Sony HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder
- Price: $1,395.00
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Back-ordered
Availabillty Details
CloseThis item is backordered by the manufacturer.
Expected availability: February 15 2012
The Sony HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder combines small form factor with professional design for a high-quality tool that can gather images practically anywhere without calling attention to itself. Much like the consumer equivalent HDR-CX550V, the HXR-MC50U captures 1920 x 1080 video at the full 24Mbps bit rate possible in the AVCHD format. That means smooth, high-resolution HD video that captures every detail recorded through the camera's 10x wide-angle zoom lens.
Distinguishing the HXR-MC50U is the addition of an ECM shotgun microphone (with holder), a large lens hood, and a high-capacity battery for extended shooting times. The changes also extend to the inside, in the form of increased image control via an assignable dial that gives you manual control over focus, exposure, white balance, iris, and shutter speed. USB 2.0 connectivity plus HDMI output to any HDTV let you easily edit and present your video to its best advantage.
- Wide Angle G-Lens
- Experience Sony's latest 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, the 29.8mm lens offers a very wide angle of view. The six-bladed iris offers superb shallow depth of field videography.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. "Exmor R" technology captures footage 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.
- 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. In addition, the BIONZ Image Processor enables 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 footage.
- 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 better picture reproduction. The D-Range Optimizer suppresses "blackout" in dark areas such as shadows and "whiteout" in bright areas such as skies. As a result, the footage appears more natural.
- 1920 x 1080 Full High Definition AVCHD Recording
- 1920 x 1080i full HD resolution gives your production exceptional high-definition quality.
- 64GB Internal Flash Memory
- The built-in 64GB embedded flash memory can record and store up to 6 hours of high definition video footage (HD FX mode at 24Mbps), or up to 48 hours of standard definition footage (SD HQ mode).
- Media Card Slot
- The camcorder accepts a wide range of removable media, including: Memory Stick Duo / Memory Stick PRO Duo / Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo media and SD/SDHC media.
- 3.5" Wide Touch Screen 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. The touch screen allows powerful yet simple user interface ranging from menu navigation to content management and creative image control.
- Infrared NightShot
- The HXR-MC50U incorporates an IR illuminator that produces moderate levels of infrared light, enabling effective nighttime imaging under low light conditions. The resulting images are typically higher resolution than other night vision technologies. With the NightShot function turned on, images can be recorded in virtually total darkness of 0 lx (lux).
- 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 control of motion blur. There are a total of 6 settings available: Focus, Exposure, AE Shift, WB Shift, Iris control, and Shutter speed control.
- 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 with GPS metadata. This metadata can be viewed 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 Shotgun Microphone and Headphone Inputs
- The HXR-MC50U offers a supplied professional shotgun microphone and mount which, coupled with the headphone input, allows acquisition and monitoring of location sound. (Headphones not supplied.)
- Golf Shot
- Building on the slow-motion capture capabilities of Smooth Slow Record on models such as the HVR-Z5 and Z7, 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 for sports science teaching and sports tutoring applications.
- 2x Faster Quick AF
- With the improved autofocus (AF) system, Quick AF, the focusing speed is twice as fast compared to other Sony compact camcorders. 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 moments. When shooting night scenes, conventional AF might struggle to focus, but thanks to the much improved AF algorithm in Quick AF, you can get that all-important shot.
- 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 10 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--ideal for corporate or video diary applications where non-camera operators are shooting.
- Film Roll Index
- Film Roll Index helps you easily find desired clips. When using this feature, the camcorder previews the beginning of clips and can create clip indexes set at specified display intervals (3, 6, or 12 seconds and 1 or 5 minutes)
- Direct Copy to External HDD without a PC
- Store your content in a whole new way with the ability to copy content from your camcorder directly to an external hard disk drive (optional), all without a PC or Mac. Your camcorder can also access content stored on the external hard drive for playback on an HDMI monitor or consumer TV, allowing you to use the camcorder's handy playback features--great for viewing full HD rushes.
- Smooth Slow Record
- The Smooth Slow Record mode increases the frame rate from 50 frames per second (fps) to 200 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 natural history applications.
