Sony HDR-XR520V 240GB HDD High Definition Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom

The Sony HDR-XR520V Handycam employs an advanced Exmor R CMOS sensor to capture stunning, 1920 x 1080 high definition video and 12.1-megapixel still images to its internal 240 GB hard disk drive. In addition, the built-in GPS receiver helps you keep track of your current location, and even remembers where you shot your videos. 1920 x 1080 high definition resolution lets you record your memories in exceptional Sony Full High Definition quality, and 12.1-megapixel still image capture lets you take stunning, high resolution digital photos. The built-in 240GB hard disk drive can record and store up to 101 hours of high-definition video footage in long play mode (HD LP, 2ch Dolby mode), while HDD Smart Protection gives you peace of mind by helping to prevent any recorded video and images from being lost if the camcorder is accidentally dropped.

There are lot of good professional HD camcorders on the market, but Sony seems to be head and shoulders about the competition.  One of Sony’s best HD producs is the Sony Ex1 Pro hd camcorder.

The Sony EX1- XDCAM records in full HD (full 1920×1080), with 1/2″ CMOS sensors has an outstanding lowlight performance, and uses proprietary SxS express media.

If your interested in the EX1 and looking for a good deal Click Here.

The Sony Ex1 Pro hd camcorder is a flash-memory based high definition camcorder capable of a variety of frame rates and resolutions using Sony’s new XDCAM-EX intraframe codec. The Exmor 1/2″ CMOS sensors used in the PMW-EX1 provide unprecedented levels of image clarity previously unavailable in the prosumer market. Sony’s sophisticated SxS Pro memory cards add a unique dimension to almost any production.

• High quality full HD image acquisition.
• New 1/2″ Exmor CMOS Sensors with 1920 x 1080 effective pixels each - no pixel interpolation necessary.
• Solid state memory recording using Sony’s new SxS Pro ExpressCard flash memory media.
• Integrated Fujinon 14x Zoom Lens.
• Color peaking display, with selectable color indicator.
• Lens Grip Rotation Mechanism
• Several Focus Assist Functions
• Built-in Stereo Microphone
• User definable Picture Profile function.

• SDI connector, selectable for either HD or SD output.
• Shutter Angle Setting.
• Slow Shutter and Extended Slow Shutter function.
• Four User Assignable Buttons.
• Supports 2 operational modes - HQ and SP.
• HQ captures full 1920 x 1080 images, or 1280 x 720 images, at 35Mbps.

With the Sony EX1, they created a really unique camera that is certainly in a league of it’s own. It has set a new standard for solid state, low-cost, fully-professional cameras. In size and appearance the EX1 looks is incredibly compact, but it delivers far superior image quality. If I was going use a car analogy , it would be the equivalent of the engine of a 12-cylinder GT Ferrari in the body a Lexus. With the reviews we’ve seen, it seems that any EX1 owner and will is going to be thrilled with Sony’s product.

Out of all the professional HD video cameras that are on the market the Sony Ex1 Pro hd camcorder is one of the best we’ve seen. To get more information and specs on the EX1Click Here and we also found a great video review below.

New Professional Camcorders HD1080p Video Cameras For Sale

If your looking for new professional camcorders hd1080p video cameras for sale, there are a few important things you should know. A lot of camcorders claim to be high speed, but they are not. Today, high-speed shutter controls can be found on a good portion of consumer camcorders. Even a number of inexpensive camcorders have some means of increasing the shutter speed, whether it’s on the “sports” setting on the Program AE (autoexposure) dial, or buried in some on-screen menu control. If your looking to find a great deal on a new professional camcorders hd1080p video cameras for sale, you can click here to review some.

High-definition video is quickly becoming the standard in quality video. High-definition camcorders have a much better image quality than their standard definition counterparts. High-definition is standard right now for all professional camcorder, here are some of the top high-definition 1080p digital camcorders designed for the pro:

new professional camcorders hd1080p video cameras for sale

In my opinion, faster is better in selecting the best digital camcorder. High-speed shutters allow a camcorder to capture razor sharp images of high-speed action. When combined with manual exposure control, the high-speed shutter gives the videographer great control over the image’s depth of field. No matter what kind of new professional camcorders hd1080p video cameras for sale you buy, and product that is a high speed digital video camera for sale will allow you to use a high shutter speed and a wide iris setting. By using a slower shutter speed and closing down the iris, you can give your images nearly infinite depth of field, making everything in view appear sharp. So, whether you’re shooting high-speed sports or just aiming for greater control of your images, a wide range of shutter speeds is a very desirable asset.

