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Sony HDR-CX700V High Definition Handycam Camcorder (Black) by Sony
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Sony Model: HDRCX700V Color: Black Product features: - 1920x1080 Full HD 60p Recording w/12MP still image
- 96GB Flash Memory for up to 40 hours of recording
- Manual Control (Iris/Shutter/Exposure/White Balance)
- CinemaTone presets and 24p recording for cinematic quality video
- Advanced controls with expanded focus, zebra, and peaking
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sony HDR-CX700V High Definition Handycam Camcorder (Black)Customer Review: First Impressions Summary: 4 Stars
This is not a comprehensive review, but rather some first impressions after my first couple of hours with this camcorder. I may expand on this review later. I am also not an expert with video; I'm just a geeky dad that wants to get the best possible video of my kid being cute.
I was upgrading from a 4 year old Sony HDR-SR1. The HDR-CX700V is a really nice upgrade, but it didn't blow me away. Perhaps my expectations were too high. But, one good thing is the size. Like the first reviewer, it is smaller than I was expecting. The wide angle lens allows me to get much more in the picture than my old cam, and that is a huge benefit for my typical video of a preschooler running around the house. The low light performance is also much better than my SR1, but I was still hoping for better. I guess that I shouldn't have expected it to be perfect without perfect lighting, though.
One of the big selling points for me to upgrade was being able to shoot in 1920x1080x60p. Well, this cam does in fact do that. However, I did not realize that it is not possible to shoot still photos while recording in this mode (or the highest quality 60i mode). Also, I didn't realize that I wouldn't be able burn a Blu-ray disc in that format. The Blu-ray standard doesn't support that format. I would have to downconvert to 1920x1080x60i or 1920x1080x24p or 1280x720x60p. Luckily, my PS3 will play the 60p files from the camcorder. I just had to update my PS3 to support that.
The good news is that Sony Vegas Pro 10 has no problem editing these files. I can edit and render a 1920x1080x60i AVC file, and that will play fine on my PS3 (including audio), or I can render to 1920x1080x60i MPEG-2 and burn to Blu-Ray. However, I have not yet figured out a way to render an edited 1920x1080x60p file. So, the ability to record in 1920x1080x60p is somewhat forward looking, in my opinion, since I can't easily play that format on my TV without doing it through the camcorder.
This isn't a really big deal, though, because I can't see much a difference between my 1920x1080x60p and 1920x1080x60i files when playing them back. Granted, I didn't have any really fast action in my test footage, so that is probably to be expected. But, I still think that if I already had a 1920x1080x30p (or 1920x1080x60i) camcorder, then I don't think the upgrade to 1920x1080x60p would be all that compelling. But, in my case, I was upgrading from a camera that shot in 1440x1080x60i, so it is still worth it for me. And, it is nice to have source footage in a higher quality if the Blu-Ray format is enhanced in the future.
Overall, I can quickly tell that this cam is much better than my 4 year old one that was at about the same price point when I bought it. But, I suspect that the upgrade wouldn't be all that huge from a comparably priced cam that is only a year or two old. I think 60p is overrated, at least until there is a viable way to burn a 60p Blu-ray disc.
Description of Sony HDR-CX700V High Definition Handycam Camcorder (Black)With its "Exmor R" CMOS sensor, the HDR-CX700V Handycam Camcorder delivers superior low-light capabilities. Enhanced manual controls and 60p/24p recording options provide the precision you need for shooting professional-quality HD videos. CinemaTone technology lets you capture stunning videos with deeper, more film-like color tones. The wide angle Sony G Lens lets you capture more of the action with sharp images and brilliant, accurate colors. Also equipped with 96GB embedded Flash memory, you can record and store up to 40 hours of high-definition video footage (HD LP mode). A vibrant 3.0" touch-screen display lets you compose and view your shots while a built-in GPS receiver gives you the ability to view your current location on the LCD map display, as well as "tag" your shooting locations. Additionally, this camcorder provides advanced capture and control features including expanded focus for precise manual focus control, zebra and peaking for precision focus and exposure adjustments. FEATURES: 1920x1080 Full HD 60p Recording w/12MP still image capture - The Sony HDR-CX700V offers 1920 x 1080 high definition resolution letting you record your memories in exceptional Full High Definition quality. Capable of 60p recording and playback via HDMI and compatible HDTV4 providing stunning clarity and incredibly detailed and smoother playback of your memories. CinemaTone presets and 24p recording for cinematic quality video - For extra control over image expression, CinemaTone technology is used to deepen the color and recreate film-like color tones. Combined with 24p recording, you'll have some of the tools you need to fulfill your need for cinematic expression. Back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS sensor for superb low-light video - Experience stunning low-light sensitivity with improved image clarity and drastically reduced grain with Sony'
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