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Sony HDR-XR100 review
Sony’s HDRXR100 (HDD) Handycam® Camcorder featuring 1920 X 1080 Full
HD Recording, 4MP Still Image Recording and 80GB Internal Memory.
HDR-XR100 80GB HD Handycam® Camcorder - Record stunning 1920x1080 high
definition video and crystal clear still photos to a built-in 80GB hard
disk drive (HDD) with the HDR-XR100 Handycam® camcorder. In addition to
Face Detection technology, this camcorder features Smile Shutter™
technology, which can automatically detect smiles and shoot still images,
even while recording video. The 2.7-inch wide touch panel display provides
excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution and rotates up to 270
degrees for multiple viewing angles. This camcorder also includes Sony PMB
(Picture Motion Browser) software to easily transfer, sort and view your
video and still images on your compatible PC.
“Exmor” CMOS Sensor and BIONZ Imaging Processor - A powerful
combination of advanced Sony HD video technologies delivers remarkably
clear video and still images. These technologies include the BIONZ Imaging
Processor, which handles enormous amounts of HD image data at extremely
high speeds, and the renowned “Exmor” CMOS Sensor, which includes
advanced technology derived from Sony’s professional digital SLR for
high resolution, high sensitivity, low noise and accelerated processing.
More speed. More quality. More of everything you’re looking for in
video image reproduction. Sony’s “Exmor” CMOS Sensor achieves
high-speed signal processing thanks to advanced Column A/D Conversion
technology that also improves image quality through dual noise reduction.
In addition, the sensor delivers richly detailed HD movies and
high-resolution still images due to Sony’s exclusive ClearVid array. The
result is superior image quality at AVCHD 1920 x 1080i resolution (derived
from 3.6x greater signal volume) with extremely low noise, low-light
sensitivity and smear-free clarity at high processing speeds. Whether
shooting movies or still images, you’ll be amazed by the simply
spectacular results. The BIONZ Imaging Processor works together with the
“Exmor” CMOS 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
2.3 megapixel still images while shooting video footage up to the maximum
capacity of the recording media, the Smooth Slow Rec function for slow
motion that highlights details of actions from golf swings to football
goals, 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 new Auto Backlight Correction
that compensates for backlighting when shooting landscapes as well as
portraits.
“Exmor” CMOS Sensor - More speed. More quality. More of everything
you’re looking for in video image reproduction. Sony’s
“Exmor” CMOS Sensor achieves high-speed signal processing thanks to
advanced Column A/D Conversion technology that also improves image quality
through dual noise reduction. In addition, the sensor delivers richly
detailed HD movies and high-resolution still images due to Sony’s
exclusive ClearVid array. The result is superior image quality at AVCHD
1920 x 1080i resolution (derived from 3.6x greater signal volume) with
extremely low noise, low-light sensitivity and smear-free clarity at high
processing speeds. Whether shooting movies or still images, you’ll be
amazed by the simply spectacular results. The BIONZ Imaging Processor works
together with the “Exmor” CMOS 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 2.3 megapixel still images while shooting video
footage up to the maximum capacity of the recording media, the Smooth Slow
Rec function for slow motion that highlights details of actions from golf
swings to football goals, 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 new Auto
Backlight Correction that compensates for backlighting when shooting
landscapes as well as portraits.
Rapid signal transmission enabled by BIONZ - The BIONZ Imaging Processor
works together with the “Exmor” CMOS 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 2.3 megapixel still images while shooting video
footage up to the maximum capacity of the recording media, the Smooth Slow
Rec function for slow motion that highlights details of actions from golf
swings to football goals, 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 new Auto
Backlight Correction that compensates for backlighting when shooting
landscapes as well as portraits.
All the beauty of genuine High Definition - 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 new "Exmor" CMOS Sensor. You
can also shoot still images at a vibrant 4.0 megapixels to make every
detail come to life.
Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® lenses - High-contrast Carl Zeiss®
Vario-Tessar® lenses originally designed in Germany are world-renowned for
delivering quality images. This lens gives your movies an extra boost of
emotional impact. By adding 10x Optical Zoom and 120x Digital Zoom, Sony
gives you the power to capture nearby and faraway subjects with stunning,
richly textured results.
x.v.Color - "x.v.Color" conforms to xvYCC, an international
standard for colour space in video endorsed by the IEC (International
Electrotechnical Commission). The xvYCC standard expresses a colour range
1.8x wider than the conventional sRGB colour space. When played back on an
x.v.Color-compliant TV, various colours like brilliant hues of flowers and
the turquoise blue of the sea can be more faithfully reproduced.
x.v.Color-supported Handycam® camcorders deliver high-resolution HD
performance as well as rich colour reproduction.
What’s AVCHD? - AVCHD is a high-definition (HD) video standard that
uses highly efficient MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video compression technology. This
technology provides a high data compression ratio that is approximately
twice the amount of conventional MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 compression while
enabling HD video content recording. AVCHD also handles the video stream
and offers a variety of HD video recording and playback options on various
media like memory cards, HDD and DVD. When the audio stream is managed by
Dolby Digital, a 5.1 spatialised recording can be created. AVCHD now
features High Profile encoding that compresses the image based on
visibility characteristics, as well as complexity, for even greater
efficiency.
Hours and hours of memories on HDD - The 80GB HDD stores up to around 33
hours and 30 minutes of HD video in the AVC HD 5M (LP) 1440 x 1080i
high-definition mode or up to around 9 hours and 50 minutes in the AVC HD
16M (FH) 1920 x 1080i Full HD mode.You can also record video footage and
still images to Memory Stick media when desired via Hybrid function. In
addition, conventional MPEG2-PS is supported, allowing SD video recording.
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.
HYBRID = HDD + Memory Stick media - Sony’s Hybrid design gives you extra
flexibility. You can record video footage and still images on the HDD,
Memory Stick, or both media to effectively extend recording time. And you
can transfer recorded files from the HDD to Memory Stick with ease.
Easy "dubbing" within your Handycam® - Recorded images and
movies on the HDD can easily be copied to Memory Stick media. Using various
"dubbing" functions, you can copy specific scenes, all recorded
footage registered in the playlist, or footage shot on certain dates. Now
it’s easier than ever to share image and video highlights with your
family and friends.
HDMI - To enjoy your HD video footage on a large screen, simply connect the
HDR-XR100 with your HD television via HDMI cable.
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.
PLAYSTATION®3 - You can play your HD video footage on a PLAYSTATION®3 via
USB connection or Memory Stick media and control playback, including
skipping, with the PLAYSTATION®3 remote controller.
Archiving Video - Archiving your original HD or SD footage is extremely
easy. You can use the One Touch Disc Burn button on the HDR-XR100 to
quickly burn discs on a connected PC or linked DVDirect DVD recorder. With
a single press, it only burns new footage shot since the last disc was
burned. Or you can archive your footage with Easy PC Backup, which lets you
transfer content from the HDR-XR100 to the HDD of a connected PC. Only
files recorded since your last backup are transferred. You can later export
footage back to the HDR-XR100 by using the Write-back (AVCHD) function of
supplied Picture Motion Browser software. Discs burned for your archives in
the AVCHD format can be played in HD quality on PLAYSTATION®3 as well as
Blu-ray players and recorders.
Smile Shutter technology - While shooting your original movie footage,
Smile Shutter automatically detects and takes a still image of your subject
if he or she smiles. Face Detection also optimises focus, exposure, skin
colour, and flash settings* to ensure subjects always look their best.
It’s a great way to record snapshots of smiling friends and family
members. Save the best smiles with Smile Shutter both in videos and photos
up to the full capacity of the recording media. There’s no need to change
settings, so it’s easy for anyone to use.
Smile Detection Setting - By default, Smile Shutter operates in the Dual
Capture setting and automatically takes photographs if a smile is detected
while video footage is being recorded. Users can also select the Always ON
setting that automatically takes photos of smiling subjects whenever the
camcorder is in Recording mode - even if in Still Image Recording mode.
Smile Sensitivity Setting - You can easily set the Smile Shutter to only
capture smiles of a certain level if desired. Simply select the High
sensitivity setting to shoot even the faintest smiles, the default Medium
setting to capture normal everyday smiles, or the Low sensitivity setting
to photograph huge grins.
