With Super SteadyShot image stabilization and NightShot Plus technology the DCRHC28 reduces blur and the negative effects of low light environments to create high quality video every time. Affordable duraable and powerful the DCRHC28 Handycam camcorder does it all.

• Carl Zeiss Vario- Tessar lens; 20x optical/800x digital zoom


• 1/6-inch Advanced HAD CCD imager


• 2.5-inch touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD monitor


• Super SteadyShot image stabilization and NightShot Plus technology


• Easy Handycam button for ease of use

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1920x1080p MP4 HD video with 5MP still images

• Full-screen vertical/horizontal record/playback on 2.7" LCD


• Up to 2 hours HD video with 4GB of internal memory


• 360° video capability lets you shoot panoramic video


• Integrated software with Facebook YouTube(TM) Personal Space(TM) & others


• 1920x1080p MP4 HD video w/5MP still images


• Integrated software with Facebook YouTube Personal Space & others

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Sony continues to shift the bar with the introduction of its rain- and dust-proof HXR-NX70U NXCAM Compact Camcorder. This rugged little trouper is the perfect companion for those tough location shoots where weather and climate cause lesser cameras to buckle and fold. Meeting stringent dustproof and rainproof requirements the NX70U's sealed body keeps out all but the toughest of elements making it ideal for documentary and news videographers traveling to far-flung unpredictable locations.But beneath the NX70U's weatherproofing is a first-class performer that hits all the professional sweet spots. Its back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor combines with an ultra wide 26.3-263mm Sony G lens and Optical SteadyShot to provide outstanding full HD 1080p images even in low light. The Dual Rec function meanwhile lets you shoot 12.3MP stills while recording video all of which can be captured to the unit's spacious 96GB embedded flash memory or your choice of Memory Stick or SD/SDHC media.And just because the NX70U is small doesn't mean it stints on professional features and controls. An assignable lens ring gives you manual control over focus zoom or iris while the detachable handle with dual XLR inputs-and an on-camera shotgun mic-provides the option of recording 2-channel audio using high-end external microphones. Helping you nail focus and exposure are the zebra and peaking indicators which can be viewed through either the large viewfinder or high-resolution

• Rainy or dusty shooting environments will not affect the reliable operation of the HXR-NX70 thanks to its IEC60529 IP54 rating.


• A waterproof performance rating of IPx4 means that the main camera body is protected against rain showers and water splashes.


• Sony G lenses deliver brilliant accurate color reproduction and sharp amazingly detailed images


• The 26.3mm focal length offers a broader perspective than previous lenses for enhanced wide angle shooting.


• Get the most out of your camcorder with enhanced manual controls


• The camcorder's sealed body design makes sure that harmful sand and large dust particles do not get inside


• The assignable lens ring allows for manual adjustment of focus iris and zoom settings so you have complete creative control.


• It should not be submerged underwater or sprayed with pressurized water from a tap or hose

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Make a memory last forever with a Digital8 camcorder from Sony. The 2.5" Swivelscreen LCD is easy to use and captures events in true-to-life detail. Steadyshot Picture Stabilization will hold true to its name by reducing the effects of a shaky hand or movements. With Super NightShot you can record in complete darkness. and the 20x optical/560 digital zoom gets you up close and personal. The built-in light will brighten up all your shots!

• Digital8 camcorder


• 20x optical 560x digital zoom with image stabilization


• 2.5 inch color LCD and black and white EVF


• Features a digital photo mode


• Comes with NightShot mode and digital faders and effects

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Included Accessories: AC adaptor; power cord; infoLITHIUM rechargeable battery pack; A/V Component USB cable; large eyecup; wireless Remote Commander; monaural condenser microphone; instruction manual & CD-ROM. The HVR-V1U is a professional camcorder for better and easier mobile filmmaking. Achieve breathtaking HD video and create unique visuals for video production that delivers an impact. In addition to typical 60i the HVR-V1U offers 24p/30p progressive scan capture enabling cinema and drama productions. It also adopts the world's first 2-3 pull-down HDV recording system for storage of 24p scanned images - keeping your existing gear in action. Playback your 24p/30p scan footage using Sony HDV equipment or feed it to a compatible Non-Linear Editing (NLE) system without changing your HDV deck or monitors. Producing high-quality HDV is as simple as that. 1/4-inch 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor imaging system White balance - Auto one-push auto (2 positions) indoor (3200 K) outdoor (5800 K + 15steps) Shutter Speeds - 1/4 1/8 1/15 1/30 1/60 1/90 1/100 1/125 1/180 1/250 1/350 1/500 1/725 1/1000 1/1500 1/2000 1/3000 1/4000 1/6000 1/10000 sec Exposure - Auto manual (Type1/Type2) Gain - 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 dB Minimum Illumination - 4 lx with F1.6 at 18 dB Records and plays out/down converts to 1080/60i 480/60i (NTSC) Audio/Video output - A/V OUT jack 10-pin connector; Composite video - 1 Vp-p 75 ohm unbalanced sync negative; Y - 1 Vp-p 75 ohm unbalanced; C - 0.286 Vp-p 75 ohm unbalanced Component video output - Y - 1 Vp-p (0.3 V sync negative); 75 ohm unbalanced Pr/Pb (Cr/Cb) - 700 mVp-p (75% color bar) HDV/DV input/output - i.LINK(R) interface (IEEE 1394 4-pin connector S100) XLR audio input - 3-pin female x 2 327 mV -60 dBu - 3 k-ohm +40 dBu - 10.8 k-ohm power supply - approx. 48 V Headphones - Stereo mini jack (3.5 mm dia.) USB

