Sony DCR-SR85

Last updated: Review by CamcorderInfo (25 November’08)

Sony DCR-SR85 is a 60GB Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 25x Optical Zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens. This camcorder features /6″ Advanced HAD™ (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 680K (effective) pixels provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance, Hybrid Recording to Hard Disk Drive or Memory Stick® Media, Quick On, Built-in zoom microphone with 5.1ch recording, and 2.7″ Wide1 (16:9) Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus™ Display (211K Pixels).

Overall Rating: | Latest Price Info

Sony DCR-SR85 Reviews

CamcorderInfo reviews the Sony DCR-SR85 and writes;

“The Sony DCR-SR85 is larger than most standard definition camcorders. If you’re looking for an ultra-portable device, this isn’t the camcorder for you. However, if you want something traditional, that feels good in your hand and performs well, the SR85 is an excellent option.”
Rating: N/A

CNET reviews the Sony DCR-SR85 and writes;

“The good: Lightweight, compact design; 60GB of storage and recording ability to Memory Stick cards; responsive touch screen; simple operation. The bad: Overpriced for what it delivers; no optical image stabilization. The bottom line: If you don’t want to, need to, or simply can’t shell out a couple hundred dollars more for an HD camcorder, the Sony Handycam DCR-SR85 delivers decent SD video and copious recording time.”

Rating:

GoodGearGuide reviews the Sony DCR-SR85 and writes;

“The Sony DCR-SR85 is a good quality mid-range camcorder that easily matches any standard-def model in its price range. If you’re determined to ignore the HD boom, you could certainly do a lot worse than this.”
Rating:

CNET.au reviews the Sony DCR-SR85 and writes;

“If you don’t want to, need to, or simply can’t shell out a couple hundred dollars more for an HD camcorder, the Sony Handycam DCR-SR85 delivers decent SD video and copious recording time.”
Rating:

Sony DCR-SR85 Test Clips

Sony DCR-SR85 Outdoor demo;

Sony DCR-SR85 Indoor demo;

Sony DCR-SR85 User Manual (PDF)

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- Download Sony DCR-SR85 User Manual (PDF - 4MB)

Sony DCR-SR85 Specifications

MEDIA

* Primary Video Recording Medium:60GB HDD
* Additional Video Recording Medium(s):Memory Stick
* Movie Dubbing (Between Mediums):HDD –> Memory Stick

LENS

* Carl Zeiss Lens Type:Vario-Tessar
* Filter Diameter:30mm
* Zoom:25x Optical (2000x Digital)
* F:1.8 - 3.2
* f (Focal Distance):2.5 - 62.5mm
* f (35mm Conversion) in 16:9 “MOVIE” Rec position:39 - 1189mm

SENSOR

* Sensor Size & Type:1/6″ CCD
* No. of Pixels (Approx. Gross):1070K
* No. of Pixels 16:9 “MOVIE” Rec (Effective):670K

CAMERA

* Max. Video Resolution:720 x 576 (Standard Definition)
* Video Format:MPEG2
* Aspect Ratio:16:9 Widescreen
* Super Steady Shot:Electronic
* Focus System:Auto / Manual (via Touch Screen)
* Spot Focus:Yes (via Touch Screen)
* Spot Meter:Yes (via Touch Screen)
* Minimum Illumination:8lux (Auto Slow Shutter on)
* White Balance:Auto / Outdoor / Indoor / One Touch (via Touch Screen)
* Shutter Speed:1/3 - 1/3500
* NightShot:Yes
* Colour Slow Shutter:Yes
* Exposure Control:Yes (via Touch Screen)
* Iris Control / Gain Control:Auto Only
* Guide Frame:Yes
* Fader Functions:Fade to Black / White (via Touch Screen)
* Picture Effects:Monotone / Sepia / Pastel
* Digital Picture Effects:Old Movie
* Tele Macro:Yes (via Touch Screen)
* Active Interface Shoe:Yes
* Easy Handycam:Yes

TOUCH SCREEN

* Size:2.7″ (16:9 WIDE)
* No. of Pixels / Resolution:123,200 dots (560 x 220)
* LCD Type:Standard

AUDIO

* Zoom Mic:Yes
* Recording:2ch Stereo (Dolby Digital)
* Playback (via camera):2ch Stereo (Dolby Digital)
* Recording Media:HDD / Memory Stick

STILL IMAGE

* Max. Image Size (Still Mode):1.0MP
* Compression:JPEG
* PictBridge:Yes
* Photo Capture from Movie Playback:Yes (In camera / via software)

SIZE

* Weight Without Battery:360g
* Dimensions Without Battery (W x H x D):76×77x113mm

CONNECTION

* SD Video / Audio Out (via Multi AV RCA Cable):Yes
* USB Terminal:Yes (USB2 Mini Jack)
* DC In:Yes

MAX HDD / FLASH RECORDING TIME

* SP HQ 9Mbps (720 x 576):880 mins
* SP SP 6Mbps (720 x 576):1310 mins
* SP LP 3Mbps (720 x 576):2510 mins

BATT REC. TIME (LCD ON)

* NPFH40:90 mins (Supplied)
* NPFH50 (Actiforce):105 mins
* NPFH70 (Actiforce):230 mins
* NPFH100 (Actiforce):515 mins

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES

* AC Adaptor:AC-L200
* InfoLITHIUM Battery:NP-FH40
* Handycam Docking Station:DCRA-C200
* AV Cable (Stereo RCA):Yes
* USB Cable (Mini –> Full Sized):Yes
* Remote Commander:RMT-835
* CD-ROM: Picture Motion Browser 3.0:Yes
* CD-ROM: Sony Vegas Platnium (30 Day Trial):Yes
* Enjoy Handycam DVD:Yes