- 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 still images without having to switch recording modes.
- 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 content to DVD (optional), as well as being able to upload your rushes with just one click to popular video sharing sites.
- Additional Creative Control and Workflow Features
-
- HDMI output
- Power on by simply opening the camera's LCD display
- USB 2.0 provides an easy connection between your camcorder and PC for fast transfer into your NLE
- 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
| Signal System |
NTSC AVCHD: 1080 - 59.94i/60i MPEG-2: 480 - 59.94i/60i |
| Image Device |
1/2.88" Exmor R Sensor (2nd-generation, back-illuminated) 6.6MP - Active 4.15MP (16:9), 3.11MP (4:3) |
| Lens |
10x G Lens 29.8-298mm (35mm Equivalent), f/1.8-3.4 120x Digital Zoom 37mm Filter Thread |
| Horizontal Resolution | 1080 Lines |
| Sensitivity | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Minimum Illumination | 3 lux (Low LUX mode, 1/30 shutter) |
| Built-in Filters | None |
| LCD Monitor | 3.5" Xtra Fine |
| Viewfinder | 0.27" Color, 2MP |
| Memory Card Slot |
MemoryStick PRO Duo SD/SDHC |
| Shutter Speeds |
Scene Selection: 1/8 - 1/725 STD: 1/60 - 1/725 Low Lux: 1/30 - 1/725 Smooth Slow Rec: 1/240 - 1/1000 |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Formats |
HD: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (AVCHD) SD: MPEG-2 PS |
| Recording Rate |
AVCHD FX (24Mbps) 1920 x 1080/60i AVCHD FH (17Mbps) 1920 x 1080/60i AVCHD HQ (9Mbps) 1440 x 1080/60i AVCHD LP (5Mbps) 1440 x 1080/60i MPEG2 SD HQ (9Mbps) 720 x 480/60i |
| Built-in Memory | 64GB Internal Flash Memory |
| Maximum Recording Time |
6 hours in AVCHD FX Mode (@24Mbps) 48 hours in SD HQ Mode (@9Mbps) |
| Audio | |
|---|---|
| Audio Dynamic Range | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Audio Signal Format | AC3 2-channel (default) or AC3 5.1-channel |
| Audio Frequency Response | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Input and Output Connectors |
Composite/S-Video/Audio/Component/Remote: A/V Remote multi-pin connector (x1 Output) HDMI (x1 Output) USB 2.0 (x1 Input/Output) Microphone: 3.5mm (x1 Input) Headphone: Stereo Mini jack |
| Power Requirements | 8.4V / 6.8V (battery) |
| Power Consumption | 3.4W (max) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3.3 x 2.9 x 6.9" (8.5 x 7.4 x 17.6 cm) - w/supplied hood |
| Weight | 1 lb (470g) - w/supplied hood, microphone |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 107 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
97%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (97)
- Great picture quality (72)
- Zoom range/performance (66)
- Large clear LCD (59)
- Image stabilization (53)
Cons
- Limited zoom (9)
- Poor in low light (7)
- Lacks functionality (3)
Best Uses
- Home movies (65)
- HD shooting (53)
- Travel (47)
- Weddings (47)
- Documentaries (42)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro (37), Enthusiast (31), Pro videographer (15), Business owner (9), Professional artist (9)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (85), Yes (4)
Most Liked Positive Review
This is a Great Little Camera!
I hope this helps!
This is a great little camera! Given the newly updated backlit Exmor R CMOS sensor, you get brilliant, full-quality HD results. I have imported (ingested) captu...Read complete review
I hope this helps!
This is a great little camera! Given the newly updated backlit Exmor R CMOS sensor, you get brilliant, full-quality HD results. I have imported (ingested) captured AVCHD footage into MAC/Final Cut Express v4.x via the Log and Transfer process (using Apple Intermediate Codec 1920x1080/60i via Easy Setup in Final Cut) and into Adobe Premiere with no problems, but you need to perform these functions with the camera attached via USB and in Play Mode. If you want to import footage directly via SDHC card and media reader, you will need to use a re-wrapper/transcoder software tool for the Mac, as it can either wrap Sony's .mts/m2ts formatted files to H.264 AVCHD quicktime .MOV files without loss or transcode to the Apple Intermediate Codec (AIC) without loss. By the way, this is something you would need to do with other AVCHD cameras on the market too. This is mainly a 1920x1080 resulting camera. If you wish to use one of the lower HD settings (720p equivalent) you may also use one of the other Apple Intermediate Codecs (AIC) via Log & Transfer.
