Sony Handycam HDR-UX20 Camcorder Reviewby Michael PerlmanPublished on May 5, 2008 8:33 AM 
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Comparison
Sony HDR-UX10 (Specs, Recent News, )The Sony HDR-UX10 ($799.99 MSRP) is simply an HDR-UX20 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $0.00) without the Hybrid Plus capability, meaning no built-in 8GB of Internal Flash Memory. Aside from that, both camcorders are identical—same imager, revamped processing, body design, menu system, etc. The $200 upgrade to the UX20 is highly recommended, as we can see no reason to settle for recording to DVD when the flash memory offers more convenience and a higher image quality.
Sony HDR-UX7 (Review, Specs, $0.00) (Review, Specs, $0.00)
Though Sony “upgraded” the processing and imaging set with new technologies this year, last year’s HDR-UX7 ($999.99 MSRP, $700 online) takes nearly every other category by storm. The HDR-UX7’s 1/2.9-inch ClearVID CMOS chip produced a decent image in bright light, but the HDR-UX20 takes the edge with lower all around noise and better low light. Plus, the HDR-UX20’s 16Mbps max bitrate leaps beyond the HDR-UX7’s 12Mbps max. The HDR-UX20 offers three media options, while the HDR-UX7 can only record to DVD. This year’s Sony imaging is tough to tango with, but the HDR-UX20’s handling is another story.
Since the HDR-UX7, Sony dropped the Cam Control dial, 3.5-inch LCD screen, and upward-pivoting viewfinder in favor of a tall, upright design. The Mic and Headphone jacks have also been abandoned, pinning the HDR-UX20 as a major consumer model, rather than an advanced cam like the HDR-UX7. So, the trade-off is handling and features for better video quality and more media options. Try before you buy, folks.
Panasonic HDC-HS9 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $0.00)
Panasonic has been floundering at the starting gates of 2008 and the HDC-HS9 ($999.95 MSRP) is a prime contributor. With an overall fair video performance brought on by three 1/6-inch CCDs, the HDC-HS9 needs a push in the handling or versatility department. Unfortunately, that ship sailed. The HDC-HS9 is the first generation Panasonic to feature a relocated Joystick (in the LCD cavity), which is not fun to use. Ports are still tucked away behind the battery, and there are no Mic or Headphone jacks. You can only capture stills up to 1920 x 1080 and there is no viewfinder. The HDC-HS9’s Face Detection is less effective than Sony’s, yet the overall manual control is a match, with more pro-like controls. The HDC-HS9 does have a 60GB HDD and SD/SDHC recording, which definitely beats 8GB of internal flash memory. This is a tough call—certainly one you’ll have to make in the store.
Canon HF10
There’s no contest here. You read the review. The Canon HF10 (Specs, Recent News, $0.00)($1099 MSRP) is a force to be reckoned with. Its video performance, handling, connectivity, and manual controls are fierce. The HDR-UX20 has very few edges to skate on here—the addition of DVD recording, Smooth Slow Record, and a great menu system is the main artillery. Canon even threw an Easy mode on the HF10, a tip of the cap (or a slap in the face) to Sony. The HDR-UX20 got the shaft in terms of external controls, shaving the Cam Control dial, 3.5-inch LCD screen, and additional connectivity from its diet. The HF10 will only set you back an additional $100, but it’s worth every cent.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
You’ve got DVD, Memory Stick, and Internal Flash to choose from. Throw Easy mode, some cool Picture Effects, and limited manual controls into the mixing bowl and you’ve got a Point-and-Shoot special. Order up!
Budget Consumers
A grand for HD video is fairly reasonable these days, but the HDR-UX10 joins the Panasonic HDC-SD9 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $0.00) as one of the cheapest HD camcorders on the market. If you want budget, $800 is the best you’ll get in the HD world.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
The HDR-UX20 was downgraded to a maximum still image size of 4MP. The Canon HF10 and Sony HDR-SR12 (Review, Specs, $1399.00) offer more in the ways of still images.
Gadget Freaks
The Hybrid Plus functionality is definitely cool. Aside from that, the HDR-UX20 is just another no-frills HD camcorder.
Manual Control Freaks
Sony lopped off some useful manual controls including AE Shift and WB Shift. The Cam Control dial has also been sacked. Again, the Sony HDR-SR12 and Canon HF10 will do the trick here.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists
Despite the improved processing and upped bitrate, the HDR-UX20’s lack of advanced controls and features make it a consumer special. Sorry, pros.
Conclusion
The Sony HDR-UX20 ($999 MSRP) is certainly not the best value in high definition camcorders. Don't misunderstand, it has a lot of great things going for it. First and foremost, the UX20 records to three separate media: DVD, an 8GB internal flash drive, and removable MemoryStick Pro cards. That's some great flexibility. But the DVD medium is painfully limited. Single sided discs only hold about 11 minutes of video in the highest quality. Also, because discs burn slower than the other media, the highest quality is only 14Mbps, while the two solid state options record at 16Mbps. Finally, all that ease of use you used to associate with standard definition DVDs is out the window. You can't pop it out of your camcorder and into your home DVD player unless you have a Blu-ray player or Playstation 3. All told, there is almost no reason to shoot high definition DVD, unless you really want that instant, in-your-hand archiving.
There is the option to simply not use the DVD recording and rely on the higher quality internal memory, but why then should you pay all that money in the first place? The Canon HF10 costs $100 more and offers twice the internal flash capacity - 16GB - and much better looking video. Another option is stepping up to the Sony HDR-SR11 (Specs, $1399.00). It's 60GB internal hard disk drive (HDD) has far more capacity and the video quality is superior, vastly so in low light.
If you want cheaper, the Canon HF100 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1399.00) ($899 MSRP) is expected to perform as well as the HF10, though it records only to SDHC cards. The Panasonic HDC-SD9 offers good, but not outstanding, performance for only $799 MSRP.
The Sony HDR-UX20 is a good camcorder in bright light, and we love all the media choices, which could really save your neck if you're out on a shoot. But it's just not a viable choice when you consider the price of the UX20 and the huge increase in quality you'll get for just a little more money.