For stopping serious high-speed action, some other professional HD Camcorders you’ll find camcorders like the Canon GL2 and XL2, with their shutter speeds, hard to beat. Samsung and Sony offer several models with a generous shutter setting that will rival the look a feel of real film. If you want a list of new professional camcorders hd1080p video cameras for sale you can click here to see some of the top rated ones.

Below, we’ve added a some quick reviews on a few new professional camcorders hd1080p video cameras for sale:

Sony DCR DVD810 1MP DVD Hybrid Plus Handycam Camcorder with 8GB Memory and 25x Optical Zoom

The DCR-DVD810 merges powerful features with ultimate flexibility. A professional quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens and Super SteadyShot image stabilization captures sharp video and still images, even when getting in close using the 25x optical/2000x digital zoom. The built-in Dolby Digital 5.1-channel microphone captures realistic surround sound audio for memories that sound just the way you experienced them. With Hybrid Plus technology, you can record it all directly to DVD, an internal 8GB flash memory drive, or removable Memory Stick Duo or Memory Stick Pro Duo media formats.

DCR-DVD810 Highlights

1/6-inch Advanced HAD CCD imager 1/6-inch Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 340K (effective) pixels provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance

25x optical/2000x digital zoom The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.

Professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lenses are designed specifically for compact camcorders, and utilize precision ground optics to maintain the sharpness and contrast found with larger lenses.

DVD-format video recording The DVD recording format in MPEG2 (SD) delivers digital picture and sound quality comparable to that of MiniDV, but on DVD. Playback of these DVDs couldn’t be simpler (depending upon the playback device used). After finalizing the disc in the camcorder, the disc can play back in most DVD players (SD), computers, Blu-ray Disc players, and even PlayStation 3 video game consoles.

DVD-R/-RW/+RW and +R DL (Dual Layer) compatible Compatibility with a variety of DVD formats allows the ease-of-use and simplicity found in DVD media. With DVD+RW media there is no need to finalize the disc (minimum recording required); simply remove the finalized disc and insert the media into a compatible DVD or Blu-ray Disc Player.

Hybrid Plus recording to DVD, internal flash memory, or Memory Stick media Hybrid Plus recording technology delivers a new level of flexibility for transferring your video footage and digital photos from the camcorder to compatible viewing devices. Record to your choice of DVD media, an internal 8 GB flash memory drive, or removable Memory Stick Duo media or Memory Stick Pro Duo media (sold separately). You can even select from various dubbing functions to easily copy video or still images from Memory Stick media or built in flash memory media to DVD — without using a PC. Images recorded or transferred to DVD media can then be played directly in most DVD players (SD), computers, Blu-ray Disc players, and even PlayStation 3 video game consoles to share your memories with friends and family.

Quick On Missing an important scene can be frustrating, especially if the reason is because your camcorder is turned off. With the Quick On feature, the touch of a single button places that camcorder in Sleep mode. Another push instantly wakes the camcorder, so you’ll always be ready to capture special moments.

Built-in zoom microphone with 5.1-channel recording Featuring Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator, the built-in zoom microphone focuses audio recording on your subjects in sync with the camera’s zoom lens, helping memories ring true with clear dialogue and crisp, discrete sounds.

2.7-inch widescreen hybrid touch-panel Clear Photo LCD Plus The 2.7-inch widescreen (16:9) LCD provides exceptional viewing clarity with improved resolution (211K pixels). The display rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles, as well as provides sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback. The widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.

Memory Stick Pro Duo Media slot Capture still images directly onto Memory Stick Pro Duo media (sold separately) for easy transfer to PCs for emailing, printing, or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick devices (sold separately).

Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization system An advanced version of Sony’s SteadyShot Image Stabilization system that controls an even higher range of shake and vibration frequencies, to achieve an even higher level of smoothness without degradation of video like some other image stabilization systems.

InfoLithium battery with AccuPower meter system Unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony’s rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening “Memory Effect,” so you’re free to charge the battery at any time. Additionally, Sony’s exclusive AccuPower meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

Manual focus Manually adjust the focus of the camcorder using the touch panel. Manual focusing also allows the user to control the focus in difficult situations where either the environment or the subject does not allow the camcorder’s auto focus to perform optimally, such as when shooting through a window or in a crowded environment.

