On Thu, 08 May 2003 13:05:24 GMT, Carl <makeminebrisket@orthodox.com> wrote:

>> Optura Pi for video only and the Optura 200MC for dual use with

>>memory-card still pictures. Actually, I wouldn't use any of them,

>>unless no Sony was available.

>

>Thanks for writing.

>I have seen a lot of debate on Sony vs. Canon picture quality.

>

>Ideally, I'd love to own a VX2000, but I just can't afford that right

>now. I need to stay under $1000. Are there any Sony cameras

>in my price range that have OPTICAL stabilization? I can't get a

>straight answer from Sony customer service.

>

>Which Sony cam would be the equivalent of the Optura line?

>There are so many Sony models, I can't keep them straight.

All of the 1-CCD Sony models use DIS, which in practice

is rarely distinguishable from good OIS (and sometimes it

is better...). Sony divides its 1-CCD line into three

groups: 1/4" CCD with minimum-pixel-count (best low-light

range and least offensive picture with motion and

high-contrast); 1/4.7" 1-megapixel CCD (sharper image,

slightly better color, but with more restricted low-light

range, and a bit more artifacting with motion); 2-megapixel

larger CCD (sharp stills, about the same low-light range as

the 2nd group). Sony also produces versions of each group

in "upright" body style. Looking through the Sony specs at

the CCD type identifies the group it is in (and the likely

performance characteristics), with various models offering

different feature sets. The groups are: TRV19/22-PC9;

TRV33/38/39-PC101/105; TRV70/80-PC120 (the last in this

group is 1.5 megapixel...). Not too hard, really...

In general, the Sony 1-CCD picture tends to have more

neutral color than Canon with less harsh contrast from

what I've seen...