Sony Handycam DCR-SR85
The technical specifications of the Sony DCR-SR85 may not represent a huge leap forward compared to previous models, but it's hard to find anything that this camcorder doesn't do well.
Pros
The Sony DCR-SR85 Handycam features a 60 GB internal hard drive, which is the largest among Sony's line of consumer camcorders. It also offers users excellent video performance (thanks, in large part, to its Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens) and a wide range of settings and connectivity options. Despite its large hard drive, the DCR-SR85 is small, lightweight and very comfortable to hold. One particularly interesting feature of the camcorder is its accessory shoe, to which users can attach a flash. It should be noted that this is a proprietary accessory shoe, so it will only work with Sony products (although there are third-party adapters on the market).
Cons
The DCR-SR85 is classified as an HDD camcorder, which means that it doesn't use tapes. Rather, footage is stored on the camcorders hard disk drive (HDD). This is confusing to some consumers, who interpret the acronym HDD to mean that the camcorder is capable of shooting high-definition video. This is not the case with the DCR-SR85. However, the truth is that very few consumers have any need for a high-definition camcorder. If you're shooting video for YouTube or similar use, a good standard-definition camcorder will suit your needs just fine.
The Gist
If you want to film family get-togethers, your kids' soccer games or similar events, but aren't overly concerned with coming away with exceptional video and audio quality, the Sony Handycam DCR-SR85 is a great option. It's among the best of the camcorders in its price range.
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