Sony HDR-CX230/B 1080p HD Flash Memory Camcorder | Black

This Sony Camcorder really is awesome. One of the best products I've ever purchased. I've had many camcorders over the years. This one is so lightweight and sturdy. At the same time it is made with expensive parts. You can see how well made it is. With the built projector that is a breeze to use. The projector will work anywhere and is crystal clear even on the wall of a home. The audio coming out while projecting is descent. For a small camera you can't have a large speaker in it so it definitely is great for the size.The recording features are so easy to use and many options also. You can easily change to record at a lesser quality if your running out of space on your media card and don't have an extra on hand.My wife and I have used this so many times already since Christmas and were blown away with the quality. Take your media card right out and plug it right into your computer to download it. You can delete data off the media card and reuse it.Many other options I can keep going on and on about this Sony Handicam but all and all it's a great one for the money.

Recently I had my Kodak Play Touch camera stolen, and I was about to buy another when I saw this camera priced at only one-thirty last week and decided to go with it instead. The day after I purchased it, the price went up one hundred more! So whether it was a fluke in pricing or just my lucky day, the price I paid does have a bearing on how I view this product, thus reflected in my star rating. If I'd paid more, I think I would drop the rating a star. Let me explain.This HD Sony Handycam is a great size and very lightweight. It has 8GB of internal storage, with room for an additional 64GB more via a SDHC card. It provides HD playback via HDMI and can take video and stills. Controls are fairly intuitive, and easy to use and the included Operating Guide is pretty good for helping you to get started quickly using this camcorder.Hooking it up to your HDTV or PC is easy and allows you to view and transfer files without much fuss. This camcorder is also capable of creating a standard definition disc via a (not included) AV cable to a (not included) disc recorder. HD images can be saved to an external drive without installing any software by using a VMC-UAM2 cable (not included).The body feels a bit cheap, and the toggling of a joystick-type navigation system to change modes and set menus was a disappointment. This camera will need to be handled with care, more so than expected.In the box:(2) Operating Guides (English and Spanish)(1) HDR-CX230/B HD Handycam Camcorder - non projection type(1) USB connection support cable (female to male)(1) Rechargeable battery pack(1) HDMI cable 3'**NO AC ADAPTER IS INCLUDED WITH THIS PRODUCT**NOTE: Only with the following models do you get an AC adapter and power cord - HDR-CX280/CX280E/CX290/CX290E/PJ220/PJ220E/PJ230/PJ230E.PROS:+ Carl Zeiss lens+ Lightweight: 6.2 ounces+ Small size: 4.6 x 2.1 x 2.2 inches, fits in the palm of my hand.+ Easy to change the battery; slides off an on the the back of the camcorder.+ Flip out screen is easy to see and adjust; 2.7" wide Clear Photo LCD display (230K).+ HD video quality is very good. 1920x1080 Full HD 60p with 8.9MP Exmor R CMOS Sensor+ Easy to transfer files to PC.+ Additional storage is easy to access at the bottom of the camera.+ Tripod ready.+ 8GB internal memory; up to 3hr 10min recording on flash memory, ready to go after initial charging without need for memory card purchase.+ Built in USB cable stores into handle; smart design.+ Up to 32x zoom; 27x Optical / 32x Extended Zoom.+ SteadyShot image stabilization reduces blur+ AVCHD or MP4 format video for highest quality or easy transfer and sharing.+ Direct copy to external hard drive without need for PC.+ Takes up to 8.9MP still images, which look great!+ Flip out viewer will rotate to the front so that you can take video of yourself and see what is being videoed.CONS:- Body feels a bit cheap.- AC adapter NOT included.- Built in USB cord is extremely short (requiring an extension for any PC other than a laptop) and vulnerable to breakage at the end connected to the camera due to its location.- Navigation menu is via a button that acts like a joystick, enabling the user to toggle to settings. Much less durable than touch or even push button navigation.- No port for an external microphone. Built in sound is good, but it would be nice to have the option for more.- Attempting to charge via a USB port on a powered hub, didn't work. I had to use a AC adapter with a USB port to charge the device (not included).- Built in cable is USB 2.0, not the faster USB 3.0 standard.- Sony indicates during setup that you need to download and install their software via the Internet to use this product, but it's not needed.- Must go through the menu (several steps) to view video that was just shot, versus one touch of a button to view as on most digital cameras.Bottom line: If I'd paid more, I'd probably be looking for more - including an AC adapter. Because I purchased this item at such a low price, I'm quite satisfied with it for capturing school plays, doing video reviews and home movies. It does take very good HD video, I just wish the build quality and navigation were a bit more updated.

Got this camera out of the box yesterday, I have never had a camcorder, and I am not a good picture taker, my hand shakes.But I am already practicing with it, trying to get a feel for it and all the soft ware loaded on my computer before we take our cruise next week and stay in the Bahamas.The first video I shot, of my family in the yard turned out great, I couldn't believe it, no shake, I was shocked. I have already down loaded the soft ware from Sony, and have sent the video to my computer and viewed it.So far this camera seems very easy to operate, and the menu is easy to understand, the operating manual has an easily understandable description of what each function is for and how to adjust settings.I love the built in USB cable, the camera is so lightweight and the projector function is cool :) The built in mic picked up the swish of the grass as subjects walked through the yard.If I can read the book, download the soft wear, and video record in an hour, anyone can. So far I am very happy with this product. I am going to video some more today in different settings to see the difference.I also noticed some of these reviews said the camera did not come with the AC adapter, that it had to be charged through the computer, the PJ230 did come with the AC adapter, and the USB charger as well. The reviews here are mixed between the PJ 230 and the CX 220.Well off the practice with my new camera and video some wildlife.