Sony HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder
Sony's HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder provides you with numerous features and functions, including multiple recording options, a built-in GPS receiver, and 1920 x 1080 high def recording. In addition to the 64GB of internal memory, the CX550V also gives you the option to record to Sony's Memory Stick media or SD/SDHC memory cards. You can also transfer files from the built-in memory to the removable media for upload to your computer or to make room on the camera while shooting.
When it comes to the built-in GPS receiver, the CX550V gives geotaggers a great tool for tagging their video and still images by location. And when you want recall your footage options such as the Map Index give you quick access. Use the camera's GPS to keep things organized in a whole new way, and share video and stills with friends and family online according to the location the footage was taken.
The core features of the HDR-CX550V include everything from a super-powered CMOS sensor and processor to a generous 3.5" LCD display. The back-illuminated 1/2.88" Exmor R CMOS sensor works together with Sony's BIONZ Image Processor to capture video and still images that are clean and detailed, with improved low-light capture over Sony's previous CMOS sensors, thanks to the back-illumination. The image processor allows for features such as Dual Recording and Face Detection. The 3.5" Wide Xtra Fine TruBlack LCD is a high contrast display that reduces glare, while giving you a large platform on which to record and play back images. And in addition to the LCD, the CX550V also has a 0.27" color viewfinder for shooting when the LCD is closed.
Among the plethora of user-friendly features on the HDR-CX550V you'll find a number of ways to enhance your recordings and to ensure that you get the shot you want. One great highlight of the CX550V would be the built-in microphone and headphone jacks for recording with optional external microphones and headphones. There's also the option to record at 24Mbps AVCHD for its detail and versatility. Other features like Golf Shot, Optical SteadyShot, 10x optical zoom, and an Assignable Dial all provide extra help so you can get just the shot you want. Additional features include Face Detection, Smile Shutter, Smooth Slow Record, and an Active Interface Shoe, among others.
- 1920 x 1080 High Definition Video Recording
- 1920 x 1080i high definition resolution lets you record your memories in exceptional high definition quality. Capable of 1080/60p playback via HDMI and compatible HDTV providing stunning clarity and incredibly detailed playback of your memories
- 64GB Internal Flash Memory
- The built-in 64GB embedded flash memory can record and store up to 26 hours of high definition video footage (HD LP mode), or up to 48 hours of standard definition footage (SD HQ mode)
- Media Card Slot
- For convenient storage and sharing of your images and videos, the camera accepts Memory Stick Duo / Memory Stick PRO Duo / Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo media and SD/SDHC media (optional)
- 1/2.88" Back-Illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS Sensor
- Experience low-light sensitivity with improved image clarity and drastically reduced grain with the back-illuminated "Exmor R" sensor. With 6 megapixel (effective) video resolution, the image sensor 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 BIONZ Image Processor improves camera response time and screens out noise to help ensure that the signal from each pixel is as pure as possible
- Wide Angle G-Lens
- Experience the pinnacle of Sony lens technology with the professional-quality G Lens. Engineered for superior optical performance, Sony G lenses deliver brilliant, accurate color reproduction and sharp, amazingly detailed images. In addition, a short, 26.3mm focal length offers a broader perspective for enhanced wide angle shooting in photo mode and 29.8mm in video mode. The six bladed iris allows for superb shallow depth of field photography
- 3.5" Wide Xtra Fine TruBlack LCD Plus Viewfinder
- TruBlack technology brings remarkably higher contrast and brightness to the camcorder's 3.5" Wide Xtra Fine TruBlack LCD display, delivering more natural, realistic colors and easier viewing in bright conditions by reducing glare. An adjustable 0.27" color viewfinder (201k) allows you to capture video and frame your shots with the LCD closed
- 10x Optical / 120x Digital Zoom
- 10x optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, Digital Zoom Interpolation means that digital zooming (up to 120x) is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom
- 12MP Digital Still Capture
- 12 megapixel still image capture lets you take stunning, high resolution digital photos while the 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
- Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization with Active Mode
- SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode represents the next step forward in Sony image stabilization technology. Active Mode improves on existing SteadyShot image stabilization by allowing the camera to compensate for greater degrees of camera shake and deliver a stunning level of image smoothness
