Sony HDR-XR160 High-Definition Handycam Camcorder (Black)

Sony HDR-XR160 High-Definition Handycam Camcorder
Customer Ratings: 4.5 stars
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I got this product and partially happy with it compared with my Sony TRV-340 digital8 camcorder.

Something I want to point out:

Features: I don't like the battery release button because it is at the bottom of the camcorder. When using it with tripod, it is very difficult to change the battery if tripod adapter is used unless the adapter is small or using FV-100 battery to avoid the problem.

Sound: It captures the sound quality very good and much powerful if zoom mic is enable.

Picture: It is good enough in standard video and quite good in 1080p capture. If viewing on the LCD panel, video quality is quite good for both formats. However, video quality looks too much brightness when viewing in computer or DVD player.

Manual low light mode (3LUX): It is a big surprise to me it works so well. Without any zoom in or out, I captured a clear video from the bed room using the light from the bathroom (light source 40W was about 6 feet way and pointed directly to the object behind the camcorder). But it is grainy if the zoom is used. It was also grainy if capturing a scene 15 feet away from the camcorder using light reflection, light source was about 10 feet behind the camcorder and pointed 90 degree angle. But I prefer to have it at 1.5-2 LUX.

Optical Zoom: 30x is so good and quiet.

Recording/Photo mode: Sometime it captures the photo while recording by itself in standard recording mode. It never happens in HD mode. It is weird but it is not hurting anything.(7/21/2011)

Auto focus: It is about ½ time slower compared to my digital8 in my opinion.

Auto Gain works automatically ONLY in playback mode when using LCD panel.

Overall I grade this camcorder(below $600) 4-4.5 stars at consumer level camcorder. If it has 3 CMOS sensor and 1.5 LUX, it is my 5 star camcorder($2000+).

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