Sony HDR-CX100 AVCHD HD Camcorder with Smile Shutter & 10x Optical Zoom (Black)

Manufacturer: Sony
Customer Rating:
List Price: $599.99
Sale Price: $465.99
Availibility: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

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Product Description

The Sony HDR-CX100 is a high definition Memory Stick Duo media Handycam camcorder that offers 1920x1080 Full HD video recording and 4.0 megapixel still image capture in an ultra-compact, affordable package. While the HDR-CX100 packs a healthy feature set, including a 1/5" Exmor CMOS sensor, BIONZ image processor, Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology, and 8GB of embedded flash memory, its most differentiating characteristic is its ultra-compact design. The small size and light weight of the HDR-CX100 allow for easy portability, and the choice of silver, black, and red color variations give consumers the opportunity to pick the color that best suits their tastes. The HDR-CX100 appeals to consumers who are interested in HD quality video and who desire a compact, portable design.

Product Details

Capture 1920 x 1080 HD video to built-in flash memory
10x optical zoom, 120x digital zoom; Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with SteadyShot image stabilization
2.7-inch wide touch-panel Clear Photo LCD Plus display
4-megapixel still image capture; Face Detection
8 GB built-in memory; compatible with Memory Stick PRO Duo Media (not included)

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Customer Reviews

Great quality camera for the price!

Review Date: March 29, 2009

Reviewer: M. Yoeun, Chicago, IL

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 (you can set it on or off). I like that its flash memory as well (hard drives dont survive drops so well). I gotta say Sony put out one sexy stylish camcorder. It looks great in the hand and it definitely got some peoples attention. Once you get this camcorder you'll never want to go back to SD recording. Here are my PROs and CONs:

PROS:
+ Amazing quality video
+ Lets you take a photo while filming
+ Smile detection
+ Ready to film once screen is open
+ Small and compact
+ Very good looking camera comes in three colors
+ Flash memory (bad/good you decide)
+ HDMI support

CONS:
- Not just any HDMI cable will work
- Proprietary memory stick format (memory sticks are expensive)
- Low 10x optical zoom
- 3 hours recording time

Love this camera and highly recommend it.

Truly HD camcorder in pocket size! Buy, Buy Buy!

Review Date: June 9, 2009

Reviewer: ,

Excellent EXMOR Sensor and image processing engine, the BEST as for today! Small size. Full HD. Fast start. Even with "Limited" features has a lots of them. Camera instantly detected in PC-XP Pro and Mac-OS/X. I do not care about 4MP still shots, so won't even bother to talk about it.

Native MTS camcorder format is not supported by many players. It needs to be converted to H.264 usable by BlueRay players ...
I was reading reviews before buying this camcorder, and was just amazed how much ridiculous stuff people were saying. Some have no clue what to do with this (or Canon...) HiDef camcorders! Speaking about this CX100 - there is nothing to be scared about. Nor about Canon's or others Sony, Canon Panasonic's ... all using slightly different flavors/methods of recording AVCHD. Sony happen to mark their movies with MTS extension. I have ~6 years old Pentium 4 2.8HT/2 GB RAM/XFX with NVidia7600GT card/DirectX 9.x. (Window Media Player +Xvid plugin) playback is not perfect, a little choppy but acceptable. Please note, that if you computer preview is smudgy and choppy, this is NOT a CAMERA fault! Same video is played perfectly fine on Blue Ray player when converted to H.264. I also have new unibody 2008 Mac Book pro OS X - laptop detects camera right away and launching iMovie08, offering video transfer. If you have older, non Intel Processor Mac - forget about this camera - and ALL OTHER's AVCHD/H.264 camcorders - most likely they will not be working for you. So, please, do not write negative reviews, do not confuse people, OK?

I do not use Component and AV cables (they still in the box). If you do, you are downgrading HiDef video to patetic Analog quality. I refuse call it a "Standard Definition". HDTV is new STANDARD! And that other thing is, Analog. :) So, I use just a HDTV cable to direct view on HDTV, and USB cable to move files to Harddrive.

This camcorder when connected via USB cable is detected as external drive, not a camera. No big deal to me, even more convenient. I prefer to be able to save original files by Copying them to folder I created on my harddrive. When camera is connected to computer, make sure - do not delete movies from camcorder this way. Movies "List/Previews" still will be displayed in camera LCD preview. Completely delete files in build in memory only using in-camera controls. And format removable MemStick only in camcorder, not in computer. I believe, this is typical to all camcorders.

