After spending hours researching about this camera, I bought it because I decided it was the best. Now that I have used it for several months, I know for myself. Why? Several reasons.
1. The image quality was my #1 concern and this camera doesn't disappoint. Indoors, the quality is definitely more than acceptable, but outdoors is where it really jumps out at you. Color was amazing and there was absolutely no blurriness, fuzziness or grain. It's really as good as it can get.
2. The photo mode is very useful and more than just an added feature. In 8.9 mp, the quality was better than expected (outdoors at least).
3. The touchscreen interface is easy to understand and people with steep learning curves will adjust without trouble. Also, the physical buttons on the camera are few in number, with only the most used and most logical functions being present; everything else is handled one step at a time on the touchscreen.
4. I thought that the GPS function would only be a software gadget that didn't really do anything, but it is nothing short of phenomenal. I live in Ukraine, so naturally I got it shipped here. When I charged up the camera and looked at the GPS section, I saw that the map said I was in New York, presumably the place where the camera was manufactured. I told the GPS to refresh itself and went outside. The camera brought up a satellite map and started connecting with nearby satellites. Once it connected with four of them (after about 2 minutes) I got an exact map of where I was complete with coordinates and exact date and time. The map could zoom way in and I was shocked to find that not only were the names of local areas written in the local language, but the small, almost nameless street that I lived on was present on the map! Nice.
5. The projector is worth every cent of the extra $100 you need to pay for that option. It is extremely clear and the colors are almost as good as on the LCD screen itself. It's a great way to show others the videos you just took. The projector is only a few lumens though, so naturally it works better the less light there is.
6. Another cool feature, the camera takes pictures when someone on the screen smiles, great for catching moments that you would have missed otherwise. Also, you can play a video in slow-motion and then capture an image from it as a separate picture.
Now for a few important notes.
I stand by my decision that this is the best video camera out there for about $600, but that doesn't mean there are things for the buyer to keep an eye on.
First, there's the battery. I think that Sony made a good choice when balancing battery life and the size of the battery, but realistically speaking, most people will only get about an hour and a half of recording time out of a full charge, and that is only if you avoid lots of playback, projector use, and standby time. You can't really complain when you see how small the battery is and how big the LCD display is, but for those hoping for longer recording time, your best bet is to buy the optional NP-FV70 battery like I did. It provides about twice the recording time and honestly, is completely worth the extra $60. Just look out for the NP-FV100 battery pack: It's almost half as thick as the entire camera.
The other thing is the memory. Sure, 16 GB sounds like plenty, but by the time the manufacturer formats the memory and the basic camera software and satellite maps are on there, there is about 12.6 GB of space left. That's adequate, but if you like to record in medium-high quality like I do, then you might want to buy a high-capacity high-speed SD card. If you want to make good use of the GPS tagging function and the projector function, you pretty much HAVE to get an SD card, because once you move your pictures and videos off the camera, there is no way to use the projector function and using the GPS function requires that you install their software and run all of your data from there. I prefer to record in high quality FH mode which allows for full HD resolution, yet doesn't take up as much space as the higher bit rate FX mode. Not only that, but it's the highest quality mode that still allows for simultaneous picture taking and recording; anything higher and you have to quit recording to be able to take a picture. In FH mode, you can record for 1 hour and 43 minutes. By the way, don't bother recording in 60p PS mode unless you have a high-speed solid-state hard drive to put it on. Otherwise the footage will look jerky on your computer. Hard disks are too slow to adequetly process such a complex image.
These notes aside, I think that this camera is flawless except for a slightly squeaky sounding LCD screen (update: it went away after a little while.) I'm sure it's nothing more than a minor issue unique to this one camera that I received. Oh, and still images taken inside usually look grainy even in 8.9 mp; keep in mind that if quality is important, the camera function should NEVER replace a seprate still-image camera.
If you are looking for a video camera that has great video quality and a lot of cool features without bulky size or an eye-watering price, this is definitely it.
There is a newer model of this item:
Sony - HDRCX405 HD Video Recording Handycam Camcorder (black)
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(2,784)
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$228.00
(2,784)
Only 10 left in stock - order soon.
