Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder
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The Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder provides you with everything from hybrid recording to GPS tagging. The camera's 1/2.88" 6MP "Exmor R" CMOS sensor captures beautiful 1920 x 1080i HD video that can be stored to either the 32GB internal flash memory or optional Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. When it comes time to transfer your HD video or 12MP stills to your computer for sharing or editing you'll appreciate the ease with which you can pop the memory card out of the camera and into the computer. However, when you feel like watching video from the camera on your HDTV the HDMI connection makes it easy to share all your memories with friends and family using just one cable, while also up-converting the video from 1080i to 1080/60P.
The CX500V also comes with a number of enhanced features which are sure to please. The camera sports a Sony G Lens which, among other things, features improved true-to-life color reproduction, a 12x optical zoom, and the upgraded Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with 3-Way Shake-Canceling.
Another way that Sony went the distance with the 500V's design is the 3" wide touch panel LCD. This LCD doesn't just give you adequate room to compose and playback all your shots, it also provides you with an intuitive touch panel surface for finding your way through the improved menu with new options such as the spot focus and spot metering options. It also aids in playback with a screen that's even easy to view outside on a bright summer day.
Aside from improvements, the CX500V comes with a built-in GPS receiver and Map Index for logging the exact location of your shots, making it great for travelers and those looking to share their videos and photos online. In addition, popular features such as Face Detection with Face Touch Priority, Smile Shutter, and Highlight Playback are all sure to make your recording experience a pleasant one. If you're looking for a myriad of user-friendly features and incredible HD video to boot, the HDR-CX500V delivers.
- 1920 x 1080 High Definition Recording
- Capture your memories in rich, beautiful detail for years to come with 1920 x 1080i HD. The CX500V also offers up-conversion of the 1080i video to 1080/60p when it's outputted through an HDMI cable to a compatible HDTV
- The Convenience of Hybrid Recording
- Record your video and still images to the 32GB embedded flash memory or to optional Memory Stick PRO Duo media with the HDR-CX500V. Footage stored to the internal memory can be transferred to Memory Stick media for easy upload to compatible computers or printers. Up to 24 hours of HD video (HD LP mode) and up to 42 hours of standard definition footage (SD LP mode) can be stored to the 32GB embedded flash memory
- Geotagging with the Built-In GPS Receiver
- The built-in GPS receiver gives you the ability to view your current location on the LCD map display, as well as "tag" your shooting locations. Tagged videos and still images can be reviewed and played back using the Map Index function on the camcorder or once downloaded to your PC using the supplied PMB (Picture Motion Browser) software. Additionally, the receiver automatically adjusts your camcorder's clock to the proper time zone
- 1/2.88" "Exmor R" CMOS Sensor with ClearVid Array
- Sony's 1/2.88" back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS sensor with ClearVid array captures brilliant 6MP (effective), 1920 x 1080i HD video footage and 12MP still images that boast improved low-light capture. The BIONZ image processor works with the sensor to reduce image noise and improve camcorder response time
- Back-Illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS Sensor
- The back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS sensor provides improved image clarity, especially in low-light situations. Designed for compact cameras and camcorders, the "Exmor R" sensor relocates the photo diodes above the support circuitry, maximizing the light-gathering area per pixel so you can shoot with better results in lower lighting conditions. Approximately 2x increase in sensitivity compared to Sony's existing front-illuminated CMOS sensors at F2.0
- Sony G Lens
- The proprietary Sony G lens features precision ground optics and extra-low dispersion (ED) glass which improves detail and reduces fringing of colors, making for true-to-life color reproduction
- 12x Optical Zoom
- The 12x optical zoom brings far off subjects up close without the distortion common in digital zooming
- 3" Wide Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus
- The generous 3" LCD gives you an accurate display on which to compose and play back your shots, while also providing an intuitive touch panel surface to navigate menus and other functions such as integrated GPS, spot focus, and spot metering. In addition, the 270° rotation of the screen helps capture hard-to-get shots and aids in viewing upon playback
- Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode
- This improved version of Sony's Optical SteadyShot image stabilization corrects for a wider range of camera movement by enabling the camera lens to compensate for an even greater range of motion. In addition, 3-Way Shake-Cancelling adds roll stability which corrects for up and down wrist movement
- Face Detection for Video and Still Photos
- Made possibly by the BIONZ image processing engine, Face Detection recognizes up to 8 faces anywhere in the frame and by selecting the most prominent, automatically controls focus, exposure, and color to help capture smiling faces brightly and clearly. Face Detection also helps make skin tones look natural without affecting other colors in the image. On AVCHD models, the camcorder allocates encoding bits on detected face areas prior to encoding other parts of the picture, making them sharper and clearer. In still picture mode, Face Detection technology sets the flash level to optimize picture clarity
- Smile Shutter for Still and Dual Capture
- Smile Shutter technology lets the camcorder automatically take still photos when your subject smiles, even while shooting high definition video. You can also set the sensitivity and choose child, adult, or auto priority
- Highlight Playback
- Why spend hours editing your movies when you can let your camcorder do it for you? Highlight Playback uses several criteria - including Face Index, Smile Shutter technology, Dual Capture and time range - to identify and compile key scenes into a short, entertaining movie complete with music and transitions
- Dolby Digital 5.1 Channel Recording with Built-In Zoom Mic
- Dolby Digital 5.1 channel recording captures active sounds coming from all directions, so you can experience your home movies the way you experienced them while recording. The Built-In Zoom Mic focuses audio recording on your subjects in sync with the camera's zoom lens
- Sony PMB (Picture Motion Browser) Software
- Sony Picture Motion Browser software offers a simple, intuitive way to transfer, sort, and view your video and still images on your compatible PC. In addition, multiple output options let you burn your memories to DVD, AVCHD DVD, and Blu-ray Disc media (sold separately), as well as take advantage of one click upload to a number of popular video and photo sharing sites (compatible PC and Internet connection required)
- Smooth Slow Record
- The Smooth Slow Record mode increases the record rate from 60 frames per second (fps) to 240 fps, allowing you to capture 3 seconds of fast motion and play the video back in 12 seconds. This is a great tool for analyzing a golf swing or a viewing a bird in flight. In addition, you can record an audio track to narrate the video footage
- Dual Record with 8.3MP Still Image Capture
- Dual record capability lets you capture 8.3MP still images while shooting high definition video, so you can capture those special moments without having to switch recording modes
- Built-In Intelligent Flash
- For added clarity and detail when taking pictures in low-light situations, the built-in flash improves pictures and reduces shadows
- x.v. Color Technology
- x.v. Color technology enables the HDR-CX500V to capture nearly twice (1.8x) as many viewable colors as the standard RGB color range, resulting in more natural, life-like images. You can even experience this expanded color range on the big screen when you connect your camcorder to x.v. Color capable displays, including a wide range of Sony BRAVIA HDTVs
- Assignable Dial
- An assignable dial on the front of the camcorder can be programmed to control a variety of settings, including focus, exposure, AE (Auto Exposure) Shift, and WB (White Balance) Shift
- Easy Playback Options
- Four, easy to use Playback indexing formats allow users to easily find and playback scenes at any time: Film Roll Index displays scene indexes at specified display intervals, Face Index uses Face Detection technology to organize your video footage based on the faces detected in each scene, Map Index uses the GPS to easily find a desired scene based on location, and Date Indexing organizes scenes based on the time and date they were recorded
- Record and Zoom Controls on LCD Touch Screen
- The HDR-CX500V features an additional set of record and zoom buttons on the LCD touch screen, giving you more control and flexibility when holding the camcorder, especially in overhead or low angle shots
- One Touch Disc Burn
- Easily burn a DVD copy of your footage using the supplied PMB (Picture Motion Browser) software. Simply connect the camcorder to your compatible PC via a USB cable and press the One Touch Disc Burn Button (DVD media sold separately)
- BIONZ Image Processor
