jprestondavid's Full Review: Sony Handycam DCR-VX2100 Mini DV Camcorder
About this Review
This is a very long review. Someone truly interested in buying a camera of this class will probably appreciate this level of detail. I would suggest that you check out the user's manual on www.sonystyle.com for some of the details that I may not have touched on here. My goal is to bring an experienced user's opinion on many aspects and details of this camera that you can't get from the manual.
A Word To The VX2000 Owner
I've owned a Sony DCR-VX2000 for about a year and a half. I've used it a lot, and I've grown very fond of it. In my humble opinion, it is (was) the best option in the $2500 price range. Last month, I decided to buy a second camera so that I could be better prepared to shoot multi-camera events without having to borrow a camera. There really was little choice for me...since the VX2000 is no longer in production, and the VX2100 is virtually the same price, I pulled the trigger on the VX2100.
The obvious enhancements are few;
1) They added a record-start/stop button and a zoom rocker switch to the top of the upper handle (right behind the hot shoe). There is also a 3-position switch about half-way back, on the side of the upper handle. Unfortunately, the zoom rocker switch that they added is only that - a switch. It does not control the zoom at variable rates like the rear zoom rocker does. The 3-position switch is used to set the zoom speed for the upper zoom rocker - high, low and off). In my humble opinion, the upper zoom rocker is fairly useless. I typically use the zoom ring instead.
2) They added an integrated lens cover, a very nice touch. At the rear of the lens shade, on the bottom left side, there is a small lever that controls the lens cover. Up and to the left for open, down and to the right for closed. The cover consists of two plastic shutter flaps that swing up and down and interlock to cover the lens.
3) They added a couple of new (and fairly insignificant) menu items. One in particular is the ability to shut off the record light.
4) Sony claims that the VX2100 has twice the low-light capability as the VX2000. That may be true in a lab environment, but in my limited testing with the camera, I can't tell any difference. I shot a wedding last weekend with both cameras pointing at the same subjects (from different angles, of course). I expected that I would need to adjust the exposure settings on the VX2100 (close down the aperture) to make the color and brightness match. I ended up with both cameras set identically.
5) Externally, they changed the color of the plastic case from a very light grey to a medium-dark grey.
6) The only complaint that I've ever had with my VX2000 is that if I run a tape in the forward direction all of the way to the end, when I try to rewind it, 9 times out of 10 the tape would be "eaten" by the camcorder. I compensated for this by ejecting the tape and manually rewinding it for a few turns. I don't know if this is a design problem, or some sort of adjustment issue in my camera. In any case, the VX2100 does not have this problem.
Overview of Capabilities
The DCR-VX2100 is a combination digital video camera (camcorder) and digital still camera. It uses 3 Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs), one for each primary color (Red, Green and Blue). The CCDs on the VX2100 measure 1/3 inch diagonally. Most consumer camcorders use a single CCD that measures 1/6 to 1/4 inch diagonally. This give the VX2100 a 10x to 12x advantage with regard to light gathering capacity. The VX2100 is equipped with a 58mm lens. Most other consumer camcorders are many times smaller. Again, this allows the VX2100 to gather light much more effectively than most cameras.
The video images and sound are captured on MiniDV tape. The 60 minute variety cost about $4 online and $5 to $6 in stores. Encoded on the tape are the images, sound, frame-based timecode and real-time date and time. This additional information is very handy and can be used in post production.
As a digital still camera, this VX2100 is mediocre at best. It can record 640x480 images on Memory Stick media (an 8MB stick is included). The bottom line...if you can afford this camera, buy a decent $500 digital still camera and a good $200 slave flash. If you truly learn to appreciate what the VX2100 will do in the video realm, you will be quickly disappointed with its digital still capabilities. You can connect an aftermarket flash unit to the hot-shoe. If you insist on using the digital still capabilities of this camera, I highly recommend that you do so.
Size Matters
The VX2100 is not your typical hobbyist camera. With a decent battery (I suggest the 5-hour NP-F750 as it fits perfectly in the battery slot without protruding from the back of the camera), the unit weighs in at almost 4 pounds. It is also 16 inches long with the eye-cup and lens hood attached. On just about every public outing with the camera someone has offered an unsolicited, "Nice camera" comment. Bottom line...it is impressive, and it makes you look like you know your stuff.
