Sony DCR-IP5 DV Camcorder (Sony-DCRIP5)

Reviewed by: EricVR4

Duration of ownership:

Strengths: So small you will likely use it more than others (Enough of a reason to buy for some people, maybe even me)

Weaknesses: video editing, expensive tapes (20 each I think), not so hot support

Overall Evaluation: It has taken me a while to warm up to this thing. First I kept having to buy tapes because I couldn't figure out how to work with the editing software and just get the files on my computer in a reasonable format, Then when I had more patience I researched and researched some more and figured out how to do it, but then something broke in the camera not allowing the transfer. I must have been in a rare mood because I went through the warranty process and got it fixed (didn't see it for a month). Once you get used to it, it is OK. I read somewhere that you can get "quicktime pro 5" and open and save the files into a different format from there, so you can use whatever editing program you like. Also Movieshaker is a fairly simple program. From there you can import the files into the program and save them in a few different formats. MPEG1 seems to be a decent choice.. and from there you can do what you like with it with other editing programs... or you can just use Movieshaker if you are an editing Newbie like me. Overall the decision to buy should be because of the size.. a miniDV would have tons more support, be cheaper, and easier to use (at least at first).. but the MicroDV is really quite small. PS. I wouldn't trust the bag checkers at the airports.. they say it won't effect camcorders.. but that's when my problem showed up, after going through an airport check.