Sony HVR-M25U or HVR-M15U which to buy?

[Walter Biscardi]

Unless you REALLY have a need for the LCD screen or the HDMI connectivity, save the money. I bought the cheaper one here as I run the Component output via an AJA HD10AVA HD-SDI converter if I need to come into my system that way. The machine sits in another room so the LCD screen is really a waste for me.

Walter Biscardi, Jr.
https://www.biscardicreative.com
HD Editorial & Animation for Food Network’s “Good Eats”
HD Editorial for “Assignment Earth”

“I reject your reality and substitute my own!” – Adam Savage, Mythbusters

[Hordex]

So, here is my last question. After reading the brochure on the two I was a little confused.

1] Does the 15 allow you to preset TC? Is there a TC REGEN function
2] Does it have Rec run and Free Run?
3] Does it have a marker burn?
4] All in all, is this a good deck?

Thanks for your time.

[Walter Biscardi]

[Hordex] “1] Does the 15 allow you to preset TC? Is there a TC REGEN function
2] Does it have Rec run and Free Run?
3] Does it have a marker burn?
4] All in all, is this a good deck?”

I don’t use it as a recorder, I don’t master to HDV and don’t plan to. Our mastering is done to other formats. If those things are required for what you plan to do, then you’d better get the deck that gives you all the features that you require.

The DSR-11 was a workhorse in our shop for three years and this essentially replaces that deck so I’m hoping the past history of the DSR speaks well of this unit.

Walter Biscardi, Jr.
https://www.biscardicreative.com
HD Editorial & Animation for Food Network’s “Good Eats”
HD Editorial for “Assignment Earth”

“I reject your reality and substitute my own!” – Adam Savage, Mythbusters

[Alfred Guzzetti]

I bought the M25U in June and love it. The TC display is large and clear on the LCD screen and the headphone jack is indispensable. My budget was tight but I’ve never regretted the extra cost of this terrific deck.

ALFRED

[Bob Cole]

Seconding Alfred. I’m planning to buy the 25, because on a recent location shoot/edit I had to use a rented DVCAM deck which had a built-in LCD, and it was a revelation to me. All decks should have this feature. It is so convenient to have image verification within the unit itself. Unless the deck is just a small part of a much bigger and well-stocked operation (see Walter’s post), you will always be happier with a more capable device.

I have to ask — Alfred Guzzetti, were/are you a professor? I took a great course from an Alfred Guzzetti 30-some years ago on the films of John Ford.

— Bob C