Sony Handycam HDR-CX500V Camcorder Review

by Jeremy Stamas
Published on Oct 30, 2009 3:00 AM

 
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 Panasonic HDC-TM300 Comparison
Canon HF S11 Comparison JVC GZ-HM400 Comparison
Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings


Introduction
The Sony HDR-CX500VThe HDR-CX500V (MSRP $1099) from Sony is a high-end HD camcorder that records to 32GB of internal memory or Memory Stick cards. The camcorder did quite well in our testing, and its compact design is certainly striking, but Sony missed the target with its re-designed control wheel and updated menu system—not to mention leaving out several features that are commonly found on high-end models.

If you want even more internal memory, Sony sells an HDR-CX520V that contains 64GB of internal memory for $1299. Other than memory, it has the same internal specs as the HDR-CX500V.
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Section The Good The Bad
Product Tour Large sensor; automatic lens cover Boxy design makes for hard edges and uncomfortable handling.
Color & Noise Performance Good noise levels and color saturation Color accuracy was worse than most high-end models.
Motion & Sharpness Performance Motion looked good and had low amounts of artifacting. No 24p or 30p record mode; sharpness wasn't as good as we expected
Low Light Performance Color and noise performances in low light were solid. Low light sensitivity could have been a little better.
Compression & Media HD and SD recording options; 32GB of internal flash memory Uses Sony's proprietary Memory Stick format for recording to memory cards.
Manual Controls Spot Focus/Meter work well with touchscreen; good auto controls Adjustment dial is too small and is placed poorly; no manual shutter speed or aperture controls
Still Features Good color accuracy in still photos; built-in flash has lots of settings No continuous shooting or bracketing mode
Handling & Use 3-inch LCD is larger than average;  excellent optical image stabilization Menu navigation can be tricky; adjustment dial isn't great
Playback & Connectivity Highlight Playback can be fun to use; port covers are strong and sturdy No external mic or headphone jack; accessory shoe fits Sony-proprietary accessories only
Audio & Other Features GPS and Smooth Slow Record can be useful. Audio levels cannot be adjusted manually.

 

Sony HDR-CX500V Comparisons
the Panasonic HDC-TM300 the Canon HF S11 the JVC GZ-HM400
Panasonic HDC-TM300 Canon HF S11 JVC GZ-HM400



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