Smile Priority Setting - In the default Auto mode, Smile Shutter detects
and photographs subjects of all ages when they smile. But you can
prioritise smiling children by selecting the Child Priority setting or
smiling adults by activating the Adult Priority setting. Then leave the
rest to advanced Face Detection technology.
Face Detection Technology - This is the camcorder with Face Detection
technology for movie recording. Sony synergizes this technology with BIONZ
to deliver highly precise, high-speed auto focusing with detection for up
to 8 subjects’ faces and precise focusing of the main subject. This
synergism ensures quick camera tracking of subjects even when their faces
are moving and significantly improves the performance of various features.
For example, it enhances colour control adjustment of skin and other facial
features. When shooting movies, it prevents under/over-exposure of your
subjects’ faces. And when shooting still images, it optimises the
flash settings to prevent loss of detail in face highlights and shadows.
Portrait Adjustment - When shooting portraits, Face Detection and BIONZ
work with three automatic features - Auto Focus, Auto Exposure, and Auto
Colour Control - to optimise reproduction of your subjects’ faces. The
extra-pleasing outcome is more sharply focused faces, better skin colour,
and appropriate exposure of faces even in challenging lighting conditions
or when shooting still images with the flash. By detecting subject faces,
and allocating more data capacity to them, this video compression
technology greatly enhances facial image quality.
Compression Rate - By detecting subject faces, and allocating more data
capacity to them, this video compression technology greatly enhances facial
image quality.
New Auto Backlight Correction optimises portraits and landscapes. - New
Auto Backlight Correction automatically recognises backlit situations ?
when shooting portraits as well as landscapes - and corrects exposure to
provide clear optimised results. When shooting portraits, the exposure is
controlled by Auto Exposure Control (based on Face Detection technology).
The D-Range Optimiser prevents underexposure of subjects and overexposure
of skies to reproduce scenes more naturally, as seen by the naked eye.
Quick Start Up - Power can be turned on or off simply by opening or closing
the LCD panel. Since opening the LCD panel turns the power on almost
immediately, users can shoot without delay. Moreover, users are less likely
to forget turning the power off. This helps to prevent accidental shooting
and wasted battery power.
Ergonomic, easy-to-use GUI - Like the top page of a Web site, the Home Menu
is the starting point for all operations. To record or play footage, change
settings or edit scenes, first press the Home Menu icon on the top left of
the touch panel or the Home Menu hardware button on the left side of the
LCD. Then select the desired category from the Home Menu. The Option Menu
provides quick access to the settings you need. Whether you’re shooting
or playing footage, just press the Option Menu icon on the touch panel to
display available settings for the current mode of operation. Then adjust
settings as desired. A Help Function is also provided for when you need
help understanding a function displayed on the Home Menu. Just press the
“?” button and then press the listed function itself to display an
easy-to-understand explanation. There is even a TV Connect Guide function
that helps make connection between the HDR-XR100 and your TV completely
trouble-free.
Quick and easy navigation to desired scenes - Helpful search functions
accelerate and simplify navigation. Film Roll Index, Face Index functions,
Visual Index and Date Index make every search fast, easy and enjoyable.
2.7 type Clear Photo LCD Plus - Clear Photo LCD plus delivers roughly 1.6
times more accurate colour reproduction than conventional hybrid-type LCDs.
A multi-layered coating reduces reflections, increases display contrast,
and ensures excellent visibility even in bright sunlight on the large,
2.7-type wide screen. Now users can more easily compose pleasing
compositions, as well as clearly check camera settings, subject coloours,
and focusing accuracy even when shooting in bright outdoor conditions.
Dolby Digital 5.1ch Surround Sound with built-in zoom microphone - 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.
Capture key moments in slow motion with Smooth Slow Rec! - Action sequences
of 3 seconds become 12 seconds of slow motion playback with smooth,
high-quality results. Just activate this feature and shoot any 3-second
action sequence, such as a golf swing or football kick. Then play back the
sequence and enjoy 12 seconds of stunning slow motion video. It’s fun to
watch and perfect for close analysis of sports moves. This remarkable
feature was made possible by the exceptional combination of Sony’s
high-quality “Exmor” CMOS Sensor and BIONZ Imaging Processor.
