Sony HDR-CX500V pros:

+ 32GB of built-in flash memory
+ Lens cover
+ 12x optical zoom
+ God performance in low light
+ Large sensor
+ 3-inch LCD screen
+ Outstanding image stabilization
+ Built-in GPS
+ Good quality still photos

Sony HDR-CX500V cons:

- Disappointing sharpness level
- No 24p or 30p frame rates
- Manual adjustment dial a bit too small
- Menu not as straightforward as in the past

Performance:
The Sony HDR-CX500V is capable of recording in standard definition and in high definition. The former videos are recorded as MPEG-2, and the latter AVCHD. When recording in high definition at 16Mbps the 32GB of built-in memory allow for storing almost 4 hours of films. The camcorder is easy to use despite the fact that Sony did not implement its Easy Mode to the Sony HDR-CX500V. There is a wide array of manual settings which should satisfy those more demanding of you who know how to use them.

• Remote Control

Remote control – infrared

• Still Image Format

JPEG

• Exposure Modes

Program, automatic

• Min Shutter Speed

1/8 sec

• Max Shutter Speed

1/725 sec

• Image Stabilizer

Optical (Steady Shot)

• Digital Scene Transition

White fader, black fader

• Shooting Programs

Spotlight, landscape, portrait mode, twilight portrait, fireworks, twilight mode, sunset, beach, snow, sunrise

• Digital Zoom

150 x

• Min Illumination

3 lux

• Optical Sensor Size

1/2.88″

• Optical Sensor Type

Exmor R CMOS

• Media Type

Flash card

• Camcorder Interpolated Still Resolution

12.0 Mpix

• Widescreen Video Capture

Yes

• Face Detection

Yes

• Battery

Supported Battery Details
1 x Sony NP-FH60 Li-ion rechargeable battery
Supported Battery
Sony NP-FH60

• Microphone

Microphone Operation Mode
Surround
Type
Microphone – built-in
Microphone Features

• Zoom

Lens System
Filter Size
37 mm
Zoom Adjustment
Motorized drive
Optical Zoom
12 x
Lens Aperture
F/1.8-3.4

• Focus Adjustment

Automatic, manual
Focal Length
5.5 mm – 66 mm
Type
Zoom lens – 5.5 mm – 66 mm – f/1.8-3.4
Features
Built-in lens shield

• Additional Features

USB 2.0 compatibility, touch-screen control, accessories hot shoe, Dolby Digital 5.1 channel recording, Dynamic Range Optimizer, face detection, Smile Detection technology, built-in GPS

• Search Modes

Index search, map index search, face index search

• Display

Display Format
230,000 pixels
Display Form Factor
Rotating

• Memory / Storage

Flash Memory
32 GB flash – integrated
System Requirements for PC Connection
Operating System Support
MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000, MS Windows Vista

• Connections

Expansion Slot(s)
1 x Memory Stick PRO Duo

• Connector Type

1 x composite video/audio output ¦ 1 x USB ¦ 1 x component video output ¦ 1 x HDMI output ¦ 1 x S-Video output ¦ 1 x remote control

Other recently reviewed camcorders:

Panasonic HDC-TM300, Canon Vixia HF S11, JVC Everio GZ-HM400, Sony HDR-TG5V, JVC Picsio GC-FM1, JVC Everio GZ-HM200

Sony HDR-TG5V pros:
+ 16 GB of built-in flash memory
+ Sleek and durable design allowing for unusual handling
+ Low noise levels in bright light
+ Good color performance
+ Touchscreen works well
+ GPS
+ Slow motion recording

Sony HDR-TG5V cons:
- No 24p or 30p record mode
- No shutter speed, or aperture control
- 2 megapixel still photos
- Slightly bland colors
- No color adjustment tools

The design:

Sony HDR-TG5V measures 30x117x62mm and weighs 290 grams with the battery. On the front of this small camcorder you can see the built-in flash for still photographs along with the 10x optical zoom lens. At the bottom of the right side of the camcorder you can see the DC-in and AV/Component output ports hidden under a door. The back of the Sony HDR-TG5V features access lamps, circular ring controlling zoom, start/stop record button, photo shutter button. Also at the back is the panel housing the memory card slot, battery, and GPS on/off switch. The left side of the Sony HDR-TG5V houses the 2.7-inch LCD chamber. On the top of the camcorder is only the Dolby Digital 2-channel microphone. The bottom houses the tripod mount along with the dock connector.

Performance:

The Sony HDR-TG5V has no manual image adjustment tools or manual control over color.  Yet, the camcorder can record videos both in standard and high definition up to 1920 x 1080 at 16Mbps using the AVCHD coded. The built-in memory suffices for recording about 1 hour and 50 minutes of videos in the best quality. Features such as face detection or smile shutter work very well not only for videos, but also for still images. Unfortunately, using the 2.7 touchscreen flash is rather uncomfortable and there are no manual settings of aperture, shutter speed, gain or color adjustments.

Image quality:

The Sony HDR-TG5V produces quite accurate colors with good saturation. The noise levels is low and comparing to the competitions it is above average (in this class of camcorders). Although the camcorder can record only in one frame rate: 60l the motion captured by the Sony HDR-TG5V is actually quite good. Both the motion and sharpness are good for this class of camcorders. The low light performance is also quite good with decent noise and color performance which is not bad for such a small camcorder.

Still features:

The Sony HDR-TG5V can shoot still photos in about 2 megapixels and although the photos might seem a bit small their quality is in fact quite good. And it’s a good thing that the Sony camcorder can take still photos while recording videos.

Selected Sony HDR-TG5V features and specifications:

• Recording Format:

Flash card

• LCD Screen Size:

2.7 in.

• Digital Still Camera:

Yes
Focus and Zoom

• Optical Zoom:

10 X

• Digital Zoom :

120 X

• Focus:

Automatic, Manual

• Image Stabalization:

Digital
Connectors

• RCA Connectors:

1 x composite video/audio output

• USB Connectors:

1 x USB

• Other Connectors:

1 x HDMI output, 1 x component video output, 1 x DC power input

• Connector Types:

HDMI output, USB, Composite video/audio output, DC power input, Component video output
Image Quality

• CCD Size:

0.2 in
Accessories & Components

• Included Software:

Drivers & Utilities, Sony Picture Motion Browser

• Included Components:

Docking station, Wrist strap

Other recently reviewed camcorders:

JVC Everio GZ-HM400, Canon Vixia HF S11, Panasonic HDC-TM300