Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder
The high-end, HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder, from Sony packs true 1920 x 1080 HD recording, hybrid capture options, excellent optics, and more into a consumer priced camera. You'll be hard pressed to run out of recording space with a 120GB HDD that captures nearly 48 hours of HD footage and the option to store additional video and stills to Memory Stick PRO Duo media.
Sony gives you the tools to create beautiful memories, whether you're recording your child's play or a family vacation. The G Lens and back-illuminated 1/2.88" ClearVid Exmor R CMOS sensor work together to create clean, brilliant images. Other features, like the generous 3.2" LCD display, Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization, Face Detection and Smile Shutter give you an added edge.
The XR500V also offers a built-in GPS receiver and Map Index function. Mark your exact location on video and still images and organize them accordingly. This tagging function is also useful for online sharing.
The HDR-XR500V gives you more quality than the average HD camcorder with enhanced optics and features, not to mention the convenience of GPS.
- Hybrid Recording to HDD or Memory Stick Duo Media
- Record nearly 48 hours of true, 1920 x 1080 HD video and 4MP stills to the 120GB HDD, in the XR500V. You can also record to optional Memory Stick PRO Duo media, which offers easy transfer of video and stills to compatible computers and printers. And, in the event that you drop the camera, Sony's "HDD Smart Protection" prevents recorded video and stills from being lost.
- 1/2.88" ClearVid Exmor R CMOS Sensor with Back-Illumination
- Sony's 1/2.88" Exmor R CMOS sensor captures true 1920 x 1080 HD 6MP video and 12.1MP digital stills at 4x the density of HD resolution, giving you cleaner, more detailed images. The back-illuminated sensor improves image quality, especially when shooting in low-light situations by gathering as much light as possible and increasing sensitivity. The BIONZ Image Processor helps reduce noise and provides for faster image processing and data compression.
- Sony G Lens
- Sony's G lens, designed to work with the Exmor R CMOS sensor, provides sharp, detailed images with ultra accurate color reproduction.
- 3.2" Wide Touch Panel Xtra Fine LCD
- The 3.2" LCD display gives you a generous surface on which to compose and playback your images, even outdoors, thanks to the 1MP of viewing resolution and wide viewing angle. The touch panel provides intuitive menu navigation.
- 12.1MP Digital Stills
- Capture 12.1MP digital stills with the XR500V. You can also simultaneously record video and capture 8.3MP stills with the camera's Dual Record mode.
- Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization
- Sony's Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode provides even more correction for camera shake than Optical SteadyShot alone, by allowing a greater range of motion for lens shift, resulting in superbly clear video and still images.
- Built-In GPS Receiver
- Great for travelers - the built-in GPS receiver automatically adjusts the XR500V's clock to the correct time zone and lets you view your exact location on the camera's LCD map display. Not only that, but you can also tag your recording location. Tagging allows you to review and playback video and still images by using the Map Index function on you camera or PC using the Picture Motion Browser Software.
- Map Index Function
- The Map Index uses the geotagging capabilities of the built-in GPS receiver to allow you to see exactly where your footage was captured or to search for and find the scenes by location.