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This Item  Sony HDR-CX260V High Definition Handycam 8.9 MP Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom and 16 GB Embedded Memory (Black) (2012 Model) |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $135.00 | $289.49 | $149.99 | $62.99 | $199.98 | $418.73 |
| Delivery | Get it May 15 - 16 | Get it as soon as Tomorrow, Apr 24 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 29 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 29 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 29 | — |
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| Sold By | Chumdog LLC | 6ave | Jiameip US | Michee-US | Foreign ornaments | Amazon.com |
| display size | 3 inches | 2.7 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 2.7 inches |
| digital zoom | 350 multiplier x | 350 multiplier x | 16 multiplier x | — | 18 multiplier x | 300 multiplier x |
| optical zoom | — | 30 multiplier x | — | 18 multiplier x | 10 multiplier x | — |
| video resolution | 1080p | 1080p | 4K; 2.7K 30FPS; 1080P 120FPS; 1080P 60FPS; 1080P 30FPS; 720P 240FPS; 720P 60FPS; 720P 30FPS | 2.7K | 4K | 1080p |
| connectivity tech | USB | USB | Wi-Fi, HDMI | USB | USB | USB, HDMI |
| shooting modes | Slow Motion, Spotlight, Low Light, Face Detection, Automatic | Automatic | Automatic, Manual, Easy | — | — | Low Light, Portrait |
| lens type | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom |
| optical sensor tech | CMOS | CMOS | CMOS | CMOS | — | CMOS |
| flash memory type | Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, SD, SDXC, Memory Stick PRO DUO, SDHC | Memory Stick PRO DUO, SD | SD | SD | SD | SD |
| form factor | Compact | Palmheld | Handheld | Compact | Handheld | Handheld |
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I was ready to be wowed, so I was ready to be disappointed
** SEE UPDATE AT END **When reviewers tell you something is spectacular, it makes you wonder. It also prepares you to be disappointed, since your expectations are raised.This Sony camcorder exceeded even my raised expecations. Sure, the projector is better than a host of far more costly standalone units. Yawn. Sure, it takes HD video, but isn't that what it's supposed to do? Really, what amazes me about this is everything: the total design and outfit, and in particular, the razor sharp focus.First, a quick intro: I bought a camcorder after more than 10 years of waiting. Prior to this, I bought a Sony Digital-8 to replace my Hi-8, then bought a cheap Panasonic DVC because of its portability and because it fit nicely into a diaper bag. Somewhere in between all of this, was another DVC by JVC that broke. (I seem to say that often of JVC) So, readers take note: I haven't bought a new camcorder in more than 10 years.Why? Because I really didn't think I needed it. I've seen a few videos shot by my friends with their newer equipment. It was nothing I didn't already get with the two working camcorders I had. In other words, I was content with the older models, in particular the very old Sony Digital-8 with ridiculously good video and low lux capabilities. Besides, with the birth of #2, we weren't using the camcorder as much, and we had smartphones with video-taking ability.I recently completed a family presentation. It started with a video from the 1960s. This reminded me of how precious video can be. I ran to my favorite store, Amazon, to see what I could get for a reasonable price. I picked this camera for its combination of value, portability, and yes -- because it had a built-in projector. It arrived this week. Here are my impressions: ** PROS ** Still shots at 8.9 MP that are superior to a number of still cameras - See attached photos True color - Sony gets the color right and is not oversaturated as seems to be the trend 30X optical zoom. - Nice! Razor sharp focus - Nice X2Projector - Oh wow! How? The projector puts out sharp video through a tiny little aperture, and with ample lux Smile detection - Weird feature, but when I went back to output the video, found still images with big smiles on the subject. I can appreciate this. Intuitive design - touchscreen is nice, menus are well thought out Form factor - Size is 13 ounces with supplied battery: fits in average person's right palm. (I'm a lefty and I think it's not bad at all, considering lightweight nature) Software - the Sony PlayMemories Home package is excellent, and embedded for installation at your command. Software add-on allows for easy HD recording to DVD (to play on Blu-ray, not DVD The software also allows for quick social media posts, if you're into that. ** CONS ** Battery - It seems that camcorders never come with reasonable life batteries. This one ships with a NP-FV50, a little over 1 hour of battery life, according to the manual. Built-in USB charger - A great idea, but the cord is about 1 or two inches too short to be useful without the (included) extension.I'm sure I'll be posting updates as I take the camcorder from testing / learning mode to real everyday video. For now though, I'm reminded of why people still own full-version camcorders in this day and age of smartphones and Facebook.**UPDATE**I can now officially say my favorite feature on this camera is the razor sharp still image captured surreptitiously through smile detection. There's nothing like genuine, candid smiles and this camera -- excuse me -- videocamera, catches the moment perfectly. It's also pretty clear from friends' reactions that this is what impresses them too. That said, some additional observations: Taking video in broad daylight with a LCD monitor isn't always easy. I would have liked a viewfinder, even a black and white one. The built in lenscap (open shut switch) sometimes gets stuck and the camera has to be closed and reopened in order to get it to reset. Video conversion has never been easier though, particularly with the enclosed software. (PC user, can't comment on Mac) A side by side comparision of video taken through this camcorder and my older camcorders are no contest. This model is markedly superior.Anyhow, those are my additional thoughts. The five star rating still stands solid.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2012
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2012
When reviewers tell you something is spectacular, it makes you wonder. It also prepares you to be disappointed, since your expectations are raised.
