The Nightshot feature works well. The infrared light will illuminate anything up to about ten feet away, even in total darkness. The video does glow monochrome green, not color, but what the heck . . . you never know what you'll see in the dark.

You can also choose to put a "guideframe" on the display, so you can practice shooting to the Rule of Thirds. The histogram feature will surely impress your friends. Even if you have no idea what a histogram is, you'll feel like a pro with that little dancing bar graph in the corner.

Smooth Slow Record records three seconds of video at a 4x frame rate, thus letting you play it back in slow motion over 12 seconds. Under Digital Effects, you'll find Cinema Effect, Still, Flash, Trail and Old Movie. Trail will work well if you want to do a trippy counter-culture music video. Old Movie is the sepia-toned, slow-frame-rate effect that is good for a quick laugh, but it can be easily overdone.

Format: HDV
Number of CMOS image Sensors: 1
Size of CMOS: 1/2.9"
Pixels on CMOS: 3.2 megapixels
Video Effective Pixels: 2.28 megapixels (16:9), 1.71 megapixels (4:3)
Max Video Resolution: 1440x1080
Data Storage: MiniDV tape, Memory Stick Pro Duo for stills
Focus: Auto/manual
Shutter Speed: Auto/manual (1/4- 1/10,000)
Lens f-Stop: f1.8 - f2.9
Programmed AE: Full Auto, Beach, Candle, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Lesson, Spotlight and Sunrise & Sunset
Light Measuring Modes: Auto, spot (via touch screen)
Zoom: 10x optical
Focal Length: 40mm-400mm
Filter Diameter: 37mm
Image Stabilization: Optical
Manual White Balance: Yes
Viewfinder: Color
LCD Monitor: 2.7" color (211k)
Video In: FireWire
Video Out: Mini-USB 2.0, mini component video, FireWire, HDMI (cable not included)
Onboard Mic: Stereo
Microphone In: 3.5mm jack
VU Meters: Yes
Audio Level Controls: Auto/manual
Headphone Jack: 3.5mm
LANC jack: Yes
Speaker: Yes
Memory Card Included: No
Flash: Normal, low, high, red-eye reduction
Wireless Remote: Yes
External Battery Charger Provided: No
Battery Type: Lithium ion
Onboard Video Light: None
Accessory Shoe: Proprietary Active Interface Shoe
Weight: 1 lb. 6 oz. with battery
Dimensions: 3.25" W x 3.25" H x 5.5" D

• Tape-based for easy archival
• Wide array of manual controls
• Great image quality

• Lens hood obstructs flash and IR light
• Small Cam Control wheel
• Curious menu layout

A robust, flexible camera. Good choice for those who want their video on tape.

Greg Robinson is the owner of an independent production company.

Sony Electronics, Inc.
16530 Via Esprillo, MZ 7104
San Diego, CA 92127
www.sonystyle.com
$1,100