- Creative Control and Workflow Features
-
- Face Detection: Adjusts focus, exposure, and color on up to 8 faces
- Smile Shutter: automatically takes a still photo when subject smiles
- Mic and headphone inputs
- Power on the camera by opening the LCD
- HDMI output for connection to digital A/V devices
- x.v. Color technology for natural, true-to-life images
- Built-in zoom microphone for recording crisp, clean audio
- Smooth Slow Record: allows for slow motion playback of video
- One touch disk burn when connected to PC using the included PMB software
- Active Interface Shoe: mount Intelligent Accessories - lights and microphones
- BRAVIA Sync for control of compatible Sony BRAVIA HDTVs via BRAVIA TV remote
- Dynamic Range Optimizer: balances out scenes in high-contrast shooting conditions
- Sony PMB (Picture Motion Browser) Software for one-touch upload to social media sites
- Highlight Playback: uses Face Detection, Smile Shutter, Dual Capture & time range to compile scenes into short movies with music
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/2.88" Exmor R CMOS |
| Lens |
G Lens Focal length=5.5-66mm F/Stop=1.8-3.4 |
| Zoom |
12x Optical 150x Digital |
| Filter Size | 37mm |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Format |
High Definition: MPEG4 AVC/H.264 Standard Definition: MPEG2 |
| Audio | Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Image Stabilization | Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization |
| Lux | Minimum illumination: 11 lux (1/60 shutter speed), LOW LUX, 3 lux (Auto Slow Shutter ON, 1/30 shutter speed) |
| Recording Media |
120GB HDD Memory Stick PRO Duo Media (sold separately) |
| Recording Time |
120GB HDD High Definition: FH: 870 minutes, LP: 2870 minutes Standard Definition: HQ: 1770 minutes, LP: 5020 minutes
16GB Memory Stick PRO Duo Media |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | Wide Touch Panel LCD |
| Display Size | 3.2" (921k pixels) |
| Viewfinder | Wide color (123k) |
| Camera Features | |
|---|---|
| Manual Controls | Focus |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Accessory Shoe | Active Interface Shoe |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Flash - yes Light - no |
| Digital Still Mode | |
|---|---|
| Still Recording Media |
120GB HDD Memory Stick PRO Duo Media |
| Resolution | 12Mp |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs | Microphone jack |
| Output |
USB 2.0 HDMI HDMI mini Headphone jack Analog A/V out (RCA via A/V breakout cable) Component Video (RCA via A/V breakout cable) S-Video (Sold separately, Mini DIN via A/V breakout cable) |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Languages | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Compatible Operating Systems | Windows 2000, XP, Vista |
| Power Requirements |
Battery Pack: 7.2VDC AC Adapter: 8.4VAC |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2 7/8 x 3 x 5 1/2" (71 x 75 x 137mm) |
| Weight | 1 lb 4 oz (580g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 55 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Great picture quality (51)
- Zoom range/performance (39)
- Comfortable to operate (38)
- Great sound (37)
- Easy to use (33)
Cons
- Short battery life (5)
- Poor battery life (4)
Best Uses
- Home movies (43)
- HD shooting (39)
- Travel (38)
- Low light (22)
- Weddings (19)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (26), Casual user (20), Pro videographer (4), Semi-pro (4)
Most Liked Positive Review
Best camcorder I have owned
I haved owned four prior camcorders with the last being the Sony Handycam HDR-HD7. The HDR-XR500V is the best yet.
Before purchacing this camcorder, I was concerned if 16 Mbps AVCHD compress...Read complete review
I haved owned four prior camcorders with the last being the Sony Handycam HDR-HD7. The HDR-XR500V is the best yet.
Before purchacing this camcorder, I was concerned if 16 Mbps AVCHD compression would result in worse performance than my tape based HDR-HD7 (25 Mbps DV compression). Both have nearly equivalent excellent qualitative resolution in outdoor light situations. Some interlacing artifact is present with the HDR-XR500V when video is played through my computer using the supplied software, "Motion Picture Browser" since video is recorded in an interlaced fashion. The HDR-HD7 also records interlaced video, but I do not see artifact with playback on progressive displays. I suspect this is because decoding video from the HDR-HD7 is nowhere near as demanding as decoding AVCHD.
In indoor and low-light situations, the HDR-XR500V is noteably better than the HDR-HD7 in that there is less grain. The grain that is present is finer.
The quality of the still images is similar for both cameras despite the advertised increase in resolution. Of course, my SLR takes much better photographs, but I very much enjoy the 12X optical zoom (10x on the HDR-HD7). The convenience of having a built in telephoto lens rather than hauling around the SLR and its lenses often more than makes up for the reduced still image quality from the camcorders. In addition, the XR500V has very good image stabilization which is also an advantage for taking magnified stills. I do not use the flash on either camcorder, but it should be noted that the XR500V has a tiny new switch that turns off the flash if a filter is screwed into the front. This is not well documented and may cause confusion with new owners.
The sound quality on the XR500V is astoundingly good. It is subjectively better than the HDR-HD7.