• 1080/24P scanning with 2:3 pull-down recording


• 3 ClearVid CMOS sensor system; 4:2:2 color used by Sony Enhanced Image Processor


• 20x Carl Zeiss Vario-Zonnar T lens with extra-low dispersion glass; 1.5x digital extender


• 3.5-inch widescreen Clear Photo plus LCD display


• Dual XLR audio inputs with variable control; supplied shotgun microphone

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Preserve the moment in style with the DCR-SX44 Handycam® camcorder. Perfect for recording just about any occasion this camcorder features 4GB of embedded flash memory which can record up to 3 hours of video. A professional-quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® lens delivers sharp high-resolution images and powerful 60x optical zoom that lets you capture extremely tight shots even from far away. There's also a convenient built-in LED video light which makes it easier to capture low-light situations.



KIT INCLUDES:


* 8GB MEMORY CARD.


* MEMORY WALLET.


* SONY LCS-X20 CASE.


* LCD SCREEN PROTECTORS.


* CLEANING KIT.

• Sony DCR-SX44 4GB Flash memory Handycam Camcorder with 60x Optical Zoom and 2.7-inch Touch Panel LCD Screen


• 8 Gigabyte SD Secure Digital Memory Card


• Sony LCS-X20 Carrying Case - Memory Card Wallet


• Package of LCD Screen Protectors


• Cleaning and Care Kit

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Get full HD 3D recording in the palm of your hand with the Sony HDR-TD10. Using two full 1920 x 1080 sensors you get real HD 3D recording to record your memories. Review your footage in 3D on the 3.5" LCD screen without glasses and use the HDMI output to display your movies directly from the camera onto your compatible HDTV. Shooting options like intelligent auto and steadyshot make getting the best in 3D simple.

• World's first 10x optical zoom in 3D (consumer camcorder)


• Xtra Fine 3D LCD touch panel with TruBlack technology


• 7.1 megapixels (2D still image)


• 3D HD:2x 1920x1080/50i


• Optical Zoom: 10x(3D)/12x(2D)

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Sony DCR-DVD108 DVD Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom

• 1/6-inch Advanced HAD CCD imager


• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens; 40x optical/2000x digital zoom


• 2.5-inch touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD


• Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization


• DVD-R/-RW/+RW and +R DL (Dual Layer) compatible

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The Sony HVR-A1U camcorder captures 1080i HDV images using a newly developed 1/3-inch type 2.97-megapixel (total) CMOS sensor with new Enhanced Imaging Processor(tm) technology that optimizes the performance of the CMOS sensor. The result is HD quality imaging that has been used to produce television and professional film content. Available at an extremely affordable price the HVR-A1U will be another powerful option for HD field acquisition by all video professionals.

• High-definition video camera records in 1080i 720p and 720i specification with analog down-converting


• 16:9 widescreen recording; 4:3 conversion capable


• Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 10x optical zoom lens; digital Super SteadyShot System dampens hand jitter and vibration


• CMOS camera system; records to conventional DV tape stock


• Powered by NP-FM50 InfoLithium rechargeable battery pack

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Shoot like a pro with the HDR-FX7 High Definition Handycam(R) camcorder. Capture amazing video and still images in high definition with the first HDV 1080i 3 CMOS sensor consumer-level camcorder and player in the world. The three - 1/4" ClearVID CMOS Sensors provide stunning detail and precision while a 20x Optical Zoom Carl Zeiss Lens maintains image clarity. Since the HDR-FX7 records video in high-definition you can dual record still images at the same time. So no matter what the occasion the HDR-FX7 is the perfect camcorder for the situation. A Sony developed Real Time MPEG Encode/Decode system with reduced energy consumption and compact size to fit inside a personal camcorder. This provides efficient MPEG2 compression and recording and playback of clear HD images at the same bit rate of the DV format so that High Definition video can be recorded on the same cassettes as are used for MiniDV recording. From the authority in lens technology the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens provides a high-quality 20x optical zoom which maintains image clarity and color while reducing glare and flare. Dual independent zoom and focus rings provide precise and detailed control over the amount of zoom and the overall focus of the image with just a turn of the rings. Fast intuitive framing when zooming and finely detailed focusing is easy with the natural "feel" of the rings. Easily adjust the amount of light entering the lens by adjusting exposure brightness in accordance with the iris and gain. The Iris control allows the volume of light to be adjusted (shutter speed and gain are adjustable). Though not small enough to carry with you to Disney this camcorder opens up new opportunities for serious amateur and semi-professionals to record videos suitable for play on new widescreen HDTV sets. An IEEE1394 iLink port is provided for easy transfer to a PC or Macintosh for professional editing applications.

