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| 7th | of 26 | in HD Mainstream |
| 10th | of 16 | in Sony |
| 2nd | of 3 | in Hard Disk |
| 22nd | of 57 | in High Definition |
Sony has a solid reputation for their camcorders and the Handycam HDR-PJ380 is no exception. Sure, there's a long list of features like 16 GB flash memory, a 3” touchscreen, 55x zoom and the built in projector, but simply put, this camcorder is just fun to use.
Video quality is where the PJ380 truly shines, but there's also a few perks in the design, usability and extra features too. There's a few minor qualms, like a rather finicky touchscreen, but overall Sony's 2013 midrange projector model is a great choice among other mainstream HD options.
Sony has managed to squeeze a full frame sensor, a projector and 16 GB of flash memory into a camcorder that's lightweight and comfortable to grip. Holding the camcorder in my right hand, I can easily access the zoom and dedicated photo button with my index or middle finger and the start/stop button with my thumb.
The remaining controls, which are used less often, need a second hand. On the left side, there's the basic buttons for power, playback and turning on and focusing the projector. There are also plugs for a projector input and mic. A USB cord is hidden in the camera strap on the right side, plus there are ports for a charger and longer USB cord.
Entry-level high-def camcorders don’t get much better than Sony’s HDR-CX130. While it's light on bells and whistles, the lens and sensor alone are worth the price tag. This camcorder delivers some stunning, stable shots throughout a wide zoom range and in all kinds of lighting.
Video Quality
The footage the CX130 delivered was thoroughly impressive. We've reviewed several camcorders at this price point and none have shot videos that look this good. The backlit Exmor R sensor is designed to optimize light-gathering space in a compact camera body and it shows.
In bright light, details were clear, colors were vivid and contrast was sharp. Highlights in the afternoon sun became somewhat hazy, but the CX130 still whitewashed colors less often than other HD camcorders. In dim and low light, the CX130 captured vibrant color and sharp detail with very little grain, although it had a noticeably harder time auto-focusing when zoomed.
As smartphones and cameras continue to offer improved video quality, manufacturers have stepped up their camcorder models to give consumers a reason to purchase that dedicated video cam. A quarter of the way through 2013, the newest camcorders on the market are offering beefed up features and better sensors in smaller packages.
More and more manufacturers are jumping on the wi-fi bandwagon, allowing users to instantly upload or backup their footage. The companies offering wi-fi are also offering improved apps enabling the cam to be remotely controlled, allowing the user to start recording or even pan away from the reach of the usual controls. While wi-fi isn't new to the imaging industry, it is improving with tweeks to operation like one touch uploads and auto backup and better remote applications in 2013.
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| Many camcorders, like this one from JVC, now have built in wi-fi.. |
Cams like the Canon Vixa HF R42 and JVC GZ-VX815 have the wi-fi built right in, others are offered as ad ons. Sony offers an add on this year that's compatible with all their new handycam models.
Wi-fi isn't the only feature receiving a makeover in 2013, many models have increased zoom ranges. Manufacturers are also boasting improved image stabilization technologies. Hard drive memory is a trend of the past as most models now offer some sort of flash memory or removable SD or Micro SD card or both.
Today, everything shoots video. Your digital camera shoots video, your phone shoots video, your iPods even shoot video. In many cases, these devices actually shoot pretty good video. So why, when your digital point-and-shoot takes 720 or 1080p video, do you still need a camcorder?
One big reason: Just like your iPod was made to play music, and your phone was made to make calls, your digital camera was made to shoot stills, and every step of its design is ultimately focused on that goal. However, even the most affordable camcorders were designed from square one with the moving picture in mind. This means a lot when it comes to features, usability, and quality.
First, just think about using your digital camera. You turn it on, you point it at your smiling friend, you push that shutter button halfway down, and you wait for a second. During that wait time, your camera is doing a lot of thinking and trying its best to make a beautifully focused photo. For freezing single moments, this is great.
this setting is meant only for 2D recording????
2. Can we cut 3d blu ray disc of the 3d recording done on this camcorder???