If you don't have a sufficient stash of Benjamins to drop on the new HDR-XR520V or HDR-XR500V, there's the new Sony HDR-XR200V and Sony HDR-XR100. Both camcorders are more affordable alternatives to HDD-based high-definition video, though they still record 1920 x 1080 full-HD. However, the Sony HDR-XR200V and Sony HDR-XR100 can only capture still images up to 4-megapixels in size, compared to their bigger brothers' interpolated 12-megapixel resolution, which is really a native 6-megapixels.
The Sony HDR-XR200V has a 120GB HDD and is equipped with Sony's new Navteq map-based GPS feature while the Sony HDR-XR100 has an 80GB HDD and is devoid of the new geo-mapping technology. For added storage, the camcorders possess the ability to record to Sony's proprietary Memory Stick PRO Duo cards.
Both camcorders also inherit the improved Optical Steady Shot image stabilization, in addition to Smile Shutter and Face Detection capabilities. Of course, touch screen LCD screens are part of the deal as well.
We were impressed with the compact size of both camcorders and Sony's concealed port design is an architectural triumph. However, the lack of a Mic jack and protruding battery were signs of surefire consumerism for us.
The Sony HDR-XR200V does have an Active Interface Shoe, which is a proprietary hot shoe that is conducive to Sony-only products. It also trumps its younger sibling with a 15x optical zoom as opposed to the Sony HDR-XR100's 10x optical zoom. We're seeing the Sony HDR-XR200V ($1000) and Sony HDR-XR100 ($750) camcorders snugly fastened within tourist fanny packs of the near future, which will be February and March, respectively.
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