- The BIONZ Image Processor works in conjunction with the "Exmor R" CMOS sensor with ClearVid array for pristine imaging. The BIONZ image processor provides Data Noise Reduction, Faster Image processing, and Data compression to preserve videos and images. In addition, the BIONZ image processor enables Face Detection technology and Sony's Dynamic Range Optimizer for both video and still image capture. The higher processing speed also allows Dual Recording to capture still images while recording video
- Dynamic Range Optimizer
- The D-Range (Dynamic Range) Optimizer function adjusts the exposure and contrast of an image to counter the effects of high-contrast shooting conditions, allowing for a great shot every time. The D-Range Optimizer suppresses "blackout" in dark areas such as shadows and "whiteout" in bright areas such as skies. As a result, the captured image appears as natural as the original scene
- Burn Direct to DVDirect express DVD Burner
- The HDR-CX500V supports a direct connection to the VRD-P1 DVDirect DVD burner (sold separately). The camcorder down converts HD to SD automatically when connected to the P1, which allows you to burn DVDs directly from your camcorder without the need for a PC. And because the VRD-P1 is powered by your camcorder, you don't need an additional AC power cable
- BRAVIA Sync Technology
- BRAVIA Sync technology offers greater ease of use in controlling compatible Sony products connected via an HDMI connection. HDMI connectivity provides a simple; high-quality video and audio connection, with the ability to transmit HD video and up to 5.1 channel audio directly from the camcorder to compatible HDTVs via a single HDMI cable, sold separately. With BRAVIA Sync technology, the HDMI connection also delivers the ability to control both the camcorder and HDTV using a single BRAVIA TV remote and displays the camcorder's playback menu on screen for easier navigation
- Active Interface Shoe
- The Active Interface Shoe lets you mount Sony's Intelligent Accessories, such as external lights and microphones, which can help extend the capabilities of your camcorder
- HDMI Connection
- The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a compact audio/video connector interface for transmitting uncompressed digital streams. HDMI connects digital audio/video sources such as a compatible camcorder, Blu-ray Disc player, a personal computer, a video game console, or an AV receiver to a compatible digital audio device and/or video monitor such as a digital television (DTV). HDMI began to appear in 2006 on consumer HDTVs, camcorders and high-end digital still cameras
- USB 2.0 Interface
- A USB 2.0 interface provides an easy way to connect your camcorder to a compatible PC for fast transfer of video and still images for editing
- Auto Lens Cover
- An Auto Lens Cover protects the lens when the camcorder is powered off
- Power On by Opening LCD Display
- Power on your camcorder by simply opening the LCD display
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 6 Megapixel 1/2.88" CMOS |
| Lens |
5.5 - 66 mm f/1.8 - 3.4 |
| Zoom |
Optical: 12x Digital: 150x |
| Filter Size | 37 mm |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Recording Media |
Internal Flash Memory 32GB Memory Stick PRO Duo |
| Recording Time |
Internal Flash Memory High Definition: FH: 225 minutes High Definition: SP: 575 minutes Standard Definition: HQ: 460 minutes Standard Definition: LP: 1300 minutes |
| Video Format |
High Definition MPEG AVC/H.264 1920 x 1080 |
| Still Image Resolution | JPEG: 12 Megapixel |
| Audio Format | 5.1-Channel |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LCD |
| Screen Size | 3" |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Add-on Lens |
|---|
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Lux |
11 (1/60 shutter speed) 3 (Auto Slow Shutter On, 1/30 shutter speed) |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Light - Yes Flash - Yes |
| Accessory Shoe | Hot |
| Tripod Mount | 1/4" |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs | None |
| Outputs |
1x USB 2.0 1x HDMI C (Mini) 1x Component Video (out) 1x Composite Video (out) |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Headphone Jack | No |
| General | |
|---|---|
| System Requirements |
Windows
Please Note:Software is not Mac compatible - However files are iMovie compatible close |
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Power Adapter | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.44 x 2.56 x 5.24" / 62 x 65 x 133 mm |
| Weight | 1 lb / 454 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 115 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Great picture quality (100)
- Image stabilization (96)
- Easy to use (88)
- Zoom range/performance (88)
- Good in low light (86)
Cons
- Limited zoom (13)
- No external mic input (13)
- Short battery life (7)
- Poor sound (5)
- Complicated to operate (4)
Best Uses
- Home movies (93)
- HD shooting (76)
- Travel (76)
- Low light (72)