Optics
The VX2100 has a 12x optical zoom. That means that the lens elements move inside the camera to provide 12x image magnification without any loss of picture quality. Beware of cameras that tout their "digital zoom" capabilities. This camera can do up to 48x digital zoom. It does so by utilizing the 12x optical zoom, then by stretching the center 1/4 of the image to fill the screen. Obviously, there is significant picture quality degradation when digital zoom is used. Fortunately, digital zoom can be limited in the menus to 48x, 24x or none.
The VX2100 lens allows attachment of 58mm photographic filters and lens attachments (wide angle, telephoto, etc.) Obviously, when sizable attachments are used, the lens hood must be removed. This is accomplished by the loosening of a thumb-screw on the bottom of the hood, then turning the hood 1/8 turn and pulling it forward.
The lens hood contains the integrated lens cover as described in the first section above.
Two-ring Circus
The VX2100 is equipped with two rings just behind the lens hood, and around the circumference of the lens body. Both rings have a rubberized coating, raised grip texture, and a smooth fluid resistance "feel". The forward ring is nearly twice the width of the rear ring, and is used to adjust focus (when focus is set to "manual" mode...more on that later). The rear ring controls zoom. Note that both rings are servo-controlled - which means that they are not connected to the lens assembly with mechanical linkages. Instead, movement of the rings is digitized and fed into a microcomputer that in turn controls small servo motors that move the lens elements. This is noticable in two ways; when the rings are moved faster than the motors can react, and because the rings have no "stops" at the end of travel (they turn freely without limit).
The Driver's Side
ND Filter Control
Along the left side of the camera are several controls and indicators. First off is the Neutral Density filter switch. This is a 3-position slide switch with a chrome-plated actuator. The positions are OFF, 1 and 2. When operating the camera, an indicator at the bottom of the viewfinder display shows which position the filter should be placed in. Anytime it is in the "wrong" position, the indicator will flash. These filters essentially limit light of all colors from entering reaching the CCDs. Think about those shots where you are shooting a scene into the sun's reflection off of a lake, or into a bright blue sky. The camera will shut the aperture down as far as it can, but there are times when that isn't enough.
The ND filter switch IS mechanically linked to the filters. When you move the switch, it actually rotates the filters over the CCDs. You feel it, and you see the abrupt change in brightness in the viewfinder display (and on the tape playback, if you are recording when you move the ND switch).
Focal Points
Next to the ND switch is the auto focus control. This consists of a 3-position slide-switch whose positions are "auto", "manual", and "infinity". The "infinity" position is spring-loaded, and when moved to that position and released, the switch automatically returns to the "manual" position. Below the slide switch is a button that, when pressed with the slide-switch in the "manual" position, performs a "one-shot" auto focus operation. Note that the focus ring (described above) only operates with the slide switch in the "manual" position.
A note about the auto focus on this camera; it works very well. Usually TOO well. It focuses on whatever is in the center of the screen. As soon as your subject moves off center they will, more than likely, be out of focus. I find myself using the manual focus ring in conjunction with the "one-shot" button more and more.
Index Mark
Above the focus control switch is another button identical in size and shape to the one-shot focus button. It is the "index mark" button. It allows recording of an invisible entity on the tape that can later be quickly searched for.
Decent Exposure
A small dial partially protrudes from the side of the camera just behind the focus controls. Behind this dial is a button labeled "Exposure". When in manual exposure mode, the dial provides manual control of the aperture setting (F-stop). The button provides a one-shot auto exposure control. The manual dial is similar to the focus and zoom ring, in that it has no end stops and is a servo control. It differs in that it is "detented", i.e. it steps about every 15 to 20 degrees. Unfortunately, when using the manual exposure control, each step of the dial is visibly different (lighter or darker, depending on direction of travel) than the preceding step. There is no way to manually adjust the exposure in a smooth and linear fashion. The good news is that most shots can be collected using auto exposure, as the auto exposure capabilities of this camera are normally quite good, especially when used in conjunction with the backlight and spotlight presets. The spotlight and backlight presets are activated (and deactivated) by pressing their corresponding buttons, which are directly under the manual exposure controls.
Fading Fast
Also included in the exposure cluster of controls is the fader button, which allows selection of several different special-effect transitions, including the classic fade to/from black that will cause the camera to open or close the next start/stop transition with a 1-second fade to/from black. If you can afford this camera, buy some video editing software and do your effects in post-production...you'll be glad you did.
LCD Monitor
The LCD monitor is released with the push of a small button at the back of the camera, and can be swung 90 degrees straight out. Once swung out, it can be rotated 90 degrees down (to face straight down) and 180 degrees up (to face forward). When turned to face forward, the image is flipped so that it is right-side-up, and can be configured (using a menu setting) to present the image as though the subject were looking into a mirror. I've used this mode many times when recording children. They love to see themselves in the monitor and will smile, laugh and perform for the camera once they see their image. I've also used it when recording myself to make sure the shot is properly framed and centered. If you use the remote to operate the zoom level you can see that the frame is maintained through the entire shot, and I can move into center if required.
When the LCD monitor is pulled out, the eye-piece viewfinder is normally turned off. The exception to this is when the LCD is turned forward. In this case, both viewfinder displays are enabled.
On the outside of the LCD monitor is a small numeric LCD display that shows battery level using a small graphic and numerically in minutes, during battery charging. It numerically shows the current tape counter position when in any other operational mode.
To the left of the LCD display are two sets of display controls. One set adjusts brightness of the display, the other adjusts the volume level of the 39 cent speaker (used only during playback).
All in all, the LCD is an excellent, general-purpose portable viewfinder. As is true with any LCD, it doesn't perform well in direct sunlight, and its resolution isn't adequate for fine focal adjustments. Those require a higher resolution tube monitor.
Behind the LCD
Along with the 39 cent speaker, there are several buttons tucked behind the LCD monitor (and exposed when the LCD is moved to the "open" position):
Display - Toggles informational display on the LCD/viewfinder.
Time Code - Toggles display of the real-time clock display on the LCD/viewfinder.
Memory Stick - There are 6 buttons used for manipulating images on the memory stick.
Effects - There are 3 buttons for controlling special effects and titles.
Self timer - Used to enable the 10-second self timer in digital still camera mode.
Zebra - This is a 3-position slide switch. The positions are 100%, 70% and OFF. This enables the display of "zebra bars" across over-exposed areas of the image. When set a 100%, only areas that are severely over-exposed will be enhanced with the zebra pattern. At 70%, even slight over-exposure is enhanced.
Reset - This device has a microcomputer inside...it must also have the infamous RESET button. Essentially, it is an escape hatch to be used if the camera "locks-up" or exhibits a strange behaviour that cannot be corrected otherwise. I've never had to use it - not on this camera or on the VX2000.
Finally, there's a mini USB connector for connection to a PC. This is used ONLY for downloading still images from the Memory Stick.
The Backside
There are several controls on the rear of the unit. At the upper left is a 3-position slide-switch. this switch controls the exposure "mode". The positions are, "Auto-Lock", "Manual" and "Hold". When in "Auto-Lock" mode, several aspects of the exposure are under automatic computer control. They are exposure, shutter speed and white balance. With the slide-switch in the "Manual" position, these aspects can each be adjusted manually by pressing their associated button, and then adjusting the displayed value using the menu wheel. Shutter speed can be manually adjusted between 1/4 and 1/10000 second. Exposure can be adjusted between 0 and 18 dB (full open to full close).
Also on the rear of the unit is an audio level control button. When pressed, it toggles the display of the audio VU meter on the monitor. If the MIC LEVEL menu item is set to manual in the menu system, the menu dial can be used to adjust the audio gain level (very nice feature, especially when using external mics).
The Memory Stick slot is on the back, as is the battery slot. The menu button is also back there. It is used with the menu wheel to navigate through the multi-level menu system.
Around the Corner
Continuing around to the right side, there is a velcro-adjustable strap designed to allow a comfortable fit for your right hand. It covers (and is often in the way of) the tape eject mechanism. There is an eject switch, actually it is a spring-loaded slide switch with a small safety button. Activating the eject mechanism allows an external panel to swing open, and starts the tape drive in motion to deliver the tape up and out. To close the tape drive, one must press in on an internal part, wait for the mechanism to retract, then press in on button on the external part. The cover latches with an acknowledging click if all was done properly. The cover is contoured to fit the average hand, and has a small clear window to allow visual inspection of the tape remaining.
With your hand comfortably in the strap, your index and middle fingers straddle the variable-speed zoom rocker control. This should require no explanation, but I will add that it is a very smooth control, and allows very slow and precise control of the zoom function. Also, this zoom control is king. It overrides the zoom ring and the top handle's zoom control.