• Record and play back HDV 1080i video; switchable recording in standard definition


• ClearVid CMOS sensor; 20x optical zoom


• Wide 3.5-inch Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus display


• Capture 1.2-megapixel stills to Memory Stick Duo


• Professional 62mm Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens

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The Sony HVR-HD1000U is an HDV camcorder specifically designed for videographers looking for an affordable shoulder-mounted camera. Ideal for event work and wedding videography the camera is equipped with a ClearVid CMOS sensor capable of recording 1080i high definition footage on a standard MiniDV tape. Additionally the HVR-HD1000U comes fitted with a 10x Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens with Super SteadyShot image stabilization ensuring operators get the perfect shot every time. These features make the HVR-HD1000U a welcome addition to the already proven line of Sony professional HDV products.

• Enhanced mobility and professional aesthetic with this shoulder-mount design and black matte body


• HDV1080i recordings can be captured on DigitalMaster professional tape as well as consumer MiniDV


• Built-in down-converter creates DV material perfect for standard DVD productions


• Easy viewing with this large freely rotating 2.7-inch LCD screen


• Features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonner T* lens with 10x optical zoom

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Capture and share your memories with the ultra-compact DCR-SX63 Handycam® camcorder. Conveniently flexible you can record video footage directly to 16GB of embedded flash memory or removable Memory Stick PRO DuoTM media (sold separately). A professional-quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® lens captures crisp high-resolution images and the 60X optical / 2000X digital zoom keeps the action close and personal. Plus a built-in LED video light makes it easier to capture low-light situations.



KIT INCLUDES:


* 8GB MEMORY CARD.


* MEMORY WALLET.


* SONY LCS-X20 CASE.


* LCD SCREEN PROTECTORS.


* FULL SIZE TRIPOD.


* CLEANING KIT.

• Sony DCR-SX63 16GB Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder with 60x Optical Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD Screen


• 8 Gigabyte SD Secure Digital Memory Card - Memory Card Wallet


• Sony LCS-X20 Carrying Case


• 52-inch Full Size Tripod - Package of LCD Screen Protectors


• Deluxe Cleaning and Care Kit

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Capture and share your memories with the ultra-compact DCR-SX63 Handycam® camcorder. Conveniently flexible you can record video footage directly to 16GB of embedded flash memory or removable Memory Stick PRO DuoTM media (sold separately). A professional-quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® lens captures crisp high-resolution images and the 60X optical / 2000X digital zoom keeps the action close and personal. Plus a built-in LED video light makes it easier to capture low-light situations.



KIT INCLUDES:


* 8GB MEMORY STICK.


* MEMORY WALLET.


* SONY LCS-X20 CASE.


* LCD SCREEN PROTECTORS.



* CLEANING KIT.

• Sony DCR-SX63 16GB Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder with 60x Optical Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD Screen


• 8 Gigabyte Memory Stick Pro Duo - Memory Card Wallet


• Sony LCS-X20 Carrying Case


• Package of LCD Screen Protectors


• Cleaning and Care Kit

More detail ...

The DCR-HC52 puts exceptional quality versatility and affordability in the palm of your hands. The Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens and Super SteadyShot image stabilization capture clear sharp video. Powerful 40x optical/2000x digital zoom brings you close to the action and Super NightShot Plus technology keeps your video bright when shooting in dimly lit environments. The 2.5" touch panel SwivelScreen LCD display puts control of everything at your fingertips or use the Easy Handycam button to simplify your recording options when the action just won¿t wait.

• 1/6" Advanced HAD CCD Imager 680K Pixels (Gross)


• 40X Optical / 2000X Digital Zoom


• 2.7" Touch Panel SwivelScreen LCD Display (123K Pixels)


• Professional Quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens


• InfoLITHIUM Battery with AccuPower Meter System

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sony handicam

My first impressions of this small camcorder are very good. The size is perfect as it fits in your purse so it is available at all times. How many times have you thought I wish I had my camera. The battery last about one and a half hoursit is a infolithium battery which means that you can see how much time you have left on it. Plus it will hold and retain its charge over time. The record time on sp is about 85 minutes. This camcorder will accept up to a 16 gig memory card. And you can purchase additional batteries with longer record time. The number of the batteries range between np-fh50 to np-fh100. The touch screen is simple and easy to use. It is powered up when the lcd screen is opened. The controls all have a good placement.The zoom is great works quietly and quickly. The sound is also very good(I could hear every bite the cat atethe screech of the rocking chair and even the tv which was turned low.)No it is not hd but the picture is very good. This camcorder has a quality build and a Carl Zeiss lens. Because of the features you would expect this small beauty to be more expensive. So in the end you get quite a lot of bang for your buck.I wanted to add that with a 8 gig card you get an additionl 174 minutes(nearly 3 hrs. additional record time.The npfh50 battery gives you 3 hrs of additional charge. When this two items are added you have nearly 4 and a half hours of record time. Also the camcorder allows you to choose to record on the internal memory or the memory stick. Plus Amazon has the best prices on the battery and memory card.More detail ...

sony handicam

My first impressions of this small camcorder are very good. The size is perfect as it fits in your purse so it is available at all times. How many times have you thought I wish I had my camera. The battery last about one and a half hoursit is a infolithium battery which means that you can see how much time you have left on it. Plus it will hold and retain its charge over time. The record time on sp is about 85 minutes. This camcorder will accept up to a 16 gig memory card. And you can purchase additional batteries with longer record time. The number of the batteries range between np-fh50 to np-fh100. The touch screen is simple and easy to use. It is powered up when the lcd screen is opened. The controls all have a good placement.The zoom is great works quietly and quickly. The sound is also very good(I could hear every bite the cat atethe screech of the rocking chair and even the tv which was turned low.)No it is not hd but the picture is very good. This camcorder has a quality build and a Carl Zeiss lens. Because of the features you would expect this small beauty to be more expensive. So in the end you get quite a lot of bang for your buck.I wanted to add that with a 8 gig card you get an additionl 174 minutes(nearly 3 hrs. additional record time.The npfh50 battery gives you 3 hrs of additional charge. When this two items are added you have nearly 4 and a half hours of record time. Also the camcorder allows you to choose to record on the internal memory or the memory stick. Plus Amazon has the best prices on the battery and memory card.More detail ...

