The DCR-SR300 is Sony's top-of-the-line hard-disk camcorder for 2007 and a step up from the DCR-SR200. Other manufacturers offer MPEG2 hard-disk camcorders with larger storage capacities than this model's 40GB, but an impressive optical suite makes the DCR-SR300 stand out from the pack.

The DCR-SR300 comes equipped with a 1/2.9-inch, 3-megapixel ClearVID CMOS sensor, along with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens that boasts a 10X optical/20X digital zoom function. The imager delivers 2.28 effective megapixels in widescreen recording mode or 1.71 effective megapixels in standard 4:3 mode. That translates to sharp, vibrant video images with good contrast and accurate colors, and optical image stabilization does a great job keeping your recordings steady. Compared to the image quality of the first generation of hard-disk camcorders, not to mention many current-generation models, the DCR-SR300 is light-years ahead.

While the 20X digital zoom may appear miniscule next to other DV camcorders offering 1,000X or more, Sony has chosen quality over quantity. Digital zoom electronically enlarges an image at a significant cost of image quality, rendering higher zoom levels virtually useless. Restricting the digital zoom to a reasonable level simplifies operation and ensures that all of the DCR-SR300's recordings are distortion-free.

The video performance is certainly impressive, but the DCR-SR300 doesn't have some of the portability benefits usually associated with hard-disk camcorders. With a weight of about 1.2 pounds, the DCR-SR300 is hardly a behemoth, but it is not among the lightest or most compact hard-disk camcorders available. If your hands are larger than average, however, the increased real estate could actually help improve handling.

One disappointing aspect is the selection of manual control options, or more accurately, the lack thereof. The DCR-SR300 offers excellent automatic controls, with responsive focus and exposure adjustments. Additionally, there are 10 different auto-exposure (AE) modes. Unfortunately, there are no manual controls for shutter speed, gain or aperture control. Point-and-shoot enthusiasts will appreciate the simple operation, but if you are looking for greater creative control over your video recordings, you'll likely find the DCR-SR300 frustratingly limited.

The video quality of the DCR-SR300 represents a marked improvement for hard-disk camcorders, and the digital stills performance is even more impressive. This camcorder captures 6.1-megapixel stills to the hard disk or Memory Stick Duo media at a maximum resolution of 2,848X2,136. Sony includes a Handycam station, so you can quickly and easily connect the DCR-SR300 to your TV or computer for viewing and downloading images. If your computer is properly equipped, the Handycam also enables one-touch burning to DVD.

If the lack of manual controls isn't a deal breaker, you can't go wrong with the Sony DCR-SR300 hard-disk camcorder and its excellent the video and stills performance.


Pros:  Improved video performance, excellent stills quality, extremely easy to use, optical image stabilization system
Cons:  Disappointing selection of manual controls, so-so low-light performance, not the smallest or lightest hard-drive camcorder available

Warranty
90 days labor, 1 year parts