Sony Handycam HDR-XR500VE review

What you need to know

Reviewed by: Lori Grunin

Reviewed on: 1 July 2009

Tags: Sony, Sony Handycam HDR-XR500VE, user interface, sports, hard drive

We like:

Excellent video quality and performance; geotagging videos is fun

We don't like:

Irritating menu system; no wind filter; no manual shutter-speed, iris or audio controls; relatively big and heavy; pricy

Also known as:

Sony Handycam HDR-XR500V

CNET UK judgement:

Despite the fact that its geotagging capabilities are mostly a novelty and its interface could use a complete revamp, the Sony Handycam HDR-XR500VE's top-notch video quality, performance and consumer-friendly feature set make it a worthy camcorder option. It's also a better deal than its sibling, the Handycam HDR-XR520VE, which sports a 240GB hard drive -- the XR500VE's 120GB of storage will be plenty for most people

Full review:

Sony's Handycam HDR-XR500 series constitutes a pair of hard-disk-based AVCHD camcorders that integrate the dual firsts of built-in GPS and a new Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor. Although the GPS aspect isn't quite ready for prime time, the new sensor and G-series lens combination deliver great video quality. Toss in some improvements to Sony's SteadyShot image-stabilisation system, as well as a solid feature set, and you have a winning combination -- albeit one dragged down by the awkward touchscreen interface and high price. Continue Reading...