I find the Smooth Slow Record feature valuable for those that do not perform post production editing. Its clear and I have not experienced any stutter.
You can add a video light, but not via the hot-shoe, if utilized by the included shotgun microphone. You can purchase a camera mount extension and a battery pack version light source. It uses mini-pin jack for its shotgun mic, which has good quality sound recording. However you can use an phantom-powered, mini-pin-to-XLR camcorder audio adapter for professional balanced audio via another mic source. Cons: You can add 37mm UV filter to protect the lens, but the lens hood must be removed. Sony still hasn't given us a hood which allows for a filter to be directly affixed to it. However, you can affix an aftermarket hood which allows for filters, so its not much of a negative.
The manual options are good too. The ability to shoot video manually is critically important during events. This was a main concern before purchasing this camera. Sony has provided a good set of features to manually control.
Regarding external memory cards, I recommend a minimum of either a 16GB or 32GB SDHC memory card (Class 6 or above) to handle the read/write access of video content. I use Class 10 SDHC cards rated at 30Mbps read/write access.
Shooting at the highest HD format of HDFX (24Mbps) on a 16GB SDHC card, I get about 1.5 to 2.0 hours of footage and approx. 3.0 plus/minus footage hours on the 32GB memory card.
Please be sure to purchase a second battery, as you will need it if shooting an event, such as a wedding or a documentary.
This is a great camera for those starting out wanting an incredibly, small camera with excellent HD quality. You can down-convert HD footage to SD footage...which is better quality than regular SD captured footage. I use this camera as a secondary event HD camera...either as a POV, backup, or when I need a small form factor and footprint due to limited shooting space. The nightshot addition with 0 lux is excellent too.
I highly recommend this camera for both starters and seasoned experts as part of their video shooting arsenal!
- WBMP
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Almost a pro camera in a mini package
I bought this camera as a backup to the Sony Z5 and was pleased to find many of the features that I recognized squeezed into this small package. With the microphone included it is a...Read complete review
I bought this camera as a backup to the Sony Z5 and was pleased to find many of the features that I recognized squeezed into this small package. With the microphone included it is a great priced package for someone who works mostly in automatic mode.
Iris, focus and a host of other functions are included on a single dial with a nifty button to switch between functions. This almost gives the functionalitity of the three standard lens rings on a pro-camera except that you cannot get full manual control of exposure. You can set one of iris, shutter speed or exposure but the camera automatically controls the other parameters. In keeping with this auto-exposure limitation there was no zebra feature to detect over-exposure.The mutli-function dial, being located near the base of the camera and behind the lcd display is also difficult to operate when using a tripod.
The zoom speed varies according to pressure. This was difficult to control on a small button, but since I use zoom to change between shots, not as a substitute for a dolly, I liked the fast mode.
The custom white balance was a step up from consumer models, but notably lacked a Kelvin value reading. When working with other cameras as I intended this would be a limitation. It has a white balance shift function to nudge the white balance setting manually but I'm not sure how this would be used without the Kelvin value.
Picture quality seemed reasonable and it worked in relatively low light conditions with nothing but household lighting.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 107 customers
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Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Limited Zoom
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder:
Second field camera to other documentary/field cameras including Sony EX-3s. Easy operation for new users and great for talent to carry for "behind- the-scenes" and run and gun interviews. Quality can be achieved and perfect for low-profile shooting with out a huge sacrifice in image.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- No video capture or strea
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder:
Could not use for video streaming.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Limited Zoom
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder:
Have the people who aren't pleased with the low light performance of this camcorder tried the "low lux" setting? It's amazing. I was shooting outdoors in almost no ambient light, and tried the low lux, and it was a huge difference from just the regular setting.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Aim and shoot
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder:
I love the simplicity of this camera.
