Sony Unveils the SDR-SX83: A High-End Standard Definition Camcorder

by Kaitlyn Chantry
Published on Jan 6, 2010 5:30 PM




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January 6, 2010 – Today, Sony unveiled a new high-end standard definition camcorder, proving that at least one manufacturer still believes that consumers want quality standard definition video. The HDR-SX83 Handycam features 16GB of internal flash memory and a larger sensor than the rest of Sony's 2010 standard definition lineup.

In many ways, the SX83 is a standard definition version of Sony's newly announced HDR-CX150. They have the same 2.5mm, 25x optical zoom lens and the same 1/4-inch CMOS sensor with a 1,350,000 effective pixel count. Both the SX83 and CX150 also incorporate Sony's Exmor R back illumination sensor technology, which was introduced late last year. The rest of the company's 2010 standard definition lineup does not have the Exmor R technology, instead utilizing 1/8-inch CCD sensors.

The SX83 is also roughly the same size and weight as the CX150 and both camcorders received Sony's optical image stabilization with new Active mode. (Other standard definition Handycams have only digital image stabilization.) The SX83 does have the same 2.7-inch 230,400-pixel LCD touchscreen as the rest of the standard def lineup and has the new Intelligent Auto mode.

Unsurprisingly, the SX83 does not offer many of the features present in Sony's high-end high definition camcorders. There is no cam control dial, no six-blade G lens, no white balance shift, no manual shutter speed, no viewfinder, no accessory shoe, and no flash for still photography. As is befitting of a standard definition camcorder, the SX83 does not have an HDMI output or the ability to output in 60p.

The SX83 does have one more exciting feature new for 2010: a hybrid memory card slot compatible with both Sony brand Memory Stick PRO Duo cards and standard SD/SDHC cards. These new slots are being fitted to the entire Handycam lineup this year and mark unprecedented flexibility for a Sony camcorder.

The SX83 will be available spring of 2010.