With one cosmetic exception, the Sony Handycam HDR-SR1 is a twin of the DVD-based HDR-UX1.
Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Like most of Sony's prosumer camcorders, the SR1 supports Dolby Digital 5.1 surround recording. The built-in microphone's position on the front of the unit assures that you don't sacrifice frontal audibility for rear-channel sound.
The manual camera control button enables the ring for whatever function you assign it. The options are buried fairly deeply within the menu system, though.
