New for 2007, the Sony DCR-SR200 is a step down from the top-of-the-line DCR-SR300, but this is by no means a low-end model. With impressive optics and effortless operation, the DCR-SR200 is not your average midrange hard-disk camcorder.

The DCR-SR200 has the same 40GB recording capacity as its sibling, which is sufficient to store up to 28 hours of MPEG2 footage in long-play mode, 14 hours in standard mode and 9 hours in high-quality mode. The DCR-SR200 has a slightly less powerful optical setup than the DCR-SR300, with a 1/3-inch, 2.1-megapixel ClearVID CMOS sensor and a Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T lens, all supported by effective digital image stabilization. The optical zoom is the same at 10X magnification, while this model offers a stronger 80X digital zoom. Recorded video comes close to the impressive images achieved by the DCR-SR300 and is considerably better than we have seen from many competing hard-disk camcorders. Colors are accurate but not oversaturated, and contrast is sharp.

As you would expect from Sony, the DCR-SR200 excels in Easy mode. Engaging this mode effectively locks the settings, so there's no chance of accidentally changing the settings during recording. Focus and exposure adjustments are fast and accurate, making this an ideal camcorder for you point-and-shoot enthusiasts seeking to record and store hours of high-quality video with a minimum of fuss. The DCR-SR200 also sports an array of program auto-exposure (AE) modes, as well as scene settings such as Landscape, Portrait, Snow, Sunrise and Twilight. However, like the DCR-SR300, the DCR-SR200's selection of manual controls is limited, with no separate adjustments for shutter speed, gain or aperture control. If you desire exacting control over the recording settings, this probably isn't the camcorder for you.

Still, there are plenty of other attractive features to recommend on the DCR-SR200. As a digital stills camera, this unit captures 4-megapixel stills at a maximum resolution of 2,304X1,728. The Memory Stick Duo media slot lets you quickly transfer images to a computer for printing or e-mailing, and if you engage the dual recording mode, you can simultaneously record stills to the Memory Stick and video to the hard disk. Sony hasn't neglected the audio, as the DCR-SR200 records in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. In addition, because this is a hard-disk camcorder, there is no motor noise to impair the quality of the audio.

Sony has equipped all of its hard-disk camcorders with the HDD Smart Protection System, which helps prevent damage to the hard disk if the camcorder is dropped or mishandled. The DCR-SR200 also includes physical shock absorbers to further protect the hard disk. One entertaining feature is Smooth Slow recording, which increases the recording speed so a 3-second video is played back over 12 seconds for a slow-motion look at the action. The package includes an always-useful Handycam station.

The Sony DCR-SR200 is a well-rounded hard-disk camcorder that offers solid value for the money.


Pros:  Improved video performance, excellent stills quality, extremely easy to use
Cons:  Disappointing selection of manual controls, so-so low-light performance

Warranty
90 days labor, 1 year parts