The DCR-SX85 is a 0.49-megapixel camcorder with 60x optical zoom and has a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 45mm-2700mm. It has a live-view 3-inch LCD and includes touchscreen capability.
The camcorder has a maximum aperture of f/1.8. The camcorder allows manual setting of focus and white balance.
The DCR-SX85 stores video and photos on SD, SDHC, SDXC and MemoryStick Pro Duo memory cards and has 16MB of on-board storage. It captures video as MPEG2-PS files at a top resolution of 720x480 and 0.31-megapixel resolution stills as JPG files.
The image stabilization system for this camcorder is optical.
The DCR-SX85 measures 2 7/8 inches wide by 2 1/4 inches high by 5 1/8 inches in length, and weighs 0.6 pounds.
About This Brand
Sony is the leading camcorder brand and offers the largest selection of high-definition models, some that have recently topped our Ratings. It offers several inexpensive Bloggie pocket camcorders that record to flash memory, and has more recently introduced several sports-oriented Action Cams. It also offers an extensive line of high-definition Handycam models that record to internal flash memory and Memory Stick and SD/SDHC memory cards. Sony offers a high-end 3D-capable model and several models with an integrated projector.
Weight (lbs.) This is measured in pounds and includes the recording media.
Weight (lbs.)
0.6
Size While camcorders are generally getting smaller, they do range in size, from the smallest pocket size through the mini-palm, and palm sizes. Overall, camcorders are typically much more compact than those from years ago. Instead of recording to tape or DVD, camcorders nowadays use either a compact hard-disk drive or flash memory. The smallest models on the market use flash memory.
Size
Average
Optical zoom Allows the camcorder to fill the frame with far-away objects at the touch of a button. An optical zoom rated at 16x means the camcorder can magnify the image up to 16 times the normal size.
Optical zoom
60X
LCD size (in.) This is the size of the image displayed on the LCD. Measured diagonally, it typically ranges from approximately 2 to 3 inches. With some models, the image does not fill the whole screen when recording. For these models, this number is smaller than the physical size of the screen.
LCD size (in.)
3
Built-in light Provides illumination for close-ups when the image would otherwise be too dark, but it's no substitute for a well-lit room. A built-in light is more convenient than a clip-on one. Many camcorders have an automatic setting for turning the light on.
Built-in light
Yes
HDMI output Has High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) output for direct digital-audio and video connection -- via a single cable -- to digital TVs with HDMI input. Can output 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and for some models, 1080p video signals. Standard-definition video is referred to 480i; progressive-scan or "enhanced definition" is 480p; high-definition consists of the 720p and 1080i signals, where 1080i also may be referred to as "full HD". 1080p is a progressive-scan HD format, found on some HD camcorders and on all Blu-ray players.
HDMI output
No
AV Input These let you record sound or images from another camcorder or VCR.
AV Input
No
Microphone input Jack for an external microphone to improve sound quality and prevent picking up noise from the camcorder. An alternative to using the built-in mike.
Microphone input
No
Digital still capable Some camcorders can take snapshots, much like a digital camera (though not necessarily of the same quality). The camcorder can then be plugged into a computer and the images downloaded from the memory. Using a removable memory card (such as MemoryStick, Compact Flash, or SD Card) you can transfer stills to a computer without having to connect the camcorder, but you need proper card-reader hardware.
Digital still capable
Yes
Headphone out An output for connecting a pair of headphones to the camcorder.
Headphone out
No
Remote A remote control is handy for operating the camcorder from a distance (say, to allow the user to be in the picture). It's also useful in playback mode since all the buttons are easily at hand.
The software supplied is for Windows ONLY. File format from a 32 GB card (not supplied) would not load into iPhoto. Neither video or photo files could be loaded. I returned the unit.
How long have you owned it:
A month or less
Bottom Line
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
By Rather not say!
from Los Angeles Area
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
1.0
All I can say is WOW! (Disappointed!)
1/24/2012
Pros
Add'l SD card slot
Easy to operate
Good internal mem 16gb
Lots of useful features
Simple/innovative controls
Cons
03 megapixel on photo
Cellphones have more mp's
No
Performance/quality problems
Poor low-light performer
Very grainy pictures
Best Uses
Home Movies
Comment:
This is mainly a camcorder. The videos that are taken are on the average side. On the otherhand it does take good quality pictures (very GRAINY). I called customer support from the www.esupport.sony.com link and asked why is it that the Megapixels are not disclosed on the packaging or on the owners manual. He stated that it only has .03 megapixels on the photo feature. Cellphone cameras have a minimum of 3 mp's! NOT GOOD! For what you pay for, yes I want to take great video but I also want the same quality for my pictures. Also it does not give the option of flash, it only has a steady spotlight that is mainly used for the camcorder feature. If you want to take a picture in a dark area you will have to have the steady light on at all times. Considering it has good internal memory of 16GB with the option of SD memory. Not worth the retail price. Sorry Sony.
How long have you owned it:
A month or less
Bottom Line
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
By Anonymous
from Tallahassee Florida
4.0
DCR-SX85
1/11/2012
Pros
Decent performance/quality
Easy to operate
Great sound
Simple/innovative controls
Solid construction
Cons
Best viewed on PC
Poor battery life
Poor low-light performer
Best Uses
Documentaries
Home Movies
Movies/Short Films
Travel
Comment:
In my last review I stated that the removable memory did not record as good as the internal memory. The handbook states for removable memory to use class 2 or higher, I used a well known class 4 SDHC card and the recorded video quality was not as good as the internal memory. Online researching reviews on the class 4 card that I used, another well known class 10 SDHC Video card had good reviews so I ordered one. When it arrived I ran another test, 3 different scenes in internal memory and the same 3 different scenes on the class 10 card and the results were equally good video recordings. The good news is, the class 10 video SDHC card cost around the same as I paid for a class 4 SDHC card. I purchased an anti-glare LCD screen cover and now I can see what I'm recording in bright sun light. With that said, this Handy Cam is definitely a keeper.
7 people have reviewed this model.
Weight (lbs.)
