Sony Handycam HDR-UX20 Camcorder Reviewby Michael PerlmanPublished on May 5, 2008 8:33 AM 
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Audio (4.5)
This year, Sony equipped all of its high end camcorders with Zoom mic capability, which is becoming more of a standard in upper-tier camcorders. The HDR-UX20 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $0.00) has a 5.1-channel Dolby Digital Surround microphone mounted to the top of the camcorder. There is also an Active Interface Shoe (AIS) for after-market Sony microphones. Though the AIS is proprietary, Sony offers a decent spectrum of booms that can be mounted. Also, there is a converter available for third-party mics, but the HDR-UX20 is devoid of a Mic jack, which cancels out that possibility—it’s Sony or bust. There is also no Headphone jack, which further couches the HDR-UX20 within the consumer corner.
Audio recording can be set to either 5.1-Channel Surround or 2-Channel Stereo recording, though it won’t make much of a difference with the inherently low quality of the onboard mic. Audio recording can be set to Normal or Low. Normal records sounds at a fixed level, which is most likely an internal decibel governor to stave off pops, clicks, and hisses. Low records sounds at their actual level, which will lead to a more raw recording.
Playback (5.0)
Like any Sony, playing back video clips is a simple process. In order to access Playback mode, press the Playback button located in the lower left hand corner of the LCD screen or the Playback button located above the LCD cavity. A screen will appear containing a series of thumbnails that represent individually recorded video clips or stills. All menu operation is navigated via touch screen interaction, and you can swap between Video and Photo playback without having to jog the Mode dial.
Video playback mode as you see it on screen
When a thumbnail is pressed, the clip or still begins playing within the entirely of the LCD screen. Playback controls are all onscreen and consist of Previous Clip, Next Clip, Stop, Rewind, Play/Pause, Fast Forward, and Function. You can fast forward and rewind at four different speed levels and Stop brings you back to the index page. In Photo mode, you can set the images to play in a Slide Show.
In Video playback mode, the Camera menu contains the following options:
| Video Playback Function | |
| Page 1 |
Quality, Zoom, DIS, 16:9 Wide Recording, Gain Up, Wind Cut, Record Media For Video, Scene Counter |
| Page 2 |
Quality, Image Size, Gain Up, Continuous Shooting, Self-Timer, Record Media For Image |
| Page 3 |
Bright, Drop Detection, Remote, Demo Mode, Operation Sound, Select TV Type, Analog Input, Display, Display On TV, Language, Clock Adjust, Date Display Style, Date/Time, Preset, Quick Restart, Auto Power Off |
Connectivity (8.0)
The pickings are slim in terms of onboard connectivity with the HDR-UX20. The mini HDMI jack is mounted to the front, guarded by a flimsy plastic cover that we pulled out accidentally. Bad placement and difficult access are about all we have to say regarding that port. In back the DC and AV/Component terminals are shielded by a thin plastic hatch located beneath the battery. The USB cable is stuffed in the LCD cavity, hiding behind a flimsy plastic tab. Noticing an erratic display of port placement? It’s like Where’s Waldo. The HDR-SR12’s ports should be modeled by all consumer camcorder manufacturers for their optimal placement and killer retractable covers. The HDR-UX20 is a just a dud when it comes to design.
The Memory Stick PRO Duo slot is even lacking. Sony just threw on a small plastic tab to secure the edge of the card. The glossy plastic material that constitutes the LCD cavity makes for a greasy chamber for plastic-on-plastic action. Be careful with your Memory Stick PRO Duos—they might go flying.
Lastly, the HDR-UX20 makes up for its cheesy port configuration by outfitting the Active Interface Shoe (hot shoe) with a metallic plastic shield. This is not particularly functional—it just looks cool.
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| The HDMI port on the front was hard to access. | The hot accessory shoe for Sony (only) products. |
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| Well placed DC power and composite/component-out ports on the back under the battery. |
The USB port located on the left in the LCD cavity. |