Decoding AVCHD is very computer intensive, and smooth playback at the highest resolution using the Motion Picture Browser is problematic even for the 2.4Ghz dual core processor in my 2 year old laptop. It is very problematic for the 2.2Ghz singe core processor in my 3 year old desktop. There is a feature that "optimizes" playback on the fly with a barely detectable sacrifice in quality. This results in smooth playback on the laptop, but it is still a little jittery on the desktop. When playback is done at the highest quality, fairly impressive still images can be captured from the video.
The internal GPS of the XR500V works very well for me (e.g. inside my car and house). It is true that the maps supplied in the camera's memory are sparse on detail, but the encoded GPS coordinates automatically stored with photos and videos makes cross-referencing to Google Maps very easy using Motion Picture Browser. The positional accuracy is quite good.
I prefer the touchscreen interface of the later Sony models to the more traditional control wheel present on my earlier camcorders. The menus are not intuitive, but once you can the hang of it, settings can be changed very quickly. There generic settings for increasing exposure, but no direct control over aperture or shutter time.
I previously purchased the NP-FH100 battery for the HDR-HD7 which can also be used on the XR500V. This battery gives 250-300 minutes recording time and 450-500 minutes "idle" time based on my experience with the HDR-HD7. So far, results have been similar with the newer camera.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Broke after 10 minutes of use
I just bought this camera from the store in Orlando. I would have returned the camera but I live in Tampa. After shooting for 10 minutes, I played it back and thought it was...Read complete review
I just bought this camera from the store in Orlando. I would have returned the camera but I live in Tampa. After shooting for 10 minutes, I played it back and thought it was very impressive for the size. I erased the HD and started to shoot some stuff outside the house. It ran for 30 secs then the screen went white with horizontal lines. After attempting everything from powering off, removing battery and reset, the camera still doesn't work.
I contacted Sony Customer support. They instantly called me back and after an hour of silly instructions from the indian customer support tech, he gave me an address to mail the camera for repair. They said it would take 7 days to get it back repaired.
I am crossing my fingers.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 55 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
Awesome picture clarity. Works very good in low light situations.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
Excellent camcorder with great features and picture quality is amazing.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
My first camcorder. Have owned it less than 3 weeks and have already used this camcorder twice to document weather and a family fire loss of property. Record and playback in HD is awesome.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
This camcorder is easy to take out of the box and get rolling. The touch screen technology makes it easy to move around. Take great stills along with great video. Has a lot of really cool features
Wish the instuction manual was a little more in depth or a DVD manual would be great to accompany this in order to be acquainted with the more technical features (i.e. GPS, editing on the fly).
Definately worth the money for the beginner or novice.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
I am a film teacher specializing in film editing. I use this camera to make short films for class and personal use as well. I use an Apple MacBook Pro to edit. The only drawback to the camera is because I use Apple products, I have to do an extra step to get the footage ready to edit. I see it as a minor inconvenience. It stills works great and I like it.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
i used it and its very good
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
This is my first Camcorder and experiencing like a professional when taking videos and photos.
Easy to use and good for professionals.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
Cons
Best Uses
- Storm Chasing
Comments about Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
Purchased this vidcam for storm chasing but it's still early in the season for that, so I have not fully field tested this camera. So far: Steadycam feature works well, camera feels very solid powers on very quickly, great audio quality.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
I have been looking for a good camcorder for my family and yes this is the one. Geotagging capability sure is a plus. Other stuff that goes with it of course comes first. HD on this camcorder is just amazing. I have been looking for a really good camcorder and Sony has been one of my choice. i really have not immersed myself to learn all the features but this thing just takes it all. A lot of web reviews were helpful and the only thing that I have read as a complain was it was too expensive and no noise filter. It is now on clearance in most stores that I have seen. Even in Sony's own store. The noise will probably be fixed by an external mic. Option to go wide is another plus on this camcorder.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
I bought this camera for the video quality and I am not disappointed. All my home videos before were plagued with noise and radiance during indoor filming and fast-moving action. I just recorded my daughter's school band concert in a horribly lighted multipurpose room. The XR500V compensated admirably for the ugly yellow tint and there was no picture noise to speak of!! The 5.1 surround sound microphone quality was also superb, it sounded like a professional had recorded the concert.
