Sony HDR-XR520V 240GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder

Full HD recording.

The worst thing is when your capturing those historic moments in time for example a baby's first steps or words or graduation and all of a sudden the memory runs out on your camcorder. With full HD 1920 x 1080 Recording in high resolution you can capture those moments and still have a mass amount of free space for more. Watch those golden moments back as you plug your Camcorda into your HDTV and view the photos & memorable videos.

240GB hard disk drive.

What will you record with all that great amount of storage a whopping 96 hours in Full High Definition! Standard definition is also a great feature of which you can record an enormous 168 hours. One of the biggest bonuses is a new feature called HDD Smart Protection, this a safety measure which prevents any images or recorded video being lost if you accidently drop the camcorder.

New Back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor.

Have you ever tried to record a video in low light conditions & been disatisfied with the end result and wished there was a simple button you could press to resolve that common problem? Sony has listened to your voice and now you can achieve fantastic improved image clarity in low light conditions. This new feature has drastically reduced the scratchiness and grain effect with its high spec Sensor. Now you can finally shoot, your high-end videos in lower lighting conditions which still yield phenomonal results with the Exmor R CMOS sensor.

Geotagging with built-in GPS receiver.

Whilst traveling on Business or a Vacation wouldn't it to be nice to have a camcorder which automatically adjusts it's clock to the correct time zone and also allows you to view current location on its LCD map display? Introducing the new GPS Receiver you can now also "tag" your shooting locations. When you get back home or on the train you can now view those tagged videos and pictures via the Map Index Function directly on the camcorder. This is another Bonus for when you download the files to your Mac or PC with the Elite Motion Browser Software.

Face Detection and Smile Shutter™ technologies.

Wouldn't you love to capture a smile the moment and instantly take still photos when your subject smiles even when capturing video? Capturing smiles and faces now easier than ever with the new Face Dectection Technology & Smile Shutter ™ technology. With the face detection feature it controls focus, color exposure and detects a face while analyzing and enhancing both video and still images for a more natural skin tone.

Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization with Active Mode

How Steady is your hand when recording free-hand and taking still images? The new optical Steady Shot with Active Mode is the solution to unstable recording motions. This powerful new feature of Steady Shot Stabilization will allow your camcorder lens to shift over a greater range of motion. Delivering a stunning level of image smoothness and combatting greater degrees of camera shake will enhance your production and portfolios.

12.1 megapixel still image capture.

Dual Functionality is as standard now so you only have to carry one camera for stunning High Definition and stunning high resolution 12.1 megapixel still image capture. Who needs a digital camera and a camcorda if you can have them combined instead of seperately with excellent quality at your finger tips. 12.1 mega pixels is the sharpest resolution on the market and your image clarity is excellent. Deliver studio quality pictures with the stylish snapshot.

Highlight Playback.

Everybody loves capturing great videos but when it comes down to the editing side our we as passionate? Why spend hours editing your movies when you can let your camcorder do it for you? Highlight Playback uses several criteria - including Face Index, Smile Shutter™ technology, Dual Capture and time range - to identify and compile key scenes into a short, entertaining movie complete with music and transitions. So you can now enjoy shooting your videos and editing all on the same platform with the priceless Leverage.

Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software.

In order for you to edit like a pro and create great media you need the right tools for the job. Experience a simple way to transfer, sort, view and share your video and still images with the supplied PMB PC software. In addition, multiple output options let you burn your memories to DVD, AVCHD and Blu-ray Disc™ media, as well as take advantage of one click upload to a number of popular video and photo sharing sites.

Record in Dolby Digital 5.1-ch. surround sound.

Now you can capture audio the way it's heard in real life–from all around you. This camcorder supports 5.1 channels of surround sound so that playback on your home theater will sound as realistic as possible. The built-in zoom mic records the audio of your faraway subject as you zoom in on them.

ACC-HDH6 Accessory Kit ($119.99)

Keep your compatible camcorder plus included Memory Stick® media, battery pack, conversion lens and mini HDMI™ cable safe and secure with this convenient accessory case.

LCS-BBA Camcorder Carrying Pouch LCS-BBA

Make sure your Handycam® camcorder and gear gets double protection with the LCS-BBA Camcorder Carrying Pouch. The bag-in-bag concept makes sure everything stays safe and sound.

Wireless Microphone

Record from afar. Through Bluetooth® wireless technology for secure recordings, the ECM-HW2 wireless microphone communicates from distances up to approximately 100 feet. It also features two-way communication, and you can shoot while still talking to a friend up to 100 meters from the camcorder. The microphone and receiver unit are even equipped with earphone jacks that correspond to "5.1ch Center Mic" mode.

Summary of Customer Ratings & Reviews

Just Amazed
Date: March 4, 2009

"I love this camera and the easy of use, my technically challenged girlfriend learned how to use this camera in about 2 hours. I am very pleased with the software and the easy of burning a compatible disc for viewing and the steady shot is the best i every seen and the 1080 is also amazing . The smile detector I feel takes 2 many pictures at time but you do catch some amazing shots with it . The con I found is the camera is a little small for my big hands can barely fit it under the strap and its so tiny its hard to control the zoom with my large hands , but overall I would recommend it and its a great value to get a excellent digital camera and a hd 1080i camcorder you cant beat this one!