Sony HDRCX550V Handycam Camcorder 64GB AVCHD Flash Memory Black
HDR-CX550V Flash Memory Handycam® camcorder
HDR-CX550V is the latest flagship AVCHD-MS Handycam® camcorder that inherits many of the features of its award winning predecessor HDR-CX520V, while continues to add even more user-friendly and practical features, such as the newly developed class leading 29.8mm (in movie mode) wide angle Sony Lens G, to provide the best camcorder experience, both in terms of ease of use and uncompromised image quality. HDR-CX550V is a camcorder that can satisfy a wide range of users, from loving parents who want to record their children’s growing-up, to creative individuals who want to make their first short film. HDR-CX550V is packed with state-of-the-art technology, helping first time users to effortlessly capture breathtaking videos in up to 90 different scenes with the new Intelligent Auto feature. On the other hand, HDR-CX550V also offers a wide variety of manual controls such as the newly added iris and shutter speed control to satisfy advanced users that wish to express a higher degree of creativity.
High Quality Image
“Exmor R” CMOS sensor:
The “Exmor R” CMOS Sensor is twice as sensitive as conventional CMOS sensors thanks to back-illuminated technology that places metal wiring beneath the photo diode instead of above it. Since light is used more efficiently, you can enjoy smoother movement in action sequences and higher image quality in dark conditions such as night scenes.
BIONZ:
The BIONZ Imaging Processor works together with the “Exmor RECMOS Sensor to provide high performance through high-speed signal transmission of massive pixel data. This high-speed processing enables a number of handy features like the Dual Rec function for capturing 8.3 megapixel still images while shooting video footage up to the maximum capacity of the recording media and Face Detection technology for speedy and precise tracking of up to 8 subjects' faces while shooting movies. The technology also improves Auto Focus, Auto Colour Control, and Auto Backlight Correction that compensates for backlighting when shooting landscapes as well as portraits.
24Mbps AVCHD video:
Handycam® High Definition camcorders capture high definition footage in the AVCHD format. The newly added maximum bit-rate (in AVCHD format) of 24Mbps is now available for the most demanding users to record in the best quality when necessary. Also HD video content is automatically up-converts to 60 progressive frames per second when connected via HDMI cable (sold separately) to a compatible high-definition television for best viewing quality.
1920 x 1080 Recording:
Preserve every moment at 1920 x 1080i Full HD video resolution with 6 times the detail of SD (Standard Definition) video. A single glance is all you need to see the remarkable difference achieved by Sony's "Exmor R " CMOS Sensor. You can also shoot still images at a vibrant 12.0 megapixels to make every detail come to life.
Sony “G Lens”:
The “G Lens” was developed based on Sony’s unique optical design concept and quality control. It fully complements the Exmor R CMOS image sensor and BIONZ image processor to deliver superior optical performance. The 14-element 11-group design of Sony’s advanced “G Lens” features five aspherical lenses, an Extra-high Refractive Index (ER) lens, and two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) lenses that reduce chromatic aberration caused by light refraction. This structure contributes to beautiful images with high resolution, minimal noise, crisp contrast, and less colour bleeding in various shooting environments, including low-light conditions. Moreover, beautiful background bokeh is made possible by a 6-blade iris diaphragm (aperture iris) that forms a nearly circular shape.
Wide Angle Lens:
Whether shooting movies or still images, the class-leading wide-angle lens opens doors to exciting new possibilities. You’ll capture more of what you see in magnificent landscapes and indoor scenes where there’s not enough room to step back. Even without adding a wide conversion lens, this compact Handycam® shoots as wide as 29.8mm (16:9 aspect ratio) in movie mode.
Image Stabilization:
The new Optical SteadyShot (Active Mode) ensures smooth movie footage in various shooting situations: when chasing your child, strolling around sightseeing, or even zooming in on the action. This latest version of image stabilization technology realizes up to 10x steadier images on the wide end than conventional Optical SteadyShot. As the user zooms in, an intelligent digital image stabilizer works together with its optical counterpart to effectively reduce camera shake blur even while zooming. Furthermore, this technology compensates for shake in the rolling direction that commonly occurs when shooting while walking.
HD Video Pleasure
Golf Shot:
Golf Shot makes it easy to analyze your golf swing and see what needs improving. Just switch it on, frame your subject in the white rectangle, and press the Rec button when the swing is complete. Golf Shot automatically pre-records the scene and, based on the sound of impact, saves a multi-frame sequence extending from before and after the moment of impact. During playback, you can watch the multi-frame sequence as a movie or still image to easily and precisely check your golf swing. This feature is useful for other sports as well, such as baseball and tennis.
Convenient storage:
The 64GB internal memory stores up to 26 hours and 30 minutes* of HD video in the AVC HD 5 M (LP) 1920 x 1080i high-definition mode or up to 6 hours and 00 minutes* in the AVC HD 24 M (FX) 1920 x 1080i Full HD mode. You can also record video footage and still images to Memory Stick media. For expanded storage capability, use 32GB Memory Stick media in conjunction with the internal memory to store up to 39 hours and 50 minutes* of video. In addition, conventional standard definition video recording is supported. Thanks to the nature of non-linear media, you don’t have to worry about over-writing recorded footage: new data is automatically written in blank unrecorded space. Moreover, you can immediately watch or erase newly recorded footage without rewinding. Just press the desired thumbnail on the touch panel LCD.
