Sony HDR-CX260V High Definition Handycam 8.9 MP Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom and 16 GB Embedded Memory (Black) (2012 Model)

by Sony

• 8.9 megapixel still image
• 30X Optical, 55X Extended Zoom
• 3.0 inch touch-screen Clear Photo LCD display
• 1920x1080 Full HD 60p Recording
• Up to 5 hours of recording with 16GB embedded Flash Memory

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.9 x 2.1 x 2.2 inches ; 11.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B006K5507M
• Item model number: HDR-CX260V/B
• Batteries 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (285 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #56 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
  • #7 in Camera & Photo > Camcorders
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 9, 2012

Product Description

Color: Black | Style: CX260 - Camera Only

From the Manufacturer

Sony HDR-CX260V High Definition Handycam Camcorder

• 1920x1080 Full HD 60p Recording w/ 8.9MP still image
• Up to 5 hours of recording with 16GB* embedded Flash Memory
  
• Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode
  
• Wide Angle G lens to capture everything you want
  
• Back-illuminated Exmor CMOS sensor for superb low-light video
  
• 30x Optical/55x Extended Zoom to get even closer to the action
  
• 3.0-inch touch-screen Clear Photo LCD display (230K)
• Built-in mic jack for quality audio enhancement
  
• Face detection with voice enhancement and noise reduction
  
• Tracking Focus follows selected subjects
• Wind noise reduction for clear voice recording
• Event Browse groups video/stills by events automatically
• Highlight Playback creates movies with transitions for you
• Geotagging with built-in GPS receiver & NAVTEQ maps
• Direct Copy to external HDD without PC
• Built-in USB cable for easy file transfer/charge
• Intelligent Auto (120 different scene combinations possible)
• Golf Shot
  

Create stunningly beautiful 1920x1080p Full HD video with the Sony Handycam HDR-CX260V camcorder. Take the shake out of your movies with Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode. Back-illuminated Exmor CMOS sensor provides excellent low light capabilities while the wide angle G lens lets you get more in your shot.

Key Features

1920x1080 Full HD 60p Recording w/8.9MP still image capture

The Sony HDR-CX260V offers 1920 x 1080 high definition resolution letting you record your memories in exceptional Full High Definition quality. Capable of 60p recording and playback via HDMI and compatible HDTV** providing stunning clarity and incredibly detailed and smoother playback of your memories

16GB embedded Flash Memory for up to 5 hours of recording*

The built-in 16GB* embedded Flash memory can record and store up to 5 hours of high definition video footage (HD LP mode).

Optical SteadyShot image stabilization w/ Active Mode

Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode compensates for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver stunningly smooth video from wide angle to full telephoto shooting. In addition, innovative 3-Way Shake-Canceling adds electronic roll stability for even smoother video capture.

Wide Angle G Lens to Capture More of What You Want

Experience the pinnacle of Sony lens technology with the professional-quality G Lens. Engineered for superior optical performance, Sony G lenses deliver brilliant, accurate color reproduction and sharp, amazingly detailed images. In addition, the 29.8mm focal length in Photo and Video Modes offers a broader perspective for enhanced wide angle shooting.

Back-illuminated Exmor CMOS sensor for Superb Low-light Video

Experience stunning low-light sensitivity with improved image clarity and drastically reduced grain with Sony’s back-illuminated Exmor CMOS sensor. Designed for compact cameras and camcorders, the Exmor sensor relocates the photo diodes above the support circuitry, maximizing the light gathering area per pixel so you can shoot with better results in lower lighting conditions.

55x Extended Zoom to get even closer to the action

Extended Zoom works in conjunction with 30x optical zoom to get even closer to the action while maintaining HD image quality.

3.0-inch touch-screen Clear Photo LCD Plus display (230K)

The 3.0-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus screen displays sharp, bright, vivid images, letting you compose a shot more easily -- even outdoors, while enabling you to change settings to best represent the scene.

Clear Voice(with Face Detection)

When the camcorder’s Face Detection technology identifies people in a scene, an Advanced Acoustic Processor automatically reduces background noise, resulting in recorded voices with outstanding clarity and intelligibility.

Tracking Focus follows selected subjects in/out of the frame

Tracking Focus works as an extension of Face Detection to allow you to select an object with a touch of the LCD and have the focus follow the selected object, even if it leaves the frame and returns.

Wind Noise Reduction for Clear Voice Recording

Wind Reduction reduces noise and interference that is produced when wind passes over the microphone, giving you a clearer and more enjoyable sound experience.

