Sony - Handycam DCR-SR42 Camcorder Review

The Sony Handycam DCR-SR42 is awesome!

With that being said, now let me explain why.

What is it?
The Sony Handycam (Model DCR-SR42)is a hand-held digital video camera recorder.  Instead of using a DVD disk or VCR tape (think old school video cameras), the Sony Handycam has a 30 GB built in hard drive that can hold up to 20 hours of video taping! 

The LCD swivel screen also is a touch screen (options can be made on the camera itself, as well).  The swivel screen is 2 1/2 inches big.  The Sony Handycam can take video and digital still pictures. 

Hooking the camera up to your computer is a breeze.  All the accessories needed is in the kit with camera.  The Sony Handycam simply sits on a charging base that plugs into the wall (the battery stays in the camera to charge while sitting on base).  This base also has a one touch disk burning feature (which I admit I haven't tried yet.  I did it the old-fashioned way). 

Sometimes the scariest feature of getting new electronic gadgets is turning them on and getting all the settings like the date/time set.  It was so easy!  Since the screen is a touch screen, it literally took me less than a minute to set the date and time and I was done. 

Of course, the camera records but it also plays-back what you recorded with volume you can actually hear! (My old camera would playback with no sound even though it recorded sound). 

The Sony Handycam comes with the audio/video cords that plug directly into your t.v. and you can play the videos or still picture images on the t.v.  How cool is that?

There is an option of using a memory stick for still pictures, which might be easier to load to your PC than hooking the camera up to it (and thus not using up hard drive space).

What I haven't tried on the computer yet is the Super NightShot Plus infrared system that is built into the camera.  It claims to have superb looking video while shooting in low light.  I can't wait to check that out when we go camping!

My Viewpoint! 

The Sony Handycam DCR-SR42 is VERY easy to use. I can't stress that point enough.  I have owned many video-cameras over the years and the Sony Handycam is by far, my favorite!
The screen sounds small but is actually a good size and very clear. 

My favorite feature is plugging the camera directly into my television and watching the videos straight from the camera.

It is really small but it is not delicate.  At first I was treating it as if it were a newborn baby but it didn't take long until my Husband and Daughter were sledding down a hill with the camera turned  on them recording the bumpy ride!

I love my Sony Handycam (and my husband for buying it for me for Christmas)!  I have researched the video cameras that are new on the market and this one has all the features I was looking for.

My ONE complaint about the Sony Handycam is the quality of the digital pictures.  I want great clarity in my pictures, it's not the greatest but it's good.  Remember when digital cameras first came out and the pics were grainy?  That's what it reminds me of.

If you are looking for a cheap video camera, this isn't the one for you.  It cost's about $500.00.  Add in the warranties, protection plans and all that and the camera is almost $700.00. 

Is the Sony Handycam worth $500-$700?  In my opinion, it is worth every cent and more!