- On Special
Sony DSR-250 Camcorder
-
Discontinued
With the stability of its shoulder mount design, light weight, and long list of innovative and convenience features, it is no wonder the Sony DSR-250 Camcorder has become the prototypical event-video production camera for shooters big and small. The DSR-250 can record in the professional DVCAM format or the consumer DV format, and it accepts both large and small cassettes for a maximum recording time greater than 3 hours.
Sony's equipped the DSR-250 with three 1/3" 380,000-pixel CCD sensors, which give it great bright and low light quality. They're also somewhat adjustable by the user for camera-to-camera repeatability and better control. The DSR-250's 12x zoom lens has Sony's Super SteadyShot that accepts 58mm filters, and there's many adapters on the market to mount directly to it for wider angle or telephoto work.
The DSR-250 accepts analog composite (RCA) and S-Video for input and output, allowing operators to use standard home-type VCRs for source material, but also uses the digital Firewire (IEEE-1394, I-Link) for the modern age. The professional-quality DXF-801 viewfinder has 600 lines of horizontal resolution, and a 200,000-pixel LCD monitor to allows you to compose shots without your eye upon the viewfinder.
Other great functions of the DSR-250 include time/date stamp, built-in transition modes, still image capture, 2 channels of built-in balanced audio, and a PowerTap DC output for on-camera lighting.
- CCDs and DSP
-
Sony has equipped the DSR-250 with 3 1/3 inch CCDs containing 380,000 pixels each. The chips' high technology result in low smear levels giving the camera great bright scene image quality. And a high signal to noise ratio means that the camera will operate effectively in low light conditions also.
The DSR-250 allows you to set custom picture looks by adjusting the different parameters within the Digital Signal Processor. Now you can match multiple cameras for various color requirements. The custom settings may be recalled at a later time.
- 12 x Optical Zoom Lens with Super SteadyShot
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The DSR-250 has a dedicated, non-detachable zoom lens that has a 6mm wide angle. Conveniently, the lens accepts 58 mm screw on filters and accessories. There are a number of lens adapters that will mount directly onto the lens.
With the stability of shoulder mounting the camera, all but the most accomplished camera operator will generate a certain amount of subtle hand-shake. Image stabilization comes from the optical system Super SteadyShot. The SteadyShot system checks for horizontal and vertical movements and corrects them with a small motor hundreds of times per second. All this is accomplished without digitally degrading the image.
- DVCAM Professional Recording Format
- Using a steeper track pitch, the DVCAM format lays down more information onto the tape frame for frame than the DV consumer format. And DVCAM locks audio to video for drift-free long duration recording. The technical numbers speak volumes: 8-bit component recording, 5:1 intra-frame compression and 4:1:1 color sampling. The DVCAM format offers realistic color and contrast quality, multi-generation dubbing capacity, and worldwide compatibility. The DSR-250 accepts large and small cassettes and will even record in the consumer format DV. Maximum tape length is over 3 hours.
- SMPTE Standard Time-Code
- The DSR-250's professional features include striping SMPTE time-code. Set hours, minutes, seconds and frames to best identify individual tapes. You also chose from FREE-RUN and REC-RUN and DF (drop-frame) and NDF (non-drop-frame) for consistency throughout your production. User-bits, alphanumeric coding, can be set to give additional information to the editor or producer.
- Analog and Digital Ins and Outs
- The DSR-250 will accept both analog Composite (RCA) and S-Video for input and output. This allows the operator to use standard home-type VCRs for source material and most standard televisions to playback the video. The digital Firewire (IEEE-1394, I-Link) interface is both input and output (as always).
- Sophisticated Titling Functions
- Using the more expensive IC chip cassettes gives you some interesting features including saving titles to the cassette's memory. These titles are not super-imposed on top of the video, but are displayed during playback. Use this function as an indexing function. In addition, the DSR-250 also has a tape title function that displays a title on the tape during the first 5 seconds of the recording.
- Professional Quality Viewfinder
- A DXF-801 viewfinder with 600 lines of horizontal resolution is standard with the DSR-250. The CRT is a 1.5 inch B/W, very similar to the DXC-D35 standard viewfinder. The viewfinder has a lens light to illuminate the rear of the lens in conditions with poor ambient light.
