From: mjensen@BBN.COM (Martin Jensen)
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: re: Sony TR-101 vs TR-200
Followup-To: rec.video
Date: 16 Dec 1992 17:58:20 GMT
Organization: Bolt Beranek and Newman Inc., Cambridge MA
Distribution: na
Reply-To: mjensen@BBN.COM (Martin Jensen)
NNTP-Posting-Host: reliant.bbn.com

in article <1992Dec16.072115.23186@harker.com> harker@harker.com (Robert
Harker) writes:

> I have decided to buy a camcorder and like the built-in stablizer feature of
> the Sony TR-101.  But in scanning the ads, there is a new model, the TR-200.
> What are the differences between the two, and should I get the newer model?

> I plan to use this to record talking head presentations (my networking
> classes) and also record my new family.  I would also want to be able to use
> the camera as a source deck for editing.

    I *just* (yesterday) purchased a Sony TR-200 as a X-mas gift for the
    family (... well, ok, for me really ... ;-).  The TR-200 is a sweet
    little unit, but fills a different niche than the TR-101.

    The TR-200 is geared more toward the point-and-shoot crowd than the
    bells-and-whistles crowd.  It is *very* compact (smaller than the
    other TR models) and uses the new lithium battery technology.  The
    batteries are about the size of 2 9v batteries laid end-to-end and
    fit inside the camera instead of mounting externally.  The batteries
    don't need to be fully discharged before recharging, which is another
    plus.

    The  controls are very simple.  The visible controls are limited to a
    power switch/lens cover retractor, edit/search and date/time controls
    on  the front of the camera and the record button and zoom control at
    the rear.  The VTR controls are on the  top  concealed  by  a  cover.
    Additional  controls for programmed exposure control, manual exposure
    override and manual focus override are concealed behind another cover
    on  the  left  side of the body.  Sony has really taken KISS (Keep It
    Simple, Stupid!) to heart in this camera.

    Most notable features are

      - improved size and ergonomics.  the camera was lighter and smaller
  	than the TR-81 or TR-101.  It also felt more natural in my hand.
	Controls were simple and well placed.

      - an improved focusing system which is very fast and very  accurate
	and exhibited no tendency to hunt (at least in my limited testing
	in the store)

      -	a variable speed zoom, which zooms anywhere from a slow crawl  to
  	warp speed.

      - A combination recharger/adaptor base which the camera plugs right
  	into.  The base will charge both the battery in the camera plus
	an external battery.  At the same time it provides external power
	to the camera while serving as the video interface.  Standard
	video jacks are provided if you're on the road without the base.

    The  zoom  is  8X.   Telephoto and wide angle adaptors are available.
    There are no video effects on  the  camera  (fade,  digital  picture,
    titler).   I forgot to ask about Sony's consumer time code (it wasn't
    an issue for me) ... I would guess that it's not there, but  I'm  not
    sure.  Image stabilization is not a feature :-(.

    I  was  after a compact Hi-8 camera for "home movies".  The TR-200 is
    simpler, more compact, better ergonomics and (imho) generally  easier
    to  use  than  either  the  TR-81  or  TR-101.   It lacks some of the
    features, but those would  have  received  little  use  in  my  hands
    anyway.    The   only   thing  I  would  really  miss  would  be  the
    stabilization feature found on the TR-101.

    Price was half-way between the TR-81 and the TR-101.  I felt that the
    simplicity and utility of the camera justified the  extra  $200  over
    the TR-81.

    If you're a feature freak or really  need  the  stabilization,  stick
    with the TR-101.  It's ~$200 more than the TR-200, which is worth it
    if you want those features.

> I have heard that there were problems with the TR-101.  Something with the
> digital conversion.  Could some one enlighten me about this and does the
> TR-200 solve this problem?

    I hadn't heard about this problem ... so I can't say fer sure.

> Finally, if you have purchased one recently, what price did you pay and
> where did you get it?

    I purchased locally (Boston) at Cameras, Inc. in Arlington.  The
    TR-200 was $1199 - which was the rock-bottom best price I was able to
    find short of mail order.  For comparison, they were selling the
    TR-81 at $999 and the TR-101 at $1349.

    Hope this helps ...

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