Is this good for a high-def camcorder? A lot of specifications?

Question

Main Features
Digital Video Format: MPEG-2, AVCHD
Digital Zoom: 120 x
Camcorder Effective Still Resolution: 2.0 Mpix
Camcorder Sensor Resolution: 2.36 Mpix
White Balance Presets: Indoor, outdoor
Exposure Modes: Program, automatic
Optical Sensor Size: 1/5"
Still Image Format: JPEG
Optical Sensor Type: ClearVid CMOS
White Balance: Custom, automatic, presets
Max Shutter Speed: 1/1000 sec
Min Shutter Speed: 1/60 sec
Widescreen Video Capture: Yes
Media Type: Flash card
Shooting Programs: Spotlight, landscape, portrait mode, fireworks, twilight mode, sunset, candle, beach, sunrise
Image Stabilizer: Optical (Steady Shot)
General
Product Type: Camcorder
Enclosure Color: Black
Lens System
Auto Focus: TTL contrast detection
Optical Zoom: 10 x
Zoom Adjustment: Motorized drive
Features: Built-in lens shield
Filter Size: 30 mm
Lens Manufacturer: Carl Zeiss
Additional Features
Digital Still Camera Function: Yes
Low Lux / Night Mode: Yes
Battery
Supported Battery Details: 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( included )
Supported Battery: Sony NP-FH50
System Requirements for PC Connection
Peripheral Devices: USB port, CD-ROM drive
Miscellaneous
Cables Included: Component video cable ¦ A/V cable ¦ USB cable
Display
Type: LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.7" - color
Microphone
Type: Microphone - built-in
Microphone Operation Mode: Surround
Microphone Features: Zoom
Microphone Technology: Electret condenser
More Information
Shipping Weight (in pounds): 2.4
Product in Inches (L x W x H): 2.25 x 2.375 x 4.5
Assembled in Country of Origin: USA and/or Imported
Origin of Components: USA and/or Imported
Wal-Mart No.: 000686887

Answer 1

-your choice in general was very good, but the sensor size it's too small, you should get a 1/3.2" or larger sensor ESPECIALLY in the case of HD video recording.



-The sensor is the part responsible of video capturing, if it is small the video will be somewhat blurry/soft and will lose some detail.



-another option for the camcorder is to have 3 small sensors instead of one big sensor (such as the Panasonic HDC-HS300).



-I would recommend canon HF11 over this one, or if you prefer sony get a CX-12 or a CX-7 (and try to look for them online, I've got the older model of the HF11, the HF10 (and i am very very pleased with it) from amazon for 700$ 9 months ago.



-The Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD2000 is very appealing (both in price and performance)



-The Canon HF S10 and Panasonic HDC-HS300 are the best of the best consumer Camcorder (if you can afford any of them then go for it !)



-If you are still confused/thinking you might want to take a look at this website http://www.camcorderinfo.com



-A general tip, Try the camcorders in the shop and view the Recorded video (Not live feed from the camcorder) on a full HD 1080 TV of 37' or larger and then decide.

Answer 2

It is a Sony... HDR-CX100, I think.



But I don't like AVHD/MTS because it is too compressed - and likely that your video editor (MovieMaker) cannot deal with that file type - so you will need to buy a video editor that can. Sony Vegas or Adobe Premiere.



What do you plan to do with the video you do not use today - but maybe want to use in a year or two? Where/how will you store it?



Small lens and imaging chips means poor lowlight behavior. But it does have a built-in infrared emitter for zero light monochrome capture.



Digital zoom on ANY camera or camcorder is useless. When you get the camcorder, disable it.



No external mic jack. No manual audio control.



Set the expectation: If you use this camcorder under good lighting conditions (outdoor, sunlight), the video will be great. Deviate from this and the video will quickly turn poor. No loud audio. It will sound muddy and clipped. No soft or no audio - it will pick up the characteristic whooshing sound of the auto mic gain trying to do its job.



For a high definition camcorder, it is a better than a pocket flip type... but not as good as a Canon HV30 or HV40 or Sony HDR-HD9...

Answer 3

What sort of budget are you working to? Have you included things like lights, mics, tripod, editing apps? High Def stored on memory card is usually very highly compressed - not a good choice if you're going to do much editing. I don't know what "good" zoom is - it depends what you're going to record. Most pro camcorders don't go beyond 15-20x as there are too many problems with extreme zooms - the high numbers are more of a marketing ploy than a real benefit.

Answer 4

you're getting a lot of features for your money, I would go with it.