Sony DCR-IP5 DV Camcorder (Sony-DCRIP5)

Sony DCR-IP5

DCR-IP5 DV Camcorder (Sony-DCRIP5) Review, by Richard Baguley July 24, 2002

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• Reviewed by: EricVR4

  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: 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.

• Reviewed by: mstuver

  Strengths: Small size.

  Weaknesses: MicroMV format is incompatible with almost all video editing programs.

  Overall: I have bought a lot of Sony products over the years so when I was in the market for a camcorder I foolishly just picked this up without researching it. After recording four tapes of my one year old I tried making a DVD and after 20-30 hours and using 3 programs, including Sony's Movieshaker (constant crashes) I have still been unsuccessful. I have just ordered a well reviewed Panasonic camera in DV. MicroMV is a terrible product with zero support from Sony. I won't be buying Sony again.

• Reviewed by: skim88

  Strengths: small size

  Weaknesses: compatibility, glitchy on tape loading motor, blocky video when import, warranty

  Overall: it works great unless you want to import into your computer. there was no problem to import for 3,4 months but after that i got more and more blocky video. i contacted sony but their warranty expired (1 year part / 90 day labor) and i have to pay around $250. i keep complained but sony just ignored. i don't want to spend money on this. i'll buy a cheap canon dv with that money and some plus.

• Reviewed by: ZaboAA

  Strengths: Small size, battery life, picture quality, great functions. It's Sony.

  Weaknesses: No software to edit except Movieshaker(included), controls a little small, low light mode useless, disc's a little pricey.

  Overall: Overall very satisfied. The small size and great picture quality are huge. I find I take it more places because it is so small and compact. Pinnacle 8 will be released in the next few day's, it will support the microDv. Hopefully others will follow. Gee Whiz factor huge....