Sony 120GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam Black Camcorder

#13

★★★★☆
4.5

based on 82 reviews  

 

Ratings Distribution

5 star
 
56
4 star
 
18
3 star
 
3
2 star
 
3
1 star
 
2

Category Average

★★★★☆
4.1

$959.95 - $1,299.99

from 11 stores
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Pros

  • Comfortable to operate (47)
  • Great picture quality (46)
  • Great features (43)
  • Simple controls (39)
  • Great sound (36)
  • Versatile (34)
  • Durable (20)
  • Built in hdd (1)
  • Compact (1)
  • Easy to use (1)
See less See more

Cons

  • Poor battery life (14)
  • Inadequate features (2)
  • Poor sound quality (2)
  • Menus not intuitive (1)
  • No auxiliary charger (1)
  • No flash with uv lens on (1)
  • Not mac compatible (1)
  • Not so user friendly menu (1)
  • Pricey (1)
  • Records in 16mbps (1)

Best Uses

  • Hd shooting (41)
  • Home movies (41)
  • Travel (39)
  • Movies/short films (16)
  • Documentaries (8)
  • Editing (5)
 
 
 

Provided by OneCall

1920 x 1080 high definition video recording
1920 x 1080 high definition resolution lets you record your memories in exceptional Sony® Full High Definition quality2.

12.1 megapixel still image capture
12.1 megapixel still image capture lets you take stunning, high resolution digital photos

120GB hard disk drive
A built-in 120GB1 hard disk drive can record and store up to 48 hours of high definition video footage (HD LP mode), or up to 84 hours of standard definition footage (SD LP 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.

1/2.88" ClearVid™ CMOS image sensor with "Exmor R" technology
A 1/2.88" Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor delivers bright, vivid, spectacularly detailed video footage, as well as 12.1. With 6 megapixel (effective) video resolution, the image sensor actually 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.

Back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS sensor
Experience stunning low-light sensitivity with improved image clarity and drastically reduced grain with the newly developed, 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. Approx. 2x increase in sensitivity compared to Sony's existing front-illuminated CMOS sensors at F2.0.

Geotagging with built-in GPS receiver
A built-in GPS receiver7 makes the HDR-XR500V an ideal choice for travelers. In addition to automatically adjusting your camcorder's clock to the proper time zone, the GPS receiver also 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) software9.

Map Index function
Map Index uses the geotagging capabilities of the built-in GPS receiver7 to "tag" your shot locations on a map in the camcorder, offering a new way to easily search and find a desired scene by location or view where a scene was captured.

Face Detection technology for Video Footage and Digital Still Photos
Made possible by the BIONZ™ image processing engine, Face Detection technology recognizes up to 8 faces anywhere in the frame and by selecting the most prominent, automatically controls focus, exposure, and color to help capture smiling faces brightly and clearly. Face Detection technology also helps make skin tones look natural without affecting other colors in the image. On AVCHD models, the camcorder allocates encoding bits on detected face areas prior to encoding other parts of the picture, making them sharper and clearer. In still picture mode, Face Detection technology sets the flash level to optimize picture clarity.

Smile Shutter™ technology 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.

Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization with Active Mode
Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization with Active Mode represents the next step forward in Sony® image stabilization technology. Active Mode improves on existing Optical SteadyShot image stabilization by allowing the camera lens to shift over a greater range of motion. This allows the HDR-XR500V to compensate for greater degrees of camera shake and deliver a stunning level of image smoothness.

3.2" wide touch panel Xtra Fine LCD™ display3 (921K pixels)
The 3.2" wide3 (16:9) touch panel Xtra Fine LCD™ display renders sharp, bright, photo-quality images, letting you compose and share video and still images more easily -- even outdoors. With nearly 1 megapixel (921K pixels) resolution and a wide viewing angle, the Xtra Fine LCD™ screen is like having a high-resolution video and photo viewer built into your camcorder. The convenient touch panel allows easy access to menus and additional functionality such as spot focus and spot metering.

Highlight Playback
Why spend hours editing your movies when you can let your camcorder do it for you? Highlight Playback uses several criteria - including Face Index, Smile Shutter™ technology, Dual Capture and time range - to identify and compile key scenes into a short, entertaining movie complete with music and transitions.

