Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB HDD High Definition Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom
Too low to display
- 1920 x 1080 high-definition resolution
- 12.1-megapixel still image capture
- Built-in 120 GB hard disk drive can record and store up to 48 hours of high definition video footage (HD LP mode)
- Bionz image processor; Face Detection
- 3.2-inch widescreen, touch-panel Xtra Fine LCD display and color viewfinder.
Product Description
Preserve your memories in stunning, incredibly detailed 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution. The Sony HDR-XR500V Handycam even allows you to share your videos and photos with family and friends on your compatible HDTV. Boasting a massive, built-in 120 GB hard disk drive (HDD), you 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). You’ll also enjoy peace of mind with HDD Smart … More >>
Home Camera Photo
Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB HDD High Definition Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom
This camera is awesome. Great video quality!
Two Cons:
1.- Pictures taken at night are TERRIBLE! You cannot trust on this camera if you go out at night or in low light conditions planning to take some pictures. However, video quality at night is pretty good.
2.- GPS feature… No feature at all! I travel a lot to south america, and the camera comes with NO MAPS for that region! I was trying to update the maps, wasted a week trying to find out how to do it, and at the end the answer from Sony Support was taht “the user cannot update or upload any map to this camera. So what’s the point of having a GPS without a map??? Also, if you are indoors, even in a terrace or near a windows, this thing is not able to check your position. This is a feature that shoud have been developed a lot more before reaching the markets and charge you for that!
Rating: 4 / 5
This camcorder has excellent video quality even in very low light. It even has a infrared light for night recording. The audio quality is good.
All media files (videos, pictures) are tagged with GPS lat/long but may not be useful outside of the camera and the supplied software which can
It is very compact, not very heavy and fits in my hand. The hard disk size of 120 GB is plentiful and the memory stick can be used if you need more space.
The playback with component cables is at 1080i and the quality is good. The remote functionality is good enough for playback but leaves much to be desired if you plan to use if for recording.
The menu system needs a lot of time getting used to. The battery that comes with the camera has less than 90 minutes of recording time. I plan to get the Sony NPF-H70 battery which supposedly has a longer life.
The software supplied with the camcorder has very limited functionality.
Manual control is limited to only one function at any time (focus, exposure, etc.). I primarily use for exposure especially for back-lit subjects.
Ovearall, I am very satisfied with this camcorder.
Rating: 4 / 5
It is easy to use and gives beautiful results and 120GB is a lot of HD recording time. LCD display is just first rate and stunning. I wish Sony would make high quality software like Flip has – so that one cold share easily. A real Gem!
Rating: 5 / 5
I’ve had this camera for a couple of months now and haven’t really put it to the full test but so far I very much like it. I’m a total dunce when it comes to learning how to operate things like this but this camera was a snap. Sony’s manual is very clear and easy to follow and the camera is intelligently designed. I just can’t get over how small and light weight it is! The picture is gorgeous and it uploads on to my mac through imovie really easily. I did have to upgrade to Snow Leopard however, but that was something I needed to do anyway. I will be putting it to serious use in a couple of weeks and if my opinion of it changes I’ll come back and update my review.
I should also mention I had a Sony digital camcorder before this one, and it was great and lasted 10 years even though I dropped it on the floor a couple of times. I loved it and it still works, but I wanted to upgrade to HD. I’ve had good luck with Sony products.
Rating: 5 / 5
I can’t ask for a better camera. The picture quality is exceptional and there is absolutely no jittery recording with this camera. The price was hefty but you get what you pay for.
One thing that I didn’t like is the fact that, you have to turn on the camera to get the memory card out. It could be elsewhere where I didn’t have to turn the camera on. This is not a big deal but I thought I mention it.
Also battery life sucks but it is not any worse than comparable products out there.
Overall, this is an excellent product. I love it.
Rating: 5 / 5