Expanded Recording/Monitoring with Mic

Features dedicated mic inputs for expanded audio recording options (external microphones sold separately).

Event Browse Groups Photos/Videos for You for Easy Reference

Event Browse conveniently groups your images and videos together for easier viewing. The date range that Event Browse groups your pictures and videos is easily adjusted to suit your needs. When used with the Highlight Playback feature, making and sharing a highlight reel from your event is easy and fun.

Highlight Playback Creates Movies with Transitions for You

Why spend hours editing your movies when you can let your camcorder do it for you? Highlight Playback identifies and compiles key scenes into a short, entertaining movie complete with music and transitions. You can even pinpoint the exact scene you want to include in the highlight reel.

Geotagging with Built-in GPS Receiver & NAVTEQ Maps***

A built-in GPS receiver*** makes the HDR-CX260V an ideal choice for travelers. The receiver gives you the ability to view your current location on the LCD map display, as well as "tag" your shooting locations. Tagged videos and still images can be reviewed and played back using the Map Index function on the camcorder or once downloaded to your PC using the supplied PlayMemories Home software****. Additionally, the receiver automatically adjusts your camcorder's clock to the proper time zone.

Direct Copy to External HDD without PC*****

Store your memories in a whole new way with the ability to copy videos from your camcorder directly to an external hard disk drive(sold separately), all without a computer. Your camcorder can also access videos stored on the external hard drive for playback on your HDTV**, allowing you to utilize the camcorder’s handy playback features.

Built-in USB Cable for Easy File Transfer/Charge

The high-speed, built-in USB 2.0 cable allows for easy connection to your computer for charging or file transfer without having to remember separate cables. It also fits conveniently into the hand strap so it’s out of the way until you need it. Charging your camcorder is faster than ever now through the USB; for every two minutes of charge time you get one minute of recording time.

Intelligent Auto (120 different scene combinations possible)

Intelligent Auto mode goes a step beyond traditional auto modes by analyzing your shot and then automatically selecting the appropriate settings from ten distinct scene modes and wind noise reduction. There are 120 different combinations possible: Landscape, Backlight, Twilight, Spotlight, Low light, Macro, Portait, Baby, Walk, Tripod, Wind Noise Reduction. The camcorder utilizes an advanced sound processor and sophisticated noise reduction algorithms to reduce wind noise by up to 10db compared to other models. In addition to reducing low frequency noise, iAuto also suppresses mid- and upper-frequency noise, resulting in clearer, more enjoyable sound.

Golf Shot

Building on the slow-motion capture capabilities of Smooth Slow Record, Golf Shot captures a few seconds of motion as a sequence of up to 22 still images, which can be viewed/printed individually or as a composite “sequence shot” image, perfect for analyzing the nuances of a golf swing, tennis serve, and other fast action.

*1GB equals 1 billion bytes, a portion of which is used for data management functions. Records in 29 minute segments
**Requires HDTV and HDMI cable sold separately.
***Map service requires PC with Internet. Service provided by Google and subject to change without notice
****For PC: Requires Microsoft Windows XP SP3/Windows Vista Sp2/Windows 7. For Mac: Requires Mac OSX(v10.5-10.7)
*****Requires via VMC-UAM1 cable (sold separately), AC power for camcorder, and hard drive formatted in FAT-32.USB-hub not supported. External HHD/USB media should be less than 2TB(Terabytes).

	NP-FV50 InfoLITHIUM® V-Series Rechargeable Battery 6.8V typ. 7.0Wh (1030mAh)	NP-FV70 InfoLITHIUM V-Series Rechargeable Battery 6.8V typ. 14.0Wh (2060mAh)	NP-FV100 InfoLITHIUM V-Series Rechargeable Battery 6.8V typ. 26.5Wh (3900mAh)
	NP-FV50	NP-FV70	NP-FV100
HDR-SX45
HDR-SX85
HDR-XR260V
HDR-CX190
HDR-CX200
HDR-CX210
HDR-CX260V
HDR-CX580V
HDR-CX760V
HDR-PJ200
HDR-PJ260V
HDR-PJ580V
HDR-PJ710V
HDR-PJ760V
HDR-TD20V
HDR-VG20H