Professional-quality Sony® G Lens
Designed specifically to complement the "Exmor R" CMOS sensor with ClearVid™ array, the professional-quality Sony® G Lens delivers superior optical performance. Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass reduces chromatic aberration for more accurate color reproduction with less "fringing", and precision ground optics offer stunning resolving power to bring you sharp, amazingly detailed images.

12X Optical / 150X Digital Zoom
12X optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, Digital Zoom Interpolation means that digital zooming (up to 150X) is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.

Dedicated Mic and Headphone inputs
The HDR-XR500V features dedicated mic and headphone inputs (external microphones and headphones sold separately).

Dolby® Digital 5.1ch recording with Built-in Zoom Mic
Dolby® Digital 5.1 channel recording captures active sounds coming from all directions, so you can experience your home movies the way you experienced them while recording. The Built-In Zoom Mic focuses audio recording on your subjects in sync with the camera’s zoom lens.

Active Interface Shoe
The Active Interface Shoe lets you mount Intelligent Accessories, such as external lights and microphones, which can help extend the capabilities of your camcorder.

Dual Record with 8.3MP 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.

Includes 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, AVCHD, and Blu-ray Disc™ media (sold separately), as well as take advantage of one click upload to a number of popular video and photo sharing sites (compatible PC and internet connection required) 9.

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.

Assignable Dial
An assignable dial on the front of the camcorder can be programmed to control a variety of settings, including focus, exposure, AE (Auto Exposure) Shift, and WB (White Balance) Shift.

Adjustable .27" Color Viewfinder3
The HDR-XR500V features an adjustable .27" 3 color viewfinder (123k pixels) that lets you record and review video and still images with the LCD display closed.

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.

x.v. Color™ technology for superior color
x.v. Color™ technology enables the HDR-XR500V 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.

HDMI™ connection
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). HDMI began to appear in 2006 on consumer HDTV, camcorders and high-end digital still cameras.

USB 2.0 interface
A USB 2.0 interface provides an easy way to connect your camcorder to a compatible PC for fast transfer of video and still images for editing.

BIONZ™ Image Processor
The BIONZ™ Image Processor works in conjunction with the "Exmor R" CMOS sensor with ClearVid™ array for pristine imaging. The BIONZ image processor provides Data Noise Reduction, Faster 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.

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 easier than ever 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.

Hybrid Recording to HDD or Memory Stick Duo™ media
Hybrid recording technology delivers a new level of flexibility of capturing and transferring your video footage and digital photos from the camcorder to compatible viewing devices. Record to 120GB1 hard disk drive or choose instead to record to removable Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media (sold separately). 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.

One Touch Disc Burn
Easily burn a DVD copy of your footage using the supplied PMB (Picture Motion Browser) software9. Simply connect the camcorder to your compatible PC via a USB cable and press the One Touch Disc Burn Button (DVD media sold separately) 12.

Record and zoom controls on LCD frame
The HDR-XR500V features an additional set of record and zoom buttons on the frame of the LCD screen, give you more control and flexibility when holding the camcorder, especially in overhead or low angle shots.

BRAVIA® Sync™ technology
BRAVIA® Sync™ technology5 offers greater ease of use in controlling compatible Sony products connected via an HDMI™ (CEC) connection5. 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, sold separately. With BRAVIA Sync (CEC) technology, the HDMI connection also delivers the ability to control both the camcorder and HDTV using a single BRAVIA® TV remote5 and displays the camcorder’s playback menu on screen for easier navigation.

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 every time. 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.


Footnotes:
1. 120GB available. Storage capacity may vary. A portion of the memory is used for data management functions.
2. This camcorder captures high definition footage in the AVCHD format. DVD media containing AVCHD footage should not be used with DVD based players or recorders, as the DVD player/recorder may fail to eject the media and may erase its contents without warning. DVD media containing AVCHD footage must only be played back on a compatible Blu-ray Disc device, PC with supplied software or PLAYSTATION®3 devices.
3. Viewable area measured diagonally.
5. Requires BRAVIA Sync feature in each product, including a compatible BRAVIA® HDTV. Please refer to owner’s manual to determine compatibility.
7. By using Picture Motion Browser software, supplied with certain Sony cameras and camcorders*, a PC and a broadband Internet connection, your photos can be shown on an online map service. The online map service is currently provided courtesy of Google, and is subject to change or termination without notice.
9. Requires Microsoft Windows XP SP3/ Windows Vista SP1. Not supported by Mac OS.
10. Smooth Slow Record captures 3 seconds of video which play back over 12 seconds.
12. One Touch Disc Burn feature requires DVDirect burner or compatible PC with supplied PBM software (sold separately).