Truly HD camcorder in pocket size! Buy Buy Buy!

Excellent EXMOR Sensor and image processing engine the BEST as for today! Small size. Full HD. Fast start. Even with "Limited" features has a lots of them. Camera instantly detected in PC-XP Pro and Mac-OS/X. I do not care about 4MP still shots so won't even bother to talk about it.



Native MTS camcorder format is not supported by many players. It needs to be converted to H.264 usable by BlueRay players ...

I was reading reviews before buying this camcorder and was just amazed how much ridiculous stuff people were saying. Some have no clue what to do with this (or Canon...) HiDef camcorders! Speaking about this CX100 - there is nothing to be scared about. Nor about Canon's or others Sony Canon Panasonic's ... all using slightly different flavors/methods of recording AVCHD. Sony happen to mark their movies with MTS extension. I have ~6 years old Pentium 4 2.8HT/2 GB RAM/XFX with NVidia7600GT card/DirectX 9.x. (Window Media Player +Xvid plugin) playback is not perfect a little choppy but acceptable. Please note that if you computer preview is smudgy and choppy this is NOT a CAMERA fault! Same video is played perfectly fine on Blue Ray player when converted to H.264. I also have new unibody 2008 Mac Book pro OS X - laptop detects camera right away and launching iMovie08 offering video transfer. If you have older non Intel Processor Mac - forget about this camera - and ALL OTHER's AVCHD/H.264 camcorders - most likely they will not be working for you. So please do not write negative reviews do not confuse people OK?



I do not use Component and AV cables (they still in the box). If you do you are downgrading HiDef video to patetic Analog quality. I refuse call it a "Standard Definition". HDTV is new STANDARD! And that other thing is Analog. :) So I use just a HDTV cable to direct view on HDTV and USB cable to move files to Harddrive.



This camcorder when connected via USB cable is detected as external drive not a camera. No big deal to me even more convenient. I prefer to be able to save original files by Copying them to folder I created on my harddrive. When camera is connected to computer make sure - do not delete movies from camcorder this way. Movies "List/Previews" still will be displayed in camera LCD preview. Completely delete files in build in memory only using in-camera controls. And format removable MemStick only in camcorder not in computer. I believe this is typical to all camcorders.



If you already have HDTV - LCD or Plasma you can view footage directly from camera connecting via HDTV cable. It is looking really good on my Samsung LCD as good as any non-studio recorded HD content. But this is only a temporary solution. You'll need to empty memory to take more video's right? I wanted to get the best video from this camcorder and it is all about conversion of MTS to H.264. There are different solutions for Mac and Windows users. Keep reading.

.......................................

PC users:

- You can use supplied by Sony PMB Software to burn your original HiDef files to REGULAR not a Blue Ray DVD-R!!!! This is awesome for someone who already has Blue Ray player anf HDTV! I repeat they can be burned on regular DVD burner to normal DVD-R and then played in the Blue Ray player in full glory with no quality loss which can occur in conversions to other formats. I made disk like that and tried it out - and I can assure you - it is real HD video! No motion blur no hiccups all is PERFECT! Looks like BlueRay players have much better hardware to handle HD content. You can AVCHD DVD directly from camera or from movies you copied to the comp harddrive. For each movie event I create separate folder and later PMB need to 'analyze' each folder befor disk burn.(By the way when PMB burning disk you will see that MTS format is converted to H.264). It is in a Manual too.

- One more way: You can install XVID (free) plugin and you can perfectly play original uncorverted MTS files via Windows Media Player!!!!

- Another way: you can get DIVX 7 Pro for mere $[...] ([...]) and convert to MKV or DIVX PLUS HD format which can be easily played on PC and Mac computers. DIVX player is free is that Pro version which has converter is not free...

- If you have slightly outdated Core 2 Duo comp - make sure you get more memory (4GB+ and better video card with HD support like Nvidia 9000 series DDR3 /Direct X 10/Open GL2.x)

- Allegedly Windows 7 should have better HiDef support and most of the codexes... will see.

.....................................

Mac Users:

- Sony providing PMB software for PC user only. Get over it. But actually Mac user have even better solution not free though...

- You can get Mac version of DIVX player also for $[...] and convert MTS to something more user friendly.

- Or (My choice) you can shell out $[...]+tax for Elgato Turbo.264 HD USB/hardware based encoder/accelerator ([...]) and convert MTS to h.264 then store them on external haddrive

- Quick Time Pro 7 can be used for playing H.264 movies! Again they can be burned on regular DVD-R for BlueRay players. You also can connect your Mac via MiniDisplay Port /HDMI adaptopr ([...]) to any HDTV or projector for bigger trill.