Product Description

Create stunningly beautiful 1920x1080p Full HD video with the Sony Handycam HDR-CX260V camcorder. Take the shake out of your movies with Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode. Back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor provides excellent low light capabilities while the wide angle G lens lets you get more in your shot.receiver automatically adjusts your camcorder's clock to the proper time zone.Connection: Outputs 1x USB 2.0 (built-in USB cable),1x HDMI C (Mini), 1x A/V and Microphone Input : Yes.What's in the box: Sony HDR-CX260V High Definition Handycam Camcorder (Black), Rechargeable Battery Pack, AC Adapter, Power Cord, AV Connecting Cable, HDMI Cable (Full to Mini), USB Connection Support Cable (Built-In), Handycam Application Software CD-ROM and 1-Year Limited Parts & 90-Day Labor Warranty.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

194 of 199 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Best non-professional camera for the money June 19, 2012

By Steven Alvord

Style Name:PJ260 - Camcorder with Built-in Projector| Color Name:Black|Amazon Verified Purchase

After spending hours researching about this camera, I bought it because I decided it was the best. Now that I have used it for several months, I know for myself. Why? Several reasons.

1. The image quality was my #1 concern and this camera doesn't disappoint. Indoors, the quality is definitely more than acceptable, but outdoors is where it really jumps out at you. Color was amazing and there was absolutely no blurriness, fuzziness or grain. It's really as good as it can get.

2. The photo mode is very useful and more than just an added feature. In 8.9 mp, the quality was better than expected (outdoors at least).

3. The touchscreen interface is easy to understand and people with steep learning curves will adjust without trouble. Also, the physical buttons on the camera are few in number, with only the most used and most logical functions being present; everything else is handled one step at a time on the touchscreen.

4. I thought that the GPS function would only be a software gadget that didn't really do anything, but it is nothing short of phenomenal. I live in Ukraine, so naturally I got it shipped here. When I charged up the camera and looked at the GPS section, I saw that the map said I was in New York, presumably the place where the camera was manufactured. I told the GPS to refresh itself and went outside. The camera brought up a satellite map and started connecting with nearby satellites. Once it connected with four of them (after about 2 minutes) I got an exact map of where I was complete with coordinates and exact date and time. The map could zoom way in and I was shocked to find that not only were the names of local areas written in the local language, but the small, almost nameless street that I lived on was present on the map! Nice.

5. The projector is worth every cent of the extra $100 you need to pay for that option. It is extremely clear and the colors are almost as good as on the LCD screen itself. It's a great way to show others the videos you just took. The projector is only a few lumens though, so naturally it works better the less light there is.

6. Another cool feature, the camera takes pictures when someone on the screen smiles, great for catching moments that you would have missed otherwise. Also, you can play a video in slow-motion and then capture an image from it as a separate picture.

Now for a few important notes.

I stand by my decision that this is the best video camera out there for about $600, but that doesn't mean there are things for the buyer to keep an eye on.

First, there's the battery. I think that Sony made a good choice when balancing battery life and the size of the battery, but realistically speaking, most people will only get about an hour and a half of recording time out of a full charge, and that is only if you avoid lots of playback, projector use, and standby time. You can't really complain when you see how small the battery is and how big the LCD display is, but for those hoping for longer recording time, your best bet is to buy the optional NP-FV70 battery like I did. It provides about twice the recording time and honestly, is completely worth the extra $60. Just look out for the NP-FV100 battery pack: It's almost half as thick as the entire camera.

The other thing is the memory. Sure, 16 GB sounds like plenty, but by the time the manufacturer formats the memory and the basic camera software and satellite maps are on there, there is about 12.6 GB of space left. That's adequate, but if you like to record in medium-high quality like I do, then you might want to buy a high-capacity high-speed SD card. If you want to make good use of the GPS tagging function and the projector function, you pretty much HAVE to get an SD card, because once you move your pictures and videos off the camera, there is no way to use the projector function and using the GPS function requires that you install their software and run all of your data from there. I prefer to record in high quality FH mode which allows for full HD resolution, yet doesn't take up as much space as the higher bit rate FX mode. Not only that, but it's the highest quality mode that still allows for simultaneous picture taking and recording; anything higher and you have to quit recording to be able to take a picture. In FH mode, you can record for 1 hour and 43 minutes. By the way, don't bother recording in 60p PS mode unless you have a high-speed solid-state hard drive to put it on. Otherwise the footage will look jerky on your computer. Hard disks are too slow to adequetly process such a complex image.