- LCD Monitor
- With 200,000 pixels and great picture quality, the LCD screen allows you to compose the shots while your eye is off the eyepiece. It also allows the producer to see what the operator sees in the viewfinder. The LCD monitor makes setting menu selections easier also. Now carrying a heavy field monitor from location to location is probably not required.
- Time and Date Stamp
- As required by legal deposition videographers, the DSR-250 has a time/date stamp. This feature gives you the ability to insert (super-impose) time and date onto the lower third of the frame.
- Built-in Transition Selections
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Five fader modes are built into the DSR-250 for professional looking in-camera effects.
- Black Fade- In and Out
- Monotone Fade- From black and white to color
- Overlap- Last image becomes still and overlaps into new scene
- Wipe-From left to right or right to left
- Dot- Picture breaks into dots and dissipates
- Capture Still Images in JPEG
- In a pinch, the DSR-250 will record still images in 640 x 480 (VGA) resolution on a Memory Stick media card. The 4mb card will hold a approximately 60 images. Once the images are stored, you can download the data to a computer and manipulate the images with software. Furthermore, you have the ability to e-mail these images for review at another location or at another time.
- Audio Section
- The DSR-250 records onto 2 channels of balanced audio built right into the camera. XLR connectors on the front and rear of the camera allow you to connect almost any professional microphone, wired or wireless. In addition, you may chose to record line-level audio (the type that comes from a CD player, audio cassette deck, or from cable or broadcast TV). You may also choose to supply 48-volt power (Phantom power) to special microphones that require such power.
- PowerTap DC Output for On-Camera Lights
- No longer do you have to wear a heavy battery belt to power an on-camera sun-gun. The DSR-250 has a special 2-pin DC PowerTap output specifically for powering camera-mounted lights. PowerTap was first available only on Anton Bauer lights but now a good selection of companies produce units that will plug directly into the camera.
| Signal System | NTSC, 30 frames, 60 interlaced fields per second |
| Image Device |
3-CCD, 1/3-Inch Interline Transfer-type |
| Lens |
6mm to 72mm 12x Optical Zoom, 48x Digital Zoom Available f/1.6-2.4 58mm Filter Diameter |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Horizontal Resolution | 530 Lines |
| Sensitivity | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Minimum Illumination | 2 Lux with 18 dB Gain |
| Vertical Smear | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Built-in Filters | 3200 k, 5600 k, 1/4ND, 1/32ND |
| LCD Monitor | 2.5-Inch |
| Viewfinder | 1.5-Inch Black and White |
| Scan Matching | No |
| Memory Card Slot | Yes |
| Shutter Speed Range | 1/4, to 1/10,000 seconds |
| Gain Selection | 0 dB, (+)3 dB, 6 dB, 9 dB, 12 dB, 15 dB, 18 dB |
| VTR Section | - |
| Tape Format | DVCAM / DV |
| Tape Speed |
DVCAM- 28.2 mm / sec. DV- 18.8mm/sec. |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Maximum Recording Time | 180 Minutes |
| Audio Dynamic Range | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Audio Signal Format |
Recording 16-bit/48kHz 12-bit/32kHz Playback 16-bit/48kHz 12-bit/32 kHz 16-bit/32kHz 16-bit/44.1kHz |
| Audio Frequency Response | 20Hz to 20kHz |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Input and Output Connectors |
Composite Video- RCA (x 1 input and output both) Composite Video- BNC (x 1 output) S-Video- 4-Pin (x 1 input and output both) Firewire- 6-Pin (x 1 input and output both) Mic Audio- XLR (x 2 input) Line Audio- RCA (x 2 input and output both) Headphones- Mini Stereo (x 1) Remote Control- Mini Stereo (x 1) DC Power- 4-Pin XLR (x 1 input) DC Power-2-Pin PowerTap (x 1 output) DC Power- 4-Pin Lemo (x 1 output- for wireless audio receiver) |
| Power Requirements | 12 Volts DC |
| Power Consumption | 12.1 Watts Maximum |
| Operating Temperature |
32 to 104 degrees F 0 to 40 degrees C |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) |
9 5/8 x 10 x 20 1/8 Inches 241 x 251 x 508.8mm |
| Weight | 9.69 lbs (4.4kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 12 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Durable (11)
- Comfortable to operate (10)
- Great features (10)
- Great picture quality (9)
- Simple controls (9)
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries (5)
- Movies/short films (5)
- Outdoor events / games (4)
- Weddings (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro videographer (6), Professional (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Excellent All Purpose Camcorder
While this may be a 4:3 SD DVCAM camcorder, the camera is very stable and reliable. The picture quality is great for a camera in its class. I've owned 6 of these cameras...Read complete review
While this may be a 4:3 SD DVCAM camcorder, the camera is very stable and reliable. The picture quality is great for a camera in its class. I've owned 6 of these cameras since 2001. It can be used in a variety of situations with great results. Shoulder mounted for steady shots but still relatively lightweight. Full size tape capability so you don't have to be concerned about running out of tape at crucial times. Two rear XLR inputs that can be turned on or off independently. The main features are all available on the camera via switches so no need to change important settings via menu. The large B&W viewfinder is the same as the one found on much higher end Sony camcorders which makes setting focus and iris easy. The LCD is of high quality as well. The only real negatives of the camera is the low quality mono mic supplied and the iris and focus rings have a different feel than traditional lenses. With the much lower cost of this camera, it is an incredible value even if mainly used as a backup or to playback large DV/DVCAM tapes.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
This is the one.
