Sony HDR-XR520V: Review

Posted to Camcorders 2010-11-06

Sony HDR-XR520V review:

The Sony HDR-XR520V handycam with built-in harddrive also offers an inbuilt GPS receiver so that you can tag your home movies with a geographical location. Weighing 1lb 4oz with the battery attached, the XR520V feels quite bulky in the hand compared with other offerings, primarily due to the inbuilt 240GB non-removable harddrive.

Capable of recording in true high definition 1080p format, the inclusion of the 240GB harddrive really helps solve the problem of storage of your movies on the fly. There is the added option of putting in a memory card should you need more space. Recording movies with 5.1 surround sound is also a handy feature for those concerned with better audio quality from their handycam, however there is a lack of an environment noise filter, meaning you will record any wind interference you come across.

Rating:

3.4 out of 5

Quality

Sony does produce quality electronics and has continued to do so for a number of years. The XR520V includes a quality Sony NP-FH60 Li-on rechargeable battery for extended recording and playback, showing they are serious about having quality parts within their components. The high capacity 240GB harddrive also means you will have plenty of quality storage at your fingertips for your movies. If you have never purchased a harddrive capable handycam, then its often better to go with a company that you can trust to be around should you run across any problems, so Sony is a clear candidate in that category.

Performance

HD recording on handycam's is now becoming more widespread following the increase in other HD capable technologies available to consumers. The added benefit that is received from Sony's Exmor CMOS sensor gives your recorded movies a reduction in the grainy effect that can sometimes mar home videos, while increasing the clarity of images that are recorded. An available recording resolution up to 1920x1080 gives the user the freedom to record however they wish. Image capture is also impressive, with the 12 megapixel camera ensuring high quality photo capture.

Summary

Handheld cameras are coming down in price, making the newer versions more affordable for anyone looking to enter the market. Despite is bulky appearance, the 240GB HDR-XR520V is a fully capable High Def handycam that can accomplish your image capture and video recording tasks easily. There may be better value for money in other models, but for a top of the range handycam, this unit might be the answer.

Pros

240GB Harddrive
Geo-tagging via inbuilt GPS
Fully HD Capable
12 megapixel Image capture

Cons

A little bulky