- Geotagging with Built-In GPS Receiver and NAVTEQ Maps
- A 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
- Dedicated Microphone and Headphone Inputs
- The HDR-CX550V features dedicated mic and headphone inputs (external microphones and headphones sold separately)
- Up to 24Mbps AVCHD Video
- The HDR-CX550V can capture video at up to 24Mbps for amazing clarity and detail, ideal for recording on to Blu-ray media since the AVCHD codec is highly compatible with the Blu-ray format
- Golf Shot
- Building on the slow-motion capture capabilities of Smooth Slow Record, Golf Shot captures a few seconds of motion as a sequence of up to 22 still images, which can be viewed/printed individually or as a composite "sequence shot" image, great for analyzing the nuances of a golf swing, tennis serve, and other fast action
- 2x Faster Quick AF
- With the improved autofocus (AF) system, Quick AF, the focusing speed is twice as fast compared to previous models. Whether in bright daylight or in a dimly lit environment, Quick AF ensures fast, accurate, and consistent focus lock, enabling users to shoot in a wide range of scenes without missing any important moment. Especially when shooting night scenes where conventional AF might struggle to focus, thanks to the much improved AF algorithm in Quick AF, users can now capture crisp images, fast
- Intelligent Auto (10 iAuto modes)
- Intelligent Auto mode goes a step beyond traditional auto modes by analyzing your shot and then automatically selecting the appropriate settings from ten distinct scene modes: Portrait Mode, Smile Shutter, Backlight Control, Scenery, Night Scenery Mode, High Sensitivity Mode, Macro Mode, Baby Mode, Tripod, and Low Light Mode
- 1080/60p Playback Via HDMI and Compatible HDTV
- 1080/60p playback via HDMI and compatible HDTV providing stunning clarity and incredibly detailed playback of your memories
- Face Detection with Face Priority
- With Face Priority, your camcorder optimizes focus, color, exposure, and Smile Shutter technology for the face you prioritize. Just touch the preferred face on the LCD display and the camcorder will assign it priority, even if it leaves and returns to the frame
- Face Index Function
- Face Index makes it easy to find and play back the right video scene. Using Face Detection technology, Face Index indexes your video footage according to the faces detected in each scene. When it's time to play back video, simply search for what you want by selecting from among the detected faces displayed in the index
- Film Roll Index
- Like chapters in a book, Film Roll Index helps you easily find desired scenes in video footage. When using this feature, the camcorder previews the beginning of scenes and can create scene indexes set at specified display intervals (3, 6, or 12 seconds and 1 or 5 minutes)
- Smile Shutter
- 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
- Direct Copy to External HDD without a PC
- Store your memories in a whole new way with the ability to copy videos from your camcorder directly to an external hard disk drive (optional), all without a computer. Your camcorder can also access videos stored on the external hard drive for playback on your HDTV, allowing you to utilize the camcorder's handy playback features
- Dual Record with 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 (optional), as well as take advantage of one click upload to a number of popular video and photo sharing sites
- 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 condition, allowing for a great shot. 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
- x.v. Color Technology
- x.v. Color technology enables the HDR-CX550V 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
- BIONZ Image Processor
- The BIONZ Image Processor works in conjunction with the Exmor CMOS sensor with ClearVid array for pristine imaging. The BIONZ Image Processor provides Data Noise Reduction, Fast 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
- BRAVIA Sync Technology
- BRAVIA Sync technology offers great ease of use in controlling compatible Sony products connected via an HDMI (CEC) 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 (not included). With BRAVIA Sync (CEC) 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
- Highlight Playback
- With Highlight Playback, your camcorder automatically creates short movies by identifying and compiling key scenes into a short, entertaining movie complete with music and transitions. In addition, the Highlight Scenario feature lets you save up to eight of these movies for later playback
- Assignable Dial
- Get the most out of your camcorder with enhanced manual controls. The assignable dial allows for control of focus, exposure, white balance, iris, and shutter speed. Adjusting the iris lets you control depth of field, while shutter speed allows for control motion blur. There are a total of 6 settings available: Focus, Exposure, AE Shift, WB Shift, Iris control, and Shutter speed control