Easy Handycam - Press the Easy Handycam button to enable carefree
point-and-shoot operation with all settings automatically adjusted to match
the shooting situation. This function is especially convenient for
beginners who want operation to be as simple as possible.
Scene Selection modes - Scene Selection modes let you easily create
beautiful images in almost any type of setting. Whether capturing a sunset
with friends in the foreground and illuminated skyscrapers in the
background, natural beauty at beach resorts, fireworks bursting at night,
or festive white landscapes of snow, the results are as spectacular as the
scene you shoot. The Portrait mode, for example, can produce sharp images
of people or flowers on soft backgrounds.
High-quality 4.0 megapixel 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 4.0 megapixels (2304 x 1728
pixels), which is ample for producing large, high-quality prints.
2.3 megapixel Dual Rec function - This remarkable function lets you shoot
fine-quality 2.3 megapixel still images while capturing moving images at
the same time, thanks to high-speed BIONZ image processing. Simply press
the Photo button while shooting in the movie mode. There is no limit beyond
storage capacity as to how many still images you can shoot.
2.1 Megapixel frame extraction - right in the comcorder - After shooting HD
video and exporting it to your PC, just use the bundled PC software to
extract any desired frame. Sony’s super-resolution technology enhances
1.5 megapixel HD video images to produce impressive 3 megapixel equivalent
still image quality. These photos can be printed with excellent results.
3.0 Megapixel frame extraction - on your PC - After shooting video footage,
you can easily extract frames and save them as still images using nothing
but the camcorder. Simply enter the Playback Mode, search your footage for
the desired frame, and extract it as a 2.1 megapixel still image of
outstanding quality.
PhotoTV HD - Now you can enjoy breathtaking image quality when displaying
still images on any BRAVIA that is compatible with PhotoTV HD. The new
PhotoTV HD picture mode optimises the display of still images captured with
the HDR-XR100 to deliver higher resolution, finer gradations and richer
colour. Whether human skin, flowers, sandy beaches or breaking waves, the
beautiful photo-like quality is sure to delight you and your audience.
System Requirements for Picture Motion Browser - The combination of Optical
SteadyShot™ image stabilization and High ISO sensitivity helps compensate
for shaky hands, minimizes blur and allows flash-free shooting to preserve
the mood. Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization uses a built-in gyro
sensor to detect camera shake and automatically shifts the lens to help
prevent blur without sacrificing image quality. High ISO allows for faster
shutter speed, so you can take pictures indoors or in low light without the
need for a flash. In addition to High Sensitivity Mode (ISO), you can
select up to eight ISO settings (Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200)
when shooting in Program Auto Mode to adjust sensitivity to your shooting
conditions.
Stamina® Battery Power - You never know when one of life’s special
moments will come around. Be sure your camcorder is always ready to capture
the action with Sony batteries. The compact NP-FH70 rechargeable battery
pack features InfoLITHIUM & ActiFORCE technologies which ensure maximum
power, minimum charging time and excellent battery performance. It’s
the perfect battery for newer, ultra-compact camcorders.
ACCHDH6 Accessory Kit - Keep your compatible camcorder plus accessories
safe and secure with this convenient accessory case. Included in this handy
ACCHDH6 accessory kit is a soft carrying case (LCSVA30) to keep your
compatible Handycam® camcorder safe from bumps and scratches. Also
included in this kit is a spare InfoLITHIUM battery (NPFH60) for longer
shooting times and a 1.5-foot mini HDMI cable (VMC15MHD) for fast,
convenient connection to your HDTV.
VCLHGE07A Wide Angle Lens - This 0.7x wide-angle lens lets you film
extra-wide scenes on your compatible Handycam® camcorder for an even
greater shootin experience. The VCLHGE07A wide-end conversion lens for
37mm/30mm with its quick-attach design is one of the lightest conversion
lenses available for high definition filming. Shoot groups, landscapes and
other extra-wide scenes without moving your camcorder from side to side.
Features high-grade optics for outstanding video detail.
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