Keep the movie going baby

Author's Rating:

Pros: Feature packed. Easy to use.

Cons: Not everyone can afford such a nice camera.

The Bottom Line: 
This multipurpose camera is both professional yet easy for the casual home video user.

Author's Review
Well I have had this camera since last December and let me tell you that I enjoy every bit of this well-designed camera.The reason I went with Sony is becasue I had their Sony HI 8 camera that I got back in 1998. I was going on an oversea trip so I needed a camera that was lightweight and loaded with features. So the Sony DCR 33 was the pick for me because I could put this camera in my carryon case. Personally I did not like lugging my Hi 8 camera around in Europe when I went back in 1998 for three months. This camera has the best resolution around. You think Cannon is broadcast quality think again Sony is good. I like the touchscreen operation makes it eaiser to controll the camera on the go. Cannon does not have this cool feature.

I also like the different special effects on this camera. For instance I was playing around with the Sepia and Black and White Movie mode. This camera fit my needs in this department. The zoom is perfect. The digital zoom is a gimmick so the Canon camera that has more zoom looses precious quality. I also like the Super Steady Shot that makes this camera good for t.v. production. The Super Nightshot allowed me to tape a nice sunset in Santa Fe. WIth the Color Viewfinder I knew the exact outcome of my recording.

Another good feature is the sound. The built in microphone has 16 bit processing. The sound is perfect. I like being able to add a microphone via the smart accessory connection or via the microphone jack. I even bought an accesory night light to add to the production. Another benefit is that I have extra batteries. Eventhough the camera battery is not for heavy use I find it perfect for my use. With a simple touch on the side panel I can get the battery indicator to display on the screen.

Playback could not be eaiser. I can choose different special effects to use during playback. My next venture is to hook it up to my computer which needs more memory.

The designers at Sony did a good job to make the camera look sleek. I also like the Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar lense. Cannon can't boast using this high-quality lense. It's very comfortable to use. I love the lense cap very snazzy. I also am please that there is no motor noise when I record my film.This was my #1 reason for not choosing the Cannon ZR series. On my trip people were amazed at my selection.

As for the Digital still photos I am pleased with the quality. I would much rather carry one camera than two for this purpose. I want to capture photos and take movies with one camera. I hope to get a small Sony Digital Camera soon.

The user's manual is very concise. I was working this camera after I charged the battery. I would recommend this baby to my friends. If you have a new baby or any specal event the Sony camera is for you. Be aware if you decide for the next model up in this series it will use more battery due to the larger LCD screen which I don't personally need.

Sony has been making good cameras for years.So take my word and go to your electronics store for this new gadget. I would choose Mini DV over Digital 8. In my opinion the DVD camera is a waste of money as it's hard to erase and re-record.All I would do is burn my movie to a DVD R or Video Disc more flexibility this way.