- Easy Playback Options
- Four, easy to use Playback indexing formats allow users to easily find and play back scenes at any time. Film Roll Index indexes recorded scenes 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
- Additional Creative Control and Workflow Features
-
- HDMI output for one cable connection to HDTV
- Power on your camcorder by simply opening the camera's LCD display
- USB 2.0 provides an easy connection between your camcorder and PC for fast transfer of video and stills
- Record and zoom controls on LCD for more control and flexibility, especially for overhead or low angle shots
- Dolby Digital stereo recording with built-in zoom mic focuses on subject for clear dialogue and crisp, discrete sounds
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/2.88" CMOS |
| Lens |
3.8 - 38 mm f/1.8 - 3.4 |
| Zoom |
Optical: 10x Digital: 120x |
| Filter Size | 37 mm |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Recording Media |
Internal Flash Memory 64GB Video/Image SD/SDHC, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo |
| Recording Time |
Internal Flash Memory High Definition: FX: 360 minutes High Definition: FH: 465 minutes High Definition: LP: 1595 minutes Standard Definition: HQ: 965 minutes |
| Video Format |
High Definition MPEG AVC/H.264 1920 x 1080 (60 fps) |
| Still Image Resolution | JPEG: 12 Megapixel |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LCD |
| Screen Size | 3.5" |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Lux |
11 (1/60 Shutter Speed) 3 (1/30 Shutter Speed) 0 (1/60 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 | 1x Microphone In |
| Outputs |
1x USB 2.0 1x HDMI C (Mini) 1x Analog A/V Output 1x Component Video (out) 1x Headphone Out 1 Please Note:Analog A/V: Included via A/V Remote Terminal |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
| General | |
|---|---|
| System Requirements |
Windows
Please Note:PMB Ver.5.0 does not support Mac OS |
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Power Adapter | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.60 x 2.91 x 5.63" / 66 x 74 x 143 mm |
| Weight | 1.08 lb / 490 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 75 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Great picture quality (67)
- Image stabilization (66)
- Large clear LCD (66)
- Easy to use (65)
- Zoom range/performance (57)
Cons
- Limited zoom (6)
- Complicated to operate (3)
- Poor still image (3)
Best Uses
- Travel (51)
- HD shooting (50)
- Home movies (48)
- Low light (38)
- Weddings (31)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (26), Casual user (19), Semi-pro (19), Pro videographer (11)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (40)
Most Liked Positive Review
A Great Camcorder
This is a great camcorder and worth the money. I am a retired photojournalist and I'm using it to do YouTube videos for charity. The reason I like this camera is it's all-around usability,...Read complete review
This is a great camcorder and worth the money. I am a retired photojournalist and I'm using it to do YouTube videos for charity. The reason I like this camera is it's all-around usability, and it has very nice accessories.
To start, it has a 29 mm wide angle (in 35mm speak) lens, which is useful for documentary style work. The microphone in the camera is very decent, and for average family use is all you need. The image stabilization is very good at wide angle. The thing I didn't realize before I bought it is that Sony sells a line of three tripods with on/off/zoom controls in the handle that are quite good and reasonably priced, and they sell a remote mike setup with a WiFi gizmo that fits on the custom mount on the top of the camera that is also quite good.
The camera auto focus is very quick. The pictures are very sharp.
With 64 gigs of hard drive inside, you don't have to buy memory...but if you want, you can.
In general, if you want a really good camcorder for general use, this is a very high quality camera.
Quibbles:
---the camera has a low light boost which is good, but it's hard to know when to turn it on. (It also has a infra-red feature that shoots in the dark and produces a green image.)
---You need to have the camera on a tripod or a camera stabilizer when shooting at full telephoto.
---The battery that comes with the camera will not last long, and I recommend you buy the larger batteries.
The ugly thing is not about the camera...it's about trying to edit AVCHD video. First, if you're in the Windows world, you need an I7 computer operating at 2.8 gigaherz to chew through the compression, so I bought a new computer. I started with Pinnacle and my video had strange horizontal lines whenever I panned. Then bought Sony Vegas Studio, assembled a 30 minute video and watched the sound and video timing fall apart. Also, there is very little information available to learn the Sony Vegas software as opposed to Adobe Premiere, which has a very decent "Classroom in a Book," I finally spent $800 for Adobe Premiere, put 8 gigs of ram in my computer, and things started working right. They don't tell you this when you buy a HD camcorder.
