Sony Handycam HDR-UX5

Description: The Sony Handycam HDR-UX5 is a DVD+ R DL (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), DVD+ RW (8cm), and DVD-R (8cm)-based, consumer camcorder.Compared to other consumer camcorders on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $375.It ships with Sony picture motion browser software.

Pros: Has MPEG-2 and AVCHD digital video formats, which is considerably more favorable than some similarly priced camcorders.In fact, the typical cost of a product with a comparable set of digital video formats is $615.Supports manual focus, which helps savvy users to tape in hard-to-focus situations.This unit weighs just 18.7 ounces without battery and media, which is very light.

Cons: None noted, given available product data.

Suitability: Built for those who want the perks of a DVD-recordable disc but don't mind the compromises.This model can take 2 megapixel photos, which may adequately substitute for a dedicated camera.

Value: In general, this camcorder's features are in line with its price.

Suggestions: For more help selecting the right digital camcorder, visit CNET Reviews' buying guide.

CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.

• Manufacturer: Sony
• Part Number: HDRUX5

• General

• Product Type Camcorder - 1080i
• Digital Zoom 80 x
• Optical Sensor Size 1/3"
• Optical Sensor Type ClearVid CMOS
• Min Illumination 0 lux
• Digital Video Format AVCHD, MPEG-2
• Special Effects Sepia, Pastel, Old Movie, Monochrome
• Image Stabilizer Electronic (Super Steady Shot)
• Digital Scene Transition Black fader, White fader
• Min Shutter Speed 1/2 sec
• Max Shutter Speed 1/500 sec
• Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
• Shooting Programs Beach, Candle, Sunset, Sunrise, Fireworks, Landscape, Spotlight, Portrait mode, Sports lesson
• White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
• White Balance Presets Indoor, Outdoor
• Exposure Modes Program, Automatic
• Camera Flash Built-in flash
• Flash Modes Auto mode
• Widescreen Video Capture Yes

• Main Features

• Camcorder Sensor Resolution 2.1 megapixels
• Camcorder Effective Video Resolution 1.4 megapixels
• Camcorder Effective Still Resolution 2 megapixels
• Camcorder Interpolated Still Resolution 4 megapixels
• Color Support Color
• Still Image Format JPEG
• Remote Control Remote control - Infrared

• Memory / Storage

• Image Storage JPEG 2304 x 1728, JPEG 2304 x 1296, JPEG 1600 x 1200, JPEG 640 x 480
• Media Type DVD-R (8cm), DVD+RW (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), DVD+R DL (8cm)

• Lens System

• Type Zoom lens - 5.1 mm - 51 mm - F/1.8-2.9
• Focal Length 5.1 mm - 51 mm
• Lens Aperture F/1.8-2.9
• Optical Zoom 10 x
• Lens system type Zoom lens
• Min focal length 5.1 mm
• Lens Manufacturer Carl Zeiss
• Max focal length 51 mm
• Filter Size 37 mm
• Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
• Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive

• Additional Features

• Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
• Digital Still Camera Function Yes
• Additional Features PictBridge support, Accessories hot shoe, Touch-screen control, USB 2.0 compatibility, Takes photos while movie recording, Dolby Digital 5.1 channel recording
• Remote control Remote control - Infrared
• Software Sony Picture Motion Browser

• Viewfinder

• Viewfinder Type LCD
• Viewfinder Diagonal Size 0.27 in
• Viewfinder Resolution 123,000 pixels
• Image Aspect Ratio (camcorders) 16:9

• Display

• Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.7 in - Color

• Microphone

• Type Microphone - Built-in
• Microphone Features Wind noise reduction

• Connections

• Connector Type 1 x USB, 1 x Component video output, 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x HDMI output, 1 x S-Video output
• Expansion Slot(s) 1 x Memory Stick PRO Duo

• Audio Input

• Audio input type Microphone
• Microphone type Built-in
• Microphone Operation Mode Surround

• Miscellaneous

• Cables Included A/V cable, USB cable, Component video cable

• Power

• Power Device Power adapter - External

• Battery

• Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )

• Viewfinder / Display

• Display Form Factor Rotating
• Display Format 211,000 pixels
• Viewfinder Color Support Color

• Physical Characteristics

• Width 3.2 in
• Depth 5.3 in
• Height 3.2 in
• Weight 18.7 oz

Sony

Manufacturer profile

• Website: http://www.sonystyle.com
• Address: 16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA. 92127
• Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
• Email: contact@sel.sony.com
• Fax: 941-768-7790