SonyHDR-CX190 High Definition Handycam 5.3 MP Camcorder(2012 Model)

Purchase date: February 10, 2012My previous camcorder: Sony DCR-SR42 Handycam purchased approximately 4 years ago Sony DCR-SR42 30GB Hard Disk Drive Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical ZoomAccessories purchased with CX190:32GB Transcend Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card Transcend 32 GB Class SDHC 10 Flash Memory Card TS32GSDHC10EGold Plated HDMI to HDMI Mini cable Gold Plated HDMI to HDMI Mini cable, 2 M / 6.56 FTWhat you need to know:- CX190 does not have a touch screen (CX200 & CX210 do)- does not have internal memory- requires class 4 or higher memory card- doesn't take pictures while recording in highest quality- 32GB card holds a little more than 3 hours in highest quality- camcorder has built in USB cable for transfer or charging- lens cover is manual- camcorder automatically turns on when screen is opened- buttons/controls are in the same place as my previous handycam- camcorder is surprisingly slim and light- video is extremely clear (outside is better than inside but both are so clear you feel like you are in the video)- no wind noise can be heard in the play back of the video- camcorder has a threaded receiver for tripod- USB cable (about 3" long) is built in and slides into the strap when not being usedI have to say, "I love Sony." Having owned a handycam before, I immediately felt comfortable operating the CX190. My previous handycam was not an HD camcorder so the video shot with this camcorder is unbelievable especially compared to my SD camcorder. The indoor and low light video is not as clear as video shot outside in the sunlight but the video is still very clear.I am very impressed with this camcorder. It is smaller than my previous handycam, takes much clearer video, and was less expensive. I don't have any complaints. I didn't want a touch screen and the memory card was cheaper than internal storage.You won't regret purchasing Sony HDR-CX190

My daughter is enjoying using this handy cam. She is collecting videos of her friends and this camera is too small to carry. She can bring it anywhere. The only downside is she can transfer the video file to her phone. She needs to transfer it to her computer then to her phone. Jpeg files can be transfer to memory card to her phone.

This has been a great HD camcorder so far. It is very small and lightweight, to say the least. I think the 70 series battery I bought for this unit weighs almost as much as the camera. The controls are good with the little screen joystick and menus. The color is very good on the screen, and the video is sharp. I like the 30x for videoing my stepsons' wrestling matches. I can sit on the top row of the bleachers at the matches and still get all the action on video, no problem. I like the playback, too. I just hook the cable to the big TV and press play on the camera, and it goes thru each video one at a time. I haven't moved the video files over from the camera to my computer yet. I will report back on that. I'm thinking on the highest HD setting, the camera uses about 10GB per hour, so I may appropriate an external drive for just for my HD videos. The 70 series battery I bought is supposed to be good for about 3 hours of continuous video, so I thot that would be a good match-up with my 32GB HCSD card. I bought a 32GB Class 10 card from Amazon, and it seems to be working pretty well so far. I sat down at the wrestling match a couple weeks ago, and 3 people within the vicinity were all using Sony cameras similar to mine. One person had the new Sony with the built-in projector, and I have to say the picture he projected on the wall of gymnasium really looked good. I think that option is $100 more than the $300 I paid for this camera, so if you are interested, I think it's worth checking out. I don't think my camera can do it, but wouldn't it be cool if a person could jack HD video and/or video games, dvd players, etc, into the camera and then project it onto a wall, screen, or sheet? I'm going to check that out to see if there is a video-IN option on the Sony Projector video cameras. I also think $300 is a good price for this type of camera. I was torn between this camera and the Canon camera of similar price. I have owned both Sony and Canon cameras in the past, and I think they are both really good. I ended up buying the Sony because of the price of aftermarket accessories and the Prime shipping because the race between the Sony and Canon brands was so close. I truly feel that anyone who buys this camera for a simple point and shoot HD camcorder without a lot of frills will not be disappointed.