Sony HDR-XR550V 240GB High Definition HDD Handycam Camcorder Description:
Capture stunning 1920 x 1080 high-definition video and 12 Megapixel still images with the HDR-XR550V, which employs an “Exmor R” CMOS sensor for superior low-light performance and a 240GB internal hard disk drive. Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode and 3-way Shake Canceling enables you to capture remarkably smooth video from wide angle to full telephoto shooting.
- Amazon Sales Rank: #318 in Camera & Photo
- Color: Silver
- Brand: Sony
- Model: HDR-XR550V
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 4.50″ h x 6.00″ w x 7.60″ l, 2.80 pounds
Features
- 1920×1080 Full HD Recording w/12MP still image
- 240GB Hard Disk Drive
- 1/2.88″ 6MP back-illuminated “Exmor R” CMOS sensor
- Optical SteadyShot image stabilization w/ Active Mode
- Wide Angle G-Lens (26.3mm) with 10x Optical zoom
Customer Reviews:
Significant Upgrades over the XR500V
The HDR-XR550V takes absolutely stunning HD video and stills. I owned the HDR-XR500V which I absolutely loved. In addition to all the great features on the HDR-XR500V, the HDR-XR550V includes an electronic viewfinder and also provides manual shutter speed control. It also offers a non-native 60p output option and in-camera standard definition downconversion. The latter is an especially welcome addition, giving users the ability to record and archive their footage in the highest quality, then export and edit with the smaller, more manageable MPEG-2 files.
Perhaps the most exciting new feature on the HDR-XR550V is the new memory card slot: a single slot that is compatible with both Memory Stick PRO Duo cards and traditional SD/SDHC cards. This new slot will be featured on Sony’s entire Handycam lineup this year, giving users unprecedented flexibility in sticking with Sony’s proprietary memory format or opting for the more univeral SD/SDHC cards.
I personally love the GPS tagging feature, although I wish it would offer more detailed maps.
The HDR-XR550V has increased hard drive capacity to 240GB, which gives me plenty of recording time.
Nice camera, great wide angle lens, excellent value
After waiting for nearly 2 months for the prices to come down, we finally took the plunge. We decided to replace our HDR-XR520v which we had purchased last year, because although and excellent camera, the lens was just not wide enough. We tried using wide angle converters, however no matter which one we used, the image quality was noticeably affected. So far we just love the XR-550v, the lens is soooo much better.
Wonderful Camera
This camera has great balance of Automatic and Manual featues that integrate well. The My Menu setting lets you put all your most important manual features up front so when the Intelligent Automatic feature needs tweaking their fix is right at your fingertips.
From the Manufacturer
1920×1080 Full HD Recording 1920 x 1080 high definition resolution lets you record your memories in exceptional Sony Full High Definition quality. Capable of 1080/60p playback via HDMI and compatible HDTV providing stunning clarity and incredibly detailed playback of your memories.
12 Megapixel still image capture w/ Dual Record
12 Megapixel still image capture lets you take stunning, high resolution digital photos while the Dual record capability lets you capture 8.3 MP still images while shooting high definition video, so you can capture those special moments without having to switch recording modes.
240GB Hard Disk Drive
A built-in 240GB hard disk drive can record and store up to 100 hours of high definition video footage in long play mode (HD LP mode). In addition, “HDD Smart Protection” gives you peace of mind by helping to prevent any recorded video and images from being lost if the camcorder is accidentally dropped.
1/2.88″ “Exmor R” CMOS Sensor
A 1/2.88″ “Exmor R” CMOS image sensor delivers bright, vivid, spectacularly detailed video footage, as well as 12 Megapixel still images. With 6 Megapixel (effective) video resolution, the image sensor actually captures video at four times the density of high definition resolution resulting in a sharper and more detailed 1920 x 1080 HD picture.
Back-illuminated “Exmor R” CMOS sensor
Experience stunning low-light sensitivity with improved image clarity and drastically reduced grain with the newly developed, back-illuminated “Exmor R” sensor. Designed for compact cameras and camcorders, the “Exmor R” sensor relocates the photo diodes above the support circuitry, maximizing the light gathering area per pixel so you can shoot with better results in lower lighting conditions.
Optical SteadyShot w/ Active Mode (Wide to Tele)
Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode compensates for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver stunningly smooth video from wide angle to full telephoto shooting. In addition, innovative 3-Way Shake-Canceling adds electronic roll stability for even smoother video capture.
