Is this camera significantly better than the Sony HVR-Z5u?
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It does not use tape like the Z5u does. it is completely solid state. No heads to clean or moving internal parts.
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Hi German, Sony HXRNX5U Camcorder is a professinal camcorder and your question can be answered accurately if you send your inquiry to bis.product.support@am.sony.com, provide them with your contact details and your concern. Thank you. -Vincent
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Personally, I did a lot of research before I bought the HG21 myself, and it seemed the best in the price range. I will mention though that I only looked at Canons (since I'm used to their system interface), so I'm not sure if there are other similar camcorders in other brands. Also, it didn't seem the Digic III was a huge change over the Digic II. The only extra feature Digic III really seems to offer is the face-detection, however that wasn't a huge selling point for me. For me, a better sensor mattered more, as it means better video quality.
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A lot of blue noise at 1,2 lux. Compared to Sony z1u (a very old model) there is no comparison, the z1u can't even go anywhere near that low light. Seriously, this is better in every way than a camera 10 years ago that costed $5000 except it doesn't have buttons for every single thing ever or a hot shoe but you can add an extension bar for that and you don't need all the buttons.
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would anyone comment on whether to purchase a sony hdr cx550v or sony hdr xr 550
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I was also on the fence between these cameras. Tried both out at the local camera shop. I will probably be doing a fair amount of video too, and the Nikon P500 had the worst image stabilization I have ever seen. The FZ100 was rock solid in comparison. I also recently found out that the FZ100 can have filters and telephoto extensions added to the lens. I'm going to wait a few weeks to see if it gets upgraded, but if not the FZ100 seems the way to go. The Nikon felt cheap in comparison.
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Motion detection on the NVR is pretty poor. It's supposedly possible to perform the motion detection in the camera which may work better (depending on the model and rev of camera), but I haven't been able to set that up yet. The settings are very unintuitive and not well documented.
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I am torn between these exact same two camcorders also. Looking forward to your follow-up post!
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http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/nikon_coolpix_p520_review/image_quality/I havent tried the Nikon but this Sony is pretty good in low light video , no zoom noise ,its pretty quiet . But I believe for big portraits, full fledge photographers wont recomment this Sony model but I wont be blowing up pictures with this camera.The Fz200 is a panasonic model has a shutter speed of 15 seconds while Nikon is 8 seconds, so I would say Nikon is better but Sony has 4 seconds shutter speed , so for night photgraphy Sony is the best in the group .
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I purchased both these cameras at the same time, the sony at my local best buy and a panasonic on amazon. They are pretty close to the same, the sony has a little more true color indoors but the panasonic has more vibrant colors outdoor. The sony looks a little more washed out outside. I was impressed with both cameras low light recording. The image stabilizer worked a little better on the sony I thought, the problem I have with the panasonic is that it almost tries to overcorrect the shake. It seemed any time I used the touch screen while recording (ie...zooming) I notice a slight jump in the picture. I think with a little practice I can eliminate this by how hard I tap the screen, but it's touchy. I didn't seem to have that problem with the sony. The panasonic gets a little warm in your hand, but considering I use it in a hockey arena it doubles as a hand warmer! The panasonic comes with a video light and a hotshoe and u have more manual settings. The software that comes with both is crap, plan on buying third party editing software no matter wich way u go. Is the difference worth the $70 more I paid for the sony? probably not, I can buy an extra battery and SD card for the pan. If you could find them for about the same price though, I would go for the sony.
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Hi all,A quick update. I am an engineer and I pay attention to Specs but when it comes to the SR100 vs SR300, I hands down tried both. The quality of the SR100 is far far much better. Yes it is that much diffrent. The colors are more vivid, smooth I dont see any boxyness. Also it is grainy. The only advantage is the still pictures are better then the SR100 but as far as video, there is no comparision. The SR100 is much better in low light...I dont see grains but the SR300 is obvious. I dont belive the specs about the SR300. If Sony does not come with a replacement, I may just sell this on ebay and buy a SR100 for video and use my digital camera for stills. Frank KalkattawiParis, France(Moved) Hi all,A quick update. I am an engineer and I pay attention to Specs but when it comes to the SR100 vs SR300, I hands down tried both. The quality of the SR100 is far far much better. Yes it is that much diffrent. The colors are more vivid, smooth I dont see any boxyness. Also it is grainy. The only advantage is the still pictures are better then the SR100 but as far as video, there is no comparision. The SR100 is much better in low light...I dont see grains but the SR300 is obvious. I dont belive the specs about the SR300. If Sony does not come with a replacement, I may just sell... » Read More Hi all,A quick update. I am an engineer and I pay attention to Specs but when it comes to the SR100 vs SR300, I hands down tried both. The quality of the SR100 is far far much better. Yes it is that much diffrent. The colors are more vivid, smooth I dont see any boxyness. Also it is grainy. The only advantage is the still pictures are better then the SR100 but as far as video, there is no comparision. The SR100 is much better in low light...I dont see grains but the SR300 is obvious. I dont belive the specs about the SR300. If Sony does not come with a replacement, I may just sell this on ebay and buy a SR100 for video and use my digital camera for stills. Frank KalkattawiParis, France(Moved) « Show Less
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I chose the Sony HX1. It isn't perfect, but it fit my needs (action shots, low light) The panorama is pretty cool too. Some pictures of my first time out with the camera: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kdemerly/sets/72157623202912683/
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The ZS20 is generally considered very inferior in image quality when compared to *anything else*. ZS15 would be better if you want a pocketable camera.
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I am also comparing these 2 Cameras. I want to use for Snorkeling and Beach pictures on our upcoming cruise. My preference is for Quality Underwater Photos over how stylish the actual camera is. Also, I am looking for the one with the Best Zoom Capabilities.......Anyone out there own one of these cameras ???
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I agree with j-rob. Does anyone know how the newer model (HDR-XR500V) performs in low-light situations? They claim the Exmor-R sensor helps with these situations. It's too bad there's no easy or cost-effective way to upgrade. I'm not in the position to spend another $1k+ for a new camcorder that handles low-light.
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Greetings, I have both cameras, they are actually both GREAT! Some random thoughts: I like the ZS3 25mm wide views. The Sony's battery last longer. I like the SD card of the Pana. The Pana is thinner and a bit easier to carry. This is VERY subjective - the Sony video is slightly sharper. Small sound of the motor when zooming the pana video. Both cameras have tac sharp pictures. It's a hard one because both are so good.
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I have the sony and love it. I particularly like the fantastic panoramic feature - I dont see a reference to that on the panasonic description here. I have had the Olympus variants of the waterproof cameras in the past and they were quite good. Have not taken the sony into the water yet - I assume it will be trouble free (as the olympus cameras have been in the past). The picture quality on the sony is a step up from my past cameras. Having not tried the Panasonic yet, I recommend the sony.