Sony Handycam HDR-CX6EK review

Sony Handycam HDR-CX6EK Review

Reviewed by: Philip Ryan

Reviewed on: 18 October 2007

A third option is to use the dock, which has the same composite AV out as the camcorder, as well as a component output -- also via a breakout cable, and a mini USB jack to connect to your computer. We were surprised that Sony didn't include a normal-size HDMI jack on the dock. It would've been a really nice touch.

Sony did include some great features though, such as the automatic lens cover, flash for still photos, and a nice complement of manual controls. While it doesn't include the Sony Handycam HDR-SR7E's shutter speed control, the CX6EK does have the same exposure shift; manual, indoor, outdoor and auto white balance; Spot Focus and Spot Metering; Super SteadyShot optical image stabilisation; and Super NightShot infrared mode for shooting in the dark.

Since the CX6EK doesn't include Sony's CAM CTL dial -- as the SR7E does, you have to adjust focus on the touchscreen, which isn't quite as nice as the dial, but works well nonetheless.

As the HDR-CX6EK records its video to a MemoryStick Pro Duo card, you should plan on buying at least one high-capacity card. On a 4GB Pro Duo card, the HDR-CX6EK can fit 32 minutes of best-quality, HD video. At an 8GB Pro Duo, that's up to a little more than an hour. By contrast, the HDR-SR7E can fit up to eight hours of the same level footage onto its 60GB hard drive.

Performance
Footage from the CX6EK is very nice. The camcorder's Zeiss T lens is very sharp and Sony's Super SteadyShot does an excellent job of taming hand shake. Its 10X optical zoom might seem tame next to the 30X-plus zooms now finding their way into lower-end models, but at a 400mm 35mm-equivalent on the telephoto end -- in 16:9 mode, it's got plenty of reach. Plus, by keeping the optical zoom range within reason, you get more reliable stabilisation across the entire zoom.

Both the autofocus and metering systems perform quite well, adjusting quickly to changes in subject, lighting, and environment. We were particularly impressed with the autofocus' ability to keep up with changes in zoom and quick changes between near and far subjects.

Image quality
The camcorder's white balance does a very good job. While colours aren't quite as neutral as we've seen in some other models, it's still very close and colours are well saturated and look realistic. Still images are definitely above average for a camcorder. Depending on the shooting conditions, you should be able to get pleasing letter-size or smaller prints.

Conclusion
As long as you don't mind the limited software compatibility and added cost of buying a few high-capacity Pro Duo cards, Sony's Handycam HDR-CX6EK is a really nice AVCHD camcorder. As software catches up and flash memory prices continue to drop, it will only become that much more attractive, and the smaller physical size that goes along with a flash-based camcorder will wow your friends and make it more practical to have your camcorder with you when you want it.

If Mini-DVDs appeal to you more than flash-memory cards, Sony also makes the Handycam HDR-UX7E, which can record AVCHD video onto 8cm DVDs and is very similar to this model, though not quite as small in size.

Additional editing by Shannon Doubleday