- PS: MacConnection catalog now is listing this CX100 so you see - it is OK it is safe to get Sony HDR CX100! :)

....................................

Finally if you don't have any stinkin' computer or all what you got is one of those anemic 'netbooks' and you still want Canon or Sony H.264 camcorder - No problem. At Costco for $[...] you can get standalone Sony DVDirect MC5 DVD recorder (not a Blue Ray disk recorder regular DVD's) and connect it by USB cable. You can make AVCHD disks readable by Blue Ray players. Never tried myself just repeating what Manual says :). Canon also has similar device but it looks like it is making only analog not HD DVD's. So all you will need is: Camcorder/MC5 recorder/Stack of DVD-Rs (which cost on average ~$[...] each)/new BlueRay Player/720p or 1080p LCD or Plasma HDTV. That's it!



MY OBSERVATIONS and recommendations after first week of playing around.

1. ALWAYS record in highest possible resolution [HD FH].

2. Set color to X.V. COLOR!!! (if you have Sony Blue Ray player/and HDTV supporting that (Sony Panasonic...) you can have advantage of enhanced colors). But it may be better turn it OFF in really sunny day. Colors might be way saturated (red/blue/yellow) almost fluorescent. And even with x.v.color off - believe me camera will produce very nice video! And use of x.v. color could be very beneficial for cloudy days or for dimmer lighting.

3. Make sure that you have image stabilization (STEADYSHOT) tuned ON!

4. ...all other settings I have on Auto. You choose yours.

5. There is bunch of useful presets like Beach Landscape Soft Portrait ... I have to check it out yet.

6. Camera is very light so you'd better hold it steady or attach it to something. I have small tabletop tripod (~$[...]) and I have it attached to the bottom - it works for me like an extra handle.

7. Even when camera is on a tripod - pan (sweep left/right) as slowly and smoothly as you can. Many people have to learn this because some report excessive blur - it not worse than much more expensive camcorders. It is YOU - you need to learn how to "drive" your new toy. Eventually it will come to you no worries.

8. Get a Polarizer or UV filter - to see through the glare of glass or water. This is VERY nice thing to have on a bright sunny day!

9. Tripods? I have Slik Compact XL light and good for travel. Works for me. But much better is Manfrotto 190XDB I saw for $[...] at bestbuy... Very solid built and smooth panning.



RECIPIE to get best video (This is true for ALL camcorders and digital cameras):

- Try to get as close as possible to object you are filming. I think best range is 2 - 20 ft. Next best is 20-50 feet

- Do not shoot in the dusk/dark. Film in well lit conditions. Try to have sun or source of light behind you not in front of you (unless you are shooting Hawaiian sunset... :) In low light - this camera is about the same as any other one's if not better. Do not listen to purists about low light "performance".

- Turn OFF that "Digital Zoom"! 10x of OPTICAL zoom is more than enough for most conditions. Beyond that you will get big quality degradation. Try to apply less zoom as possible. Besides "digital" zoom is using camera sensor reducing resolution to get higher zoom. NOT good!

- Less zoom will make a big difference (unless camera on a tripod) for Image Stabilization it will work better. Try and you will see how is difficult to hold camera still on far zoom range...

- U can use Wide Angle adapter I got ~$[...] Sony VCL-0630X through Pricegrabber and it is just... OK. At max zoom corners will be blurred a bit. You can find better one for $[...] (Sony VCL-HGA07).



CONCLUSION: There are better camcorders over there. I really like new Canon HF S100... But it is around ~900! And this cutie for under 460 --- it can be beat! And even in a "pocket" size - it is real Hi Definition camcorder just use it to full capacity! Later on when I become a PRO cameraman and have tons of money (3500-4000) - I will definitely go for a Scarlet from RED ([...]). But now -- I'm happy with CX100. When I get decent video's I will post it on [...].



... Phew I'm tired of typing. Just go and get it.

UPDATE: I just saw Pricegrabber's new super deal - 455 at [...]! That's $[...] less than I paid)

You'all have a good time! More detail ...

Truly HD camcorder in pocket size! Buy Buy Buy!

Excellent EXMOR Sensor and image processing engine the BEST as for today! Small size. Full HD. Fast start. Even with "Limited" features has a lots of them. Camera instantly detected in PC-XP Pro and Mac-OS/X. I do not care about 4MP still shots so won't even bother to talk about it.



Native MTS camcorder format is not supported by many players. It needs to be converted to H.264 usable by BlueRay players ...

I was reading reviews before buying this camcorder and was just amazed how much ridiculous stuff people were saying. Some have no clue what to do with this (or Canon...) HiDef camcorders! Speaking about this CX100 - there is nothing to be scared about. Nor about Canon's or others Sony Canon Panasonic's ... all using slightly different flavors/methods of recording AVCHD. Sony happen to mark their movies with MTS extension. I have ~6 years old Pentium 4 2.8HT/2 GB RAM/XFX with NVidia7600GT card/DirectX 9.x. (Window Media Player +Xvid plugin) playback is not perfect a little choppy but acceptable. Please note that if you computer preview is smudgy and choppy this is NOT a CAMERA fault! Same video is played perfectly fine on Blue Ray player when converted to H.264. I also have new unibody 2008 Mac Book pro OS X - laptop detects camera right away and launching iMovie08 offering video transfer. If you have older non Intel Processor Mac - forget about this camera - and ALL OTHER's AVCHD/H.264 camcorders - most likely they will not be working for you. So please do not write negative reviews do not confuse people OK?