- Weddings (52)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual user (71), Enthusiast (31), Semi-pro (4), Pro videographer (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Amazing Quality even in low light
Picture quality is surprisingly good for a camcorder of this size even in low light. In addition it has a low light mode at which the shutter speed is 30 which increases the cameras sensitivity...Read complete review
Picture quality is surprisingly good for a camcorder of this size even in low light. In addition it has a low light mode at which the shutter speed is 30 which increases the cameras sensitivity and you get noise free images down to arround 3 Lux.It is easy to handle and feels comfortable in your hand. The image stabilization is very good and the auto focusing speed (Near-far, far-near in zoom mode) is excelent -less than 2 seconds.The auto white balance in full auto mode is good and the colors are sharp and vivid.You can take the camera out of it's box, charge the battery and start shooting with suprisingly good quality.Only drawback is the small thumbwheel for manual adjustments at left bottom rear of camera-it is too small (thin) and difficult to rotate without shaking the camera. It should be abit thicker and portruding out of the camera body.All in all it is a wonderful camera - buy it if you can afford it. Note: You can edit the camera's AVCHD format, but you will need a fast computer - at least 4GB of memory and at least a dual processor of not less than 2.6 GHzFor one hour of recorded media it will take arround 3 hours of conforming on a fast computer.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
I like this product
I always buy Sony Camcoders, this is my third camcocder. As usualy image quality is far better, but some of the features I was not able to understand either it is too complex. ...Read complete review
I always buy Sony Camcoders, this is my third camcocder. As usualy image quality is far better, but some of the features I was not able to understand either it is too complex. 1) GPS: I really don't know how to use this features so far 2) Digital Zoom: I don't know how to turn-off this feature.
Reviewed by 115 customers
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Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder:
All good
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- No External Mic Input
Best Uses
- SportsAction
Comments about Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder:
I have the product verymuch for it slow motion recording and my using this for Analyzing my Son's golf swing and it make it handy for his coach.
Only disadvantage is that we have to use the LCD for everything
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- No External Mic Input
- Poor Sound
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder:
mostly use for plays weddings and such, have been very pleased with the low light quality over most other comparable models
Pros
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Zoom
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder:
The camcorder works very well.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Ext mic option
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Remote control
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Too many controls
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder:
I did a lot of internet "research" before selecting this model and I made the right choice! I use this camera to take home videos and to compose my3documentary of the local water resources. I contemplated going with a lower budget model as an upgrade from my 620x480 camcorder but was dismayed at the "low light" reviews of the other models. If you are going to spend the money on an HD camera you should so big or go home; this camera provides all the features you could want and more. The back-lit CCD really gives impressive shots in all lighting conditions. The quality is simply stunning. Something other reviews may not mention is the built in night vision. This camera can give you the familiar "green" night vision shots by its IR sensor and light. The built in GPS is a nice feature, but I don't use it that much. It can tag your photos and videos with the GPS lat/long. The mic quality is impressive. Oh yes, another great option is the hot shoe to add an external flash or mic. I haven't purchased an external mic because I am so impressed with the stereo mic that is built in. The battery life is great. There was a deal going on when I purchased this; I got a free case and a second battery. I purchased an external 8gb card and I can literally record four hours straight. This is amazing. If you reduce back the quality you can more than double your recording time if you have an extra battery.
The camera also can take 12MP stills, that coupled with the 20x zoom has allowed be to not bring my Funi digital camera anymore. No more carrying two devices, that in itself is worth buying this camera.