The low-lighting setting works very well, preserving much of the contrast and vivid colors. I have also used this camera to record amazing sunsets, fast-moving aikido competitions, photo shoots and the kids playing in the park. Every time I review my footage I am impressed by the video quality and overall performance of the camera.
Another fun feature is a smile recognition feature. While I am recording video, I like to have this feature turned on. When the camera sees someone smiling it will automatically snap a still-shot. This feature has caught many phenomenal photos I may not have found on my own. It at the very least saves a bunch of time in reviewing video to find that one shot you want to print!
My bone to pick with Sony is with their menu system. Things are too compartmentalized. Rather than having every menu option accessible from one menu, you must open the specific menu for the function you are attempting to change. This slows down the ability to change functions and can confuse you on what function is accessible from where.... but with some use you get faster at it. I would have liked to have more manual control over settings like the aperture and shutter at times, but it is an excellent point-and-shoot camera system!
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Full 1080p recording
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Ambient sound overwhelms
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
After reading all of the reviews about how great this camera was in low light, I just had to try some night shooting when I first got it. I had high expectations and this camera exceeded them. I don't know how Sony does it, but the camera has great low light shooting with very little noise (in low lux mode). I was able to import to iMovie 09 and cut a short video very easily (encoding takes some time, but that's to be expected with 1080p). I am a hobbiest home video shooter and I think this camera suits that purpose very well. I haven't had a lot of time to play around with all of the settings, but all of the video I've taken so far looks great. One thing that I know I will end up getting is a shotgun microphone. I noticed that when recording someone talking if there is background noise it tends to overshadow the person speaking. The microphone is on top of the camera instead of at the front which is probably the cause of this issue. Even with that, I would not hesitate to recommend this camera to anyone.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
I have owned Sony camcorders for 30 years. They make a great video camera. I travel alot so I want quality video as well as photos. The photos are great taken with the camera on the newXR500v. You do not need to take a separate camera and video this one will do it all which is why I bought it. The photos in the prior camcorders are not that great. This shoots a 12 megapixel photo. I video my grandkids alot at their events. This allows you to video and have a close up and then take a photo at the same time. This is impossible to do with a point and shoot camera. Not more I can say, I love the camcorder.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- External mic input
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Limited Zoom
- Poor image stabilization
- Poor Still Image
- Short Battery Life
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
I use the camera to make my homemovies,and I use frequently the microphone external input, this is so great! But I think that no need an GPS integrated, because I never use it.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Easy to Use
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Complicated Menus
- Short Battery Life
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
This compact HD Handycam holds a lot of high definition photos and videos. Being a professional camera operator, I'm impressed at the quality of this little handheld. There are also great features such as GPS and I especially like the Slow-Mo for analyzing moments in time like a golf swing. Time lapsing sunsets and sunrises is simple with this small Sony. The photos are exceptional quality at 12 MP and it even has a built in flash. The menu system is somewhat tricky at first but once you get used to it you'll have no trouble. Amazing for home videos to capture tons of memories. Anyone can be a pro with this convenient cam.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
This camera is by far the best HD camera out. I watch numerous videos taken with camera and I got a say, amazing. Also B&H is a great online shop to purchase from as well.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Wonky auto-focus
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
So, this is my first camcorder - so I'm by no means a pro. Just wanted a good camera to record my upcoming baby's first steps/words/everything!
Anyway, I've been having fun with it. It takes some superb video, with only a small bit of graininess when shooting indoors without any lights on. This should be expected, though, with any camera, but the picture is still great.
I did a "walkthrough" of my house with the camera, and the image was extremely smooth - little to no vibration - so I will say that the optical image stabilization is great. I've also turned off Sony's enhanced stabilization, which is supposed to further improve stabilization at the cost of slightly reduced picture quality. Not that I had any issues with this feature, but wanted to play with just the optical stabilization.
For other reviews which say that the menu system in the camera is hard to use...I'll have to disagree. If you've had a Sony camera, you'll be familiar with the menu layout. It's fairly similar to my Sony digital still camera. The touch screen does help a lot with navigating the menu, too. I haven't had any problems, other than figuring out what all of these options do!
