Sony Digital Camcorder

Sony Handycam HDR-CX500V 32 GB Flash High-Definition Camcorder (Black) Review

I spent a ton of time shopping for an HD camcorder. In the end, I selected this one for its low light performance and great image stabilization.

Low light performance and good high bandwidth compression were key for me, because I wanted to make sure I could film my children's martial arts competition. On that, the camera delivers; the images are well lit with very little noise down to pretty dark settings, and if properly filmed (tripod, good panning technique) show no motion artifacts.

The image stabilization is amazing. I hand-held the camera today filming my 7 year old's first ski lesson, and the video is better than watchable -- it looks as if I had a monopod.

All that being said, the image is not as sharp as the Canon Vixia camcorders provide. I'm also disappointed with the lack of features. Zebra stripes would have been nice (although the camera does a good job and you can tweak as needed). Also, a camcorder in this range really should have 1080/24, no?

Of course, the videos are huge; I have two dedicated 1Tb drives for video (one is an identical copy of the other for backup). And they require lots of CPU power. I edit my videos on a Mac. I do my quick and dirty editing in iMovie (yes, it can be done in full HD; check out: [...]) and my more serious editing in Final Cut. I burn ACHD DVDs using Toast Titanium and play them on a Blu-Ray player on my 60" plasma and they look brilliant. It's disappointing my AppleTV does not support 1080i60, but that's Apple for you (and that's coming from a die-hard Apple fan who loves Final Cut).

I also got a Sony VRD-MC6, which does a great job of getting me archive DVDs and AVCHD DVDs in a hurry (raw video).

So, if you consistently use a tripod and shoot well lit video, get a Vixia HFS100 or something like it. If you frequently shoot freehand and in less than optimal light, get this camera. They are each different trade-offs, and this one works for me, but it's not perfect.

Sony Handycam HDR-CX500V 32 GB Flash High-Definition Camcorder (Black) Feature

• 1920 x 1080 high definition video recording
• 12 megapixel still image capture
• 1/2.88" "Exmor R" CMOS sensor for superb low-light video
• Optical SteadyShotâ„¢ image stabilization w/ Active Mode
• 1080/60p playback via HDMIâ„¢ and compatible HDTV

Sony Handycam HDR-CX500V 32 GB Flash High-Definition Camcorder (Black) Overview

The HDR-CX500V employs an advanced "Exmor R" CMOS sensor for excellent low light, 1920 x 1080 high definition video and 12 megapixel still images all to 32GB1 of internal flash memory. In addition, a built-in GPS receiver Geo-tags your videos and photos.

32GB1 Flash memory
The built-in 32GB1 embedded Flash Memory can record and store up to 24 hours of high definition video footage (HD LP mode), or up to 42 hours of standard definition footage (SD LP mode).

1/2.88" "Exmor R" CMOS image sensor with ClearVidTM array
A 1/2.88" Exmor RTM CMOS image sensor delivers bright, vivid, spectacularly detailed video footage, as well as 12 megapixel still images. With 6 megapixel (effective) video resolution, the image sensor actually captures video at four times the density of high definition resolution resulting in a sharper and more detailed 1920 x 1080 HD picture. In addition, "Exmor R" technology captures images with high resolution and high sensitivity, while the advanced Sony® BIONZTM image processor improves camera response time and screens out noise to help ensure that the signal from each pixel is as pure as possible.

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 30, 2009 22:54:24