Today Sony left the competition shaking in its boots with the introduction of the Sony HDR-CX520V and Sony HDR-CX500V high-definition camcorders. It appears as though high-definition video will be taking that next inevitable leap into the world of advanced playback, for both camcorders will feature 60p playback, a characteristic pioneered by JVC last year. JVC had the right idea, but when Sony does it, the winds of change will engulf all within the market, and we feel that 60p playback will be cropping up on Canons and Panasonics within the next year. Although 60p playback is a magical thing, the new HDR-CX520V and HDR-CX500V will most likely only be able to flaunt their progressive frame goodness on a compatible HDTV via HDMI or Component. Editing 60p in the consumer realm? We're not there yet, unless you have the very expensive equipment.
Sony has also welded some tasty imaging quality into the HDR-CX520V (gallery) and HDR-CX500V (gallery), including the ability to capture full 1920 x 1080 video and 12-megapixel photos. However, we're pretty sure these 12-megapixel photos will be an interpolated version of a lower resolution image, which is what we've seen on every 12-megapixel photo capable Sony in the past. Although we don't have the scoop on sensor size as of yet, we do know that the Sony HDR-CX520V and Sony HDR-CX500V will be graced with back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS chips with BIONZ processing, a deadly combination that armored the Sony HDR-XR520V with the best low light performance we've seen on a consumer camcorder to date. We also get the Sony G Lens with a six-blade aperture for that classic "bokeh" (based on the word "boke", which means "fuzzy" in Japanese) defocus effect to dance about the background of macro shots.
Optical SteadyShot has also been revamped this time around, and we're jonesing to put the Sony HDR-CX520V and Sony HDR-CX500V to the test. The new models will have Active Mode, which is set to enable a greater range of motion for the movable lens element, offering 3-Way Shake Canceling. Sony's latest jitter-squashing system will employ Optical Image Stabilization for vertical and horizontal shake and Electronic Image Stabilization for lateral-roll shake. We're not sure what results the Electronic Image Stabilization will bring, but we know that EIS systems in the past function by sacrificing surrounding pixels along the boundaries of the recorded frame.
Along with the latest BIONZ processing comes a new Face Touch function, which will allow shooters to actually touch the face of the highlighted subject they want to prioritize via the Sony HDR-CX520V's and Sony HDR-CX500V's three-inch touch-screen LCDs. The new camcorders will then prioritize each face based on the order they were touched in, honing in on focus, skin color and brightness, even if subjects leave the screen. Smile Shutter can also make an appearance in Face Touch mode, automatically detecting smiles and capturing photos while simultaneously recording video. GPS has also been carried over from the Sony HDR-XR520V and HDR-XR-500V, allowing shooters to use Navteq maps to pinpoint the exact location their clips were filmed. We tested the GPS system on the Sony HDR-XR520V and it performed almost without a hitch.
We're antsy to get a taste of the new Sony HDR-CX520V's and Sony HDR-CX500V's menu interface, which features a new operation bar that allows shooters to scroll search for menu items and access them without having to wade through a sea of options. We liked Sony's classic Home menu structure in the past, but the ability to search for White Balance or Exposure just sounds too good to be true. The Sony HDR-CX520V and Sony HDR-CX500V will also feature built-in zoom microphones with Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound and an instant power-on mode triggered by the opening of the LCD. Sony has also improved upon its Highlight Playback feature with Highlight Scenario, which saves up to eight highlighted scenes for watching later. Both models will ship with Picture Motion browser and are compatible with Sony's DVDirect Express DVD burner, which is sold separately for $150.
The only difference between the Sony HDR-CX520V and Sony HDR-CX500V comes down to memory. The Sony HDR-CX520V will feature 64GB of internal flash memory while the Sony HDR-CX500V will have 32GB of internal flash memory. Both camcorders will possess the ability to record to Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX media, Sony's latest external memory incarnation. The new PRO-HG Duo HX format reportedly allows shooters to transfer two hours of full high-definition video to a PC in 13 minutes. Aside from internal memory, both camcorders are aesthetically identical, even down to color. We like what we see in the design department, for both models will feature stealthy sliding doors to enclose ports and what appears to be a rear-mounted control wheel. We're not sure if this is just a plain old Mode dial or an advanced navigational control, but we were surprised to see a lack of controls spanning the LCD panel.
The Sony HDR-CX520V and Sony HDR-CX500V are set to ship in September for about $1,300 and $1,100 respectively.
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