My only 2 complaints with this camera:
- Slow-motion recording is limited to 3 seconds. This is a feature I have had a LOT of fun with, but sometimes wish I could record a bit longer. Essentially, takes 3 seconds of capture to create a 12 second video. It comes out nice and smooth, too. Just wish I could record a bit longer.
- The auto-focus can sometimes be a bit wonky and a bit slower than I'd like. Now, take this comment with a BIG grain of salt, understanding that I basically have no experience with other camcorders to know if this camera is better/worse than others. But, when I did my "walkthrough" mentioned above, there were 3-4 periods, especially during a pan, where everything would go blurry then come back into focus. Almost like the camera couldn't figure out what to focus on, had a hiccup, then woke up.
Other than that, I've been very pleased with my decision. For me, it was down to this camera or the Canon Vixia HFS-100. This camera won out because:
- Too many complaints on Canon's low-light performance
- HDD on this camera - For the price difference I could probably buy 32-64GB of memory cards for the Canon, but then have to remember to keep the cards with the camera - something I occasionally forget with my still camera. So having the onboard HDD is a plus for me.
- EVF - while I don't know how much I will use this over the LCD screen, it's nice to have the option.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
- Underwater
Comments about Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
This is my first real video camera and I am using it underwater with the equinox housing. The picture is great and the whole thing is easy to use. The low light setting works great!!
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
Comments about Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
Looks better watchin it on hd tv than it does in real life. Unreal quality and takes great photos too, not fuzzy at all.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
Cons
- Short Battery Life
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
This camcorder has excellent video quality even in very low light. It even has a infrared light for night recording. The audio quality is good.
All media files (videos, pictures) are tagged with GPS lat/long but may not be useful outside of the camera and the supplied software which can
It is very compact, not very heavy and fits in my hand. The hard disk size of 120 GB is plentiful and the memory stick can be used if you need more space.
The playback with component cables is at 1080i and the quality is good. The remote functionality is good enough for playback but leaves much to be desired if you plan to use if for recording.
The menu system needs a lot of time getting used to. The battery that comes with the camera has less than 90 minutes of recording time. I plan to get the Sony NPF-H70 battery which supposedly has a longer life.
The software supplied with the camcorder has very limited functionality.
Manual control is limited to only one function at any time (focus, exposure, etc.). I primarily use it for exposure especially for back-lit subjects.
Overall, I am very satisfied with this camcorder.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Short Battery Life
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
I got this video camera to replace my old one, a sony DVD 405. The video quality is amazing when i show the recordings on my 52" Sony TV. low light recording is one of the best i seen. Burning disc is a piece of cake with the sofware that comes with it. Very nice camera, the price is little high end but you pay what you get. The only down side is the battery come with it does not last long, but always can get extra batteries.
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Batteries & Power
Don't get caught without power, always have a spare battery.
- Price: $24.95
- GBP 15.89
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
- Price: $12.49
- GBP 7.96
Filters
Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect by adding a filter.
- Price: $24.50
- GBP 15.60
Lenses & Adaptors
Capture the right view with a conversion lens.
-
- Original: $69.95
- Save: $6.99
- Price: $62.96
- GBP 40.10
External Microphones
Enhance the quality of your audio recording with an external microphone.
- Price: $59.00
- GBP 37.58
requires the BEVB50 Universal Shoe Mount Adapter, sold separately
Tripods & Support
Stabilize your video with the support you need.
- Price: $79.95
- GBP 50.92
Standard - Remote Control
Control your camcorder from a distance, and eliminate hand-vibration in your footage.
- Price: $99.00
- GBP 63.06
Drives & DVD Burning
Back up your footage directly from your camcorder.
- Price: $229.00
- GBP 145.86
What's in the Box
- HDR-XR500V 120GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder
- AC Adapter (AC-L200)
- NP-FH60 Rechargeable Battery Pack
- Remote Commander (RMT-835)
- Component A/V Cable
- A/V Connecting Cable
- Lithium Battery (CR2025)
- Application Software/USB Driver/CD-ROM
- USB Cable
- 1-Year Parts & 90-Days Labor Limited Warranty
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via any UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority shipping methods by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
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