The Sony HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder puts full 1920 x 1080p high def recording and 16GB of internal memory right in the palm of your hand. While the CX160 might be a mid-range camcorder, as far as budgets are concerned, it provides numerous features and functions, not to mention the stunning detail of progressive high definition. Your memories will look beautiful on your HDTV or HD monitor.
Helping the CX160 take those gorgeous HD videos would be the camera's 'Exmor R' CMOS sensor, otherwise known as the heart of the camera. Back-illuminated, this sensor has superb low light capabilities for capturing readable images even in dimly lit situations. In addition to the sensor, features like the Sony Wide Angle G lens, a 3.0" touch screen LCD, Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, and 42x Extended zoom also play key roles in preserving the memorable moments of your life.
In addition to these core tools, the CX160 also comes equipped with a number of user-friendly shooting controls. These controls help take the guesswork out of filming, allowing you to focus on the moment and not futzing with the camera's settings. Such functions include Intelligent Auto, Golf Shot, and Tracking focus, just to name a few. Of course when you're done shooting, the work isn't over just yet. Sony provides editing software with the CX160 for making the most of your videos. When you're done styling your masterpiece, the software will also help you to upload your videos to the 'net for sharing on sites like Facebook and YouTube.
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/4" CMOS |
| Lens |
2.1 - 63 mm f/1.8 - 3.4 |
| Zoom |
Optical: 30x Digital: 350x 1 Please Note:Extended zoom: 42x close |
| Filter Size | 37 mm |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Recording Media |
Internal Flash Memory 16GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Video Format |
High Definition MPEG AVC/H.264 1920 x 1080p, 1920 x 1080i, 1440 x 1080i (60/60/60 fps) Standard Definition 720 x 480i (60 fps) |
| Still Image Resolution | JPEG: 3.3 Megapixel |
| Audio Format | 2-Channel Stereo |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LCD |
| Screen Size | 3.0" |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Lux |
11 (1/60 shutter speed) 3 (1/30 shutter speed) |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Light - No Flash - No |
| Tripod Mount | 1/4" |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs | 1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini |
| Outputs |
1x HDMI C (Mini) 1x USB 2.0 1x Composite Video (out) 1x Component Video (out) |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | No |
| General | |
|---|---|
| System Requirements |
Windows
|
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.07 x 2.24 x 4.86" / 52.5 x 57 x 123.5 mm |
| Weight | 8.8 oz / 249 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Amazing low light ability
I shoot news for a network affiliate station in a large market. This camera serves as a back-up in case my primary camera goes down, and also as a second camera, POV camera, ...Read complete review
I shoot news for a network affiliate station in a large market. This camera serves as a back-up in case my primary camera goes down, and also as a second camera, POV camera, and in-vehicle camera for interviews while driving.
For the money, I don't think I could've done any better. It is an EXTREME value when you consider the image quality produced by this tiny unit. Having an external mic input was a mandatory feature for me given what I do for a living, and the factory wide-angle lens negates the need for aftermarket adaptor lenses, saving even more money. The low-lux ability of this camera is nothing short of astonishing. Even better-than-the-naked-eye in some low light situations. Grain is noticeable at high gain, but a grainy image beats no image. The image stabilizer is also VERY good, too. I'm generally not a fan of touch screen menu-driven camera controls, but at least they are fairly intutive on this camera, and the touch screen still functions with protective adhesive film on it - which I highly recommend you get in order to protect the delicate screen from fingernails and dirty, gritty fingers.
The only downsides are lack of a "slow shutter" feature, which I often used on a previous small camera to create effects, and the lack of a shoe-mount on top for aftermarket lights. I epoxied a shoe mount salvaged from a junked camera over the lens barrel, so that problem is solved. Also, the factory lens is so wide it will vignette most wide-angle converters slightly, but since it's already VERY wide, there's really no need for them anyway. And speaking of the lens - get a 37mm screw-in protector filter to protect the VERY DELICATE automatic lens cap mechanism, which open and closed when the camera turns on and off.
I shoot video for a living. This camera is good enough for ME - so it's DEFINETLY good enough for YOU...