In general, the thing that I like about this camera is it's a great system. You can pretty much pick it up, turn it on and shoot really great video without stressing. When people evaluate these cameras, they tend to start comparing specs, like this camera shoots 1080i and that's not as good as 1080p...but people really like my video and no one hauls me into a corner and says, "gee, you really should have bought a camera with 1080p." This is a very good all-around camera with great accessories. Just be aware that if you buy any HD camera and you want to edit your video, you'll need a high end computer and first-rate software.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Wonderfully adorable piece of trash
Speaking for the cx550 series (flash or hhd) this camera works extremely good with very high quality video at 0 to 2x zoom. Once it zoomed beyond 2x noises begin to show noticeably and...Read complete review
Speaking for the cx550 series (flash or hhd) this camera works extremely good with very high quality video at 0 to 2x zoom. Once it zoomed beyond 2x noises begin to show noticeably and unbearable and extreme loss of details at 10x. It made me wonder if it is really optical zoom. Focal close up gradually above 2x zoom (this cause loss of light, loss of details, and unbearable noise for a camera over a G at 8-10x zoom). One push white balance will disable the facial recognition for focusing. Recording in FX will disable smile detection and picture taking.
HDMI port is at the worst place possible - behind the screen which keeps it open when plug in. anyone ever wonder what happen if someone trip over the wire and the camera fall?? Oooopssy LCD!
All of the above is tested with summer sunlight through 3 windows at noon and of course the zoom beyond 2x caused problems to image qualities.
Image stabilization on the other hand deserves a round of applause. It works above canon vixia (compared to other's uploaded clips of canon vixia's recording).
Large and HD LCD screen is a big plus.
Size and weight is very compact and light.
Low power consumption.
Wonderful in low light at 0-2x zoom.
Reviewed by 75 customers
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Pros
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Limited Manual controls
- Poor video formats
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder:
In full auto this camera is a very good option; the problems appear when you want to take manual control. Hard to make changes in the menu and not enough physical buttons.
An option to save on both: memory card and embedded memory, should be there.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Sony HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder:
I use video for mostly surgical teaching applications and this camera has a beautiful detailed picture and is very easy to use. With the tripod I also got, I am able to get great surgical clips.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Poor Still Image
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Sony HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder:
low picture quality
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder:
Am taking this around the world for the next 5 years
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great professional image
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder:
Exceeds expectations and enables me to do HD video for Blue Ray without having to deal with tapes and the moving parts that go with them.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Sony HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder:
We have used this a couple of times already in the week we have had it and it is much better than the DV camcorder it is replacing.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- SportsAction
Comments about Sony HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder:
After researching HD camcorders we picked the HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder and it has proven to be a perfect choice. Primary purpose is to record youth sports - indoor volleyball and outdoor soccer. Picture quality is great and the stabilization the best we've found. It seems to handle the different lighting situations quite well. Uploading to a PC is easy and immediately compatible with our editing software. So far the 64gb internal memory has proven enough however we have 32gb additional card ready if needed. We're still learning about all the features and just been basic video recording usage at this point.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder:
I found it very light compared to an old tape model we had. Fits well in the hand. The battery that comes with it lasts for a good while but I would recommend an extra. A UV filter helps to protect the lens and is definitely worth it. Device is easy to use - touch screen was easy to work in my opinion and very easy to see even in daylight. I would recommend it for anyone including a beginner!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Sony HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder:
Easy to use and Great Quality Video.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder:
I've had a lot of camcorders, and none seem to match up to Sony. I had been waiting for the prices to level off before upgrading to an affordable HD camera. I read a ton of reviews and was deciding between Canon and Sony. I kept coming back to Sony. I've had the camera for two weeks now and it has performed perfectly, even in low light. Now, about editing. I'm on a MacBook Pro. MAC MAC MAC is all my family uses. For some stupid reason, probably b/c of the Sony Viao, Mac is not supported by Sony. Shame. Most of the creative world - think Hollwood, Madison Avenue use Macs. The other issue is Sony uses AVCHD. I edit on Final Cut Express 4.0. I was having a lot of problems just trying to Log and Transfer my videos into FCE. I scanned every forum I could find about why I'm having problems. The answer came yesterday: I needed to upgrade to FCE 4.0.1. I did, and that fixed the problems I was having.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Zoom power is to low
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder:
The camcorders of compatible technical level are pretty muchthe same. The most important descision one has to make is where do you buy from.[...]
