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Introduction
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01.Design
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02.Product Tour
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03.Performance
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04.Color Performance
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05.Low Light Performance
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06.Motion Performance
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07.Sharpness Performance
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08.Sample Videos
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09.Usability
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10.Ease of Use
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11.Handling
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12.Controls
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13.Features
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14.Recording Options
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15.Hardware
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16.Other Features
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17.JVC GZ-HM400 Comparison
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18.Panasonic HDC-TM300 Comparison
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19.Sony HDR-XR520V Comparison
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20.Conclusion
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21.Photo Gallery
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22.Specs & Ratings
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23.Comments
Canon Vixia HF S11
Previous: Page 18
Panasonic HDC-TM300 ComparisonNext: Page 20
ConclusionSony HDR-XR520V Comparison
The Sony HDR-XR520V is more expensive than the HF S11 and is certainly much bulkier and more uncomfortable. For many consumers, those disadvantages will be outweighed by the root cause: an enormous 240GB hard-drive. That gives you practically infinite capacity. We think the 64GB of internal flash memory on the HF S11 is plenty—plus it has the advantage of being more stable than the moving parts of most hard drives.
In terms of performance, the two camcorders are roughly equivalent. It’s less noisy, but also less sharp. And neither gives an impressive performance in low light. Both also rely on a small dial at the front of the camcorder for adjusting some manual controls. We do like that the XR520’s dial is easier to change on the fly, but the Canon simply offers more options. There’s AGC limit, shutter-priority and aperture-priority modes, 24p and 30p frame rates, and more still photography features. It’s true that the Sony has a viewfinder, but we think most videographers will choose manual image controls over a viewfinder.
There is one significant advantage the XR520 has over the HF S11: an incredibly effective image stabilization system. Like the HF S11, the Sony model has two levels of stabilization, but the Sony is significantly better at reducing camera shake. The XR520 is also a little easier to use for beginners, especially thanks to some helpful tool tips.
We think this means that newer consumers will lean towards the models from Sony, but experienced users might opt for the savvy offerings from the Canon HF S11.
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