Digital Video - Reviews

Review Date: 23-OCT-2009

Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1

RRP: $190.00 $170.00

For a pocket camcorder, the Sony Webbie MHS-PM1 is loaded with features and produces decent video quality. That said, there are several products on the market that offer superior results.

Review Date: 07-OCT-2009

Sony HDR-XR200V

RRP: $1799.00

The Sony Handycam HDR-XR200V isn't a bad camcorder, but its main draw might be its fancy extras rather than its output.

Review Date: 20-AUG-2009

Sony HDR-TG5

RRP: $1499.00

The Sony HDR-TG5 is a minor evolution of the TG1 that adds some useful features but addresses none of its predecessor’s faults. Nevertheless, if you can get used to the unconventional shape it won’t disappoint.

Review Date: 11-JUN-2009

Sony HDR-XR520

RRP: $2699.00

The Sony HDR-XR520 is a rock-solid HDD video camera that improves on its predecessors in nearly every way. On the other hand, it's unlikely that many consumers will be able to afford it at its current price point.

Review Date: 30-APR-2009

Sony HDR-XR200

RRP: $1999.00

The Sony HDR-XR200 is a gadget-laden show-stopper of a camcorder. It provides more functionality than any entry-level HD camcorder on the market — but it's also a bit more expensive.

Review Date: 17-APR-2009

Sony DCR-SX40

RRP: $529.00

The Sony DCR-SX40 camcorder offers a solid performance for the asking price. Its primary strength lies in its user-friendly interface, followed by its sleek good looks and 60x optical zoom lens.

Digital Video Accessories

Review Date: 10-MAR-2009

Sony DVDirect VDR-P1 Express

RRP: $199.00

Despite the universal appeal of 'instant' DVDs, very few people will ever be able to use the Sony DVDirect VRD-P1 Express due to limited compatibility. Nevertheless, if you happen to own a camcorder that it will recognise, the device will not disappoint.

Review Date: 09-MAR-2009

Sony DCR-SR47

RRP: $749.00

The Sony DCR-SR47 is a great standard-definition camcorder that will satisfy most casual users. With oodles of inbuilt storage and a user-friendly 60x optical zoom, it represents great value for money.

Review Date: 04-MAR-2009

Sony HDR-CX100

RRP: $1199.00

The Sony HDR-CX100 is an impressive flash memory handycam that offers a solid performance across the board. If you're looking for an affordable high-definition camcorder, it will not disappoint.

Review Date: 18-FEB-2009

Sony DCR-HC52

RRP: $399.00 $349.00

The Sony DCR-HC52 is a perfectly capable little camcorder, but its recording format is beginning to show its age. Frankly, your money would be better spent on something younger and hipper. (Mini DV, your time is nearly up.)

Review Date: 27-JAN-2009

EDITORS_CHOICE

Sony HDR-HC9

RRP: $2099.00

If you prefer the familiarity and reliability of HDV tape, the Sony HDR-HC9 is one of the best (and only) options on the market. Sticklers for value may want to check out Canon’s HV30 though — it’s every bit as good, yet cheaper.

Review Date: 28-NOV-2008

EDITORS_CHOICE

Sony HDR-FX1000

RRP: $5999.00

The HDR-FX1000 is a worthy successor to the FX1/FX7. It will make an ideal stepping stone into the world of professional video, as well as a solid secondary unit for established videographers.

Review Date: 02-SEP-2008

Sony HDR-CX12

RRP: $1699.00

The HDR-CX12 is a brilliant high-def handycam that is almost impossible to find fault with. It improves on its CX7K predecessor in nearly every area and is easily a match for Sony's high-end HDR-SR12 model. If you don't mind the lack of an inbuilt hard drive, it won't disappoint.

Review Date: 06-AUG-2008

Sony DCR-DVD610

RRP: $499.00 $399.00

The DCR-DVD610 is far from great, but at this price it's kind of hard to go wrong. If you want a DVD camcorder that will do the basics and would prefer to spend as little as possible, it will get the job done.

Review Date: 30-JUL-2008

Sony HDR-TG1

RRP: $1599.00

The HDR-TG1 is the smallest HD camcorder we've ever reviewed. To a certain extent, its portability comes at the expense of video quality. However, it still offers an impressive performance across the board. Enthusiastically recommended.