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder:
Ive been shooting professional for 21 years in the dvcam format with a sony dsr300. just getting into hd and decided after so many positive comments i purchased a cx550 as a starter hd camera before i purchase a bigger one. i have to say the quality is amazing, very easy to use, i can incorporate manual settings to my liking and its very small and easy to take on shoots out of town or in areas where a larger camera is not possible.
i am totally pleased with my purchase. i may even buy a 2nd one before theyr gone. audio is clean as well and i can use an xlr adaptor for more direct audio.
the lowlight is excellant as well in that most small camcorders are very grainy .i use a small led light with an amber filter and am blown away by footage i shot at a gala on the dance floor where lighting is very limited. dont let the size or single chip fool you. plus the large 3 1/2 lcd is a nice benefit. i havent seen any currently with that big a screen.
Great cam on all levels.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Complicated To Operate
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder:
Stunning image quality. Great still images. Excellent HD video. I'm in love. Using this for professional second camera or Steadicam shooting. Great back-up camera. Mike input, headphone jack, flash for production stills. Good spot metering and focus. Wow!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
Comments about Sony HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder:
very good for golfer
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder:
Camcorder is small but not too small to handle properly. Large cristal clear LCD. Takes exceptional HD video. Included "free" NP-FV100 battery is ridiculously large and useless for a camcorder of this size.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Lens Flare-Blue Dot
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder:
I like the features, size, built in 64G, GPS, overall build quality, image stablization is unbelievable. the Touch screen and menus were easy to use. But the lens had a problem. With light at 45 degrees or less the lens displayed a blue dot and some lens flare. I do not know what percent of these cameras have this problem. I did find some video on youtube with the same problem. I did not want to take a chance of getting another one like this so I returned the camera and exchanged it for the panasonic TM700 that I am very pleased with.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
Comments about Sony HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder:
I use the camcorder for storm chasing. It is small and compact and the picture quality is superb. It is very good in low light for it's size. Focus is very sharp and fast.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder:
I am new to using camcorders and got this to shoot some interviews for a project. I like the Intelligent Auto feature which seems to work well, but you can also assert manual control to improve white balance etc.
The images look great. I do wish that there was more control of the audio input however. I'm not a fan of auto gain control.
The LCD looks great and altho the menu structure is a bit clumsy it is understandable which is good. The ability to back up images directly to an external HD without needing a PC is very useful I think and seems to work quite well once you get the appropriate Sony cable and format the ext HD to Fat32.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Useless accessory shoe
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Home Movies
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder:
This is great for interviews and family outings. You're not going to be making a full feature film with this but a music video is well within it's capabilities. The nub in the front for manual focus, aperture, and shutter speed is actually really nice and helpful. Just don't expect film-like DOF effects. The touchscreen is awesome and intuitive. Touch focus and white balance works amazingly well. The external mic on the more expensive pro model is a joke, you can't hold it properly if anything is attached to the accessory shoe. 24p version is coming out soon so if you can, I would wait for that one.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-CX550V 64GB HD Handycam Camcorder:
12 megapixels camera with flash(I use the SD card or the internal memory of 64 GB), and HD video with 25 plus hrs of recording. I carry just one equipment now.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Media
Required item: Recording media is not included, be prepared - always carry extra media.
- Price: $9.99
- GBP 6.36
Batteries & Power
Don't get caught without power, always have a spare battery.
- Price: $64.99
- GBP 41.39
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
- Price: $12.49
- GBP 7.96
-
- Original: $17.95
- Save: $1.79
- Price: $16.16
- GBP 10.29
Filters
Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect by adding a filter.
- Price: $8.90
- GBP 5.67
- Price: $35.95
- GBP 22.90
Lenses & Adaptors
Capture the right view with a conversion lens.
- Price: $129.88
- GBP 82.72
- Price: $121.00
- GBP 77.07
External Microphones
Enhance the quality of your audio recording with an external microphone.
-
- Original: $22.95
- Save: $2.29
- Price: $20.66
- GBP 13.16
What's in the Box
- USB Cable
- AC Adapter
- Component A/V Cable
- A/V Cable
- NP-FV50 Battery Pack
- Remote Control
- Lithium Battery
- Application Software/USB Driver/CD-ROM
- 1-Year Parts and 90-Days Labor Limited Warranty
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