Sony HDR-CX100

The affordable high definition camcorder can be a tricky thing to find. However, the Sony HDR-CX100 has just been released and on paper ticks the boxes, retailing at less that $500. Could this be the perfect home user camcorder, or is this just a cheap and cheerful camera that fails to really live up to any kind of performance expectations? We have the Sony HDR-CX100 here to test for you, and as usual for us we are quite excited about getting stuck in. So, sit back and grab a coffee and a cookie, and if its not too much trouble grab us one too, and we will let you know what we found when we put the Sony HDR-CX100 through its paces.

Sony HDR-CX100 Camcorder

Design

This really has been aimed at the home user as it is a bit cheesy, being offered in three colors, which they know sells more units as people love the chance to be individual – we personally hate it but it works so good luck to them. This unit comes in three colors: red, silver and good old black. If pushed we would have to say the red is our favorite, and it is a clean, chunky looking unit that fits well into the mini camera category, as it measures 2.3 inches by 2.4 inches by 4.5 inches and weighs just 11.7 ounces, which is compact enough to slip into a pocket or purse – ideal.

The pull out LCD screen is very angular in looks and has touch screen technology, but the overall look is a bit boxy which means that it is hard to hold and not very hand friendly, and we found stretching our fingers to reach the buttons somewhat tricky just using one hand, which obviously is how you would want to use this unit.

Actual user review:
“This camera is amazing. Once I charged up this puppy and fired it up it looked awesome. I filmed my dog and you could see every strand of hair on his body and the texture of the hair. It also has the smiling sensor technology that is really neat. Put it in video mode and when someone smiles SNAP!….a photo is automatically taken. I like that it has flash memory as well. I gotta say Sony put out one sexy stylish camcorder. It looks great in the hand and it definitely got some people’s attention. Once you get this camcorder you’ll never want to go back to SD recording.” – M.Yoeun (IL,USA)

Functionality

The built in memory on the camera is very low considering what Sony offer in their other lower end camcorders. At just 8GB the saving grace comes of course from the memory stick Pro Duo slot that means you can buy yourself more in the way of memory should you need it. There is as you would expect a distinct lack of the top Sony features, and we are starting to wonder if too much has been cut here to make this a viable unit, as the list of features is hardly stunning. That said the Sony HDR-CX100 is a high definition camcorder, which means that the images you record are going to be better than your old non-high definition camcorder, but is that enough of an improvement to warrant paying to step up to the high definition market?

The Sony HDR-CX100 does feature their 1/5″ Exmor™” CMOS Sensor with ClearVid™ array which adds to the picture capture, and we have to say that for its category this did give rise to better than average image capture in low light conditions, so the footage we took inside the offices was really good. However, the lens isn’t the best and this does let down the picture somewhat. The still camera element lets you take 4 megapixel pictures, which for the price is average quality. Remember that the best digital cameras are way into double figures when it comes to megapixels; however, again you have to remember the money here. This is Sony making cheap, low end gear.

The menus are a little muddled and trying to think how to get back to some of the settings is really confusing, which really isn’t what you want when you are a home user. You really would rather have point and shoot functionality where the camera sorts the settings for you.

Conclusion

The HDR-CX100 is obviously a Sony, so that does mean in terms of build quality and kit reliability, you know you are getting it good. It is unlikely to cause problems from this respect. It is robust and will long outlive its warranty and guarantee, but for a low-end camera it is a bit disappointing. We know that Sony is cutting corners here and that they are performing way below their best. In truth they really are an elite company that really excels at the higher ends of the market, and trying to go budget just doesn’t suit them. In terms of performance you will find other manufacturers offering camcorders for the same money that just do so much better than this one, so sadly we are going to have to find against the Sony HDR-CX100, and recommend that you spend your money else where – or save a bit more and get higher up the Sony chain.

Average User Rating:

• “If you are reading this, you are probably seriously shopping for a compact HD camcorder. Simply put, look no further. Buy it now!! The camera itself is tiny – you could easily fit it inside a 12 ounce drink can. This means you can take it just about anywhere. All camera recording and playback controls are available via a touchscreen on the flip-out widescreen display. I was hesistant about this initially, having big hands, but it is very easy to navigate once you get used to it. The video quality of this camera is simply amazing! You will not be disappointed, I assure you. Played back on an HDTV, the video quality is jaw dropping! The included software is pretty slick. One caveat – the software is Windows-only. Using a Mac, you can import your HD video to iMovie, but the workflow is easier using the Sony software. One cool thing about the Sony software is that it allows you to burn HD disks using regular (and cheap!) DVD-R disks, which will playback on a Blu-Ray player. The camera comes with 8gb of installed memory, and has an expansion slot to add more. Don’t buy a card without the Mark 2 designation, as these are much faster and rated for HD video.” – D.Newell (TN,USA)
• “Well this is a really nice little camera with really great video quality. Though the features are stripped down the processors are not. It is great for anyone who wants just straight out of the box performance and not a lot of confusing settings to deal with. It records in 4 HD modes giving you more or less time on the 8gb internal memory, additional memory sticks are essential as is another battery and possibly a wide angle lens (30mm inner threads). As always Sony puts out another gorgeous looking product that is both ergonomic and sexy. All controls are well within reach although the lens cover is a bit clunky in function and takes two hands to open. If you are wanting an HD camcorder that isn’t too complicated to operate and is a budget price then this is the one for you!” – C.Laramie (CO,USA)

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