For a while I thought about spending the extra extra and buying a professional grade camera with a viewfinder and huge battery pack. I realized that if I bought a huge honking camera that required a huge battery pack that I would be less inclined to bring it with me to parties, sporting events, etc... this camera in its bag sits by my door and I am constantly bringing it everywhere. It comes with RGB and composite cables to connect it to an HD (or not) TV. The only thing missing is the mini HDMI cable.
The external remote control makes it easy for me to zoom in and out without moving the camera when I interview people for the documentary. It allows you to navigate through the recorded footage and pictures when hooked up to a TV.
The ONLY thing I don't like about this camera is the picture flash. To turn the flash on or off you need to open the menu (via the touch screen), scroll down 5 pages, select "FLASH" and then turn it on or off. Yes there is an "auto" mode but it would be easier to have quick on/off options. I'm not sure, but I think there might be a way to customize the menu (it has dozens of screens) to only show selected items.
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
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder:
I mostly use this camera to capture how different people move in a physical therapy clinic, and I also use it for home/vacation recording. The picture quality is unbelievable, and the stabilization features really help minimize shaking even with max zoom. I found the handycam very easy and intuitive to use. I love that I can set a customized menu to utilize the items that I use most like adjusting the lens type, deleting items, adjusting flash, etc. Not sure what typical battery life is like for other cameras, but the battery lasts around 2 hours. Thank goodness I have 2 batteries, courtesy of B&H Photo's free accessory pack. I highly recommend this handycam!!
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Complicated To Operate
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder:
I always buy Sony Camcoders, this is my third camcocder. As usualy image quality is far better, but some of the features I was not able to understand either it is too complex. 1) GPS: I really don't know how to use this features so far 2) Digital Zoom: I don't know how to turn-off this feature.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder:
I bought this for it's 2X increase in sensitivity & 3-way shake canceling. The dance clubs turn the lights so low, nothing compares to this! Just hit the "LOW LUX" touch screen and you have it brighter than your eyes see it! When they say HD, - they mean it, (of course with more light)Forget the Memory card, and the extra Battery Mine is still in the blister pack. I take this camcorder with me every week, dancing, and I love it. I dropped it once,..and it's still working.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- No SD Memory Support
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder:
This was our first HD camera purchase. We decided to start searching for one since our first baby is on the way. It worked out that B&H had this one on sale and I had read some great reviews about it. None the less, it has been great so far and we absolutely love it.
Some people complain about the menu setup. I found it to be intuitive and easy to use so take that for what it's worth.
One thing that does somewhat annoy me, and I knew this going into purchasing, is that it doesn't have SD/SDHC support unlike the 520V. It wasn't a deal breaker for me though as 32GB seems like plenty of space for my needs at this time.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
Cons
- Limited Zoom
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder:
I got this camcorder for day to day home movies specially to take video of my baby. It is easy to use with good picture quality. Nice features easy to operate menu. One thing that I don't like much is the zoom. It is not that great but cannot complain about it. All in all I am satisfied with my purchase.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- None So Far
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wild life shooting
Comments about Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder:
Purchased for our trip to Alaska. It was better than I imagined...Alaska & the camera. The zoom took us to the very mouth of the bears. I used the camera evey day for 14 days and still didn't fill the 32 gig memory. Ease of going back and forth from still shots to video is easy. Not having a veiw finder did not present any problems in sunny outdoor video. When you are whatching a bear swim to shore and filming it, the last thing you want is to have your eye bolted to an eyepiece.
Highly recommend this great camera!
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
Cons
- Poor Still Image
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder:
Purchased CX500 from B&H. [...] The low light video quality was the main reason I picked CX500 after I saw some clips under low light conditions from u-tube. I am very satisfied with this camcorder. Still image and GPS are useless. You may need to buy extra software for avchd editing.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
- Poor Still Image
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder:
Recording quality is very nice but still image in dull light is not so good. But overall this product is very good.
