Unbiased camcorder reviews, advice, and prices
  • Sorry, the guide you were looking for is no longer available. Here's a list of our current guides and editorial roundups.
Note: this camcorder was first sold in Jul 2006. There may be newer versions available.
Sony Handycam HDR-SR1
Sony Handycam HDR-SR1
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.
  • 4 out of 5
"Great Little Camcorder"
  • 4 out of 5
"love the sony hdr-sr1 but......"
See rating based on 222 user reviews
Submit your own Sony HDR-SR1 review!
This camcorder is ranked
Ask

Have a question about the HDR-SR1?
Enter it here: (You can enter more details in the next step)

Back to List
Question Possibly Answered (20 points for the best answer)
Richard Konrad (rkonrad) 0 pts
February 13, 2008 1:28 AM
0 people rated this question helpful, 0 people rated this question not helpful Subscribe for Email Updates for this Question

Is this cam light sensitive enough to take images of the the moon and planets through a telescope?

Report Abuse Did you find this question helpful or not helpful?
Answers This question has replies but the author has not yet indicated whether it's answered after a long time. Can you answer the question, or post a clarifying follow-up?
by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58449 pts
February 14, 2008 3:47 PM
0 people rated this answer helpful, 0 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Astrophotography is a tricky one. I wouldn't trust it to a camcorder that adds digital still capability as a marketing feature, just like I wouldn't trust a digital still camera to shoot video for the same reasons. You may get some results, but it won't be as good as a dedicated digital still SLR with a telecope T adapter to properly set up the focal length and adjust shutter speed settings.
Report Abuse Did you find this answer helpful or not helpful?
Richard Konrad (rkonrad) 0 pts
February 16, 2008 12:54 AM
0 people rated this answer helpful, 0 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Thanks for the reply. I should add that the said camera belongs to a friend who is willing to lend it to me. The only output I am needing is a adapter to fit the camera. So I understand still images may be difficult but I would also be happy with a straight video of my discoveries. WHat would the quality be like. Is it worth me investing in an adapter?

Cheers

Richard
Report Abuse Did you find this answer helpful or not helpful?
by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58449 pts
February 16, 2008 12:11 PM
0 people rated this answer helpful, 0 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Well, T Adapters are relatively cheap. Although they are largely meant for SLRs. But all is not lost. You can use the "AFocal" method rather simply.

Sky and Telescope has an interesting article which describes the process.

Camcorders with permanent lenses require you to use what's called the afocal system. Here's how it works. The rays of light from a very distant object emerge from a telescope's eyepiece in parallel bundles. You bring this parallel light to focus on the camcorder's CCD by holding the camera's lens up to the telescope eyepiece. It's important to first have the telescope accurately focused, and this can be done by eye as long as you either have 20/20 vision or wear glasses that correct any near-or farsightedness to 20/20.

Sound complicated? Don't worry: most people find that focusing a telescope for afocal work is easy, especially since the real-time video image is visible in the camera’s viewfinder.
Report Abuse Did you find this answer helpful or not helpful?
Richard Konrad (rkonrad) 0 pts
February 21, 2008 12:32 AM
0 people rated this answer helpful, 0 people rated this answer not helpful
 
I shall try that. The only issue, with planets as they require high magnification is that the eye pieces needed have small almost "pin holes" to look through. I shall try your suggestion with brighter sky objects that don't require such magnification (ie. nebulae, galaxies etc). Thanks.

Richard
Report Abuse Did you find this answer helpful or not helpful?
by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58449 pts
February 21, 2008 10:44 PM
0 people rated this answer helpful, 0 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Yeah, I wouldn't try it trying to hone in on Arcturus or anything. That, you need a TAdapter and an SLR. Frankly, Richard, I think you're much better off taking the leap and doing it the proper, old school way.
Report Abuse Did you find this answer helpful or not helpful?

Add a Comment, Clarifying Question, or Follow-up

Need to add formatting or links? Use BBCode.
Spell-check
Helpful Guides
Most Popular
Price Range
Resolution
Camcorder Brand
Media Format
Hands-On Reviews
Camcorder Type
Our Other Sites

Close
Loading