Sony HDR-XR520 Reviews: Sony HDD storage HD camcorder

+ Very good clear picture when camera is stationery. Fairly light weight. Reasonable stereo seperation. Huge capacity for filming without changing tapes or cards.

- Very poor, virtually non-existant, recording of lower range sounds. No optical digital sound output. Frequently fails to remain in focus when moving. GPS is useless marketing gimmick because of lack of detail on maps, e.g. main railway lines in Europe not recorded, neither are minor roads in UK.

+ HD Picture is of a great quality, ease of use, easy to replay and delete unwanted files on the camcorder and easy to upload to a PC. Charging is very quick. Very portable. Overall a great Camcorder!

- Photo quality is not that great, I don't use the GPS system, as,some streets are not visible at certain locations.

+ No Tapes to worry about, auto lense cover when shutting of power.Fantastic quality HD images.Just put in your pocket and take anywhere.This is the best camera I have ever had and I have had quite a few !

- Same old problem batteries do not last as long as they would like you to believe.This is the only thing that will cause any hassle. Answer carry two spares as I have done for many years with previous cameras.

+ For use as a tourist it is a very good video camera, easy to turn on, zoom and the HD definition is very good.
The additional advantage of taking still photographs being very easy is ideal as a tourist. Only one compact camera is needed to capture memories of any vacation. A backup battery is recommended and saves any problems later.

- The quality of the stills photograph could be slightly better, although I would give 9/10.

+ Great HD video. Massive storage. Quick load times. Easy access via USB (even on linux) to Videos and pics.

- Still pictures arent as good as my Canon 7.2mpixel digital camera.

+ The camera is as good as the publicity and reviews

- The problem is with the elementary software PMB which comes with it. I cannot get images edited outside this package back into the camera to view. (since otherwise it means buying a blueray writer and reader for the TV) Even output from Sony's own editing software (Vegas) cannot be transferred successfully.

+ Exceptional picture quality and easy of use.
Some excellent features i.e. low light capability

- For the money paid I would have expected the camera to have come i some sort of protective case. I expected ALL the cables to come with it i.e. H.D.M.I cable also a spare battery

+ High resolution recording.
Has a viewfinder as well as LCD display, which is a real bonus for taking some shots.
Auto On and Off.

- Not really a bad point but product supplied with a low capacity battery requiring early upgrading if you are anticipating taking a series of video shots totalling more than 60 mins.

+ light weight. good image quality.

- not very easy to use. not enough accesories. battery life short. no shoulder strap.

+ Good quality sound recording, good quality filming, loads of space on the hard drive, easy to carry, looks good,

- Taking photos, no good for quick shots, takes ages to think about taking shot after you press the button. HD cable from camcoder has bad connection so when you move cam you lose connection. Sony could of included a shoulder strap and a carry case within the high price

+ quality is amazing and large hard drive plenty. SONY a brand I have always chosen.

- not easy to create Hi Def video not camera problem more a software issue. (Ulead the best bet). Was expensive as only just come out when purchased.

+ solid feel about camera, easy to record and playback and the images and quality of playback is first class, however, operating the menu is something i havent quite grasped yet but it will eventually come.as for recommending it to a friend the price to some would be a sticking point but i chose it for the gps system. overall i must give this camera top marks.

- none comes to mind except learning all the functions, which will come eventually.

+ Fast to turn on, very responsive, very good touch screen to get menus and functions you want. Very large high quality viewing panel. GPS works very well especially with the Sony Picture Manager utility that is included.

- Price is quite high.

+ It is a brilliant HD still and movie camera

- ermmmm!

+ Excellent camera, and very future proof technology. Overall sony has done wonders with this camera it has so many features that out weigh other camera's

- I have no bad points on this camera except it is a bit expensive, but you expect that with new technology