Sony HDR-SR11 - almost obliterating the consumer/professional line

Well, I didn't think I'd be dumping my trusty Panasonic DVX100B camera that has served honorably and well in Standard Definition, shooting things that have ended up on Broadcast television in more than one place.

I especially didn't think I'd be dumping a semi-pro-sumer camera for a *gasp* consumer-grade camera.

But I did.

Just after going on vacation, we found a deal we couldn't beat at Costco (in Hawaii, where everything is supposed to cost more, but didn't - even gas was a full 20-30 cents/gallon cheaper than in Los Angeles...) on a Sony HDR-SR11 HD camcorder.

It had a great zoom (that only got better), and so that I could maintain some semblance of pro-gear interface, it has a line mic input that I can hook up to a Beachtek DXA-6VU and add two balanced XLR inputs with level meters.

In the next few weeks, I'll post some video from the camera for folks to download and check out. For a vacation, I did manage to put the camera through it's paces in some challenging lighting conditions including underwater shooting (using the Sony SPK-HCD, which worked reasonably well; also look for more on this later), capturing lava eruptions from a long distance in total darkness, shooting fireworks, and using it's HD nightshot as well.

Upon returning from the trip, it was with some small bit of sadness, but lots of enthusiasm as well that I ditched the DVX kit on Craigslist after looking at the footage coming off the HDR-SR11.

I can say I haven't seen footage look this good off a consumer grade camera... well, ever. At any rate, if you're in the market, these cameras can be had for under $1k, and they're worth checking out.

Proof forthcoming in other posts.