Camcorder Review: Sony DCR-VX2100 Mini DV (page 2)
Facelift or Botox?
This beautiful camera wins our highest praise. Our recommendations are very simple. If you already own a VX2000, you really don't need the VX2100: Same lens + same CCDs = same camera. If, however, you are looking for your first pro camera and your budget is in the $3,000 range, we can confidently say that this camera will not disappoint. The VX2100 retains the exceptional imaging, smooth and quiet operation and professional controls of the VX2000. We could complain that Sony didn't make more substantive improvements over the VX2000, but we won't. How much better could it get?
Brian Peterson is a Communications Director with the American Lung Association and has more than 14 years of broadcast video production experience.
TECH SPECS
Format: Mini DV
Lens: F/1.6-2.4; fl=6 mm to 72 mm; 12x optical zoom; 58mm filter diameter
Image sensor: 3 x 1/3-inch CCD
Gross pixels (per CCD): 380K
Video pixels (per CCD): 340K
Viewfinder: color (180K pixels)
LCD viewscreen: 2.5-inch color (211K pixels)
Focus: auto, manual
Anamorphic 16:9: no
Image Stabilization: optical
Exposure: auto, manual, presets (5)
Minimum Shutter Speed: 1/4
Maximum Shutter Speed: 1/10,000
Iris: auto, manual
Electronic Gain: +18dB
Neutral Density Filter: yes (2)
Zebra Stripes: yes (70%, 100%)
White Balance: auto, manual, presets
Audio: 12-bit (default), 16-bit
Audio Gain: auto, manual
Microphone Input: 1/8-inch stereo mini
Headphone Output: 1/8-inch stereo mini
Inputs: FireWire, S-video, composite
Outputs: FireWire, S-video, composite
Edit Interface: FireWire
Other features: still shot (1,280 x 960), 8MB Memory Stick, flash
Dimensions (w x h x d): 4 3/4 x 6 3/8 x 15 1/2 inches
Weight (sans tape and battery): 3 lbs. 6 oz
STRENGTHS
- High resolution, sharp image
- Great low-light performance
- Beautiful colors
WEAKNESSES
- No XLR Inputs
SUMMARY
Polished and professional, the VX2100 is still the fine camera that it has always been, with only incremental improvements over the VX2000.
$3,000
Sony Electronics Inc.
1 Sony Drive
Park Ridge, NJ 07656
(877) 865-SONY
www.sonystyle.com