Highlight Playback and Highlight Scenario:
Highlight Playback can automatically extract scene highlights from your movies based on factors such as the use of Face Detection, Dual Rec, and Smile Shutter. It can then display the highlights with music and visual effects as a digest of your movie footage. You can even mix the music with the movie’s soundtrack and adjust their balance as desired. Highlight Scenario lets you store up to 8 of your favourite scene highlights for later viewing with friends and family whenever you like*. This is a highly satisfying, effortless way to enjoy memories on an HDTV. You can also manually select a particular background tune, theme, and range of dates for scene highlight extraction. Moreover, PMB Software “Music Transfer - lets you play favourite tunes in place of the supplied background music.
BRAVIA Sync:
The Handycam® playback screen is automatically displayed when you use an HDMI cable to connect your Handycam® with a BRAVIA HD TV that is compatible with BRAVIA Sync. You can also command your Handycam® with the BRAVIA's remote controller. Such easy operation makes watching your recorded footage on a large-screen TV even more enjoyable.
DVDirect Express:
Just connect your Handycam® via USB with the optional DVDirect Express (VRD-P1) DVD writer and press the One Touch button on DVDirect Express. That’s all it takes to burn movie footage onto a DVD Ewithout using a PC. You can burn the AVCHD DVD at HD resolution or use the down-convert function to burn a DVD-Video at standard picture quality (SD) for playback on more DVD players. For instant playback of the DVD you just created, simply press the Play button on DVDirect Express with Handycam® still connected to it. You can also enjoy watching the DVD on a large-screen TV, or share it with your family and friends.
Ease of Use
Built-in GPS:
Built-in GPS capabilities and pre-installed data-rich maps let you record where movies and still images were taken. Simply slide the GPS switch to “ON” to record position information with your movies and still images. The current time is also recorded at the GPS-corrected time for the local time zone. In addition, you can view your current position on a pre-installed map: a handy feature when traveling. Whether browsing contents from a family trip or overseas travel, the Map Index function further enhances your pleasure by displaying markers on the map to show where your movies and still images were shot. So you can search for desired content on the map and play it back by simply touching a thumbnail on the screen. Recorded movies and photos can also be imported to a PC installed with bundled PMB software and displayed along with location and time information in Map View. Simply clicking on Map View thumbnails plays the movies.
Intelligent Auto:
Creating beautiful results is easy with Intelligent Auto. This feature automatically recognizes the type of scene you are shooting and chooses the optimum combination of settings from three groups to provide the best results. For example, the camera might select the Baby setting from the Face group, the Low Light setting from the Scene group and the Tripod setting from the Camera-shake group when capturing a baby indoors. Selected settings are displayed as icons on the LCD screen for easy reference. Even in challenging night and backlit scenes, you can always count on Intelligent Auto for great results.
Face Detection & Smile Shutter:
It’s easy to prioritise a particular face for Face Detection and Smile Shutter. Simply touch one of the faces on the screen framed by Face Detection technology and a double frame will appear to indicate that face has been chosen. The face will remain prioritised even if the person leaves and returns to the scene (until you switch off the power), and various automatic settings will place a priority on reproducing that face as beautifully as possible.
Store and Share Your Memories:
Now there's an easy way to transfer and store videos directly from your camcorder to an external hard disk drive (sold separately), without a computer. You can even use handy playback features of this camcorder to access the videos stored on your external drive and share your memories on a compatible HDTV or monitor.
Dual Memory card slot:
Sony new Handycam camcorder now accepts two types of memory cards so that everyone can fully enjoy the flexibility to select the type of memory cards depending on their needs.
Works with iMovie:
Handycam camcorders are compatible with both PC and Mac® computers. Mac users can transfer content and edit video clips using iMovie® software (sold separately).
3.5 type Xtra Fine LCD:
The Xtra Fine LCD offers a class leading 921k dots high resolution LCD panel that shows incredible amount of details during shooting and playback. While maintaininng its high resolution, the size of the screen has been enlarged from 3.2" to 3.5" for an even more comfortable viewing.
Dolby Digital 5.1ch Surround Sound:
Whenever you're shooting footage, you can record audio through the built-in zoom microphone as Dolby Digital 5.1ch Surround Sound that raises the sense of realism when you play back your HD footage on connected 5.1ch-compatible systems. The zoom microphone can widen or narrow its pickup angle in accordance with the image zoom setting to focus on nearby or faraway sounds. When zooming in on birds perched in a distant tree, for example, the microphone automatically zooms in to capture their song. If you record the footage on AVCHD format discs, you can also enjoy 5.1ch surround sound on AVCHD compatible Blu-ray players and recorders as well as PLAYSTATION®3.
Manual Shooting Function:
The manual dial allows manual adjustment of Focus (default), Exposure, AE shift and WB shift. Just press the Manual button to allow manual adjustment of these pre-set functions. You can also use menu settings to assign favourite camera settings to the dial.
Hi-Res Photo
High-resolution still images:
In addition to capturing moving images, Handycam® can capture high-quality still images whenever you like. These images are shot at a resolution of up to a stunning 12.0 megapixels (4000 x 3000 pixels), which is ample for producing large, high-quality prints.
What's Included:
- HDRCX550 AVCHD 64GB Handycam Camcorder
- AC adaptor AC-L200
- Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-FV50
- Remote RMT-835
- Component A/V Cable
- A/V Connecting Cable
- Clock Lithium (Installed)
- Lithium Battery (CR2025)
- Application Software / USB Driver / (CD-ROM)
- USB Cable