Super NightShot Plus Infrared System The Super NightShot Plus Infrared System uses a slow shutter mode to let you shoot video with improved color and contrast, even in total darkness (0 lux).

Stamina Battery Power Management System When using the Sony InfoLithium Battery, the Stamina Battery Power Management System helps the camcorder prolong battery life for extra long continuous recording times from a single charge.

Scene Selection Modes Scene Selection modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Auto, Twilight, Candle (move only), Sunrise & Sunset, Fireworks (move only), Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, Sports (movie only), Beach, Snow

Picture Effects Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony’s Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Monotone, Sepia and Pastel

Fader effects Enhance your personal videos by adding professional looking fader effects. Choose from Black and White.

Visual index screen Shows thumbnail images of video clips and still images when playing back on your camcorder or DVD player, making your selection easier.

Battery information At the touch of a button, battery information is displayed on the LCD screen when charging and when the camcorder is turned off. When using the LCD screen or viewfinder, the display will show how much the battery is charged — in 10-percent increments — and the recordable time left.

Easy Handycam button Using a camcorder can be intimidating for some people. With a press of the Easy Handycam button, most of the advanced features of the camcorder are “locked out,” letting you focus only the buttons essential for recording.

Multi-language menu Change the menu display from English to English (Simplified), Canadian French, Latin American Spanish, or Brazilian Portuguese

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Nice for the price
We purchased this as an Christmas gift for a relative, so we don’t use the product ourselves. However we are happy to report that the end user says the unit thus far is defect free, easy to use and has been reliable with good battery life. This (CDR) type of video camera is on the way out so we hear, but it is what was asked for by the recipient. The recordable discs are expensive unless bought in bulk. The upside to this type of camera though is that it makes sharing relatively easy and you don’t have to use a computer to download, edit, etc. The ability to record onto a memory stick and the internal memory for still shots is a plus. It appears to be a solid unit.

5 Stars sony handycam
This is one of the easiest cameras I have used. You just point and take pictures plug into your TV and enjoy. It is that easy.

5 Stars Great Camcorder at a good price
I bought this camera a few months back for some night shooting and to take on vacation, as well as to do some ethnographic field work. I am in no way a professional when in comes to cameras and this is my first real camcorder. I have to say that I love this machine. It is easy to use, has a great amount of memory which is doubled with the memory options. It is also really light weight, but sturdy.

I just took this on a 10 day vacation to Disney - I used to memory cards (a 4 and an plus the internal memory. I shot almost all video and didn’t run out of space, though if we had stayed one more day I would have had to move to DVD. Transferring files over from Memory to DVD is a breeze if you follow the instructions. I did lose some pics from my first day when moving from internal memory to memory stick, but after reading the instructions again I realized why and how to avoid that in the future.

The night shot feature works OK, certainly better then the ones I have seen on still cameras. It can be a but jerky on the screen but the picture is really clear. I have shot video in total darkness, moonlight, and outdoor low lighting from lamps. They all turned out OK, good enough for my needs at least. The fireworks mode is amazing, I have great video of the fireworks from various parks and they look stunning. The other modes really allow to capture video in any lighting and it is extremely easy to switch from one to the other while recording if you find you need a different setting. Also, the stabilization feature is terrific! I went on the safari ride at Animal Kingdom and was afraid that the video I shot would make people car sick it was so bumpy. Looking at it now you can tell I was in a moving vehicle, but the image is almost completely steady. I also really love the capture photo option which allows you to go through your videos and take still photos out of them.

Transferring files over to a computer is extremely easy to do. All in all this is a perfect camera for the non-pro who wants really good video.

2 Stars warnings about hidden costs and poor picture quality
I was immediately surprised how poor and grainy the picture quality was, especially when shooting indoors. I have previously owned a sony MiniDV recorder, which I thought did a better job recording onto digital tape. I am surprised other people are saying the picture quality is good.

Be warned, there are hidden costs with owning this camcorder, such as:

1. need to buy sony pro duo memory stick (plus adapter in my case)

2. need to buy extra battery (unless you record for less than 50 min)

3. cost of mini-DVD’s (sony + brand = not cheap)

4. need to buy a camera case.

Pros:

-multiple recording methods

-compact size

-sony quality

-easy of use

-remote control

Cons:

-poor picture quality, especially indoors

-hidden costs of extra battery, discs and memory stick.