This Sony camcorder exceeded even my raised expecations. Sure, the projector is better than a host of far more costly standalone units. Yawn. Sure, it takes HD video, but isn't that what it's supposed to do? Really, what amazes me about this is everything: the total design and outfit, and in particular, the razor sharp focus.
First, a quick intro: I bought a camcorder after more than 10 years of waiting. Prior to this, I bought a Sony Digital-8 to replace my Hi-8, then bought a cheap Panasonic DVC because of its portability and because it fit nicely into a diaper bag. Somewhere in between all of this, was another DVC by JVC that broke. (I seem to say that often of JVC) So, readers take note: I haven't bought a new camcorder in more than 10 years.
Why? Because I really didn't think I needed it. I've seen a few videos shot by my friends with their newer equipment. It was nothing I didn't already get with the two working camcorders I had. In other words, I was content with the older models, in particular the very old Sony Digital-8 with ridiculously good video and low lux capabilities. Besides, with the birth of #2, we weren't using the camcorder as much, and we had smartphones with video-taking ability.
I recently completed a family presentation. It started with a video from the 1960s. This reminded me of how precious video can be. I ran to my favorite store, Amazon, to see what I could get for a reasonable price. I picked this camera for its combination of value, portability, and yes -- because it had a built-in projector. It arrived this week. Here are my impressions:
** PROS **
Still shots at 8.9 MP that are superior to a number of still cameras - See attached photos
True color - Sony gets the color right and is not oversaturated as seems to be the trend
30X optical zoom. - Nice!
Razor sharp focus - Nice X2
Projector - Oh wow! How? The projector puts out sharp video through a tiny little aperture,
and with ample lux
Smile detection - Weird feature, but when I went back to output the video, found still images
with big smiles on the subject. I can appreciate this.
Intuitive design - touchscreen is nice, menus are well thought out
Form factor - Size is 13 ounces with supplied battery: fits in average person's right palm. (I'm
a lefty and I think it's not bad at all, considering lightweight nature)
Software - the Sony PlayMemories Home package is excellent, and embedded for installation at
your command. Software add-on allows for easy HD recording to DVD (to play on Blu-ray, not DVD
The software also allows for quick social media posts, if you're into that.
** CONS **
Battery - It seems that camcorders never come with reasonable life batteries. This one ships
with a NP-FV50, a little over 1 hour of battery life, according to the manual.
Built-in USB charger - A great idea, but the cord is about 1 or two inches too short to be
useful without the (included) extension.
I'm sure I'll be posting updates as I take the camcorder from testing / learning mode to real everyday video. For now though, I'm reminded of why people still own full-version camcorders in this day and age of smartphones and Facebook.
**UPDATE**
I can now officially say my favorite feature on this camera is the razor sharp still image captured surreptitiously through smile detection. There's nothing like genuine, candid smiles and this camera -- excuse me -- videocamera, catches the moment perfectly. It's also pretty clear from friends' reactions that this is what impresses them too. That said, some additional observations:
Taking video in broad daylight with a LCD monitor isn't always easy. I would have liked a viewfinder, even a black and white one.