I do not use Component and AV cables (they still in the box). If you do you are downgrading HiDef video to patetic Analog quality. I refuse call it a "Standard Definition". HDTV is new STANDARD! And that other thing is Analog. :) So I use just a HDTV cable to direct view on HDTV and USB cable to move files to Harddrive.



This camcorder when connected via USB cable is detected as external drive not a camera. No big deal to me even more convenient. I prefer to be able to save original files by Copying them to folder I created on my harddrive. When camera is connected to computer make sure - do not delete movies from camcorder this way. Movies "List/Previews" still will be displayed in camera LCD preview. Completely delete files in build in memory only using in-camera controls. And format removable MemStick only in camcorder not in computer. I believe this is typical to all camcorders.



If you already have HDTV - LCD or Plasma you can view footage directly from camera connecting via HDTV cable. It is looking really good on my Samsung LCD as good as any non-studio recorded HD content. But this is only a temporary solution. You'll need to empty memory to take more video's right? I wanted to get the best video from this camcorder and it is all about conversion of MTS to H.264. There are different solutions for Mac and Windows users. Keep reading.

.......................................

PC users:

- You can use supplied by Sony PMB Software to burn your original HiDef files to REGULAR not a Blue Ray DVD-R!!!! This is awesome for someone who already has Blue Ray player anf HDTV! I repeat they can be burned on regular DVD burner to normal DVD-R and then played in the Blue Ray player in full glory with no quality loss which can occur in conversions to other formats. I made disk like that and tried it out - and I can assure you - it is real HD video! No motion blur no hiccups all is PERFECT! Looks like BlueRay players have much better hardware to handle HD content. You can AVCHD DVD directly from camera or from movies you copied to the comp harddrive. For each movie event I create separate folder and later PMB need to 'analyze' each folder befor disk burn.(By the way when PMB burning disk you will see that MTS format is converted to H.264). It is in a Manual too.

- One more way: You can install XVID (free) plugin and you can perfectly play original uncorverted MTS files via Windows Media Player!!!!

- Another way: you can get DIVX 7 Pro for mere $[...] ([...]) and convert to MKV or DIVX PLUS HD format which can be easily played on PC and Mac computers. DIVX player is free is that Pro version which has converter is not free...

- If you have slightly outdated Core 2 Duo comp - make sure you get more memory (4GB+ and better video card with HD support like Nvidia 9000 series DDR3 /Direct X 10/Open GL2.x)

- Allegedly Windows 7 should have better HiDef support and most of the codexes... will see.

.....................................

Mac Users:

- Sony providing PMB software for PC user only. Get over it. But actually Mac user have even better solution not free though...

- You can get Mac version of DIVX player also for $[...] and convert MTS to something more user friendly.

- Or (My choice) you can shell out $[...]+tax for Elgato Turbo.264 HD USB/hardware based encoder/accelerator ([...]) and convert MTS to h.264 then store them on external haddrive

- Quick Time Pro 7 can be used for playing H.264 movies! Again they can be burned on regular DVD-R for BlueRay players. You also can connect your Mac via MiniDisplay Port /HDMI adaptopr ([...]) to any HDTV or projector for bigger trill.

- PS: MacConnection catalog now is listing this CX100 so you see - it is OK it is safe to get Sony HDR CX100! :)

....................................

Finally if you don't have any stinkin' computer or all what you got is one of those anemic 'netbooks' and you still want Canon or Sony H.264 camcorder - No problem. At Costco for $[...] you can get standalone Sony DVDirect MC5 DVD recorder (not a Blue Ray disk recorder regular DVD's) and connect it by USB cable. You can make AVCHD disks readable by Blue Ray players. Never tried myself just repeating what Manual says :). Canon also has similar device but it looks like it is making only analog not HD DVD's. So all you will need is: Camcorder/MC5 recorder/Stack of DVD-Rs (which cost on average ~$[...] each)/new BlueRay Player/720p or 1080p LCD or Plasma HDTV. That's it!



MY OBSERVATIONS and recommendations after first week of playing around.

1. ALWAYS record in highest possible resolution [HD FH].

2. Set color to X.V. COLOR!!! (if you have Sony Blue Ray player/and HDTV supporting that (Sony Panasonic...) you can have advantage of enhanced colors). But it may be better turn it OFF in really sunny day. Colors might be way saturated (red/blue/yellow) almost fluorescent. And even with x.v.color off - believe me camera will produce very nice video! And use of x.v. color could be very beneficial for cloudy days or for dimmer lighting.

3. Make sure that you have image stabilization (STEADYSHOT) tuned ON!

4. ...all other settings I have on Auto. You choose yours.

5. There is bunch of useful presets like Beach Landscape Soft Portrait ... I have to check it out yet.

6. Camera is very light so you'd better hold it steady or attach it to something. I have small tabletop tripod (~$[...]) and I have it attached to the bottom - it works for me like an extra handle.

7. Even when camera is on a tripod - pan (sweep left/right) as slowly and smoothly as you can. Many people have to learn this because some report excessive blur - it not worse than much more expensive camcorders. It is YOU - you need to learn how to "drive" your new toy. Eventually it will come to you no worries.

