Sony released their DCR-SR45 in 2008, together with three other standard definition camcorders (DCR-SR65, DCR-SR85 and the DCR-SR220).  Their small sizes and the capability of recording to its internal hard disk drive or an option to record to a Memory Stick Duo PRO inserted in its built-in memory slot characterized them all.  The DCR-SR45 measures about 3in x 4.4in x 3in (WxDxH) and weighs only 12.3 oz.

Sony made the DCR-SR45 to replace the older DCR-SR42.  The most noticeable difference between the two is the additional 2.7-inch LCD screen incorporated in the DCR-SR45’s architecture.  The silver and black color combination of the DCR-SR45 makes it look sleeker combined with its circular mode dial ring and spring-loaded retractable port covers.

With a price range of $350-$450, this camcorder is a medium-priced camcorder with an average extent in its features and performance.

The DCR-SR45 has a 1/8 inch, Advanced HAD CCD imaging sensor with 680,000 effective pixel rating.  This is smaller, compared to the DCR-SR42 (the camcorder it was supposed to replace), which has a 1/6 inch imaging sensor with the same pixel count.  The camcorder records in MPEG-2 format and with a small imaging sensor, the DCR-SR45’s video quality is mediocre for a standard definition camcorder and compared to other camcorders in its category.

The DCR-SR45 features a 30GB hard disk drive as its main recording media.  The main advantage of having a hard disk as the main recording media is portability.  There is no need to carry disks, flash cards, lots of extra memory sticks or tapes whenever you are on a shoot.  The 30GB hard disk drive can provide you with up to 6 hours of recording capacity (even in high quality setting); a truly big advantage.  The disadvantage of more movable parts inside the camcorder means the camcorder is more prone to problems, and you should take more care to ensure the camcorder’s flawless performance.  It would be a problem if the hard drive fails in a middle of an event or a vacation trip.

The camcorder also has a 40X optical zoom capability.  Optical zoom enables the camcorder to focus on distant object and producing clear images with less distortion to the outcome.  It also boasts of a 2000x digital zoom feature, although there is limited use and testing for this capability.

One disadvantage that this camcorder has is its poor image stabilization.  When the camcorder is not zoomed fully, the image stabilization works perfect.  However, in extreme zoom, maximizing the camcorder’s 40X capability, you will need a tripod or a very stable hand to eliminate shake and blurriness in the video recordings.

Its 2.7 inch LCD screen is touch sensitive, which means easier navigation thru the camcorder’s menu, which is very useful.  Its menus are grouped accordingly, and any user – new to Sony’s architecture or not – will find it easy to use and quick to familiarize.  The LCD is its only viewing material though, as this camcorder doesn’t have a viewfinder like some of its competitors.  This makes it hard to manage your video recording under the sun or under bright light conditions.  The LCD will prove to be susceptible to glaring and ghosting, making video recording in bright light conditions a hit or miss option.

Even with a sub-par overall performance in video quality, the DCR-SR45 surprisingly performs very well in low light conditions, using the camcorder’s Night Shoot feature.  Videos, although not as crisp as High Definition camcorders, turn out clear and recognizable.

The camcorder is also equipped with a stereo zoom microphone that works great.  Every time the zoom for video is used, the mic adjusts to maximize the voice recording for audio – with its Wind Noise reduction capability, it works satisfactorily, too.

Battery life is a little disappointing with the Sony NP-FH40 battery packaged with the unit.  A fully charged battery will only last for about 2 hours maximum of extensive use.  This performance is inferior, compared to the newer Sony DCR-SR200 (with a 40GB hard disk drive) with battery that can last for 5 hours recording time in high quality settings.  For longer camera use, or when in long trips, it is advisable to upgrade to a larger capacity battery or carry a spare battery or two with the DCR-SR45.

This camcorder also features a built-in lens cap, which is convenient and keeps you from worrying about losing the cap when using the camcorder.  Also features a Face Detection capability, Auto Power save mode, and a built in speaker.  Connection is thru USB 2.0 and it is PictBridge supported to enable you to connect your camcorder directly to compatible devices like printers and the likes. 

Like most camcorders at this category, the DCR-SR45 offers a poor still image quality at only 0.3 megapixels.

For better video quality and manual versatility to boot, you can choose the Canon Vixia HF200 for an additional $150 over the price of the DCR-SR45.  The Vixia HF200 records to a flash card and doesn’t have the big internal recording media as the DCR-SR45 does.  The Vixia HF200 also has a lower 15X optical zoom capability but compensates for it with a 2.99 megapixel optical sensor resolution giving its video a quality that is far ahead from that of the DCR-SR45.

Another camcorder option worthy of consideration is the Sony DCR-SR47 released by the company about a year after the DCR-SR45’s release.  It’s more compact and light weight at only 10.6 oz and a 60X optical zoom (compared to the DCR-SR45’s 40X).  It also has the same 1/8 inch CCD sensor and has the same media storage options with a Hard Disk Drive and Memory Card Duo card slot.  The cost is about $100-$150 more than that of the DCR-SR45.

With its main features – a compact design, portability and light weight – the Sony DCR-SR45 camcorder is ideal for travelers who love to travel light and for applications where portability is a key factor and medium video quality is acceptable.  For users who are constantly uploading low definition web videos who want to get quality for their camcorder investment, then this camcorder is for you.

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Technical Specifications

Hardware

• Assignable Dial : N/A
• Light/Flash : N/A
• Manual / Auto Lens Cover : Manual
• Media Card slot : Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media
• S/S & Zoom button on LCD : Yes