My story

I wanted a really small camera that did it all. I wanted something I could put in my purse that I could use for both video and still shots. I have 2 little babies and I only wanted to carry one small camera, but be able to capture the moment wherever we went.

After a lot of research I found that they do not yet make want I wanted. I really would have liked a super mini camcorder that takes 4 mega still shot. If it is made, I could not find it. So I went with the best I could find. The Sony DCR IP 220.

I love this camera. It is easier to use, easier to hold and light enough/small enough to put in my purse. The video picture is clear and easier to view on the TV or the Computer. No problems with the sound.

The Still images are wonderful. Downloading to the PC is so easier and fast. I just plug in the USB cable and it starts to downloader. 120 pictures take about 2 minutes. The pictures are nice and clear on the PC. I have had some printed and a 4x6 picture looks as good as a regular picture.

The battery holds it life very well. It last about 150 minutes with the camera on and with the view finder on. But when the camera is off the battery holds it life. I had other camera where the battery was always going dead. I bought an extra battery and an external battery charger and I have not even opened them yet.

I did have some problem with viewing the video on the computer. I called Sony technical support and they helped me fix it. I need a different DDL.

What don't I like. I wish the camera had a wider lens. A lot of times I have to back up to get the shot I want. Also the still shot has a very little delay. But when you are trying to get a baby’s smile every split second counts.

It does have a lot of options that I have not tried. Like I said I have two little ones so I have not have the time. Everything I have used worked well and was very easy.

I bought the camera online from an internet mega store. It was $1500. Then I bought about $400 of additional stuff. The extra battery and charger I would not recommend, about $200. I would recommend the 128 mb memory stick. And of course tapes for video.