8. Get a Polarizer or UV filter - to see through the glare of glass or water. This is VERY nice thing to have on a bright sunny day!

9. Tripods? I have Slik Compact XL light and good for travel. Works for me. But much better is Manfrotto 190XDB I saw for $[...] at bestbuy... Very solid built and smooth panning.



RECIPIE to get best video (This is true for ALL camcorders and digital cameras):

- Try to get as close as possible to object you are filming. I think best range is 2 - 20 ft. Next best is 20-50 feet

- Do not shoot in the dusk/dark. Film in well lit conditions. Try to have sun or source of light behind you not in front of you (unless you are shooting Hawaiian sunset... :) In low light - this camera is about the same as any other one's if not better. Do not listen to purists about low light "performance".

- Turn OFF that "Digital Zoom"! 10x of OPTICAL zoom is more than enough for most conditions. Beyond that you will get big quality degradation. Try to apply less zoom as possible. Besides "digital" zoom is using camera sensor reducing resolution to get higher zoom. NOT good!

- Less zoom will make a big difference (unless camera on a tripod) for Image Stabilization it will work better. Try and you will see how is difficult to hold camera still on far zoom range...

- U can use Wide Angle adapter I got ~$[...] Sony VCL-0630X through Pricegrabber and it is just... OK. At max zoom corners will be blurred a bit. You can find better one for $[...] (Sony VCL-HGA07).



CONCLUSION: There are better camcorders over there. I really like new Canon HF S100... But it is around ~900! And this cutie for under 460 --- it can be beat! And even in a "pocket" size - it is real Hi Definition camcorder just use it to full capacity! Later on when I become a PRO cameraman and have tons of money (3500-4000) - I will definitely go for a Scarlet from RED ([...]). But now -- I'm happy with CX100. When I get decent video's I will post it on [...].



... Phew I'm tired of typing. Just go and get it.

UPDATE: I just saw Pricegrabber's new super deal - 455 at [...]! That's $[...] less than I paid)

You'all have a good time! More detail ...

Truly HD camcorder in pocket size! Buy Buy Buy!

Excellent EXMOR Sensor and image processing engine the BEST as for today! Small size. Full HD. Fast start. Even with "Limited" features has a lots of them. Camera instantly detected in PC-XP Pro and Mac-OS/X. I do not care about 4MP still shots so won't even bother to talk about it.



Native MTS camcorder format is not supported by many players. It needs to be converted to H.264 usable by BlueRay players ...

I was reading reviews before buying this camcorder and was just amazed how much ridiculous stuff people were saying. Some have no clue what to do with this (or Canon...) HiDef camcorders! Speaking about this CX100 - there is nothing to be scared about. Nor about Canon's or others Sony Canon Panasonic's ... all using slightly different flavors/methods of recording AVCHD. Sony happen to mark their movies with MTS extension. I have ~6 years old Pentium 4 2.8HT/2 GB RAM/XFX with NVidia7600GT card/DirectX 9.x. (Window Media Player +Xvid plugin) playback is not perfect a little choppy but acceptable. Please note that if you computer preview is smudgy and choppy this is NOT a CAMERA fault! Same video is played perfectly fine on Blue Ray player when converted to H.264. I also have new unibody 2008 Mac Book pro OS X - laptop detects camera right away and launching iMovie08 offering video transfer. If you have older non Intel Processor Mac - forget about this camera - and ALL OTHER's AVCHD/H.264 camcorders - most likely they will not be working for you. So please do not write negative reviews do not confuse people OK?



I do not use Component and AV cables (they still in the box). If you do you are downgrading HiDef video to patetic Analog quality. I refuse call it a "Standard Definition". HDTV is new STANDARD! And that other thing is Analog. :) So I use just a HDTV cable to direct view on HDTV and USB cable to move files to Harddrive.



This camcorder when connected via USB cable is detected as external drive not a camera. No big deal to me even more convenient. I prefer to be able to save original files by Copying them to folder I created on my harddrive. When camera is connected to computer make sure - do not delete movies from camcorder this way. Movies "List/Previews" still will be displayed in camera LCD preview. Completely delete files in build in memory only using in-camera controls. And format removable MemStick only in camcorder not in computer. I believe this is typical to all camcorders.



If you already have HDTV - LCD or Plasma you can view footage directly from camera connecting via HDTV cable. It is looking really good on my Samsung LCD as good as any non-studio recorded HD content. But this is only a temporary solution. You'll need to empty memory to take more video's right? I wanted to get the best video from this camcorder and it is all about conversion of MTS to H.264. There are different solutions for Mac and Windows users. Keep reading.

.......................................

PC users:

- You can use supplied by Sony PMB Software to burn your original HiDef files to REGULAR not a Blue Ray DVD-R!!!! This is awesome for someone who already has Blue Ray player anf HDTV! I repeat they can be burned on regular DVD burner to normal DVD-R and then played in the Blue Ray player in full glory with no quality loss which can occur in conversions to other formats. I made disk like that and tried it out - and I can assure you - it is real HD video! No motion blur no hiccups all is PERFECT! Looks like BlueRay players have much better hardware to handle HD content. You can AVCHD DVD directly from camera or from movies you copied to the comp harddrive. For each movie event I create separate folder and later PMB need to 'analyze' each folder befor disk burn.(By the way when PMB burning disk you will see that MTS format is converted to H.264). It is in a Manual too.