Pros
- Battery Life
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder:
This camera is awesome. I researched HD camcorders for 3 months before making a decision and I am glad I made this purchase. The video is crystal clear, tons of features, and long battery life. We used this camera at Disney and I was always leaving the LCD open so I could snap pics and take video on the fly. Doing this amounted to about 2.5 hours of battery life on full HD settings! Plus the extras that came free were nice also.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder:
Bought this camera to record first grandchild's early years. So easy even an old guy like me can can figure it out.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- No HDMI cable included
- Software
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder:
I wanted a Flash-memory HD camcorder that would take good quality video as well as good 'point & shoot' stills so that I did not have to repeatedly switch cameras at inopportune times. Initially, I purchased the Canon Vixia HF-R11 from[...] (in part because the online specs said it had a flash whereas it did not). After taking video and stills both inside and outside, I was extremely disappointed with the results - particularly in low light (very grainy) - and its menu navigator 'button' I found to be cumbersome. I decided to return it and try the CX500V from B&H (though it was the 2009 model that did not support SD cards).I have had the new camcorder almost a month and am thrilled with the results - the stills are as good or better than my Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ11. The flash allows me to use it to take still photos inside in low light with excellent results. The touch-screen menu system is far superior to the Canon 'button', though there are so many options, I really need to take the time to customize the menus so I can get to what I need more quickly. The image stabilization exceeds that on the Canon and is well documented on other reviews. The critical factor though is the quality of the video footage and still shots - and I could not be happier with the results. I have two slight disappointments: (1) it did not come with an HD cable - what was Sony thinking? For a camera in this price range and labeling itself 'HD' I would have expected this; (2) The accompanying editing software is very basic - though I expected to buy Adobe Premiere [or similar], I would have liked to be able to do more out of the box. Neither of these would have affected my purchase decision, but they are things where Sony cut corners.
Pros
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- No External Mic Input
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder:
I bought the camcrder to replace my Canon Optura Xi. The camera has good zoom and great for low light conditions. I used it to record my daugter's ballet recital and the quality was excellent.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- None So Far
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder:
I have had the HDR-CX500V for about three weeks now. I love it! This is my first HD cam. I have owned Sony 8mm and Hi-8 in the past, as well as a mini DV. I don't miss having to stuff extra tapes in my pockets! As a pro still photographer, image quality in various lighting conditions was my primary concern. The camera has exceeded my expectations. It does amazingly well in low light, not to mention higher levels. I'm using it for short personal documentaries and general family recording right now. I believe it would even be capable of semi-pro coverage of events such as weddings as well. 32GB is a good amount of internal storage for basic HD recording but having a MemoryStick available is a good idea. Battery life is adequate but again, an extra is not a bad idea. I like the Active Interface hot shoe for attaching an external mic. That's just one reason I went for the CX500V over the lower models. The menu is easy enough to learn after a few minutes of use (has alot of depth to it). The G lens coupled with the 1/2.88 sensor yields exceptional image quality (another reason to step up from lower models). I did alot of research before my purchase and I think Sony really has Canon and the others beat by a mile in this price range. Overall, I couldn't be happier with my purchase. My advice: give this camera a try, I think you'll be very pleasantly surprised!
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- No External Mic Input
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder:
shot a couple of videos and looked great. pretty easy to use and great still pictures.
Pros
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-CX500V 32GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder:
My main concern was low light shooting for my newborn and so far, this camera has exceeded my expectations. The lost star was for a slight difficulty in reaching the zoom toggle, but that may be my small hands
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Media
Recording media is not included, be prepared - always carry extra media.
- Price: $12.95
Batteries & Power
Don't get caught without power, always have a spare battery.
- Price: $25.00
- Price: $24.95
Filters
Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect by adding a filter.
- Price: $24.50
Lenses & Adaptors
Capture the right view with a conversion lens.
- Price: $69.95
External Microphones
Enhance the quality of your audio recording with an external microphone.
- Price: $63.90
What's in the Box
- AC Adapter (AC-L200)
- Rechargeable Battery Pack (NP-FH60)
- Remote Commander (RMT-835)
- Component A/V Cable
- A/V Connecting Cable
- Lithium Battery (CR2025)
- Application Software/USB Driver/(CD-ROM)
- USB Cable
- 90-Days Labor & 1-Year Parts Limited Warranty
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