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
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User reviews2
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bazookame 21 December 2007
Good: gobsmackingly clear, highly defined and true colour HD quality images, especially displayed on 1080i lcd
Bad: approx 1hrs worth of HD 1080 quality recording on an 8GB memory stick.... suits me ok but only because i record many short 3-5min movies at a time whilst on holiday. not much good for those who likes to document longer footage. memory cards still aren't cheap enough yet.
Comment: we haven't had any bad experience with the uncovered speakers - no unwanted wind noise considering i was using it on Eurodisney's rides. SUPER STEADYSHOT works really well, much better than the older models but obviously not as good as their professional range.
its amazingly to see the quality on a 1080 full HD lcd, what a jump forward from the days of using mini DV tapes!! if you are thinking of upgrading from mini DV's, then i would highly recommend it, not only for the quality of movies, but also for the ease of backup!!
Sony's AVCHD format works like a dream on Mac's IMOVIES software that comes standard. the beauty about Macs is that you DON'T need to install any unreliable third party software in order to download movies onto your Mac - plug in your SONY CX6 on the latest IMAC intel dual core machines and it zips your movies like any professional setup!! amazing how Macs Imac can allow you to edit and render full HD 1080 quality movies at real time and without any movie judder throughout!! outperforms any PCs with the most expensive software and setup.
BUT memory cards still not cheap, around £68 for 8Gb Sony Duo Pro genuine ones. i've not had much luck buying on ebay, looks real but when it comes to formatting the memory stick, the camcorder will say 'could not format, some images will not store properly'. wouldnt chance it again, would rather pay that few quid more from a reputable online stores like amazon etc.
in my humble opinion, if and when memory cards becomes cheap to buy, then i would say this camcorder is futurproof in terms of its technology.
jvanrijn 25 October 2007
Good: Build, easy of use
Bad: Sony aftercare
Comment: Nice camera but make sure you don't buy it from Sony-Style (www.sonystyle.co.uk). They are overpriced compared to sites like pix mania or amazon and their customer service is incredibly shoddy, infact it is non-existent, it is staffed by salesmen that will tell you what ever you want to hear in the hope that you will just leave them alone.
Sony-Style
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