- One more way: You can install XVID (free) plugin and you can perfectly play original uncorverted MTS files via Windows Media Player!!!!

- Another way: you can get DIVX 7 Pro for mere $[...] ([...]) and convert to MKV or DIVX PLUS HD format which can be easily played on PC and Mac computers. DIVX player is free is that Pro version which has converter is not free...

- If you have slightly outdated Core 2 Duo comp - make sure you get more memory (4GB+ and better video card with HD support like Nvidia 9000 series DDR3 /Direct X 10/Open GL2.x)

- Allegedly Windows 7 should have better HiDef support and most of the codexes... will see.

.....................................

Mac Users:

- Sony providing PMB software for PC user only. Get over it. But actually Mac user have even better solution not free though...

- You can get Mac version of DIVX player also for $[...] and convert MTS to something more user friendly.

- Or (My choice) you can shell out $[...]+tax for Elgato Turbo.264 HD USB/hardware based encoder/accelerator ([...]) and convert MTS to h.264 then store them on external haddrive

- Quick Time Pro 7 can be used for playing H.264 movies! Again they can be burned on regular DVD-R for BlueRay players. You also can connect your Mac via MiniDisplay Port /HDMI adaptopr ([...]) to any HDTV or projector for bigger trill.

- PS: MacConnection catalog now is listing this CX100 so you see - it is OK it is safe to get Sony HDR CX100! :)

....................................

Finally if you don't have any stinkin' computer or all what you got is one of those anemic 'netbooks' and you still want Canon or Sony H.264 camcorder - No problem. At Costco for $[...] you can get standalone Sony DVDirect MC5 DVD recorder (not a Blue Ray disk recorder regular DVD's) and connect it by USB cable. You can make AVCHD disks readable by Blue Ray players. Never tried myself just repeating what Manual says :). Canon also has similar device but it looks like it is making only analog not HD DVD's. So all you will need is: Camcorder/MC5 recorder/Stack of DVD-Rs (which cost on average ~$[...] each)/new BlueRay Player/720p or 1080p LCD or Plasma HDTV. That's it!



MY OBSERVATIONS and recommendations after first week of playing around.

1. ALWAYS record in highest possible resolution [HD FH].

2. Set color to X.V. COLOR!!! (if you have Sony Blue Ray player/and HDTV supporting that (Sony Panasonic...) you can have advantage of enhanced colors). But it may be better turn it OFF in really sunny day. Colors might be way saturated (red/blue/yellow) almost fluorescent. And even with x.v.color off - believe me camera will produce very nice video! And use of x.v. color could be very beneficial for cloudy days or for dimmer lighting.

3. Make sure that you have image stabilization (STEADYSHOT) tuned ON!

4. ...all other settings I have on Auto. You choose yours.

5. There is bunch of useful presets like Beach Landscape Soft Portrait ... I have to check it out yet.

6. Camera is very light so you'd better hold it steady or attach it to something. I have small tabletop tripod (~$[...]) and I have it attached to the bottom - it works for me like an extra handle.

7. Even when camera is on a tripod - pan (sweep left/right) as slowly and smoothly as you can. Many people have to learn this because some report excessive blur - it not worse than much more expensive camcorders. It is YOU - you need to learn how to "drive" your new toy. Eventually it will come to you no worries.

8. Get a Polarizer or UV filter - to see through the glare of glass or water. This is VERY nice thing to have on a bright sunny day!

9. Tripods? I have Slik Compact XL light and good for travel. Works for me. But much better is Manfrotto 190XDB I saw for $[...] at bestbuy... Very solid built and smooth panning.



RECIPIE to get best video (This is true for ALL camcorders and digital cameras):

- Try to get as close as possible to object you are filming. I think best range is 2 - 20 ft. Next best is 20-50 feet

- Do not shoot in the dusk/dark. Film in well lit conditions. Try to have sun or source of light behind you not in front of you (unless you are shooting Hawaiian sunset... :) In low light - this camera is about the same as any other one's if not better. Do not listen to purists about low light "performance".

- Turn OFF that "Digital Zoom"! 10x of OPTICAL zoom is more than enough for most conditions. Beyond that you will get big quality degradation. Try to apply less zoom as possible. Besides "digital" zoom is using camera sensor reducing resolution to get higher zoom. NOT good!

- Less zoom will make a big difference (unless camera on a tripod) for Image Stabilization it will work better. Try and you will see how is difficult to hold camera still on far zoom range...

- U can use Wide Angle adapter I got ~$[...] Sony VCL-0630X through Pricegrabber and it is just... OK. At max zoom corners will be blurred a bit. You can find better one for $[...] (Sony VCL-HGA07).



CONCLUSION: There are better camcorders over there. I really like new Canon HF S100... But it is around ~900! And this cutie for under 460 --- it can be beat! And even in a "pocket" size - it is real Hi Definition camcorder just use it to full capacity! Later on when I become a PRO cameraman and have tons of money (3500-4000) - I will definitely go for a Scarlet from RED ([...]). But now -- I'm happy with CX100. When I get decent video's I will post it on [...].



... Phew I'm tired of typing. Just go and get it.

UPDATE: I just saw Pricegrabber's new super deal - 455 at [...]! That's $[...] less than I paid)

You'all have a good time! More detail ...