Sony Handycam DSR-PD150 Camcorder - Metallic gray

And I'm sorry to part with mine.

Compared with the Sony DCR - VX2000 to the old models:

It's been five years since Sony introduced its first mini digital camcorder? the VX-1000. The product was rather sophisticated, given its small size. There were three CCD's to pickup the image rather than the usual single chip. You could switch between auto and manual audio, focus, iris and shutter. The 1000 even had built-in color
bars. Exactly who Sony thought would use this camera has never been clear to me. Priced at nearly $4,000, the VX-1000 had limited appeal to amateur consumers. But news quickly spread among professionals that this mini-DV format camcorder was a hot ticket? that you could shoot near Betacam quality pictures for a fraction of the cost and none of the hassle. Tens of thousands have been sold since.
Curiously, within months of the 1000's introduction, people were already touting the arrival of the VX-2000 ? a mythical creature with none of the shortcomings of the first model. It would be a long wait before Sony finally released version two. Now the VX-2000 is here - and, Sony saw fit to make a �professional version: the PD-100, with a few detail and features enhancements.

The first thing you notice about the new cameras is how much they resemble the original. Sony retained the basic body shape (a good thing, for I always felt it handled well). When you lay the 2000 and 150 alongside a VX-1000 you�ll notice the new models are slightly longer on the lens end. If you�re used to using the 1000, the operation of the 2000/150 will seem pretty familiar. But there are many more buttons to push and menu options to choose. The 1000 and the 2000 are the same weight: 3.1 pounds; the 150 is 3.3. The VX-2000 is nearly a thousand dollars cheaper than its predecessor (expect to pay under $3,000). The feature-laden PD-150 costs
about the same as the 1000.�

Both cameras are at least a full stop faster than the original - a very nice improvement. Indeed, in tests I made under low-light conditions, I was amazed at how good the image looked. Even at high gain levels (up to +18db) the picture noise is minimal - much cleaner than the VX-1000.

Sony smartly retained some of the 1000's best features, like Custom Presets for audio and video level controls, shutter speeds down to 1/4 second, and Interval (time lapse) recording. Alas, the new models do not incorporate one of my favorite things - the viewfinder focus aid.
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Up in the top left corner of the 1000's viewfinder there was a marker with two triangles and a circle. As you manually focused, one of the triangles would light up as you approached the focus point. When you hit that point the circle lit up. I found I relied on this aid all the time to ensure the camera was accurately focused. Sony has now taken it away.�

The 2000/150 have a Progressive Scan mode that lets you take relatively high-resolution still images. There is a slot for standard Sony Memory Sticks, and both cameras come supplied with one 4MB stick. They both also include picture software: PictureGear Lite 4.1. Be sure you do not accidentally move the on/off switch to Progressive Scan when shooting moving video - your picture will look terrible.

Color bars are easier to get at now - just click through the menu. As before, they are SMPTE full field bars.

The new cameras have a 2.5 inch LCD swing-out viewfinder on the left side. The cassette door has been mo

One Happy User's Review,

What can I say to do this camera justice. For the money, sub $4,000, I think you will be hard pressed to top this camera. It is without a doubt, one mean puppy.

I've had this camera for 4 months since June 2000. And I love it! There was a slight problem with the audio -- it hissed, YUK! But Sony has since fixed that issue, and now the camera produces that nice clean audio you will want.

I'm glad I chose this camera over the VX 2000 -- mainly for the XLR audio and additional manual controls. But both cameras are great. There are 2 XLR plugs, which is just perfect for me.

I shoot in the field, meaning outside the US and in 3rd world countries. The camera is light and very user friendly. The Zoom ring is nice for touch zoom, but I much prefer the power zoom for any significant zoom work. The focus ring would be great if it was not an infinite focus ring.

The picture on this camera is amazing, and comes in great in low light conditions. The colors are very good for DV. I typically use the DVCam setting, which uses more tape. And having this added feature is a welcome addition. Tape cost is so low that I don't mind losing 20 minutes on a 60 minute tape. Because the added redundancy is comforting.

All in all, I think this is the best camera out there for under $5,000. If you want to change lenses, then you'll need to bump up to the DSR 300, or similar camera, but for what this camera is intended for you can't beat it. It goes through customs very easily and does not draw too much attention.

Go grab one while you can and you'll see, too. Make sure, though, to get the audio upgrade if it is not already installed on the camera. This is very important. And apparently the newer models have it. Double check.

BTW, the picture is much nicer than the VX 1000, TRV 900, GL-1, and XL-1.

Strengths:

Too many to put down. Great picture. Finally, good audio. Very user friendly, and great manual controls for a camera in this range.

Weaknesses:

Zoom ring is not too great.
Focus ring just stinks!

This review is specific to the Sony DSR PD150 Mini DV Movie Camera. This product was purchased in December, 2010 and was listed as used on eBay. The particular unit promptly arrived and appeared to be in mint condition. It included two lenses, two batteries, a lense cleaning kit, HDMI cables, a Firewire cable, a composite video cable, a lense cleaning kit, 5 Mini DV cassettes, a Memory Stick for stills, manual, and an aluminum case for the items listed above.

The Sony DSR PD150 video camera is a 3 CCD unit with a black and white viewfinder and a color screen that can be completely flipped onto itself and opened for viewing. With its metallic body, this camera is built like a tank. The 2.5" LCD screen is a bit small for the purpose of immediate review of the shot, but, overall, the video camera produces sharp images and the boom-like microphone which attaches to the body, is more than adequate to pick up clear sound. Although the format is not in a wide-screen 16:9, a bayonet mount to convert to this aspect ratio is available, but may be somewhat pricey.

Although a tad below the current state-of-the art, the Sony DSR PD150 Mini DV Movie Camera is an awesome piece of equipment in anyone's arsenal.

I think the Sony dsr pd 150 is the best camera on the market especially in low light. The ability
to adjust the iris is the most important feature in getting a quality picture, being a photographer
depth of field is very important so to be able to record in f8 or f11 is a treat.

Right after acquiring the sony DSR PD150 camera hurricane Gustav hit our parish. I was hired as the offical VIDEOGRAPHER. Thru helicopter overspray and airboat treks thru the marsh the PD150 came thru like a champ.