Features:
- Part camera, part camcorder--MiniDV camcorder with impressive digital still photo capability
- 10x optical, 120x digital, zoom with Sony's Super SteadyShot picture stabilization
- 2.5 inch color touch-panel Precision SwivelScreen Hybrid LCD
- 2.1 megapixel CCD captures 1600 x 1200 digital stills--records onto both tape or Memory Stick
- Includes 8 MB Memory Stick, wireless remote control, and photo and movie software
Description:
Early Adopters Pick: Oct ober 2002. The world's first digital camcorder that also takes 2.1-megapixe l digital still pictures; weighs only 24 ounces and has integrated Bluetooth te chnology to transfer images to a computer without wires or cables. Sony's 2-megapixel DCR-IP220 is a serious recording tool for the digital videographer who wants all of Sony's advanced features in a single camcorder. The DCR-IP220 records on the miniscule MicroMV tapes, offers Super NightShot and Night Framing modes, hologram autofocusing, and Bluetooth connectivity. Unfortunately, all of these hefty features add up to a fairly hefty price. Assuming that cost isn't an object, this camcorder does pretty much anything you'd want it to. The MicroMV tapes--70 percent smaller than MiniDV--each have a 64 KB memory chip so you can scan through different sections of the tape like a DVD, locating scenes by their thumbnails. The high-detail 2.5-inch LCD swings up above the camcorder, and pivots 270-degrees so you can view it from almost any angle--including in front of the camera. The LCD also serves as a touchscreen interface, with a stylus for accessing menus, and it displays both approximate battery life and remaining storage space. For storing short clips and still images (at 1,600 by 1,200 resolution), the DCR-IP220 features a Memory Stick slot and includes an 8 MB stick. Its night and low-light filming capabilities are quite impressive--we were able to read details from across a darkened room with the Super NightShot mode. And the Night Framing mode takes bright, full-color still images in limited light. Connectivity options abound, with FireWire (either camera to camera or camera to PC), USB, and Bluetooth support built into the camcorder. It also includes a color viewfinder, intelligent pop-up flash, and an adequate (although not stellar) 10x optical zoom. Sony's DCR-IP220 isn't for the faint of wallet, but if you're not satisfied with anything but the best, this camcorder was built for you. --J. Curtis Pros:
- Excellent night modes
- Sharp, high-resolution video and image quality
- Unique and compact tapes
Cons:
- Expensive (though chock-full of cutting-edge features)
- Only 10x zoom
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