These notes aside, I think that this camera is flawless except for a slightly squeaky sounding LCD screen (update: it went away after a little while.) I'm sure it's nothing more than a minor issue unique to this one camera that I received. Oh, and still images taken inside usually look grainy even in 8.9 mp; keep in mind that if quality is important, the camera function should NEVER replace a seprate still-image camera.

If you are looking for a video camera that has great video quality and a lot of cool features without bulky size or an eye-watering price, this is definitely it.

571 of 599 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive Camera! April 24, 2012

By P. McWhorter TOP 500 REVIEWER

Style Name:PJ260 - Camcorder with Built-in Projector| Color Name:Black|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

Recently while preparing for a trip to Africa, I purchased an entry level Samsung camcorder. I was extremely disappointed in both image quality and overall functionality. In fact, I did not even take it to Africa, as it offered no advantage over the camcorder functionality built into my Canon Elf digital camera.

So, I was very excited about the chance to get this higher end Sony Camcorder. After my experience with the Samsung, I came into the deal somewhat skeptical. After spending some time with this Sony, I have become a true believer. In this review, I will focus on the things I liked about this camera, as compared to the entry level cameras I have used in the past.

First, the camera is easy to use. I was able to get going with it without reading the instructions. I am of the opinion that a well designed product should be intuitive, and not need instructions. This camera receives high marks in this area. I got all features working without the manual.

Second, the quality of the video was extremely good. The camera focuses well, and the images are brilliant and have excellent contrast.

Now, some of the things that were pleasant surprises compared to my other camcorders. I was delighted to see that there was no detectable "noise" from autofocus or zoom motor. In all my other cameras, you can hear an annoying buzz as you adjust zoom, or as the camera focuses. This camera is completely quiet, and the videos do not have the annoying hum.

Next, I was happy to see the camera has jacks for an external microphone. In some applications there is no substitute for a good external microphone, and this camera is compatible with industry standard microphones.

I was also pleased with the wind reduction technology. I took several videos in relatively high wind, and the wind noise was not noticeable in the video.

The camera came with all the needed cables, and the remote.

Finally, the jaw dropping surprise. I had expected the projector to be little more than a novelty and perhaps even a nuisance. I was shocked to see that the built in projector is actually usable. In a normal room light, you can use the projector for 8X10 projection. In a darkened room, you can project a Big and Bright movie. In addition, the playback speakers provided suitable sound, especially considering their small size.

Overall, I am BLOWN AWAY by this camera. If you check my reviews, you will see I am a picky reviewer, and am often disappointed with gadgetry. Not in this case. You will not be disappointed with this camera, and it is worth every cent of the price.

I am now preparing for another trip to Africa, and this camera will definitely make the cut and go in the carry on bag. I will be visiting the Mattaw Orphan Village and can wait to take video of the children, and then project the videos for them to see.

Review Update 7/14/2012

I have returned from a two month stint of using this video camera in east Africa. I must say that I am completely blown away by this device. In addition to taking exceptional video, there are several features I found invaluable. First, the feature where it snaps still pictures as you are making videos any time it sees a smiling face. On my trip, I focused on making videos. When I got home and looked at the video card, I was delighted to see a wonderful set of still pictures which it had taken on its own (when it saw a smile). This is an excellent addition to the media material from my trip. Secondly, the built in projector. I was able to make videos of children who had never even seen their own faces. I could take them to a dark area, and show them the video of their song or dance. Absolutely incredible. This is a great piece of technology, with features that actually have value!

503 of 534 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars PLEASE NOTE THE TWO DIFFERENT MODELS May 9, 2012

By R. Raimond

Style Name:CX260 - Camera Only|Color Name:Black

While I've yet to use this product sufficiently to review all its features, I felt compelled to warn potential buyers about the fact that Amazon misleadingly aggregates reviews for at least two different models--the HDR-CX260V and HDR-PJ260V. While the two are almost identical, the PJ260V contains an additional built-in projector for watching your movies without needing to hook up the camcorder to a TV or laptop. Amazon uses the same product description for both, however, and applies the same reviews to both models. Therefore, unless you have a sharper eye than I, it's entirely possible to search for the CX260V, then read a number of reviews describing the product's projector; and end up mistakenly buying the CX260V instead of the PJ260V. As I see from at least one of the other comments to comments, moreover, I'm not alone in doing so. As such, if you want the projector, make sure you select the more expensive PJ260V and not the CX260V. While it's not a dealbreaker for me and I'm not sure the projector is worth the extra money, it would have been nice to have made the decision with full knowledge of the distinction.