The built in lenscap (open shut switch) sometimes gets stuck and the camera has to be closed and reopened in order to get it to reset.
Video conversion has never been easier though, particularly with the enclosed software. (PC user, can't comment on Mac)
A side by side comparision of video taken through this camcorder and my older camcorders are no contest. This model is markedly superior.
Anyhow, those are my additional thoughts. The five star rating still stands solid.
I was ready to be wowed, so I was ready to be disappointed
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2012
** SEE UPDATE AT END **Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2012
When reviewers tell you something is spectacular, it makes you wonder. It also prepares you to be disappointed, since your expectations are raised.
This Sony camcorder exceeded even my raised expecations. Sure, the projector is better than a host of far more costly standalone units. Yawn. Sure, it takes HD video, but isn't that what it's supposed to do? Really, what amazes me about this is everything: the total design and outfit, and in particular, the razor sharp focus.
First, a quick intro: I bought a camcorder after more than 10 years of waiting. Prior to this, I bought a Sony Digital-8 to replace my Hi-8, then bought a cheap Panasonic DVC because of its portability and because it fit nicely into a diaper bag. Somewhere in between all of this, was another DVC by JVC that broke. (I seem to say that often of JVC) So, readers take note: I haven't bought a new camcorder in more than 10 years.
Why? Because I really didn't think I needed it. I've seen a few videos shot by my friends with their newer equipment. It was nothing I didn't already get with the two working camcorders I had. In other words, I was content with the older models, in particular the very old Sony Digital-8 with ridiculously good video and low lux capabilities. Besides, with the birth of #2, we weren't using the camcorder as much, and we had smartphones with video-taking ability.
I recently completed a family presentation. It started with a video from the 1960s. This reminded me of how precious video can be. I ran to my favorite store, Amazon, to see what I could get for a reasonable price. I picked this camera for its combination of value, portability, and yes -- because it had a built-in projector. It arrived this week. Here are my impressions:
** PROS **
Still shots at 8.9 MP that are superior to a number of still cameras - See attached photos
True color - Sony gets the color right and is not oversaturated as seems to be the trend
30X optical zoom. - Nice!
Razor sharp focus - Nice X2
Projector - Oh wow! How? The projector puts out sharp video through a tiny little aperture,
and with ample lux
Smile detection - Weird feature, but when I went back to output the video, found still images
with big smiles on the subject. I can appreciate this.
Intuitive design - touchscreen is nice, menus are well thought out
Form factor - Size is 13 ounces with supplied battery: fits in average person's right palm. (I'm
a lefty and I think it's not bad at all, considering lightweight nature)
Software - the Sony PlayMemories Home package is excellent, and embedded for installation at
your command. Software add-on allows for easy HD recording to DVD (to play on Blu-ray, not DVD
The software also allows for quick social media posts, if you're into that.
** CONS **
Battery - It seems that camcorders never come with reasonable life batteries. This one ships
with a NP-FV50, a little over 1 hour of battery life, according to the manual.
Built-in USB charger - A great idea, but the cord is about 1 or two inches too short to be
useful without the (included) extension.
I'm sure I'll be posting updates as I take the camcorder from testing / learning mode to real everyday video. For now though, I'm reminded of why people still own full-version camcorders in this day and age of smartphones and Facebook.
**UPDATE**
I can now officially say my favorite feature on this camera is the razor sharp still image captured surreptitiously through smile detection. There's nothing like genuine, candid smiles and this camera -- excuse me -- videocamera, catches the moment perfectly. It's also pretty clear from friends' reactions that this is what impresses them too. That said, some additional observations:
Taking video in broad daylight with a LCD monitor isn't always easy. I would have liked a viewfinder, even a black and white one.
The built in lenscap (open shut switch) sometimes gets stuck and the camera has to be closed and reopened in order to get it to reset.
Video conversion has never been easier though, particularly with the enclosed software. (PC user, can't comment on Mac)
A side by side comparision of video taken through this camcorder and my older camcorders are no contest. This model is markedly superior.
Anyhow, those are my additional thoughts. The five star rating still stands solid.
Images in this review
