Sony DCR-SR290E Camcorder Review
The Versatile Sony DCR-SR290E HDD Handycam
Record and enjoy up to 28 hours of high quality video and up to 6 Megapixel still images directly onto the 40GB high capacity hard disk drive, without having to worry about additional tapes or discs – high capacity ‘and’ high quality.
Exceptional Image Quality
The DCR-SR290E features Sony’s ClearVid CMOS sensor which improves picture quality and heightens the clarity and detail within each scene. The sensor also boosts the camcorder’s high sensitivity shooting capabilities and allows the user to simultaneously shoot 4.6 Megapixel still photos whilst recording video footage whilst in Dual Rec mode, so you can capture both high quality video and photographic memories.
Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens
Image clarity and detail is assured thanks to the powerful Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens which has a 10x optical zoom and additional 20x digital zoom range, so you confidently shoot both near and far subjects without risking image quality. The DCR-SR290E Handycam uses Sony’s Super SteadyShot optical image stabilisation technology which reduces the effects of camera shake to produce clear, blur-free pictures; this is particularly relevant when shooting at high zoom settings or in low light conditions.
The SR290E features Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator for surround sound recording with a built in microphone so you can capture clear dialogue and foreground sound.
Easy-to-Use Functionality
The SR290E has a 2.7-inch Wide Clear Photo LCD Plus screen with touch panel, so you can easily set-up, view, and review your shots in bright sunlight. If you don’t have time to manually set the camcorders various settings, simply press the Easy Handycam button and the DCR-SR290E will automatically adjust the controls, so all you have to do is point-and-shoot. The handy Home menu and Guide function help you navigate through the settings and select the functions most suited to your requirements.
Crash Protection Features
To protect your videos, the SR290E Handycam has a Hard Disk Drive Smart Protection system to prevent your files being lost by accident. The physical shock absorber protects the hard disk drive against physical jarring and jolts during operation and a 3G sensor detects sudden movement in three dimensions so it can differentiate between accidental drops and other body actions. Plus, video stream buffering ensures that the camcorder continues to record smoothly.
Handycam Station
Sony’s Handycam Station is included with the SR290E and allows you to quickly and easily connect the camcorder to your TV or PC via the analogue and Hi-Speed USB connectors. The One-Touch Disc Burn function records an hour’s worth of video onto DVD via a connected PC in around 20 minutes, so you can quickly share and save your videos.
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I have a DCR-SR290E on which the screen has decided to pack up after 13 months (typical, 1 month out of guarantee). Sony want around £200 just to look at it although I have been told by a couple of other repair companies that this is a known fault.
I have always had Sony camcorders in the past and they have generally been excellent as this one was until the time the screen packed in. There is no viewfinder on this model rendering it unuseable.
Sony no longer make the 290E so should I need a new camcorder I asked them to confirm the equivalent or better current model. They basically sent me a list of everything they do and have generally been of no help whatsoever. I’ve compared the specs on the Sony website but am still unclear. My assumption is, because the 210E is a lower number, it is a lower spec’d model.
Can you offer any advice on this, i.e. if I was to replace this camcorder what is the current equivalent or better Sony model?
It’s a pity really that in my opinion Sony have been let down by their customer support. As I said before the camcorder has been excellent, simple to use and with very good picture quality. Although out of guarantee (just) I’m dissapointed that Sony want £200 plus from me to repair something that is a known problem with the camcorder.