Wide Angle G-Lens (26.3mm)
Experience the pinnacle of Sony lens technology with the professional-quality G Lens. Engineered for superior optical performance, Sony G lenses deliver brilliant, accurate color reproduction and sharp, amazingly detailed images. In addition, a short, 26.3mm focal length offers a broader perspective for enhanced wide angle shooting.
1080/60p playback via HDMI and compatible HDTV
1080/60p playback via HDMI and compatible HDTV providing stunning clarity and incredibly detailed playback of your memories.
3.5″ Xtra Fine LCD display (921K) w/TruBlack technology
TruBlack technology brings remarkably higher contrast and brightness to the camcorder’s 3.5″ Xtra Fine TruBlack LCD display, delivering more natural, realistic colors and easier viewing in bright conditions by reducing glare.
Geotagging with built-in GPS receiver & NAVTEQ maps
A built-in GPS receiver makes the HDR-XR550V an ideal choice for travelers. The receiver gives you the ability to view your current location on the LCD map display, as well as “tag” your shooting locations. Tagged videos and still images can be reviewed and played back using the Map Index function on the camcorder or once downloaded to your PC using the supplied PMB (Picture Motion Browser) software. Additionally, the receiver automatically adjusts your camcorder’s clock to the proper time zone.
Assignable Dial (Iris/Shutter/Exposure/WB/Focus)
Get the most out of your camcorder with enhanced manual controls. The assignable dial allows for control of focus, exposure, white balance, iris, and shutter speed. Adjusting the iris lets you control depth of field, while shutter speed allows for control motion blur.
Intelligent Scene Recognition (11 iAuto modes)
Intelligent Auto mode goes a step beyond traditional auto modes by analyzing your shot and then automatically selecting the appropriate settings from eleven distinct scene modes: Portrait Mode, Smile Shutter, Backlight Control, Scenery, Night Scenery Mode, High Sensitivity Mode, Macro Mode, Baby Mode, Walk Detection, Tripod, and Low Light Mode.
Face Detection Technology w/ Face Touch
With Face Touch, your camcorder optimizes focus, color, exposure, and Smile Shutter technology for the face you prioritize. Just touch the preferred face on the LCD display and the camcorder will assign it priority, even if it leaves and returns to the frame.
Mic/Headphone jack
The HDR-XR550V features dedicated mic and headphone inputs (external microphones and headphones sold separately).
Active Interface Shoe
The Active Interface Shoe lets you mount Intelligent Accessories, such as external lights and microphones, which can help extend the capabilities of your camcorder.
Dolby Digital 5.1ch recording with Built-in Zoom Mic
Dolby Digital 5.1 channel recording captures active sounds coming from all directions, so you can experience your home movies the way you experienced them while recording. The Built-In Zoom Mic focuses audio recording on your subjects in sync with the camera’s zoom lens.
Sony PMB (Picture Motion Browser) software
Sony Picture Motion Browser software offers a simple, intuitive way to transfer, sort, and view your video and still images on your compatible PC. In addition, multiple output options let you burn your memories to DVD, AVCHD, and Blu-ray Disc media (sold separately), as well as take advantage of one click upload to a number of popular video and photo sharing sites (compatible PC and internet connection required).
Smooth Slow Record
The Smooth Slow Record mode increases the record rate from 60 frames per second (fps) to 240 fps, allowing you to capture 3 seconds of fast motion and play the video back in 12 seconds. This is a great tool for analyzing a golf swing or a viewing a bird in flight. In addition, you record an audio track to narrate the video footage.
Dynamic Range Optimizer
The D-Range (Dynamic Range) Optimizer function adjusts the exposure and contrast of an image to counter the effects of high-contrast shooting condition, allowing for a great shot. The D-Range Optimizer suppresses “blackout” in dark areas such as shadows and “whiteout” in bright areas such as skies. As a result, the captured image appears as natural as the original scene.
Up to 24Mbps AVCHD video
The HDR-XR550V can capture video at up to 24Mbps for amazing clarity and detail, ideal for recording on to Blu-ray media since the AVCHD codec is highly compatible with the Blu-ray format.
SD Card Functionality
Sony SD memory cards are the perfect solution for storing and sharing your digital content such as high-quality photos, videos, music, and more.
Golf Shot
Building on the slow-motion capture capabilities of Smooth Slow Record, Golf Shot captures a few seconds of motion as a sequence of up to 17 still images, which can be viewed/printed individually or as a composite “sequence shot” image, perfect for analyzing the nuances of a golf swing, tennis serve, and other fast action.
