The Sony XR100, while not a bad camcorder, does make me question Sony’s overall track record by presenting me with a decent camera priced like a premium model.

The Sony XR100 features a BIONZ image processor, an eighty gig onboard hard drive, Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology, four megapixel still image capture, image stabilization systems, a 2.7 inch LCD display which also allows the camcorder to power on just by opening it, 10x optical zoom, the “smooth slow record” feature to capture fast motion and play it back in slow motion, and both USB and HDMI output.

Of course, this is somewhat lesser of a camcorder than the Sony XR200V we described earlier, but it will provide a surprisingly rich number of features at a much lower price.  The range on the zoom is somewhat shorter–fine print at a hundred feet was smudged and barely legible as opposed to crystal clear–but the controls are still solid.  Plus, this camera retails at about seven hundred bucks, but it’s available at almost half off on Amazon.

So in conclusion, the Sony XR100 is a solid camcorder especially for the price, but I have seen better available.

Related posts:

1. Sony HDR-XR100 Handycam Camcorder
2. Sony HDR XR200V Camcorder Review–Good, If Pricey
3. Sony XR500V Camcorder Review–Shorter Ranger, Clearer Picture, Hideous Looks
4. Sony NXCAM Professional Camcorder
5. Sony DCR SX40 Camcorder Review–A Fantastic Model