Your thumb naturally lays over the main start-stop button, which is surrounded by the camera's mode control dial. There are 4 positions for the mode control dial; MEMORY, VTR, OFF and CAMERA. The MEMORY mode is the digital still camera mode, and to prevent inadvertant entry into that mode, there is a stop lock that can be slid into position to prevent the mode control dial from rotating into the MEMORY mode. MEMORY mode is used to both record and play back digital still images; record and playback are selected using the buttons behind the LCD monitor. VTR mode is the video playback mode. CAMERA is the video record mode. The menu options are different for each mode.
Toward the rear of the camera, right behind the zoom rocker control is a "PHOTO" button. In MEMORY mode, this button is the shutter control. In CAMERA mode, it will cause a 5-second still image to be recorded onto the video tape. If you edit on the PC, this is fairly useless.
Toward the front, just ahead of the tape drive, there are two rubber covers that, when pulled from their pockets, expose a miriad of connectors. The first one reveals a 1/8" headphone jack and a 2mm "LANC" jack. The headphone jack is self-explanatory. The LANC jack can be connected to a remote zoom/focus controller, which is typically mounted to the pan-handle of a tripod. Sony makes tripods with these controls built in, and several third-party companies make excellent LANC zoom controllers that work with this camera (do an internet search on "zoom focus controller").
Then next rubber cover protects a standard set of RCA jacks. That's right, L/R audio and composite video jacks...real RCA style. No special cable required. Also behind that cover are an SVIDEO jack and a IEEE-1394 (FireWire) port.
Firewire?
This camera transfers video and audio to a PC using an electrical interface called "Firewire", or IEEE-1394, or i-Link (Sony). One very useful feature of this camera is that when it is used in VTR mode, the RCA jacks are "output" signals. That means they can be connected to a VCR or other A/V equipment to allow copying FROM the camera. When in CAMERA mode, the RCA jacks can either be "input" or "output", and the camera automatically detects what type of connection is being used. In other words, the camera can be connected to the "output" of a VCR or TIVO and can record, on MiniDV tape, material from another A/V device. It can also be configured to convert the A/V input signal to the digital realm and output it through the Firewire port - in real time!! This means that the camera can be used as a conversion tool, any A/V signal that you can send to an RCA jack can be digitized through the camera and captured on your PC. I do this all of the time, it is very powerful and flexible.
The Viewfinder
Not much to elaborate on here. I love the eyecup. It blocks out all of the stray light. On hot, humid days, the glass fogs with extended use. There is a diopter adjustment for those that require focal adjustment.
To the Top
I've already touched on some of the controls at the top of the handle. There is also an intelligent hot-shoe for connection to mics, lights and flash units.
There are stereo mics protruding from the front of the handle. For the most part, these mics work very well. They provide good stereo separation and are well shielded from camera noise. They pick up the camera-man a bit more efficiently than I would like.
Just behind the mics, and on the right side of the handle is another rubber cover. It protects a 1/8" stereo mic jack, and a slide switch that provides power to an amplified mic (for those mics that require phantom power).
There is a red tally light on the front, between the mics, as well as an IR receiver for the remote. Both of these items are duplicated on the rear of the handle - a very nice touch. Also at the rear of the handle is a push button that can be configured to enable a "custom preset" exposure control.
On top of the camera, below the top handle, there is a panel of VCR control buttons. It is backlit, and the backlight only comes on when in VTR mode. The buttons are of membrane type with solid tactile feel, and raised bumps on the center so that you can operate them without looking (once you've memorized their arrangement).
The Underside
Not much to mention here. A standard tripod mount, the serial number placard, and felt pads for table-top use.
Summary
I paid about $2250 at www.centraldigital.com (no lectures about NYC vendors, please). They did try to upsell me on an extended warranty, but were polite and cordial when I declined. They delivered in 3 days from order. I am very happy with this camera, and aside from the few negative things that I've mentioned here, it is an awsome design. Picture quality is incredible. I just finished a project where I incorporated footage from this camera and from several other sub-$1000 camcorders. The difference in picture quality is quite remarkable. Low-light performance is excellent. Manual exposure controls exist, but are a little hard to use.
Take Control of Sound and Vision with the DCR-VX2100, offering the brightest video results of all Sony MiniDV models. With its new Advanced HAD progre...More at Sony Style
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