The near professional-level Sony DCR-VX2000 digital video camcorder uses three progressive
scan CCDs (one for each primary colour) to capture quality images and can record
in the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio common to movies. A 12x optical zoom and 48x
digital zoom bring images closer, while the Sony SteadyShot optical image stabilization
smoothes out hand-induced shakiness.
Like most digital camcorders, the DCR-VX2000 is equipped with an IEEE 1394 connection
(also known as i.Link and Fire Wire) for digital image transfer, allowing video editing
on a properly equipped home computer. Also included is an S-Video input, encouraging
the conversion of already existing footage into the DV format.
The DCR-VX2000 also doubles as a digital still camera, recording photos onto an included
Memory Stick at a resolution of 640 x 480. This resolution is fine for images you're
e-mailing or viewing on a monitor, but most dedicated digital cameras today offer
far more detail. The camera includes a number of manually adjustable settings for
ultimate flexibility, including manual zoom, focus, shutter speed, and exposure.
Microphone record level can also be adjusted for optimum sound quality. The Memory
Mix feature works by superimposing a digital still stored on a Memory Stick over
the video being recorded. The DCR-VX2000 includes a mic input, as well as an intelligent
shoe for select Sony accessories, and has several digital effects built-in. Also
included are a 4 MB Memory stick and reader, AC adapter, lithium ion battery, AV
cable, remote, and lens cap.