Sony Handycam DCR-SX60 Camcorder Review

by Kaitlyn Chantry
Published on Jan 4, 2010 4:33 PM

 
Intro
 Product Tour
Color & Noise Performance Motion & Sharpness Performance
Low Light Performance Compression & Media
Manual Controls Still Features
Handling & Use Playback & Connectivity
Audio & Other Features Canon FS200 Comparison
Samsung SMX-F34 Comparison Panasonic SDR-S26 Comparison
Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings


Introduction

The Sony DCR-SX60 For first-time camcorder users that are shopping the standard definition market, the Sony DCR-SX60 (MSRP $369.99) may seem like a compelling choice. It has easy touchscreen navigation, a great auto mode, and just a couple options in case you want to try out more advanced videography. Unfortunately, there are several more compelling options on the market that can give you ease of use and superior video performance.

Update: The JVC Everio GZ-MG670 was selected as our 2009 Standard Definition Camcorder of the Year. To see why we selected it and read about our other awards, check out the 2009 CamcorderInfo.com Select Awards.
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Section The Good The Bad
Product Tour Design is simple and uncluttered A bit angular in appearance
Color & Noise Performance Nothing in particular Color and noise performance was worse than the competition
Motion & Sharpness Performance Video was fairly smooth and didn't have a lot of trailing Artifacting was very bad; motion looked worse than usual for a standard definition camcorder
Low Light Performance Nothing in particular Low light sensitivity and color accuracy were below average
Compression & Media Included software makes basic importing easy You can't simply drag and drop the files to your computer
Manual Controls Focus, exposure, and white balance are all available Touch screen control interface isn't great for manual adjustments
Still Features Nothing in particular Performance and features are poor; only captures 640 x 480 photos
Handling & Use Easy to navigate menus; handy tool tips for beginners Battery life and stabilization are poor; camcorder doesn't fit great in your hand
Playback & Connectivity Nothing in particular Face Index feature is a tease: promising in theory but nonfunctional in practice
Audio & Other Features Hi-low and zoom mic are surprising features for a standard definition camcorders No headphone/mic jacks or audio level display

 

Sony DCR-SX60 Comparisons
the Canon FS200 the Samsung SMX-F34 the Panasonic SDR-S26
Canon FS200 Samsung SMX-F34 Panasonic SDR-S26



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