Posted to Camcorders 2009-05-17
If you love the look of all the new high definition movies that are currently available on the market and you wished your camcorder could deliver the same quality, then you may want to check out the Sony HDR-UX20. The Sony HDR-UX20 offers users the best of both worlds. It provides users with the functionality of a standard camcorder but throws in the added features that may have once only been available on a standard point and shoot digital camera. The HDR-UX20 is one of the few High Definition camcorders on the market. With a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens with a 15x optical zoom, and a 2.7 inch wide Clear Photo plus LCD view screen, the HDR-UX20 packs a wealth of features into a handy package that fits well in the palm of your hand. Unlike most digital camcorders, the HDR-UX20 offers users the ability to capture their memories in full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution, which is beyond the capabilities of the less expensive, standard resolution camcorders. It measures approximately 2.4" x 3.75" x 5.4" and weighs only 1.3 ounces which makes it great for catching all those on the go, high activity moments that only a camcorder can deliver.
FeaturesWhen it comes to features the HDR-UX20 packs a lot of features into a handy, go anywhere package. This camcorder provides users with the ability to record to one of three different types of media. This machine can record to either its internal 8 GB of flash memory, DVD, or a MemoryStick Pro Duo memory card via the built in card slot. When it comes to recording action shots that require audio, the HDR-UX20 allows the user to capture only the audio that they want. Utilizing the built in zoom microphone the camcorder can focus the microphones audio recording on your subject. The microphone stays synced with the cameras zoom so you only capture the audio you want and nothing you don't. The HDR-UX20 also comes equipped with a 2.3 megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor, Exmor technology and BIONZ image processing. These features allow the camcorder to deliver bright, vivid, detailed 2.3 megapixel video footage with 4 megapixel stills. The Exmor technology gives the user the ability to deliver high quality, high resolution still images while the BIONZ image processor allows the camera to respond faster while screening out noise before RAW data conversion. The best feature of the HDR-UX20 is the fact that it provides face detection in both video and photo mode. Once only available on point and shoot cameras, this feature has bridged the gap and made its way to digital camcorders. When in use, it can identify up to 8 faces and will automatically adjust focus, exposure, color control and flash control. This feature helps to capture smiling faces clearly while delivering natural skin tones while not affecting the surrounding colors in the image. PerformanceThe HDR-UX20 performs quite well when it comes to ease of use and recording performance in good light conditions. Where it is inadequate is when it comes to filming video in low light conditions. Since the sensor on this camcorder is smaller than that which existed on its predecessors, it just can't seem to handle low light conditions as well as some other models, but performance in adequate lighting is good. Those who may be considering this model over earlier models may be discouraged to find that the HDR-UX20 comes equipped with a smaller LCD screen than some of its predecessors. While most models tend to shrink their package while increasing the size of the LCD screen, Sony has chosen to go in the opposite direction. While the size of the screen does not affect the camcorders functionality in any way, its size may make it a little harder to navigate menus. What may be considered the biggest flaw is something that is related to the HDR-UX20's biggest selling point. While it is one of the few camcorders that can record HD video, this functionality is quite the memory hog. If you choose to record to either the internal flash memory or the installed memory stick, you may want to make sure you have extra memory available or you will need to make sure you bring along enough recordable DVD's so you can transfer all your memories from flash memory to disk. SummaryIn conclusion, the HDR-UX20 provides users with a wealth of functionally that some models could only dream of providing. With high definition video performance and face recognition, this camcorder combines the performance of a camcorder with the functionality of a point and shoot. If you are looking for a camcorder that can truly multitask, then the Sony HDR-UX20 is the way to go. Pros
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