Specification Description
Model HDR-XR500V, HDRXR500V, HDRXR500v
UPC 027242763067
AC Adapter AC-L200
Accessory Shoe Active Interface Shoe
Aperture f/1.8-3.4
Card Slot Memory Stick Pro Duo
Compatible Battery CR2025
Compatible Battery NP-FH60
Component Video Yes
Definition High Definition
Depth (Inches) 5.5
Digital Still/Memory Mode Yes
Digital Zoom 150
Eyepiece Viewfinder Color
Filter/Wide Angle Capability 37mm
Hard Disk Drive 120GB
HDMI Mini Yes
Headphone Jack Yes
Height (Inches) 2.9
Image Stabilization Sony SteadyShot
LCD Display Size (Inches) 3.2
Mic Input Yes
Microphone Built-in
Microphone Zoom
Minimum Illumination (lux) 11
Optical Zoom 12
Recordable Media Type Built-in Hard Disk Drive
Recordable Media Type Memory Stick Pro Duo
Recording Format Hard Drive - Memory Stick
Resolution 1920 x 1080
Resolution High Definition
Scene Modes Automatic
Scene Modes Beach/Snow
Scene Modes Candle
Scene Modes Fireworks
Scene Modes Landscape
Scene Modes Portrait
Scene Modes SpotLight
Scene Modes Sunrise
Scene Modes Sunset
Scene Modes Twilight
Select Format Internal Hard Drive HDD
Shutter Speed 1/8-1/800
Still Image Capability Stores still images on memory card
USB Port Mini-B
Video Compatibility NTSC
Weight (Pounds) 3.1
White Balance Auto
White Balance Indoor
White Balance One-Touch
White Balance Outdoor
Width (Inches) 3

Sony 120GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam Black Camcorder Questions

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Sony 120GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam Black Camcorder

Product Reviews

Last update: Nov 15, 2009

Sony 120GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam Black Camcorder Reviews

 
 
 

Most helpful positive review

[11 of 11 customers found this review helpful]

Most helpful negative review

[74 of 108 customers found this review helpful]

 
★★★★☆
4.0
Great Camcorder

"[...] Before I purchase this handycam I had a thorough search and review and I compared it theoritically mainly to HF S10...I had to choose between the two.Things I noticed in reviews:1.Both shot in HD but all reviews say that the picture of the HF S10 is superior to the HDR-XR500V...But still the Sony picture is great though the colors sometimes look as if they are bleeding....A plus to HF S102.All say that the..." Read Full Review »

Apr 26, 2009 by Loving HD

See more positive Sony 120GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam Black Camcorder reviews

★☆☆☆☆
1.0
Worst Purchase Ever

"My background: Raised on studio grade production equipment since 13. Did live studio shows as well as taped ones and also shot local events. Have never owned a personal camcorder. So why such a bad review? The auto focus is simply horrible. Moving around my house the camera would loose focus easily and take a long time to get it back 1-3 seconds. The camera will not focus on any objects that are close to it..." Read Full Review »

Mar 12, 2009 by MrNegative

See more negative Sony 120GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam Black Camcorder reviews

 
 

Displaying 1 - 5 of 82 Reviews

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[11 of 11 customers found this review helpful]

Sony 120GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam Black Camcorder Review

Great Camcorder

★★★★☆
4.0

    Pros

  • Comfortable to Operate
  • Durable
  • Great Features
  • Great Sound
  • Simple Controls

