The Sony HDR-XR150 120GB HD Handycam Camcorder offers up 1920 x 1080i high def recording to a 120GB hard disk drive. The XR150 also allows for recording to Memory Stick Media and SD/SDHC memory cards. In addition to capturing high quality HD footage, the camera is also capable of taking 3MP stills and features 1080/60p playback via HDMI to HDTV.
At its core the HDR-XR150 has a 1/4" back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS sensor. The sensor's back-illumination feature helps capture images in low light settings with clarity. Sony's BIONZ Image Processor works together with the sensor to enable features such as Face Detection and faster processing speeds.
Other essential tools on the camera include a 2.7" rotating touch panel LCD, 25x optical zoom, and SteadyShot image stabilization. And what would the camcorder be without a lens? The Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens helps capture all those video and still images with a lens worthy of its famous namesake.
Practical, user-friendly functions like Highlight Playback, Smile Shutter, and the "My Menu" system all help take the guesswork out of recording. Other features that assist in getting the shot include Smooth Slow Record, the Dynamic Range Optimizer, and the 9 mode Intelligent Auto, among many others.
1920 x 1080i 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
120GB Hard Disk Drive
A built-in 120GB hard disk drive can record and store up to 30 hours of high definition video footage (HD LP mode), or up to 50 hours of standard definition footage (SD HQ mode). In addition, "HDD Smart Protection" gives you peace of mind by helping to prevent any recorded video and images from being lost if the camcorder is accidentally dropped
Hybrid Recording to HDD or Memory Stick Duo Media
Hybrid recording delivers a level of flexibility for capturing and transferring your video footage and digital photos from the camcorder to compatible viewing devices. Record to the 120GB hard disk drive or choose instead to record to removable Memory Stick PRO Duo media (optional). You can even select from various dubbing functions to easily copy video or still images from the HDD to the Memory Stick media - without using a PC
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)
1/4" 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. Designed for compact cameras and camcorders, the "Exmor R" sensor relocates the photo diodes above the support circuitry, maximizing the light gathering area per pixel so you can shoot with better results in lower lighting conditions
Note:
Approximately 2x increase in sensitivity compared to Sony's previous front-illuminated CMOS sensors at f/2.0
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens with SteadyShot
The HDR-XR150 features a professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens designed specifically for compact camcorders. Precision ground optics help maintain the sharpness and contrast of larger lenses, and SteadyShot image stabilization helps reduce blur caused by camera shake
25x Optical / 300x Digital Zoom
25x optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, Digital Zoom Interpolation means that digital zooming (up to 300x) is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom
2.7" Clear Photo LCD Display
The 2.7" Clear Photo LCD (230K) display provides exceptional viewing clarity with 123K pixels resolution. The display rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles, as well as provides sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback. The convenient touch panel allows easy access to menus and additional functionality such as spot focus and spot metering
3MP Digital Still Capture
The HDR-XR150's 3 megapixel still image capture lets you take high resolution digital photos
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
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 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
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
Smile Shutter for Still and Dual Capture
Smile Shutter technology lets the camcorder automatically take still photos when your subject smiles, even while shooting high definition video. You can also set the sensitivity and choose child, adult, or auto priority
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
Highlight Playback with Highlight Scenario 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
Intelligent Auto (9 iAUTO Modes)
Intelligent Auto mode goes a step beyond traditional auto modes by analyzing your shot and then automatically selecting the appropriate settings from nine distinct scene modes (60 different combinations possible): Portrait Mode, Smile Shutter, Backlight Control, Scenery, Night Scenery Mode, High Sensitivity Mode, Macro Mode, Baby Mode, Tripod, and Low Light Mode
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
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
HDMI Connection Output
The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a compact audio/video connector interface for transmitting uncompressed digital streams. HDMI connects digital audio/video sources such as a compatible camcorder, Blu-ray Disc player, a personal computer, a video game console, or an AV receiver to a compatible digital audio device and/or video monitor such as a digital television (DTV)
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 record an audio track to narrate the 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 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
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
x.v. Color Technology for Superior Color
x.v. Color technology enables the HDR-XR150 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
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)
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
Personalized "My Menu" System
New user friendly interface uses touch screen technology to allow users to scroll through menus quickly and easily and even create a personalized "My Menu" to bring together the functions they use most. Users can spend more time recording memories and less time in menus
Creative Control and Workflow Features
- 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
- One Touch Disc Burn for easy copy of footage using the PMB software and the One Touch Disc Burn Button and a compatible PC