I use this camera for professional videos such as weddings. It has a good picture quqlity but not great picture quality. The best thing it can record on larger tapes DVCAM up to 180 ...Read complete review
I use this camera for professional videos such as weddings. It has a good picture quqlity but not great picture quality. The best thing it can record on larger tapes DVCAM up to 180 min of recording time. I don't like that the lense is not interchangable. Good camera for the money
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 12 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-12
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Sony DSR-250 Camcorder:
This is my fourth 250. They are great workhorses for event videographers. This wonderful model has the "professional look" which clients appreciate. The full-size 250 makes "hand-held" video work easy and the resulting picture is rock-solid stable. I never worry about the quality produced.
I like the convenience of two tape formats being available.
It would have been nice to have a broader zoom range. HD would be good too.
I realize that tapeless videography is "here-to-stay", but I still will miss the 250's.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
Comments about Sony DSR-250 Camcorder:
I use this camera for professional videos such as weddings. It has a good picture quqlity but not great picture quality. The best thing it can record on larger tapes DVCAM up to 180 min of recording time. I don't like that the lense is not interchangable. Good camera for the money
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Editing
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Sony DSR-250 Camcorder:
The camera is perfect for news gathering and handles well.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony DSR-250 Camcorder:
I use this camera for a lot of reasons and every time I am happy with the results. the 2 LUX is ok but just remember to pick up the gain or add some light in indoors. Otherwise, it's a good camera and the price is very cheap and good. I'm glad for the price and it's functions. Love it!!!
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Event wedding
Comments about Sony DSR-250 Camcorder:
This DSR-250 is very good in quality as well as reliability. I bought this one for a back up camcorder because of its price. I already got one since 2002. There is nothing to complain about this camcorder. I do like the DSR-400 better (for its resolution) but its price is too much for me as an event and wedding videographer.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Simple Controls
Cons
- Inadequate Features
Best Uses
- Documentaries
Comments about Sony DSR-250 Camcorder:
We use this cam at my work (a Hearst station) and it's pretty good for what it is (a glorified full size prosumer). Good luck if you want to get close to something as there is no macro and the glass on this thing leaves a lot to be desired.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
- Fair sound quality
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Events
- Movies/Short Films
- Stage Productions
- Travel
- TV Productions
Comments about Sony DSR-250 Camcorder:
While this may be a 4:3 SD DVCAM camcorder, the camera is very stable and reliable. The picture quality is great for a camera in its class. I've owned 6 of these cameras since 2001. It can be used in a variety of situations with great results. Shoulder mounted for steady shots but still relatively lightweight. Full size tape capability so you don't have to be concerned about running out of tape at crucial times. Two rear XLR inputs that can be turned on or off independently. The main features are all available on the camera via switches so no need to change important settings via menu. The large B&W viewfinder is the same as the one found on much higher end Sony camcorders which makes setting focus and iris easy. The LCD is of high quality as well. The only real negatives of the camera is the low quality mono mic supplied and the iris and focus rings have a different feel than traditional lenses. With the much lower cost of this camera, it is an incredible value even if mainly used as a backup or to playback large DV/DVCAM tapes.
