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"Sony HDR-XR160 HD 1080p Camcorder!"
on by L-BerryPros + Sound quality very good
+ Picture is good enough in standard video
+ Video quality is quite good
+ Manual low light mode is works so well
+ Optical Zoom 30x is so good and quietCons - Auto focus is about 1/2 time slower compared to my Sony TRV-340 digital8 in my opinion
Summary I got this product and partially happy with it compared with my Sony TRV-340 digital8 camcorder.
Something I want to point out:
Features: I don't like the battery release button because it is at the bottom of the camcorder. When using it with tripod, it is very difficult to change the battery if tripod adapter is used unless the adapter is small or using FV-100 battery to avoid the problem.
Sound: It captures the sound quality very good and much powerful if zoom mic is enable.
Picture: It is good enough in standard video and quite good in 1080p capture. If viewing on the LCD panel, video quality is quite good for both formats. However, video quality looks too much brightness when viewing in computer or DVD player.
Manual low light mode (3LUX): It is a big surprise to me it works so well. Without any zoom in or out, I captured a clear video from the bed room using the light from the bathroom (light source 40W was about 6 feet way and pointed directly to the object behind the camcorder). But it is grainy if the zoom is used. It was also grainy if capturing a scene 15 feet away from the camcorder using light reflection, light source was about 10 feet behind the camcorder and pointed 90 degree angle. But I prefer to have it at 1.5-2 LUX.
Optical Zoom: 30x is so good and quiet.
Auto focus: It is about ½ time slower compared to my digital8 in my opinion.
Auto Gain works automatically ONLY in playback mode when using LCD panel.
Overall I grade this camcorder(below $600) 4-4.5 stars at consumer level camcorder. If it has 3 CMOS sensor and 1.5 LUX, it is my 5 star camcorder($2000+).
*** P.S. If you will buy this Camcorder I suggest you have compare price before you decide at: www.amazon.com/gp/*************?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%****%2Foffer-listing%2FB004H8FN8K%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref_%3Ddp_olp_new%26condition%3Dnew%23&tag=***************&********=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957 -
"Can take cheap, HQ video for a cheap price."
on by HKFIlmsPros 1. High definition recording.
2.160GB OF space (ive never used my memory card)
3.super compact and is open to screens and mics.Cons 1. no "professional" look.
2. Bearly any manual settings.
3. low light takes so much quality from video.Summary I say its worth the money, as though i found a proffesinal camera on a discount site for less than it is now. and its no longer sold on sony's online store.
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"Not very useful for sharing videos"
on by creemtsPros Takes a great video - easy to use and control
Cons Only option is for the video to be in a proprietary format, and you need Sony's special software to even get at it. Once you do gain access to the video files you have to manually convert them and the only option I have been able to find is to convert to
Summary If this is for you to use and only you want to see the videos -- OK ... if you want to use this for something like a team or work event then I would skip it. ... Personally, I am skipping it right back to the store ...
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"Great point and shoot"
on by mikezmacPros -Easy to use
- Mac and PC friendly
- Very nice results on the movies.Cons - lower light (outside at night) it's grainy a little, but not bad.
- The provided software packages are not mac compatible.Summary I'm very happy with this camcorder
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"I really liked working with this one"
on by mr-stanPros Long battery life is its strong point
Cons The battery life is not good
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