Sony HDR-XR520V Handycam First Impressions Camcorder Review

by Jeremy Stamas
Published on Jan 11, 2009 1:20 PM

 
Intro Audio
Compression & Media Manual Controls
Still Features
 Handling & Use
Playback & Connectivity Other Features
Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings



Still Features
There's a plentiful amount of still image features on the Sony HDR-XR520V, but it still won't replace a decent dedicated still camera. The XR520V is listed as being able to capture 12 Megapixel still images, but this number is very misleading. Its effective pixel count in still mode is around 6 Megapixels (in 4:3 mode), which means the device is only capable of capturing 6,000,000 pixels of information. The 12 Megapixel number is based on interpolation. So, yes, your photos will be 12 Megapixels in size, but they'll only have 6 Megapixels of information. 6 Megapixels is still quite impressive for a camcorder, however, so the HDR-XR520V will work well as a hybrid device—just don't go throwing away your digital still camera yet.

The camcorder can detect up to 8 faces using Face Detection, which automatically adjusts exposure and focus for each face detected within the frame. The HDR-XR520V also introduces Smile Shutter, a feature that will automatically snap a photograph when your subject curls their lips. If you don't want to switch over to the dedicated still mode, you can always take photographs in video mode—even while you are recording. This is called the Dual Record feature and it works with Smile Shutter and Face Detection technology (meaning you can automatically have the camcorder take a photo when your subjects smiles while you are recording). Still photos max out at 8.3 Megapixels when using Dual Record. You can set the sensitivity of Smile Shutter (in case you don't want it to accidentally go off when someone is simply opening their mouth) and you can choose priority between children and adult. Smile Shutter is an interesting auto feature, but it will likely be frowned upon by users with any affinity to manual controls.

Still Feature Specifications
Size 12 Megapixel, 8.3 Megapixel Dual Record
Quality n/a
Flash Yes


The flash on the HDR-XR520V

There is a flash on the HDR-XR520V and it's located on the left side of the lens. This is decent flash placement and Sony offers control over red-eye reduction as well as flash level (normal, high, and low). The flash can be turned on and off, as well as set to auto, in the photo settings menu.

 



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