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