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Note: this camcorder was first sold in Mar 2006. There may be newer versions available.
Panasonic VDR-D200
Panasonic VDR-D200
F
HQ Grade: F
A is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of camcorders.
B means they are good, with some standout features.
C means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.
  • 3 out of 5
"No transfer movies to my Laptop"
  • 3 out of 5
"trouble with finalising"
See rating based on 16 user reviews
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Question Answered!
helen storey (helenstorey05) 5 pts

No. Please see below regarding Sony DCR-SR62.

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helen storey (helenstorey05) 5 pts
March 29, 2007 8:56 AM
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Now I am really in trouble! We were driving to Toronto and reading the replies which I had printed. On our return we (foolishly) bought a camcorder before REreading Piero Foto's suggestions. Now I am realizing that (see the reply I marked as 'best answer') I should have thought more about it.

We got, two days ago, the Sony Handycam DCR-SR62 for about $800 Canadian with taxes. I have been reading the manual and trying to print out the Handycam Handbook. If I only knew myself what I wanted....??? I just want something I can use to playback on the computer and to edit on the computer, play back on the television and on the DVD player. But you don't seem to think that the hard disc drive one is a good idea. I know that you've helped me learn a lot. I still don't know if I should exchange this one. Only after the purchase can one read the manual -- and it says that when I put the videos onto a DVD that DVD cannot be played on a DVD player but only on the computer, which is not what we want.

If you can help me within the next day or so it would be great; we are going on our holiday in two weeks. Many thanks for your help, last week and this week! Helen
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
March 30, 2007 1:58 AM
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Hi, Helen.
I am not fully sure yet. But did the manual say that the DVDs burned from this camcorder could not play onto a DVD player when used through the Handycam station to PC or through the station to an external direct DVD burner. This Sony comes with DVD authoring software to edit video once downloaded to a PC. Try doing a test with downloading a small sample one minute video to your PC after installing Sony's software, and then burn a DVD copy. Once you have burned your DVD disc, try playing it on your computer and also on a DVD player to see if it works. If it can't play the DVD copy on a DVD player, it could be because the software that Sony provides may not give you those options. Most software that usually comes with camcorders are generally basic and useless at the same time. As long as Sony gives you the basic tools to get the video on to your PC computer, you then can purchase many different types of video conversion softwares that can take any type of video format and convert it any other type of other video format so that it can play back on just about any type of media player.

Sony HDD camcorder - Handycam station and Software
All of the new HDD camcorders include a Handycam Station that can connect the camcorder to a personal computer, television set or a DVDirect DVD recorder with the supplied USB and AV cables. The Handycam Station features a One Touch Disc Burn button to automatically burn video to a DVD disc via a PC or without a PC when attached to a DVDirect recorder. In either case, the recorder can automatically detect the camcorder’s newest content and seamlessly burn the footage to a blank DVD, eliminating the need to cue the new recordings. The new Sony DCR-SR62 camcorder is also packaged with DVD authoring software to edit video once downloaded to a PC.

Sony HDD SR62 camcorder - Compatibility
Sony's new hard disk drive Handycam camcorders are compatible with the following PC operating systems: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, XP Home Edition, and XP Professional. Not all devices with a USB 2.0 connector will communicate with each other due to chipset variations.

There is one thing to keep in mind about Sony. When you buy a Sony, you really are buying into Sony. What I mean is, Sony locks you into their world and makes it really difficult for third party product compatibility with Sony products. Sony produces very good products, but they always try to lock you into buying Sony products. I have personally avoided Sony products for about 20 years now for this reason.

Good editing software will give you many options for converting your final video file format. Generally, once the video is transferred to your computer, you then can decide through the software what type of video file you want for your end product. For, eg: 1) convert video for DVD recording, 2) convert video recording for media player, 3) convert video recording for QuickTime movie 4) convert video recording for emailing, and etc.

The Bottom line: The Sony DCR-SR62 seems to be a nice camcorder overall for a general point-and-shoot camcorder, but hard drive and DVD disc camcorders record in an MPEG-2 video compression which will not give you the best quality for transferring or making DVD copies and MPEG video files are also not very computer friendly for editing unless you have all the right software elements. The undisputed best system to do all of these tasks with the least amount of issues and perform effortlessly is the miniDV tape format. Its your choice whether to return the camcorder back or not, if you do, then here are my recommendations for excellent video quality, the most versatility, and the best overall performance in high end consumer camcorders.


The best choice is the HV20. For a lower budget and still a very good choice is the HV10. They are both Hi Def camcorders with miniDV tape formats and will work on both Mac and PC computers.

HV20 under $899-$999
http://www.cameraaddict.com/product.asp?id=cnhv20
http://www.digitalsuperdeals.com/product.asp?productid=2059B001_

HV10 around $629-$649
http://www.thedigitalexpo.com/product.asp?productid=hv-10&tab=1
http://www.digitalsuperdeals.com/product.asp?productid=hv-10

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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
March 30, 2007 12:45 PM
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Hey! Helen.
I was trying to get this extra imformation to you earlier, but my internet was down.
Let me know what you finally decided. You can reply in the reply box below.

If you are still in the process of making a decision, let me just make a suggestion. If you really like the Sony SR62, then keep it and get any additional software required to make the hard drive system work the way you want, this way, you will be all set and not have the issues you did with your other camcorders.

I am glad you at least purchased a hard drive camcorder over a DVD disc camcorder. The DVD disc camcorder was never intended for consumers to use with a computer for downloading, editing. and making DVD copies. The DVD disc camcorder was simply designed for consumers to bypass the computer and playback direct to DVD player.

The Sony SR62 is a nice quality camcorder, its great for all-around general video use and is mainly an automated point-and-shoot camcorder for easy use. This camcorder is a good choice for the general shooting situations, but I would not recommend this camcorder for advance/pro videographers because is lacks certain features and the manual settings for better video control.

Final comments:
- For the general point-and-shoot consumers, my advice absolutely has no value to them and makes no difference
- For the more demanding consumers, they should take my advice into consideration
- For the advanced videographers, they should take my advice much more seriously
- For the professional videographers, they will regret not taking my advice

Even though I may say some things that you may not want to hear and can be discouraging to you, I am just looking out for your best interest so you can have a camcorder to be content with for the next few years. Its an empty frustrating feeling when you make a big purchase and still remain short of meeting your needs.

I don' know if you are still in Toronto or not, but if you you are then go to"Vistek" the professional camera store, you will get all your answers and get completely hooked up with the right stuff. Vistek have professional qualified staff on premises because they have to serve professionals every day. They will professionally guide you to the right choices for your video and photo needs regardless that your camcorder is only for personal use. Vistek is located in the downtown area around Queen street East and Parliiment, I believe there just East of Parliment Street.

Good Luck!

PS: When you are in Toronto make sure to have fun in the Queen Street West and Spadina area, the Toronto downtown night life is great! Then go to China Town just north to Dundas Street and get some real good Chinese food after the clubs or shopping.

Piero Foto
Best Answer
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
March 30, 2007 1:20 PM
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VISTEK
Toronto, ON
496 Queen St. East
Toronto, ON M5A 4G8
Tel: 416-365-1777

(Click here for directions)
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=496+Queen+St.+E.,+Toronto,+ON&spn=0.022742,0.040525&hl=en

Monday thru Friday
8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. EST

Saturday
9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. EST
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
March 31, 2007 1:34 AM
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Hey! Helen.
Has your question been answered yet. If you need more advice, just ask in the reply box below, we are here to help.

Thanks!
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
April 4, 2007 6:38 PM
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Hi, Helen.
What cam did you finally decide on.

Happy movie making!
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