Sony HDR-XR550V 240GB High Definition HDD Handycam Camcorder

Certain screens will fade out in bright sunlight, and you need to ensure your ability to easily see what you're recording under any circumstances.

If you're unable to view the images on the screen in bright daylight, resort to using the viewfinder.

Not only will using the view finder get the job done but it will do so without using up a lot of your battery power.

Sony HDR-XR550V 240GB High Definition HDD Handycam Camcorder

If the camcorder you are wanting to buy has the ability to connect an external microphone, then factor in an extra $50 to $100 for an external microphone as this will give you the best sound possible.

All camcorders come with a completely automatic mode, but certain models have manual and semi-manual exposure modes.

As an example, some models allow you to record at slower shutter speeds than others, or have aperture settings that permit more light to enter.

Sony HDR-XR550V 240GB High Definition HDD Handycam Camcorder

The LCD screens are provided to facilitate viewing the objects or scenes to be shot and also to see what has been already shot.

Touch screen displays are also featured in some products.

Another special feature is the lithium ion battery which is rechargeable.

Lithium batteries are more durable than conventional batteries. USB port is provided to facilitate uploading data to computers.

It will help to transfer data from or to camcorders or other devices.

Sony HDR-XR550V 240GB High Definition HDD Handycam Camcorder

This review is from: Sony HDR-XR550V 240GB High Definition HDD Handycam Camcorder (Electronics)

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.

This review is from: Sony HDR-XR550V 240GB High Definition HDD Handycam Camcorder (Electronics)

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.

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This review is from: Sony HDR-XR550V 240GB High Definition HDD Handycam Camcorder (Electronics)

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.

Sony HDR-XR550V 240GB High Definition HDD Handycam Camcorder

There are other features that are to be considered while choosing a right one.

Optical zoom is very important. This feature helps to zoom on the object in order to magnify it.

Digital zoom is for fine tuning the focus on the object. Another important feature is the image stabilization which will absorb the possible jerks or shakes that may occur in the course of shooting.

Some of the modern digital camcorders with automatic modes are ideal for beginners or amateur photographers.

Sony HDR-XR550V 240GB High Definition HDD Handycam Camcorder