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