Additionally, the ease at which the movies are put into the video editing software is great.
The video quality is also amazing.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Sony HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder:
Purchased 2 cameras recently Sony HDR-AX2000 and this little jewel. For a back up camera or a camera that needs be small and still deliver a great image this is the one you need. I wouldn't make this the only camera in my arsenal due ti it's lack of audio control and image control but it is a great complimentary camera. When editing video that contains video from both cameras I'm amazed how great they look together.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder:
Using it for event videography together with dslrs,
It's super handy in size but packs a punch on video quality.
Not so great in low light but then again for the price and size it's a given already and compensated by it's good audio.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Sony HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder:
This a great entry into professional camcorders. Extremely user friendly and easy to set-up right from the start. I got the unit with the bonus DVD. What a great buy. As always B&H was fast on their end and everything was perfect.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Poor Still Image
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder:
This camera is lightweight and small and is a great deal for its price point. Its easy to use right out of the box, the shotgun mic really sets it apart and it has tons of features and manual options - the only drawback is that most of them are accessible only through the touchscreen which can be slow and sometimes confusing.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Limited Zoom
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder:
Small, lighweight, takes great vids,and the sound is great too. I captured a friends blues band on it at an outdoor farmer's market, and the results were fantastic!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- The Camera is overall OK
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder:
For weddings, small plays, interviews and indoor outdoor recreation.
Easy to carry around, not bulky, not heavy, easy to operate, easy to store. Great for on the move capture.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder:
Well worth the cost. As a high school video production teacher, this is a good rig to let students use. HD is fantastic, and SD is quality as well. Students can work with SD in Premiere and post product for school viewing, and can also work in HD for local commercials. Audio is solid. I plan on using a better shotgun mic in the future, and I don't know how it will integrate into the rig. So far, no complaints at all.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
Cons
- No audio gauge
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Sony HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder:
I use this camera to video training exercises. I've only had it a couple weeks, but it seems to provide great quality. I was happily surprised with the zoom mic that comes with it - you can hear a fly sneeze! The only thing I have seen that is missing, is that it does not have a recording gauge to see or adjust the quality of the sound. It is small in size and great for travel, and is a great digital "prosumer" option at a low cost.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder:
We have been using a D7000 for wedding videos but it was very poor in low light and focus was in and out so we purchased this video camera and are very pleased with "The Hamster."
The 60i is much smoother for panning than the 24p and the slow motion is amazing for the money. Love it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder:
Truly compact, easy to carry camera that is even easier to use and delivers outstanding HD video.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Sony HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder:
We use it for recording stage productions and concerts. One of two cameras. The quality is excellent as is the battery life but it is way overpriced given the competition.
- 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
- Limited Zoom
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder:
I own an independent film company/performing arts theater. We use the HXR-MC50U for just about every shot we need. It has the best HD picture. Our audience can't get enough on the quality films we share. The only problem we had, was having to convert the format of the video. Other than that, LOVE IT!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder:
I primarily use this camera for weddings. I just bought two of them, and after my first wedding with them I love them. They are lightweight and compact. On huge feature that for some reason Sony doesn't really mention is the fact that you can connect this camera directly to a hard drive and dump the footage to the hard drive. In fact it comes with a USB adapter cable to connect you hard dive cable to (the other end to the camera). So you can even take a passport drive in the field with you and dump the memory when needed. The only things to note on this are that the drive has to be FAT32 formatted, so make sure it's one that you are not already using unless it's already FAT32 formatted, and the other is that the camera must be connected to it's power adapter to do this.
As much as I love this camera, there are a couple points that need to be noted. Four in fact. The first is that it does not use standard date coded filenames for the video files. On most other cameras each file will have the date and time as it's file name (201107025_18;56;00), whereas this one just simply uses a sequential system (00001, 00002, etc). On top of that, when you empty the memory out, it start them over again. It makes it harder when working with the pair.