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Most Liked Negative Review
I wish it had better audio features
No complaints about the video quality of this camera. It's fine for what I paid (I got it about 10 months ago). But I'm totally kicking myself over not thinking through my audio/...Read complete review
No complaints about the video quality of this camera. It's fine for what I paid (I got it about 10 months ago). But I'm totally kicking myself over not thinking through my audio/sound requirements prior to purchase, and I ultimately regret that I bought this nifty-for-many-other-people- little camcorder.
The biggest problem is that there is no headphone output. There is no way to reliably monitor the audio that I am recording. I use this camera to film academic lectures and conference presentations. I do this with the Sony wireless bluetooth mics, which are nice, I guess, but the only way I can monitor the sound with this camera is to use a splitter on the receiver unit, sending a signal to the camera and a signal to a set of headphones. This does not always produce reliable results. On multiple occasions, it sounds like all is well, and then upon reviewing the recording, it turns out that for some reason the audio was only going into the headphones and none was actually recorded. I have also had a problem where it seems that the camera is picking up the external mic audio, but upon reviewing the footage, the camera is bypassing the external mic and using the built-in mic, despite my best efforts to follow all directions and menu options to do otherwise (lol, I believe it essentially says in the manual, "there is no setting to select an external mic--if you plug one in, it will automatically work." This has not been my experience!!)
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Comments about Sony HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Black):
It's handy, small and captures great.
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Comments about Sony HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Black):
I gave this as a gift to my fiancé. He absolutely loved the golf shot feature! It takes beautiful pictures and viewing is a snap on the tv because of all the supplied cables. This camera is easy to use from the get go. The movies that we made of the Grandbabies brought smiles that will last a lifetime!
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Comments about Sony HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Black):
The software is not as immediate as I hoped, but the camcorder is easy to use and takes great video.
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Comments about Sony HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Black):
Small, very ergonomic. Controls are intuitively placed. Cant comment on battery life yet. So far no negatives.
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Comments about Sony HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Black):
This is a perfect camera!
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Comments about Sony HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Black):
Easy to use, intuitive and great picture quality. I bought this to replace an antique mini-DVD camcorder I have had for way too long. Works great and just enough features to cover almost all bases.
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Comments about Sony HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Black):
I'm used to professional equipment, but this product is excellent, especially for the price. It lacks some of the manual control, but produces excellent images (video) and is small enough to tote around even when the big stuff would be awkward.
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Comments about Sony HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Black):
I bought this for my daughter and while checking it out was so impressed I decided it's mine. The clarity is better then my Canon Vixia HV-30 and I like my Canon. It's double the price and I bought it from BH. I shoot everything I can the family does. I like when the camera is smarter than I am with exposure adjustments. I like OIS. I like small and transportable in a suit coat pocket. Small cameras are less intimidating, often ignored which works well at parties. The CX160 has wonderful scene detection which means you can move from the boat house to the garage and the white balance adjusts. Sound seems pretty surprising for a camera.
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Comments about Sony HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Black):
I use this camera for family events and also in the outdoors. Love the 30X optical zoom for that! The Exmor sensor is superior to any other imo. Camera captures very sharp, color rich HD video.
The only changes I would make would be a manual lens open and shut. It would also be great to have a lanc input for using a zoom remote.
However, for the price, I don't think it can get any better.
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Comments about Sony HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Black):
My wife and I recently had our first child. While I am an avid photographer, I usually don't dabble in videography. I decided to get a camcorder to record those video moments in HD of our daughter. I am very pleased with this camcorder. It it lightweight, easy to handle, fantastic picture queality, and the built-in USB cable plug in the handle is brilliant. It also picks up sounds superbly so I am able to capture everything my daughter is doing. The playback volume is a little on the low side. You will need to be in a pretty quiet place to hear the audio directly from the camcorder. The still image quality is pretty poor but I didn't but this for that feature. That is what my cameras are for. If you are purchasing this to not only record video but also be your primary camera for pictures, I would not recommend that. It's a camcorder designed for video, stick with that and you'll love this camcorder.
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Comments about Sony HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Black):
I bought this camcorder to replace an older model JVC that I owned that used DV tapes. I wanted something that would allow me to easily upload my videos to my computer and then allow me to edit them. I have to say Sony's HDR-CX160 surpassed all my expectations. I was able to use it right out of the box without reading the instructions. I was up and ruunning in no time. The on board memory is a bonus. It allowed me to record two hours of video plus stills before I even used the added memory card. The provided software is a plus although this camera has plug and play capabilities on any system.
Sony has definately hit the nail on the head with this one.
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Comments about Sony HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Black):
This is the first camcorder I've ever bought and I'm by no means a pro with a camera but so far it has been extremely easy to use. I consulted a friend who is actually in film school on what to buy considering i wanted something that was user friendly, good in low light, all around good picture quality, and something that was reasonably priced. When I told him that I was looking at this camera he excitedly told me I should buy. I wanted this camera primarily for recording my hunting and fishing trips and recently had it out on a turkey hunt and got some really great footage. If I could change one thing about this camera it would be to switch the automatic lens cover to a manual lens cover simply because it makes noise when it opens. But for most situations its not really a problem. The flip out touch screen can be stubborn at times too but all in all I'm very happy with my new purchase!
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Black):
No complaints about the video quality of this camera. It's fine for what I paid (I got it about 10 months ago). But I'm totally kicking myself over not thinking through my audio/sound requirements prior to purchase, and I ultimately regret that I bought this nifty-for-many-other-people- little camcorder.
The biggest problem is that there is no headphone output. There is no way to reliably monitor the audio that I am recording. I use this camera to film academic lectures and conference presentations. I do this with the Sony wireless bluetooth mics, which are nice, I guess, but the only way I can monitor the sound with this camera is to use a splitter on the receiver unit, sending a signal to the camera and a signal to a set of headphones. This does not always produce reliable results. On multiple occasions, it sounds like all is well, and then upon reviewing the recording, it turns out that for some reason the audio was only going into the headphones and none was actually recorded. I have also had a problem where it seems that the camera is picking up the external mic audio, but upon reviewing the footage, the camera is bypassing the external mic and using the built-in mic, despite my best efforts to follow all directions and menu options to do otherwise (lol, I believe it essentially says in the manual, "there is no setting to select an external mic--if you plug one in, it will automatically work." This has not been my experience!!)
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Black):
I bought this camera for many uses. My son is a budding filmaker, I wanted to record graduations, and my dad wants to film his golf swing for analysis. It is easy easy easy to use for a newbie like me, and my son is tremendously impressed. The golf swing feature is very cool. All around, for the prive, fantastic and after searching high and low, this was by far the best price anywhere.
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Comments about Sony HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Black):
this camera takes unbelievable snapshots while in recording mode.
video is incredibly clear.
as a private investigator, i need good video results, which i get every time from this camera.
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Comments about Sony HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Black):
primarily bought this camera to do swing analysis of my son's baseball swing. picture is very sharp and clear, slow motion viewing is excellent. really like the "smooth slow" recording feature, and the "golf shot" is pretty helpful, too. would definitely recommend to friends and family.
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Comments about Sony HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Black):
I like it and it is small easy to carry
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Comments about Sony HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Black):
This is my best and the cheapest camcorder I owned to date. Although I only owned it less than a month, everything about it is just impressive. The battery life the picture quality and ease of use. Another great thing about this camcorder is the size and the weight. It's small enough to slip in your jacket's pocket and video capturing doesn't make your arms and shoulders tire.
Lastly, transferring the video to your computer is a breeze. No more capturing from tapes, no more special cables to carry, just plug the built in USB connector to your computer and do a regular file copy.
Just amazing....
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Comments about Sony HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Black):
Upon receiving the camcorder and charging the battery, I was using in moments. All the functions are very intuitive and easy to work which provides a huge degree of control. The zoom function is very smooth and easy and the quality is outstanding. I have been using this to create "Youtube" style video's and it works amazing. I highly recommend it!
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Comments about Sony HDR-CX160 HD Flash Memory Camcorder (Black):
I use the camera for home movies to be put on a Mac and used on family DVD's. The camera picture is great and the camera is simple to use.
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