Pros
- Durable
- Good picture quality
- Great Features
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Event videotaping
Comments about Sony DSR-250 Camcorder:
Even though this is not HD capable, the recent reduced pricing is phenominal for such a versatile and capable camcorder. I've had a DSR-250 for over 8 years, and recently bought a second one for times when only a full-size DVCAM camcorder makes sense on two different jobs at once. I've always appreciated it's solid and compact build, flip-out LCD, in/out firewire connector, and overall dependability as both a good quality camcorder and a VTR that can use full-size DV and DVCAM tapes as well as mini. Especially for event videotaping, this camcorder is a real workhorse.
Pros
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
Cons
- Low-Quality Recordings
- Poor Battery Life
Best Uses
- Family
Comments about Sony DSR-250 Camcorder:
I love this camera.I have 390 and it is lot better in quality but this is good for carry around.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Movies/Short Films
- Special Events
- Sports
- Weddings
Comments about Sony DSR-250 Camcorder:
I have owned this cam for 7 years and it is my best friend. As much as Im dying to upgrade to the drool-worthy ex3, I feel that my dsr250 will be well-utilized through the coming years. Sony always has a great look in low light which I love because of my passion for the chiaroscuro on camera. This is a very finely tuned instrument.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Special Events
- Sports
- Weddings
Comments about Sony DSR-250 Camcorder:
i use my dsr 250 for weddings and corporate shoots. i've also used it for couple of sports shoots even though the lens isn't very long. because it's a shoulder mount, shooting sports is easy compared to a handheld. it is an easy camera to use with great color. it's excellent in low light and even the colors in low light are vibrate and great. with it being shoulder mount clients think it's a big expensive camera.
the A/V input/output makes it extremely versatile when you need to dub something or copy something from another device (vcr, dvd player, another camcorder, etc)
i'll be upgrading to hdv soon but the dsr 250 is still a wonderful camera to have around. i've thought about selling it to help finance my hdv camera but i still find it to be very valuable to my needs. i highly, highly recommend this camera.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- LONG battery life
- Simple Controls
Cons
- Non interchangable lens
- Zoom is only 12 to 1
Best Uses
- Corporate
- Movies/Short Films
- Special Events
- Weddings
Comments about Sony DSR-250 Camcorder:
Uses full size DVCAM tapes which can record 3 hours in DVCAM and 4 hours in DV.
Shoulder mounted for a steady shot.
Pro XLR audio inputs.
Light weight and great in low light.
I wish it had a 14 to 1 zoom instead of the 12 to 1.
Displaying reviews 1-12
- Operation Manual (PDF 4.9mb)
- Brochure (PDF 526.9kb)
Batteries & Power Adapters
Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.
- Price: $334.95
- GBP 211.72
Lenses & Lens Adapters
Capture your desired angle of view with a quality conversion lens.
- Price: $139.95
- GBP 88.46
External Microphones
Focus your sound with a high-quality microphone. Audio quality can make or break your video.
- Price: $299.95
- GBP 189.60
Bags & Cases
Carry, organize and protect your investment with quick access to your gear.
- Price: $346.33
- GBP 218.92
Tripod & Stationary Supports
Stabilize the your footage and eliminate handheld fatigue with the support you need.
- Price: $1,339.99
- GBP 847.01
Filters
Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect by adding a filter.
- Price: $23.00
- GBP 14.54
On-Camera Lighting
Illuminate close-ups, or fill shadows with on-camera lighting.
- Price: $264.95
- GBP 167.47
On-Camera Monitors
Compose your shots, detect color temperature issues, and check critical focus.
- Price: $350.00
- GBP 221.23
LCD Hoods & Protective Coverings
Shield your camcorder from unwanted glare and wet/extreme conditions.
- Price: $233.49
- GBP 147.59
External Storage Recorders
Expand your camcorder's recording capabilities in the field.
- Price: $1,048.00
- GBP 662.44
What's in the Box
- DXF801WS Monochrome Viewfinder
- ECM-NV1 Directional Microphone for DSR-PD170
- RMT-811 Remote Commander
- Lens Hood
- Lens Cap
-
Camera Warranty
1 Year Parts Warranty except:
2 Years Parts Warranty on CCD Prism Assembly
90 Days Parts Warranty on VTR Drum Assembly
1 Year Labor Warranty -
Camera Accessory Warranty
1 Year Parts and 90 Days Labor Warranty
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