Comments

rextilleon wrote on 4/11/2003, 3:10 PM
emmm--unless you want a shoulder mounted camera, then why spend the extra money for the DSR-250 when the PD-150 will give you pretty much the same image quality----To realize big improvement, you might consider either the JVC 5000 or the Sony DSR-390. Both have half inch chips and a host of other features that the 250 doesn't have. Go Devils go!
BarryB wrote on 4/11/2003, 3:23 PM
I have been using the DSR 250 for the last several months and I have to say that I am not a big fan of it. The image is okay but it only has 1/3" CCD's as opposed to the 1/2" CCD's in the next model up; At any rate, it has the quality you would expect from sony chips and it has a whole lot of features that are fairly common on most prosumer DVcams as well as some consumer MiniDV cams. My biggest complaint is with the controls, namely the response of the focus ring, apature ring, and zoom control. I find it hard to do a quick focus because you have to turn the focus ring more times than one would expect. This may pose a problem with shooting sports. Less of a problem is the apature ring, but there is a hesitation as it is digital. Worst of all is the zoom control. I find it nearly impossible to do a slow smooth zoom, no matter how delicately you try to push it, it just jumps into zoom mode and it is tough to keep a steady slow zoom with consistent speed. Lasstly, I find it uncomfortable to hold and balance on my shoulder because the shoulder pad is not really countoured all that well. It's almost flat on the bottom. It's a light camera, which may or may not be your preference, but I find for the 1 piece ENG style body, it is maybe too light which makes it harder for me to do steady hand held shots if I am zoomed in at all on a subject. The eyepiece is nice, and the LCD screen is convenient. It has some pro features that give it some credibility such as XLR inputs, manual white balance, shutter control and a bunch of other features in the menu I have yet to experiment with. The comapny I work for bought four of these cameras, and everyone who uses them have the same basic complaints. I'd seriously consider trying one out first to see if you like the controls and feel of the camera. The image quality will be comparable to other camera's in its class and price range.
videoman69 wrote on 4/11/2003, 4:09 PM
I had a Sony DSR-300, bought the Pana DVX-100 and was more pleased with
its picture and size. I sold the DSR-300 and have not regretted it.
The DSR-250 will no last much longer as a camera that Sony will sell. I would look at something else.
vicmilt wrote on 4/11/2003, 4:12 PM
Have to agree with BarryB's very concisive review.
I had a DCR-200 for the last couple of years, and it was great, BUT...
with the implementation of the PD-150, I found a new love. Both cameras are upgrades on the technology of the original VX-1000, but they got the VX-1000 right with a side screen, XLR audio inputs, and reasonably accessible controls.

A lot of people like a heavier camera, but I'd rather carry a good tripod. This one is so small (relatively speaking), I am more inclined to have it with me. Picture quality is wonderful, and the dumbed down "auto-program" setting really gives you excellent service in the majority of shooting situations. By and large, I just pick it up, and shoot. Focus is slow for sports (but so is the DCR).

For the bucks, you just can't beat the Sony PD-150. After I shot one job with it, I sold my DCR...

One other aside... none of these prosumer cameras have zoom controls worth a damn for anything other than general use. But by the addition of a third party zoom controller (can't offhand remember the name of the one that I have, but they are readily available), zoom control becomes a thing of beauty. The control hooks onto the tripod handle and controls the on/off and the zoom thru the "L" connector. You can squeeze into and out of your zooms smoothly, and adjust the speed down to a barely perceptible crawl. Definitely recommended for any working pro.