-memory stick difficult to take out of camera

-no camera case

-manual switch for lens cover, instead of fully automatic

-poor image stabilization

I realize this is Sony’s budget camcorder, and that I probably should be buying a high definition recorder. However, for the amount of money I spent, I was expecting something a lot better. I would not recommend this product.

5 Stars Great Little Camera
Great size — fits in palm of hand — very light and easy to use. Only used twice with basics like zoom, etc. With three ways to shoot and store video (hard drive, memory stick, DVDs), this is really great. Suggest you buy the extended life battery….gives HOURS of use. Battery that comes with camera only lasts for about 1/2 hour. Haven’t had the chance to try downloading video yet.

Buy/More Info

If you are thinking about getting serious with filming and looking to find out about the 3 hottest new professional hd video cameras, then you’re in the right place. The new professional hd video cameras will typically have larger CCD chips and the new trend of using hard drives and up to 2 memory slots for upgraded storage. If you’re looking for more reviews on new professional HD video cameras you can Click Here.

Here are the top three professional camcorders that are on the market for independent film makers and video professionals:

1.JVC GY-HM700 Professional Camcorder

JVC announced their latest professional camcorder product in the form of the GY-HM700. The new camcorder records videos directly onto inexpensive SDHC memory cards in QuickTime format - making it ideal for usage with Apple’s Final Cut Pro application. This translates to faster post-production. The JVC will be released for the msrp price of $7995.00

Some features of the GY-HM700 include:

• Comes with two memory card slots for a total of 64GB of on-board storage. Camera round-robins the memory cards while recording video allowing for virtually unlimited recording lengths
• Optional KA-MR100 dockable media recorder allows recording of Sony XDCAM EX compatible MP4 files onto high speed SxS memory cards
• Three 1/3 inch progressive scan full HD CCDs
• Proprietary MPEG2 encoder for highly efficient compression at bit rates up to 32Mbps.
• Supports all major HD signal formats including 1920 x 1080, 1440 x 1080, and 1280 x 720

2.Panasonic AG-HPX170 Professional Camcorder

Panasonic sprung another new camcorder announcement at NAB 2008, the AG-HPX170. The new professional camcorder records to P2 solid state memory cards, now available in capacities up to 64GB. The AG-HPX170 shoots in 1080 HD and SD with 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit processing. The AG-HPX170 reportedly features the widest zoom lens within its class, an HD-SDI interface, and a lightweight 4.2-pound body.

The AG-HPX170 is equipped with three 1/3-inch 16:9 native CCDs. The 13x optical zoom Leica Dicomar lens is non-removable and offers a 28mm wide angle setting, which is the widest within its class. The Panasonic AG-HPX170 is expected to ship this Fall. No MSRP has been set. Even though the Panasonic won’t be availible until fall, you can see a list of new professional HD video cameras.

3. Sony DCR VX2100 HD Digital Camcorder Review

The DCR-VX2100 camcorder by Sony offers users a great 3 CCD camcorder system with 530 lines of resolution. Similar to the JVC camcorder it has a glass a spherical and a LCD screen to view your movie while you are recording it. The DCR-VX2100 has a 12x optical zoom and a progressive shutter system for high-quality video recording.
• Digital MiniDV Handycam camcorder with a 58mm aspherical lens and 380,000-pixel CCD
• 12x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 48x) with Super Steady Shot image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch rotating LCD and color viewfinder
• Manual controls for shutter and exposure, Stamina Power Management, and intelligent accessory shoe

•For more details go to Sanyo DCR VX2100 HD Digital Camcorder Review

There are several others that we found that would be a great addition to review for new professional HD video cameras. You can Click Here read more or another great site to find great deals on these new professional cameras is Amazon.com.

Vasst Training DVD Inside the Sony HVR Z7u Camcorder by Douglas Spotted Eagle

Vasst Inside the Sony HVR-Z7 HVR-Z7 Camcorder Training DVD… The Sony HVR-Z7 camcorder is one of the deepest and most powerful HDV Camcordersever made. Do you want to get the most out of yours? Join award-winning videographer and renowned producer/editor/trainer, Douglas Spotted Eagle and journey inside the Sony HVR-Z7 Camcorder. Douglas Spotted Eagle, your guide to this camera, is a master of high definitionformats and has logged serious hours behind just about every Sony camcorder on shelves today, and has experience in shooting on a wide variety of projects and knows how to get every last bit from his cameras. On this DVD Douglas gives viewers a complete tour of all of the features and functions of the Z7 camcorder while making a special effort to highlight the most commonly used and the most advanced features. This DVD also includes a bonus chapter: Understanding HDV. At more than 2 hours in length, Inside the Sony HVR-Z7 training DVD lets you discover and harness the tru power of your Sony Z7 camcorder.

