Annotated examples of the video and still photos from the Sony Handycam DCR-SR42.
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.
The SR42 displayed some serious fringing problems under a variety of circumstances. Here, not only do the high-contrast edges sport the telltale purplish glow, but the entire shirt seems to share the tinted haze. (Frame grab, scaled down.)
2 of 4 Lori Grunin
The dark greens and deep purples of these spring tulips get washed out when recorded by the SR42, accompanied by blown-out highlights and edge artifacts. The highlights especially came as a surprise since the day was overcast during my field tests. (Frame grab, scaled down.)
3 of 4 Lori Grunin
Camera movements, including horizontal panning and slow zooms, produce interlace artifacts which appear regardless of the playback display. (Frame grab, scaled down; insets shown at actual size.)
4 of 4 CNET Labs
Low resolution, noisy, and soft, the SR42's still photos look as bad as a typical camcorder still from five years ago. (Photo, actual size.)
