Sony HDR-CX560V (Black)
64GB flash memory Handycam high definition digital camcorder
497578650
HD and then some
Anything that can help you reduce the amount of stuff you have to carry around, especially if you're headed out for a vacation, is a blessing. Sony's HDR-CX560V will eliminate the need for a still camera and record the highest definition home videos currently possible. Take 12.3-megapixel still images (that's right, 12.3 megapixels) whenever you want a static shot. Or take 1920 x 1080 resolution live video enhanced with Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound. Store it all on the 64GB internal flash drive. It can hold up to 26 hours of video, but if that isn't quite enough for you, record to your Memory Stick PRO or SD memory card.
Making you the director
If you're the type of videographer who prefers a little control over your settings, the HDR-CX560V will make you very happy. The assignable dial lets you control focus, exposure, white balance, iris, and shutter speed. With these kind of enhanced manual controls, you can explore your artistic side. You can also use the Cinematone presets and 24p recording to give you even more control over image expression. Cinematone technology deepens the color, recreating a film-like style. Combined with 24p recording, you'll have the tools you need to produce a more film-like video. Go ahead; start writing your Oscar speech. Just be sure to mention the Sony HDR-CX560V.
Roger, we've got your location
Seven days into a ten-day backpacking trek through the Bob Marshall Wilderness, you leave the trail in the direction of the river. Coming to the edge of a pebbled beach on the South Fork's western bank, you discover a black bear sow with two cubs bounding about on the river's opposite bank. You're glad to be undetected and on the other side of the water, but you're also glad to be packing your Sony HDR-CX560V. Not only can you document the bears' playful afternoon along the river in Full HD, but thanks to the HDR-CX560V's built-in GPS receiver and NAVTEQ maps, you can view your current location on the camcorder's 3.0" LCD viewscreen. Further, using geotagging functionality, you can tag your location, giving you the ability to show friends exactly where the footage was filmed as you're sharing the clip with them back at home.
Rock steady
Let's be honest, unless you're attempting to catch footage of a forest-dwelling witch on film, there's a better-than-average chance you'd prefer most, or all, of your video to be smooth, steady, professional even. Well, you've come to the right place. Combining a built-in gyro-sensor and a floating lens, Sony's SteadyShot optical image stabilization actually repositions the camcorder's optical alignment to compensate for common sources of camera shake. Enhanced with 3-Way Shake-Canceling electronic roll stability, SteadyShot technology ensures smooth, stable recording from wide-angle to telephoto shooting.
The next best thing to night vision
While low-light situations — like dawn and dusk scenes or a a cloudy, stormy vista — make for the most dramatic settings, they often present the greatest challenge to video- and photographic equipment. After all, cameras and camcorders need light to capture images. Equipping you to record clear, vivid, and detailed footage even under poor lighting conditions, Sony has outfitted the HDR-CX560V with a stout repertoire of low-light performance features. First, the back-illuminated CMOS image sensor achieves stunning low-light sensitivity by maximizing the light-gathering area per pixel. The result is improved image clarity and drastically reduced grain in low-light scenes. Second, an Intelligent Flash adjusts flash performance for optimal clarity and detail when low-light situations are detected. Finally, several dedicated Intelligent Auto and Scene modes automatically configure exposure settings for great performance under such conditions as Backlight, Twilight, Low Light, and Sunrise & Sunset.
Included with purchase
The following items are included with the purchase of the Sony HDR-CX550V: HDR-CX550V camcorder, Lithium-ion battery (NP-FV50), AC adapter, Remote Commander control unit (RMT-835 with battery (CR2025)), Component-video cable, Composite-video cable, USB cable, operating guide, and Picture Motion Browser v5.0 software CD-ROM.
Review
Sony HDR-CX560V vs Panasonic HDC-HS700K (May 16, 2011)
| Ease of Use |
|
(4/5.0) |
|---|---|---|
| Value |
|
(3/5.0) |
| Performance |
|
(5/5.0) |
| Overall Rating |
|
(5/5.0) |
Reviewed By: Edgar H. - Ringgold, GA
The Sony HDR-CX560V camcorder is by far the best consumer level camcorder that I have yet to operate. The only one to come close to second place is the Panasonic HDC-HS700K. When connected to a 1080P HD TV, using an HDMI cable, the video is actually better than HD cable programming. The wide angle Sony G lens is great for indoor shots and the Panasonic doesnt even come close here. The daylight video quality is on par with the Panasonic camcoder I mentioned above, but when the lights are out, the Panasonic is useless without an optional recording light. On the other hand, Sonys Nightshot mode allows recordings to be made, even in total darkness! Both camcorders have a low lux mode and both work equally well. This means low lighting conditions, but not total darkness. Both camcorders do a great job in bringing in available light and the video appears lighter than the room actually is. The one category where, in my opinion, the Panasonic is slightly superior, is the touchscreen user interface. The Panasonic camcorder was easier for me to adjust the camcorder to different conditions. On the other hand, once you become familiar with the Sony user interface, I found that there were many customizatons that the Panasonic camcorder did not have. In summary, the easier user interface is the only category where I would rank the Panasonic on top. Daylight video quality is neck & neck. Everything else is Sony, hands down.
Comparison Specifications
- Zoom power: 10x optical; 120x digital
- Capture system: 1/2.88" back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS sensor
- 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD touch-panel viewscreen
- Outputs: Composite A/V, component video, HDMI mini, USB v2.0 Hi-speed
- SteadyShot image stabilization with Active mode
- Intelligent Auto shooting modes: Auto / Portrait / Baby / Tripod / Backlight / Landscape / Spotlight / Twilight / Macro / Low light
- Minimum illumination: 11 lux (Standard; 1/60 shutter speed); 3 lux (low lux, 1/30 shutter speed); 0 lux (NightShot, 1/60 shutter speed)
- Manual controls: focus, exposure, iris
- 12.3-megapixel still image capture; 12.3-megapixel dual capture; Photo capture from movie available
- Remote Commander (RMT-835 with battery) included
Additional Specifications
- Full HD video resolution (1920 x 1080 at 60p and 24p)
- 64GB internal hard drive
- Assignable dial
- Dual Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC card slots
- Dynamic Range Optimizer
- Direct Copy function
- White balance: Auto, Outdoor, Indoor, One Push
- Built-in zoom microphone with Dolby Digital 5.1-channel recording
- BRAVIA Sync
- Includes PictureMediaBrowser software for Windows
Manufacturer Specifications
- Slide Show Mode
- Scene modes: Auto, Twilight, Candle, Sunrise & Sunset, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, Beach, Snow
- x.v.Color
- Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology
- Pro-quality G Lens
- Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode
- NightShot Infrared system
- Golf Shot mode
- My Menu system
- Built-in GPS receiver for footage geotagging
Dimensional Specifications
- Dimensions: 2.50" W x 2.75" H x 5.38" D
- Weight: 13 ounces (with supplied battery)
Sony HDR-CX560V Warranty Details
1-year limited parts and labor warranty