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Vortex Media Tutorial EX3 DVD Mastering The Sony PMW EX3 Camcorder

“Mastering the Sony PMW-EX3″ is the easiest way to learn both the fundamentals and advanced features of the new Sony EX3 camcorder and its state-of-the-art tapeless workflow. This 3-hour, 2-disc (DVD video) workshop includes tutorials, step-by-step examples, and detailed instructions covering the most important aspects of camera setup, menus, shooting techniques, clip naming, file management, clip importing, picture profile settings, basic editing, and even archiving. This DVD will pay for itself many times over by saving you hours of time figuring out things on your own. “Mastering the Sony PMW-EX3″ is a completely independent production with no participation, sponsorship, input, or approval from Sony — so it delivers unbiased information and professional advice that can’t be found in the owner’s manual. This video workshop is designed to help anyone, from a novice to an experienced ENG/EFP shooter, get the best results from their EX3. The DVD provides real-world examples and suggested techniques that are simple to put into practice. Like all Vortex Media training DVDs, this workshop has been carefully researched, planned and scripted (not presented as”live” or ad lib). This DVD was produced by professionals with years of broadcast-level experience who have the knowledge to recognize what’s important about the EX3 and how to teach it without getting bogged down in jargon or unnecessary technical details. About the Instru

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Vasst Training DVD Inside the Sony PMW EX1 Camcorder by Douglas Spotted Eagle

Inside the Sony XDCAM EX Sony PMW-EX1 Training DVD, by Douglas Spotted Eagle… Join award-winning videographer and prolific trainer Douglas Spotted Eagle and journey inside the Sony XDCam EX-1 Camcorder. Douglas’ straightforward trainingtechniques and thorough knowldege will help any XDCAM EX user master their camcorder. Not only will this training DVD give you a complete tour of all of the features and functions of the camera, you will also be able to benefit from the years of experience that Douglas Spotted Eagle brings to this training DVD as shooter as he goes deep into advanced shooting techniques and complex menu options. At more than two hours in length, not only will this DVD give you that foundational understanding necessary to take advantage of the investment you’ve made in your camera, but it will enable you to harness the true power of the Sony PMW-EX1 camera and give you the ability to take that next step in improvingyour final productions.

Buy/More Info

If your looking for a high speed digital video camera for sale, there are a few important things you should know.   A lot of camcorders claim to be high speed, but they are not.  Today, high-speed shutter controls can be found on a good portion of consumer camcorders. Even a number of inexpensive camcorders have some means of increasing the shutter speed, whether it’s on the “sports” setting on the Program AE (autoexposure) dial, or buried in some on-screen menu control. If your looking to find a great deal on a high speed digital video camera for sale, you can click here to review some.

What many videographers don’t know is that understanding how to use shutter speed and buying a camera that has a high shutter speed is the key to making an camera act in many ways like a professional video camera. Learning how to use it is simple. It takes just a short time to grasp all that you need to know in order to start using your camera’s high-speed shutter with confidence.

In my opinion, faster is better in selecting the best digital camcorder.  High-speed shutters allow a camcorder to capture razor sharp images of high-speed action. When combined with manual exposure control, the high-speed shutter gives the videographer great control over the image’s depth of field.  No matter what kind of high speed digital video camera for sale you find, and product that is a high speed digital video camera for sale will allow you to use a high shutter speed and a wide iris setting.   By using a slower shutter speed and closing down the iris, you can give your images nearly infinite depth of field, making everything in view appear sharp. So, whether you’re shooting high-speed sports or just aiming for greater control of your images, a wide range of shutter speeds is a very desirable asset.

For stopping serious high-speed action, you’ll find camcorders like the Canon GL2 and XL2, with their shutter speeds, hard to beat. Samsung and Sony offer several models with a generous shutter setting that will rival the look a feel of real film.  If you want a list of high speed digital video camera for sale you can click here to see some of the top rated ones.

Below, we’ve added a some quick reviews on a few HD Camcorders: