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• Sony Handycam HDR-SR11 60GB Hard Drive Camcorder

• Price Range

  $745.00 - $1099.99
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• Specs • Add Your Review

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  • RATING
• Overall Rating
  2 Star Review

  Reviewed by: bobreeb

  Updated:11-29-08

  Duration of ownership:4 Days

  Strengths: Good features

  Weaknesses: Weak lense system

  Overall Evaluation: This camcorder sells for a high price, so you would expect high level results, but what you get is only average photographic quality. Another problem is that this camcorder's output is in AVCHD format which forces the user to also purchase a blu-ray player to see the output and most likely an HD monitor to view it. This can get very expensive.

• Overall Rating
  5 Star Review

  Reviewed by: kevin5454

  Updated:11-26-08

  Duration of ownership:

  Strengths: Video recording is solid. Face detection very cool

  Weaknesses: There is an electronic shutter over the lens. If it gets stuck, its a pain to unstick.

  Overall Evaluation: I don't understand why they put an electronic shutter on the camera. Its just another thing that can break. In my case, it did and so did my camera after multiple times having it get stuck. Some have reported banging the front part removes the problem. Did not work for me. The focus engine does not work now along with the shutter. I have to send it in for repair. Is there any way of disabling the shutter?Its going to cost over $400 to repair.

• Overall Rating
  5 Star Review

  Reviewed by: johnnyboy3

  Updated:09-05-08

  Duration of ownership:5 Days

  Strengths: Full High Def Recording or Standard Def MPEG2 RecordingBuilt in 10 MP Digital Camera - to record to Memory Card60GB Hard Drive Advanced Interface Shoe for Optional Accessories (Mic or Flash)

  Weaknesses: None so far.

  Overall Evaluation: This Camcorder can be used for either Full High Definition or Standard Definition recording. I'm planning to use it in Standard Definition for now and switch over to High Definition later once I update to a Blue Ray Player for play back to a High Definition TV. If you're worried about 'future proofing' your investment, this is a great option. I'm also very impressed with high resolution view screen which displays your images and video in what appears to be high definition. The built in 10 mega-pixel Digital Camera is another great feature of this camera. - There is no need to carry both a Video Camera and a separate Digital Still Camera, since this unit contains both. One thing perspective buyers should consider, especially if they are new to digital camera and camcorders is that the cost of pruchasing the Camcorder is is only part of the total expense. - To complete the package, you will also want to purchase the following:1.) A spare rechargable battery - optionally with longer life.2.) A travel charger. (- Otherwise you'll need to charge the battery in the camera.)3.) A Camcorder Case. 4.) (optional) Accessory Microphone 5.) (optional) Accessory Lens Filter ('Neutral' or Polarizing - for outdoor shots)6.) (optional) Accessory Flash7.) (optional) Tri-pod8.) (Highly Recommended) Extended Warranty ($80 - $200 for basic coverage).

• Overall Rating
  5 Star Review

  Reviewed by: mike in wi

  Updated:05-28-08

  Duration of ownership:

  Strengths: Size (small and lightweight)Large and high resolution display screenTouch screen interface

  Weaknesses: Included battery is a bit short on timeNo HDMI cable included to hook to HDTV

  Overall Evaluation: I've had this camcorder for two months now and very satisfied with my choice. I had just got done converting my Hi-8 tapes to DVD and didn't want to go through that process again so I started my searching for a new camcorder. I was a bit influenced by the $130 rebate Sony offered when purchased with a SonyCard. That helped offset the higher price of their new models. The camera overall is very easy to use - the touch screen interface helps a bunch in that area. Quality wise the HD looks super - I burn the AVCHD to standard DVDs and play them on my Bluray player to a 60" projection TV - no complaints. I was bit miffed that an HD camera didn't come with an HDMI cable to connect it to my HDTV - without it or a Bluray player any type of HD quality playback can't be done. I called Sony on it and they offered to sell me one for $40 + shipping - easily purchased for $5 at other places. It uses a standard mini-HDMI to HDMI cable. I also purchased and additional NP-FH70 ($65 from Amazon) battery and wall charger. The wall charger is nice and small. The originally battery gives about 90 minutes and the second battery gives me about 150 minutes. All in all I'd have no problems recommending this camera to someone looking for a HD camcorder.

• Overall Rating
  5 Star Review

  Reviewed by: cipresso

  Updated:04-08-08

  Duration of ownership:4 Weeks

  Strengths: Size, HD Picture Quality, High Res LCD Panel, Viewfinder, Battery Charge Level Info, Quick On, Manual Focus, Built-in Flash, Zoom Mic With 5.1 Dolby, 60GB Hard Drive (7hrs HD Storage)

  Weaknesses: Editing Software, Price of Pro Duo Cards, No External Charger, File Transfer to External Hard Drive Requires PC, Fade to black or white hard to use.

  Overall Evaluation: I have been researching HD Camcorders for over 2 years and finally purchased this Sony. In my opinion, for the money this is the best HD camcorder on the market today. It has most all the features you need and gives you a full 1080i HD recording. The picture quality when watching on my 50? plasma is excellent using either the AV component or HDMI cables. * Some of the features include a "Quick On" standby feature, saves on the battery and you can switch to recording mode in 1 second. A zoom option for the Mic which does a nice job of picking up voices. All the jacks you need are on the camcorder (Power, Mini HDMI, USB, A/V to Component, External MIC and Head Set), so you don?t really need the base. Has a built in speaker. Ability to quickly change from video to pictures and capture still images from video. * It is one of the few HD camcorders with both a viewfinder and a flip out LCD panel. Viewfinder is nice for outdoor video or pictures in bright sunlight. It has a high resolution LCD panel, but it washes out in the sun. The touch panel on the LCD works well. Able to tap icons with your fingernail, so you don?t get fingerprints on the display. * Another nice feature is the LCD shows you the minutes of recording time remaining. Also, when the camcorder is off, you can press the ?DISP/BATT? button and it shows you the % of charge remaining. When watching video on the LCD, you can press the same button to hide icons/indicators. * There are a few disappointments. 1) Wish the included editing software was more robust. The best software for AVCHD appears to be Sony Vegas Pro ($300+) 2) the power cord for my Canon camcorder could be used to charge a battery w/o the camcorder. So you could always be charging a spare battery. Sony power cord requires the battery be attached to the camcorder to charge it. You can spend $45+ to get an external charger. 3) Wish you could move video files directly from camcorder to a portable hard drive via the USB port w/o a PC. You can bring a laptop on trips or buy a Memory Stick Pro Duo cards or portable DVD burner to back up video on the fly. 4) Camcorder is a bit heavy for its size, have to adjust the strap just right to get a good balanced grip. 5) 8GB Memory Stick Pro Duo cards are expensive ($100). 6) Fader option is virtually useless, have to turn it on to fade in. Then while recording, you have to go thru menus to turn on fader again, to fade out. * Overall, I highly recommend it and feel it is worth a 5 star rating.

• Overall Rating
  5 Star Review

  Reviewed by: rsotto

  Updated:04-07-08

  Duration of ownership:5 Days

  Strengths: Feature full. Beautiful, crisp video and stills.Intuitive touch-screen controls.Software to manage AVCHD files.Battery(SONY) Monitor

  Weaknesses: Need to watch Low Light-video conditions.Time to store pict. taken during video recording.Optical Zoom is sufficient

  Overall Evaluation: I put this camcorder through its paces taping a long weekend of footraces (for hire), a bridal shower, and ball-game w/Grandson. I'm no professional - but a knowledgable amature. Straight forward operation is very easy to make great videoes and pictures. There's an "EASY" button, but I can't figure out what it does for me! I think there for people like my wife, because the camera intimidates her. But, theres no reason to fear using this one.The unit is solidly made and provides a little heft (MOI in golf terms!) for stable handheld operations that other lighter cameras can't. For the rest of us, there are enough controls to provide creative options that someone with a little more than basic photography/videography will desire. To get much more, I'd expect you'd have to go pro. Storage: I'm barely denting the storage after all the above - more than 2 hours of videos and a couple dozen stills. I was never in doubt that I had storage even while heavily using the unit taping 2 mornings worth of foot-races (Large 10K, Kids Run, Half/Full Marathon!) and the associated events. Before buying - I looked at nearly 25 camcorders, in person, because I had to justify the cost. I'm Very Pleased with the selection - every other unit would have traded some feature for cost.Buy this one. It it clearly the best unit available.

• Overall Rating
  5 Star Review

  Reviewed by: gophball

  Updated:04-03-08

  Duration of ownership:1 Weeks

  Strengths: Large LCD, Image quality, easy to hold, mic, all the bells and whistles

  Weaknesses: Pricey, a bit larger, pro duo cards, camera

  Overall Evaluation: With so many camcorders to choose from I found this at the top of my list (barely above the Canon HF10). I researched these way too much. I find the hard drive models will give you the most bang for the buck for the next year or two, but then flash memory will take over. This also has about every input/output you'd like (except firewire). My favorite feature is the large LCD screen. You can see every detail with it so clearly. I didn't think I would like a touch screen, but I enjoy it very much. The image quality has blown me away. Details are so crisp. My only complaint is that a progressive mode would have been nice. So far my PC has worked fine with editing the AVCHD format. Also, the mic on this thing is amazing. Overall this is a great camcorder.

• Overall Rating
  5 Star Review

  Reviewed by: vitaliy01

  Updated:04-01-08

  Duration of ownership:6 Days

  Strengths: 1920x1080 HD resolution sets the stadard for today's home videos. 60GB HDD is awesome. Hybrid storage (HDD and MS Pro Duo) and 10MP pictures are great.

  Weaknesses: limited software in the box and on the store shelf (including online). I agree with other reviews 90 minute battery for $1K camcorder is bad business.

  Overall Evaluation: With new baby in the house, I needed a camcorded to create long lasting memories. Reading reviews and comparing specs, I have made my decision to go with SR-11 rather than SR-10. There are few of them: better photo pictures, lager HDD, viewfinder and lager LCD. Yes, I looked at other brands, but I bought SR-11 and I don't regret. Looking forward to use it more on upcoming vacation.

• Overall Rating
  5 Star Review

  Reviewed by: bunnyroo

  Updated:03-31-08

  Duration of ownership:2 Days

  Strengths: Picture Quality, Easy of Use, Large View Screen.

  Weaknesses: Needs better software. Does not come with HDMI cable.

  Overall Evaluation: After 2 days of use, this is by far one of the best purchases I have made in a while. Out of the box, the camcorder is well built with no loose or fragile parts. It reminds me that this is a great Sony product. After charging it up, I hand the camera to my wife and see what she can do with it after never giving her any instructions. Guess what? She was recording in no time! Not even that, but she was able to set the time and other settings by using the touch screen menu on the large screened view finder. As for the view screen, she is in love with it! It is the sharpest screen we have ever seen on a camcorder.A few things to know though before buying. One, you need a very good computer to start editing your own DVDs. Editing HD video will take forever even on a great computer. Second, the software provided only touches the tip of the iceberg when it comes to editing. It would have been nice if Sony gave a coupon for their Vegas Pro Video Editing software. Third, the package did not include an HDMI cable, that will have to be purchase separately. You can however hook up the component cables.In short, a great camcorder that is easy to use and gives exceptional video.

• Overall Rating
  5 Star Review

  Reviewed by: GJC042906

  Updated:03-25-08

  Duration of ownership:

  Strengths: Compact, light, 60 GB HD, HD 1080i recording

  Weaknesses: none so far...maybe battery life (95 minutes on a full charge), but you should have a second battery.

  Overall Evaluation: Great Video HD Camcorder. Couldn't justify the costs of teh 120GB version. Great all the way around. It has a one touch button to burn the video to a dvd on your computer or laptop. Very convenient. Bundled with some good software. I would highly recommend this camcorder.

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Sony Handycam HDR-SR11 60GB Hard Drive Camcorder

$745.00(13 sellers) • Avg User Rating •Specs