If you already have HDTV - LCD or Plasma, you can view footage directly from camera connecting via HDTV cable. It is looking really good on my Samsung LCD, as good as any non-studio recorded HD content. But this is only a temporary solution. You'll need to empty memory to take more video's, right? I wanted to get the best video from this camcorder and it is all about conversion of MTS to H.264. There are different solutions for Mac and Windows users. Keep reading.
.......................................
PC users:
- You can use supplied by Sony PMB Software to burn your original HiDef files to REGULAR, not a Blue Ray DVD-R!!!! This is awesome for someone who already has Blue Ray player anf HDTV! I repeat, they can be burned on regular DVD burner, to normal DVD-R, and then played in the Blue Ray player in full glory, with no quality loss, which can occur in conversions to other formats. I made disk like that, and tried it out - and I can assure you - it is real HD video! No motion blur, no hiccups, all is PERFECT! Looks like BlueRay players have much better hardware to handle HD content. You can AVCHD DVD directly from camera, or from movies you copied to the comp harddrive. For each movie event I create separate folder, and later PMB need to 'analyze' each folder befor disk burn.(By the way, when PMB burning disk, you will see that MTS format is converted to H.264). It is in a Manual too.
- One more way: You can install XVID (free) plugin and you can perfectly play original uncorverted MTS files via Windows Media Player!!!!
- Another way: you can get DIVX 7 Pro for mere $[...] ([...]) and convert to MKV, or DIVX PLUS HD format, which can be easily played on PC and Mac computers. DIVX player is free, is that Pro version, which has converter is not free...
- If you have slightly outdated Core 2 Duo comp - make sure you get more memory (4GB+, and better video card with HD support, like Nvidia 9000 series DDR3 /Direct X 10/Open GL2.x)
- Allegedly Windows 7 should have better HiDef support and most of the codexes... will see.
.....................................
Mac Users:
- Sony providing PMB software for PC user only. Get over it. But actually, Mac user have even better solution, not free though...
- You can get Mac version of DIVX player also for $[...] and convert MTS to something more user friendly.
- Or, (My choice) you can shell out $[...]+tax for Elgato Turbo.264 HD USB/hardware based encoder/accelerator ([...]), and convert MTS to h.264, then store them on external haddrive
- Quick Time Pro 7 can be used for playing H.264 movies! Again, they can be burned on regular DVD-R for BlueRay players. You also, can connect your Mac via MiniDisplay Port /HDMI adaptopr ([...]) to any HDTV or projector for bigger trill.
- PS: MacConnection catalog now is listing this CX100, so you see - it is OK, it is safe to get Sony HDR CX100! :)
....................................
Finally, if you don't have any stinkin' computer, or all what you got is one of those anemic 'netbooks' and you still want Canon, or Sony H.264 camcorder - No problem. At Costco, for $[...] you can get standalone Sony DVDirect MC5 DVD recorder (not a Blue Ray disk recorder, regular DVD's) and connect it by USB cable. You can make AVCHD disks readable by Blue Ray players. Never tried myself, just repeating what Manual says :). Canon also has similar device, but it looks like it is making only analog, not HD DVD's. So, all you will need is: Camcorder/MC5 recorder/Stack of DVD-Rs (which cost on average ~$[...] each)/new BlueRay Player/720p, or 1080p LCD or Plasma HDTV. That's it!

MY OBSERVATIONS and recommendations after first week of playing around.
1. ALWAYS record in highest possible resolution [HD FH].
2. Set color to X.V. COLOR!!! (if you have Sony Blue Ray player/and HDTV supporting that (Sony, Panasonic...) you can have advantage of enhanced colors). But it may be better turn it OFF in really sunny day. Colors might be way saturated (red/blue/yellow) almost fluorescent. And even with x.v.color off - believe me, camera will produce very nice video! And use of x.v. color could be very beneficial for cloudy days, or for dimmer lighting.
3. Make sure that you have image stabilization (STEADYSHOT) tuned ON!
4. ...all other settings I have on Auto. You choose yours.
5. There is bunch of useful presets like Beach, Landscape, Soft Portrait ... I have to check it out yet.
6. Camera is very light, so you'd better hold it steady, or attach it to something. I have small tabletop tripod (~$[...]) and I have it attached to the bottom - it works for me like an extra handle.
7. Even when camera is on a tripod - pan (sweep left/right) as slowly and smoothly as you can. Many people have to learn this, because some report excessive blur - it not worse than much more expensive camcorders. It is YOU - you need to learn how to "drive" your new toy. Eventually, it will come to you, no worries.
8. Get a Polarizer, or UV filter - to see through the glare of glass or water. This is VERY nice thing to have on a bright sunny day!
9. Tripods? I have Slik Compact XL, light and good for travel. Works for me. But much better is Manfrotto 190XDB I saw for $[...] at bestbuy... Very solid built, and smooth panning.

