HD recordings can look incredible, but, like any new technology, it can take some work. There are no shortcuts. You should always carve out a learning curve and make ample time to get to learn your camera.
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Sony HDR-SR1 seemed like a great camera to me, but it is important to also have good techniques for shooting. Basically, you want to follow the same rules of thumb that you would use to take any good video. Here are some fundamentals to help you get the most out of your camera.
Light, light, light, I can't stress it enough when shooting try to use as much natural light as possible. If possible, aim a second light source at the subject and in the subject's background. This will help you fill in any areas that may have a bad shadow.
When shooting, go easy on the zoom or else you'll make people car sick. If you know you are going to move the camera around a lot, then invest in a tripod - it's worth it and you'll be happier with the result. If you don't have a tripod with you, then improvise whenever possible - place the camcorder on a tabletop, car roof, guard rail, or any other sturdy support that happens to be nearby when you want to shoot.
One tip that I was taught early on was to use the camera's fade feature. Definitely learn about your fade feature. It comes in handy for transitions between different scenes.
Another great feature of today's more advanced cameras is that you can edit directly on the camera. I've always tried to plan on editing my footage once I return from a vacation or an event and it takes me forever to get around to it. Editing itself can also take up quite a bit of time. I'll admit editing can be satisfying and rewarding, but it's also extremely time consuming. Unless you're working on some kind of professional project, your best bet is to try to come home with a finished tape. One way to help cut down your editing time is to be aggressive and keep your segments short.
Mario Armstrong is a technology talk show host, writer, consultant and public speaker that explores how technology impacts the way we work, live and play. He is heard on NPR, XM radio and seen on WMAR-ABC2 TV. More online at: www.MarioArmstrong.com. 