    Cons

  • None

    Best Uses

  • HD Shooting
 

"[...] Before I purchase this handycam I had a thorough search and review and I compared it theoritically mainly to HF S10...I had to choose between the two.Things I noticed in reviews:1.Both shot in HD but all reviews say that the picture of the HF S10 is superior to the HDR-XR500V...But still the S …"  Read Full Review »

Picture taking at zoo by the HDR-XR500V

Picture taking at zoo by the HDR-XR500V
  • Made with Product

Taken in complete dark from behind glass(Bats)

Taken in complete dark from behind glass(Bats)
  • Made with Product
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this Digital Camcorder review on the Sony 120GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam Black Camcorder helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (11)  (0)  0 comments
Apr 26 2009
Loving HD
Westlake,OH
I am:
  • Casual User
Reviewed at:
Price: $959.95
 
 

Sony 120GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam Black Camcorder Review

Excellent camera

★★★★★
5.0

    Pros

  • Comfortable to Operate
  • Great Features
  • Great Picture Quality
  • Great Sound
  • Simple Controls
  • More »

    Cons

  • Not so user friendly Menu
  • Poor Battery Life
  • Price

    Best Uses

  • HD Shooting
  • Home Movies
  • Travel
 

"I use the camera mostly for capturing various family events. I have been a photography enthusiast, now i am a video buff.



Everyone including me liked slow motion feature, large HDD capacity, excellent video quality of this camera. Geo tagging is a luxury which most users do not need including me …"  Read Full Review »

ball

  • Made with Product
  • Slow motion feature
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this Digital Camcorder review on the Sony 120GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam Black Camcorder helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (0)  (0)  0 comments
Jul 26 2009
Sanjay Kattimani
Covington, Louisiana
I am:
  • Video Enthusiast
Reviewed at:
Price: $959.95
 
 

[6 of 6 customers found this review helpful]

Sony 120GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam Black Camcorder Review

Best camcorder I have owned

★★★★★
5.0

Super Informative

Super Informative

    Pros

  • Comfortable to Operate
  • Great Features
  • Great Picture Quality
  • Great Sound

    Cons

  • None

    Best Uses

  • Home Movies
  • Travel
 

"I haved owned four prior camcorders with the last being the Sony Handycam HDR-HD7. The HDR-XR500V is the best yet.



Before purchacing this camcorder, I was concerned if 16 Mbps AVCHD compression would result in worse performance than my tape based HDR-HD7 (25 Mbps DV compression). Both have nearly …"  Read Full Review »

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this Digital Camcorder review on the Sony 120GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam Black Camcorder helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (6)  (0)  0 comments
Jun 19 2009
Rob
Rochester, MN
I am:
  • Video Enthusiast
Reviewed at:
Price: $989.95
 

Sony 120GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam Black Camcorder Review

a good camera

★★★★★
5.0

    Pros

  • Comfortable to Operate
  • Durable
  • Great Features
  • Great Picture Quality
  • Great Sound
  • More »

    Cons

  • None

    Best Uses

  • HD Shooting
  • Home Movies
  • Movies/Short Films
  • Travel
 

"this comcorder in good in taping the aricraft and ballons, It is light, durable (with an extra FH70 batter, used more than 6 hours), the night pictures are exellent (see the attached picture, it is taken in night but like like in dawn). "

ballons in battle creek

ballons in battle creek
  • Picture of Product
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this Digital Camcorder review on the Sony 120GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam Black Camcorder helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (0)  (0)  0 comments
Jul 23 2009
skwalker
Ann Arbor,MI
I am:
  • Video Enthusiast
Reviewed at:
Price: $959.95
 
 

[74 of 108 customers found this review helpful]

Sony 120GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam Black Camcorder Review

Worst Purchase Ever

★☆☆☆☆
1.0

"My background:



Raised on studio grade production equipment since 13.

Did live studio shows as well as taped ones and also shot local events.



Have never owned a personal camcorder.



So why such a bad review?



The auto focus is simply horrible. Moving around my house the camera would loose focus eas …"  Read Full Review »

Was this Digital Camcorder review on the Sony 120GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam Black Camcorder helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (74)  (34)  0 comments
Mar 12 2009
MrNegative
Fort Worth
Reviewed at:
Price: $1,299.99
 
 
Displaying 1 - 5 of 82 Reviews
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