Sony HDR-XR160E

[Immortal25]

Just wondering what do you guys think about this? I've read some reviews from the internet but would love to hear from some actual users and those who know anything about it.

Oh, I'd like to know as well what battery should I get? This handycam is using the V series...which type should I get? The np-fv70? or np-fv100? Obviously the 100 is bigger and longer lasting but how long can it last with HD shooting? First time HD user here so I really have no idea. Some stores are telling me that the 70 one can last 7hours but others are syaing it only lasts 4hours max. That's not much to be honest.

[aedipuss]

the cheap sony cams use a sensor smaller than required for HD and upscale. not good.

[Immortal25]

You mean to say this particular model I'm looking at is not a good handy? Which models do you recommend then?

[aedipuss]

don't know enough about what it would be used for. the info here should help you.
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/

[mike20021969]

the cheap sony cams use a sensor smaller than required for HD and upscale.

Are you sure about that?
I think you're mistaken.
According to the specs, it uses a 3.3MP sensor and records in 1080p at up to 28Mbps.

Movie Resolution: HD:1920x1080/50p,50i(FX,FH), 1440x1080/50i (HQ,LP)

http://www.sony.co.uk/product/hdd-avchd-hard-disk-drive/hdr-xr160e#pageType=TechnicalSpecs

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004KPLKF0/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=103612307&...90RZ7S04PS4WQ3

[aedipuss]

it was from a cnet review.

• CNET editors' rating 3.0 stars
• Design: 7.0 7.0/10
• Features: 6.0 6.0/10
• Performance: 8.0 8.0/10
• Image quality: 6.0 6.0/10
• Editors' rating explained

The good: A wide-angle lens, built-in USB cable, and consistently good automated behavior highlight the otherwise no-frills Sony Handycam HDR-CX130, CX160, and XR160 camcorders.
The bad: The sub-HD resolution sensor on these camcorders produces merely satisfactory video.

Read more: http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/sony-handycam-hdr-xr160/4505-6500_7-3446888...#ixzz1ZmMFgSUk

[mike20021969]

Either way, there's NO upscaling.

[edDV]

Also the small 4.5mm sensor will have low light noise issues.

[aedipuss]

Either way, there's NO upscaling.

of course they are. the sensor has a native resolution of 1.67 megapixels, far less than 1920x1080, so they video HAS to be upscaled to record 1080.

if the cam has a 720 mode then that wouldn't be upscaled, but to call those cams 1080 high def is just advertising hogwash.

[Immortal25]

Hmm...a bit confused. How do we see between the lines then? How do we identify if the cam has been upscaled and what not? As mike showed, I just got the info from sony website and also local stores and they show/talk about the 3.3MP and also it being 1080 full HD...

And about the 4.5mm noise issue for low light, I was asking about fixing light accessories but they said the exmor is very good and will not require external lighting. But now you say the sensor isn't good enough. What measurement should I look out for?

[aedipuss]

in the fine print on the sony site in specs. :

• Video Actual (Pixel) : Approx. 1490K pixels (16:9), Approx. 1120K pixels (4:3)

for true 1920x1080 HD you need at least 2,073,600 pixels.

[edDV]

Hmm...a bit confused. How do we see between the lines then? How do we identify if the cam has been upscaled and what not? As mike showed, I just got the info from sony website and also local stores and they show/talk about the 3.3MP and also it being 1080 full HD...

And about the 4.5mm noise issue for low light, I was asking about fixing light accessories but they said the exmor is very good and will not require external lighting. But now you say the sensor isn't good enough. What measurement should I look out for?

Hmm, it seems you haven't read this extensive 03 Oct 2011 review.
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Sony-Handycam-HDR-CX160-Camcorder-Review.htm

[Immortal25]

One question guys, if i get a HDD camcorder with external SD card slots, and the hard disk fails one day, am I still able to use the external card slot to continue recording the video? Or will the camcorder cease to run at all? This is my dilemma when deciding to purchase a HDD camcorder or a flash/SD memory one... ?

[Immortal25]

Oh yeah, I also noticed most camcorders don't have a slot for accessories anymore. But I hear you can still fix external light and what not via the tripod or modified stand or something? That true?

[aedipuss]

post on the 6th - no idea if the cam would keep working with a dead drive, but i doubt it.

post on the 8th - yes. look on b&h website for cam accessories.