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Sony DCR-SX85
 
Approximate retail price:
$250
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Summary: A standard-definition camcorder from Sony with an SD/MemoryStick Pro Duo memory-card slot, 60x optical zoom, and an image stabilizer.
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Type: Standard-definition camcorders
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1.0
Not for Apple computers
9/4/2012
Pros
Lots of useful features
Solid construction
Cons
Complicated to operate
Performance/quality problems
Best Uses
Home Movies
Comment:
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.

(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.

 
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.
How long have you owned it:
One-to-three months
Bottom Line
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
The Sony DCR-SX85 is part of the Camcorders test program at Consumer Reports. The Sony DCR-SX85 Camcorders features and specs include Remote, Size, Microphone input, Optical zoom, Weight (lbs.), AV Input, Built-in light, Digital still capable, HDMI output, LCD size (in.), Headphone out. In our lab tests, Camcorders models like the Sony DCR-SX85 are reviewed on Display quality, Low-light picture quality, Overall score, Picture quality, Versatility, Audio quality, Ease of use, Image stabilizer, Auto focus, Still camera, Battery life (min.). Consumer Reports subscribers share reviews of the Sony DCR-SX85 based on personal experience. The Consumer Reports user reviews of the Sony DCR-SX85 include star ratings, pros, cons, best uses, and a bottom line review to help guide your purchasing decision of the Sony DCR-SX85.
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