient–plus a great design and broad feature set, make it the consumer HD model to beat for 2006. … The Sony Handycam HDR-SR1’s combination of hard disk capacity, easy adapatability, great design, and a broad feature set make it the consumer HD model to beat for 2006.” Link.

CNET Asia has a review of the Sony HDR-SR1 camcorder and concludes, “The SR1 is definitely a great all-rounder, with a clear 3.5-inch LCD screen, exceptional navigation features and jacks, plus preset programs. Using the new AVC codec increases the amount of footage you can record and store, but to the naked eye, low-light conditions still produce some grainy images. Outdoors, the SR1 is simply fabulous. … A very attractive high-end consumer camcorder, this is easy to use out-of-the-box, offering great features even if video quality could be better.” Link.

CEN has a review of the Sony HDR-SR1 and writes, “Standard audio is captured via an onboard stereo mic, however there is an optional 5.1 capable mic also available as well as an external mic socket. And thankfully, headphone jacks are making a comeback to consumer / prosumer camcorders. … In operation, the SR-1 feels balanced and all controls fall to hand quite naturally. One glaring fault that seems endemic these days is the fact that while the viewfinder tilts, it has no extension capability so if anything other than a standard battery is attached, it is all but useless. This problem is further compounded, as in addition to having the LCD open chewing more battery power, in bright sunlight the screen is all but useless.” Link.

Good Gear Guide has a review of the Sony HDR-SR1 and writes, “Overall, the HDR-SR1 is an excellent camcorder. It’s not too far off hitting top marks, as its combination of excellent video and simplicity of use makes it an attractive proposition. We have given it four and a half stars, with the caveat that the software companies do need to release their compatible versions of video editing software in the near future. There are no major problems with the camera, though in an ideal world we would have liked to see more manual options and a larger hard drive. It’s also the most expensive camcorder in Sony’s consumer line-up, so factor in the increased cost when considering a purchase. However, this cost seems justified, and at present the HDR-SR1 is one of the best options on the market.” Link.

PCAuthority has a review of the Sony HDR-SR1 and writes, “Currently, only Sony’s flawed bundled software can read AVCHD, so you can’t edit the footage you shoot, and you can only play it back with a computer. This may change if Sony release its own consumer editing software or plug-ins for editing programs. For now, not even Vegas, Sony’s own professional video editing program, can open the files the SR1 creates. … In keeping with characteristic Sony style, the SR1 represents excellent hardware marred by incomplete, proprietary software. If you are confident that Sony will provide an editing solution for the SR1, then it’s full of plus points. However we think it’s incomplete, premature and that you should hold off until AVCHD support grows.” Link.

BusinessWeek has a review of the Sony HDR-SR1 and writes, “In my testing, after trying out the controls and finding them fairly straightforward, I generally let Sony handle such adjustments automatically. The automatic controls don’t disappoint. Even difficult high-definition shots using the Carl Zeiss lens, which offers 10 times optical and 80 times digital zoom, stayed wonderfully in focus as I moved around and zoomed in and out on subjects. … Some may find this hard-drive camcorder a bit too feature-filled for their tastes, particularly since it costs a relatively pricey $1,200. But for those looking for a nice and painless way to begin amassing your own high-definition content to complement the HDTVs adorning the home, this is the device for you.” Link.

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