The second point is that the accessory shoe on the top (where the shotgun mic goes) is a proprietary Sony shoe. However B&H does sell an adapter. So if you need the shoe for other things, get the adapter as well.
On that note, the built in mic is a real problem. It picks up good, but when you hold the camera and you wrap your fingers over the top, it will pick up the noise you you moving you fingers. And by that I mean it sounds like you are rubbing your hands across the mic itself. I honestly believer this is the only real reason Sony included the shotgun mic. I think this was the work around on a bad design. The shotgun mic does a great job.
The last thing of note is the viewfinder. It's pretty useless. It only extends about 1/2 inch, and does not angle upward at all. It's only movement is in or out. Also when you look into it, it has a 4:3 screen with a letter box 16:9 picture, so everything looks very small.
Those 4 things are what I found that Sony could have done a better job on, but at the same time, they are not deal breakers for me. It's still a good camera and, for the price I can work with those things.
One thing I do want to note on a positive side is the low light video. It seems that on every camcorder there are those that complain it's bad in low light. I don't know what they are expecting out of a camera, but shooting in the light of one candle or one LED light is not going to do it. I can tell you that this camera has been used in a dimly light ball room for wedding dances (and I mean DIM lighting) and the video still came out great.
It does mount with a standard tripod, though the mount is toward the front of the camera, and it's a little tail heavy, so make sure the tripod tilt is tight enough.
The only other thing to note is that when the shotgun mic is attached, it sits where you pinky wants to rest on the top of the camera. So your pinky will be more upright than the rest of you fingers when using tis camera. It's not really that uncomfortable, but it might take some getting used to.
So overall a good camera. It does a have a couple things that Sony could have done better on, but still, when it was time to buy knowing what I know now, I would have still bought it.
- 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
Comments about Sony HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder:
This camera is easy to use, intuitive, bright pictures, clear and great audio. I use it for taping governmental meetings and from the back of the room it picks up voice or voice on speakers as well. Zoom in and you get real closeups that make the audio like you are just next to the person you are taping. See my videos at youtube by searching for kasnick71. Great examples of this camera.
- 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
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder:
After a couple of shoots with this camera I am a fan for the most part. 1/2 inch sensor is great, picture is nice in low light. Internal memory is great and with a push of the button you get a backup copy on your SD card quite quickly. The touch screen is great with sharp image detail. The image stabilization is great, much better than I was expecting.
Only a few things are missing that I would like to see. An audio meter would be nice so you can see your audio is coming in okay without wearing headphones. Perhaps a few more easily accessible controls without having to use the touchscreen would be nice too.
The shotgun mic does come off so you can attach other items if you wish. However the mount is not the standard size mount. I'm sure Sony sells a variety of attachments to fit it, but unfortunately I can't use many of the lights or other mic mounts that I already currently own and use with my other Sony Camcorders. Other then those few minor things I think it's awesome.
- 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 HXR-MC50U Ultra Compact Pro AVCHD Camcorder:
Great quality in low and bright lighting. Superb sound quality easy to maneuver , great buy. Get this pro cam.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Media
Required item: Recording media is not included. Be prepared-always carry extra media.
- Price: $17.50
Batteries & Power Adapters
Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.
- Price: $57.48
- Price: $39.95
Lenses & Lens Adapters
Capture your desired angle of view with a quality conversion lens.
- Price: $129.88
- Price: $121.00
Bags & Cases
Carry, organize and protect your investment with quick access to your gear.
- Price: $79.95
Tripod & Stationary Supports
Stabilize the your footage and eliminate handheld fatigue with the support you need.
- Price: $149.95
Matte Boxes & Shades
Control the light entering your camcorder.
- Price: $725.00
What's in the Box
- AC Adapter / Charger
- NP-FV70 Rechargeable Battery
- Power Cord
- ECM-CG1S Stereo Shotgun Microphone
- Wind Screen
- Mic Holder
- Large Lens Hood
- RMT-835 Remote Commander
- Lithium Battery
- Component A/V Cable
- A/V Connecting Cable
- USB Cable & Adapter Cable
- Application Software (CD-ROM)
- 1 Year Parts & Labor Warranty
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