Why it's best:
The Sony HDR-XR500V is a high-end consumer camcorder that's very light and compact. It offers excellent video quality overall and records full 1080p (1920x1080) HD video to its built-in 120GB hard drive. This HD camcorder has two unique features not found in other camcorders. First, it has built in GPS for geotagging photos and video. Second, and more importantly, it is the first consumer camera to use a new Exmor-R back-illuminated CMOS sensor. This sensor places the photosite layers above the electronics and should theoretically increase light sensitivity of the sensor in low light situations. This camcorder's 15x zoom coupled with its optical image stabilization system allows you to zoom in close and take detailed videos and stills without having to worry about blurriness caused by shaking while holding the camcorder in your hand. There is no full manual control, but several program modes are offered that will suit almost all lighting and movement conditions. This camcorder records in 5.1 surround sound which makes videos sound great when watching them through a 5.1 surround sound system. The large (3.2 inch) widescreen LCD display is bright and crisp. Overall, this is a great camcorder.
While the Sony HDR-XR500V is often touted as being able to take 12.1 megapixel photo stills, this is not entirely true. The camcorder’s sensor is 6 megapixel and it can take 12.1 megapixel interpolated stills, but this is not true 12.1 megapixel. Nonetheless, it still offers good still photos for a camcorder.
User Reviews:
Average User Rating:
(13 total reviews)
Most helpful user reviews:
Literally the best consumer camcorder on the market as of April 2009 March 18 20091. Still capture at 12 megapixels is probably a waste of disk space (and the extra processing time that it takes to deal with the larger pictures). Unless ...read full review
A Product That Will Not Disappoint July 07 2009 Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB HDD High Definition Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom
The quality of the product surpassed my expectations. The clarity of the video in ...read full review
A nice AVCHD encoder/recorder that makes me happy (for now) November 20 2009 I hesitated a lot about buying the Panasonic TM300 or Sony's HDR-XR500V. Like most consumers cautiously waiting for spending circa US$ 1000+ in an electro...read full review
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Bestcovery's Best Picks in Camcorders
Manufacturer Description:The HDR-XR500V camcorder is ideal for capturing the moment in high definition (HD). Record 1920x1080 HD video and 12.1 megapixel still images directly to the internal 120GB hard drive. In addition to a professional-quality Sony G lens, this camcorder features a 1/2.88" Exmor R CMOS sensor, which delivers superior low-light performance. Additional features include Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology, a built-in GPS receiver, image stabilization and flexible playback and transfer options.
- Best Sony Camcorder
The Sony HDR-XR500V is a high-end consumer camcorder that's very light and compact. It offers excellent video quality overall and records full 1080p (...
read moreThe Sony HDR-XR500V is a high-end consumer camcorder that's very light and compact. It offers excellent video quality overall and records full 1080p (1920x1080) HD video to its built-in 120GB hard drive. This HD camcorder has two unique features not found in other camcorders. First, it has built in GPS for geotagging photos and video. Second, and more importantly, it is the first consumer camera to use a new Exmor-R back-illuminated CMOS sensor. This sensor places the photosite layers above the electronics and should theoretically increase light sensitivity of the sensor in low light situations. This camcorder's 15x zoom coupled with its optical image stabilization system allows you to zoom in close and take detailed videos and stills without having to worry about blurriness caused by shaking while holding the camcorder in your hand. There is no full manual control, but several program modes are offered that will suit almost all lighting and movement conditions. This camcorder records in 5.1 surround sound which makes videos sound great when watching them through a 5.1 surround sound system. The large (3.2 inch) widescreen LCD display is bright and crisp. Overall, this is a great camcorder.
While the Sony HDR-XR500V is often touted as being able to take 12.1 megapixel photo stills, this is not entirely true. The camcorder’s sensor is 6 megapixel and it can take 12.1 megapixel interpolated stills, but this is not true 12.1 megapixel. Nonetheless, it still offers good still photos for a camcorder.
...
read less- Best Camcorder Overall
The Sony HDR-XR500V is a high-end consumer camcorder that's very light and compact. It offers excellent video quality overall and records full 1080p (...
read moreThe Sony HDR-XR500V is a high-end consumer camcorder that's very light and compact. It offers excellent video quality overall and records full 1080p (1920x1080) HD video to its built-in 120GB hard drive. This HD camcorder has two unique features not found in other camcorders. First, it has built in GPS for geotagging photos and video. Second, and more importantly, it is the first consumer camera to use a new Exmor-R back-illuminated CMOS sensor. This sensor places the photosite layers above the electronics and should theoretically increase light sensitivity of the sensor in low light situations.
This camcorder's 15x zoom coupled with its optical image stabilization system allows you to zoom in close and take detailed videos and stills without having to worry about blurriness caused by shaking while holding the camcorder in your hand. There is no full manual control, but several program modes are offered that will suit almost all lighting and movement conditions. This camcorder records in 5.1 surround sound which makes videos sound great when watching them through a 5.1 surround sound system. The large (3.2 inch) widescreen LCD display is bright and crisp. Overall, this is a great camcorder.
While the Sony HDR-XR500V is often touted as being able to take 12.1 megapixel photo stills, this is not entirely true. The camcorder’s sensor is 6 megapixel and it can take 12.1 megapixel interpolated stills, but this is not true 12.1 megapixel. Nonetheless, it still offers good still photos for a camcorder....
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Image Processor
Image Sensor - CMOS
Image Sensor Quantity - 1
Image Sensor Size - 0.35"
Lens Features
Optical Zoom - 10 X
Digital Zoom - 120x
Filter Diameter - 37 mm
Video Recording
Recording Media - Hard Drive, Memory Card
Video Capture Format - AVCHD, SD
Maximum Video Capture Resolution - 1920 x 1080
Minimum Lux Rating - 3 lux
Image Stabilization - Optical
General Features
Additional Features - Backlight Compensation, Built-in Light, Touch Screen, Viewfinder
LCD Screen Size - 3.50 in
Interface Connection - 1 x Audio/Video Out, 1 x HDMI Digital Audio/Video Out, 1 x USB 2.0 USB, 1 x DC Power In
Built-in Memory - 240 GB
Hard Drive Capacity - 240 GB
Power
Power Source - Lithium Battery
Dimensions
Height - 2.91 in
Width - 2.76 in
Depth - 5.63 in
Weight - 1.12 lbs
Dimensions - 2.91" Height x 2.76" Width x 5.63" Depth
Warranty
Warranty Information - 1 Year Limited
More Info
URL - http://www.sony.com
Merchants (Images) - Electronic Imaging
Quick Glance
Recording Media - Hard Drive, Memory Card
LCD Screen Size - 3.50 in
Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
Interface Type - 1 x Audio/Video Out, 1 x HDMI Digital Audio/Video Out, 1 x USB 2.0 USB, 1 x DC Power In
Image Stabilization - Optical
Optical Zoom - 10
Weight - 17.92