RECIPIE to get best video (This is true for ALL camcorders, and digital cameras):
- Try to get as close as possible to object you are filming. I think, best range is 2 - 20 ft. Next best is 20-50 feet
- Do not shoot in the dusk/dark. Film in well lit conditions. Try to have sun, or source of light behind you, not in front of you (unless you are shooting Hawaiian sunset... :) In low light - this camera is about the same as any other one's, if not better. Do not listen to purists about low light "performance".
- Turn OFF that "Digital Zoom"! 10x of OPTICAL zoom is more than enough for most conditions. Beyond that you will get big quality degradation. Try to apply less zoom as possible. Besides, "digital" zoom is using camera sensor, reducing resolution to get higher zoom. NOT good!
- Less zoom will make a big difference (unless camera on a tripod) for Image Stabilization, it will work better. Try, and you will see how is difficult to hold camera still on far zoom range...
- U can use Wide Angle adapter, I got ~$[...] Sony VCL-0630X through Pricegrabber and it is just... OK. At max zoom, corners will be blurred a bit. You can find better one for $[...] (Sony VCL-HGA07).

CONCLUSION: There are better camcorders over there. I really like new Canon HF S100... But it is around ~900! And this cutie, for under 460 --- it can be beat! And even in a "pocket" size - it is real Hi Definition camcorder, just use it to full capacity! Later on, when I become a PRO cameraman, and have tons of money (3500-4000) - I will definitely go for a Scarlet from RED ([...]). But now -- I'm happy with CX100. When I get decent video's I will post it on [...].

... Phew, I'm tired of typing. Just go and get it.
UPDATE: I just saw Pricegrabber's new super deal - 455 at [...]! That's $[...] less than I paid)
You'all have a good time!

GREAT HD QUALITY FOR THE SIZE

Review Date: March 12, 2009

Reviewer: R. Munster, New York, NY

Right out of the box this Handycam Rocked my World!
I was looking for a camera that was:
-Small for traveling
-Does not use tapes
-Great HD quality.
The Sony HDR-CX100 was just released. I usually do a lot of research when it comes to technology, but the handycam fit exactly what I was looking for:
-Small
-Card Based Media
-Great HD Quality
I really took a chance on Quality, without testing at local store first..
(impulse buy)
But it worked out great the camera Is AWESOME. I even put it to a test.. I used the Handycam (all set in auto mode) along with the Sony HVR-Z1U 3CCD High Definition Camcorder to record a theatrical performance.. The quality matches perfectly.. cutting between the two cameras is seamless..

The size and superb HD quality, makes this a Must have for any one looking for compact HD handycam.

Sony HDR-CX100 Almost perfect!

Review Date: June 25, 2009

Reviewer: D. Newell, Tennessee, USA

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! It has several video compression modes, both in HD and SD. Other brands such as Canon don't have both HD & SD modes. The HD video files are highly compressed (AVCHD) and don't take much more disk space than SD video.

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. Or, you can convert your HD video to SD quality and burn a regular DVD disk that will play on any standard DVD player. I have done this, and the converted video looks fantastic!

The camera comes with 8gb of installed memory, and has an expansion slot to add more. However, the Pro-Duo "Mark 2" memory cards you will want to use are expensive. They cost about 50% more than a similar SD memory card. Don't buy a card without the Mark 2 designation, as these are much faster and rated for HD video.

My only complaint, and it is minor, is that the supplied battery doesn't last too long so if you are like me you will find yourself needing a 2nd battery. You can either go with a Sony brand battery, or save over 50% buying an aftermarket battery. These are available on Amazon, eBay, etc.

Smaller than I thought, packs a big punch

Review Date: March 3, 2009

Reviewer: Chris Laramie, Denver, CO

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!

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