Sony HDRXR260V High-Definition Handycam 8.9 MP Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom and 160 GB Hard Disk Memory (2012 Model)

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Sony HDRXR260V High-Definition Handycam 8.9 MP Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom and 160 GB Hard Disk Memory (2012 Model)

160GB HDD storage! 5.1 surround sound! Built-In USB! GPS!

So those are the positives and they are somewhat impressive. However, keep in mind that it is HDD storage and NOT solid state memory. You'll need to insert a SD card into the included SD card slot if you want solid state memory.

Sony has decided to place the microphone pickups right at the front (under the lens) which means that you are near certain to pickup wind noise while recording. In fairness, it was minimal but it was evident.

Battery use is fast and depletes faster than solid state because of the HDD moving parts. Carry a backup.

BUT.... What is most important is the quality of the video. This camcorder has so many positives but when it comes to picture quality, you'll find a severe lack of pixel resolution. Colors will be impressive and even low light indoor video came in with impressive results. The negative was sub-par video. Just no details. No sharpness. Low lines of resolution. We used both 60i and 60p. Maximum quality settings and as said, got great colors but just no details. Can't see a human hair, a flower, a garden leaf or a blade of grass. Playback was using HDMI to a 1080p TV.

Sony did a fairly good job of including massive storage, 5.1 sound and GPS. What I wanted mostly was resolution and this model doesn't offer that.

I did not use the photo/still aspect as I purchased a camcorder and not a digital still camera.

Sony DCR-DVD650 DVD Camcorder

Price:     $539.99
   
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I've had this item for approximately 6 months and am just now getting into doing reviews. Below are my thoughts on the Sony DCR-DVD650 Handycam Camcorder:

Pros:   Sony DCR-DVD650 DVD Camcorder

Nice design
easy to use
great viewfinder
able to take still pictures in addition to the video
option to use DVD or Memory Stick for recording/photos
Cons:   Sony DCR-DVD650 DVD Camcorder

DVD's on standard quality will only record for 30 minutes-this is not ideal for those wanting to record their childs play, or a graduation or anything that may last longer than 30 minutes. For this you would need a large memory stick to accomodate then you can use your home PC to put the recording from the memory stick to a standard sized DVD.

As expected the digital zoom gets "grainy" in appearance when you zoom in close to the maximum allowed. This is tolerable, but just realize you aren't going to get as good a picture of something you are zooming in on as you would get if the image was actually closer.

All-in-all I am extremely happy with the purchase and think that it is possibly the best buy in its price range. I would purchase it again in a heartbeat. With that said, the day I win the lottery or have a lot of money to spend I'm sure I'd purchase a more expensive model with slightly better zoom and built in memory in addition to the DVD recording capabilities.

Sony HDR-FX7 3-CMOS Sensor HDV High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom

Price:     $1,999.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. Details
   
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7 new from $1,998.00 14 used from $998.00 2 refurbished from $1,489.95



Sony HDR-FX7 3-CMOS Sensor HDV High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom
I purchased the Sony HDR-FX7 to replace my eight year old Sony DCR-TRV900 Camcorder. The image colors are excellant and the picture quality is even better because this camera can record in HD or mini DV. The microphone is also better and you can see the stereo levels in the view finder. You can set Zebra Lines to manually control exposere. You can even take still pictures on a memory card while shooting video. You can press a button and see the last few seconds of your last shot. I am a retired professional video cameraman and this camcorder meets all my needs.