Sony HDR-CX700V Camcorder Review

Sony HDR-CX550V Comparison

We were disappointed by the HDC-TM900, but not because it is a bad camcorder. Instead, we were upset by Panasonic's lack of progress with its new flagship model. The HDC-TM900 has little in the way of new features compared to its predecessor (the HDC-TM700), and its video performance was essentially the same. The new elements Panasonic did add: a larger LCD (by 1/2 an inch), an iFrame record mode (for better Mac compatibility), and a redesigned menu system. The HDC-TM900 is also capable of recording 3D videos—but you need to purchase an expensive lens adapter first.

Despite its lack of innovation, the HDC-TM900 is still a top-notch camcorder. It did better than the Sony HDR-CX700V in our performance testing, its Full HD 60p record mode produced sharper video and better motion, and the camcorder's manual controls are easier to use. For all those reasons, it is a better camcorder than the HDR-CX700V.

But, the Sony does have its advantages. We liked its 24p mode more than Panasonic's Digital Cinema 24p option, and the CX700V is a simpler camcorder for beginners. The presence of a standard definition record mode on the HDR-CX700V is also a pleasant attribute (as is the camcorder's enormous amount of internal flash memory). Both of these camcorders are very good top-level models. Sony did a lot more to improve on last year's model, while Panasonic made very slight adjustments to our 2010 pick for Camcorder of the Year.

/r:render