Sony HDRXR260V High-Definition Handycam 8.9 MP Camcorder with 30x Optical / 55x Extended Zoom and 160 GB Hard Disk Memory (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 63 hours of recording with 160GB hard disk drive

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5 x 2.3 x 2.6 inches ; 14.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B006K55018
• Item model number: HDRXR260V
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #557 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
  • #60 in Camera & Photo > Camcorders
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 9, 2012

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Sony HDRXR260V High Definition Handycam Camcorder

• 1920x1080 Full HD 60p Recording w/ 8.9MP still image
  
• Up to 63 hours of recording with 160GB* hard disk drive
  
• 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)
  
• Face detection with voice enhancement and noise reduction
  
• Tracking Focus follows selected subjects
• 5.1ch Surround mic for vivid and dynamic surround sound
• Wind noise reduction for clear voice recording
• Built-in mic jack for quality audio enhancement
  
• Event Browse groups video/stills by events automatically
• Highlight Playback creates movies with transitions for you
• Clear Phase stereo speakers for true-to-life audio playback
• 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

Record and store up to 60 hours of 1920x1080p Full HD video or thousands of 8.9 megapixel photos with the HDRXR260V Handycam camcorder. Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode minimizes camera shake and blur, even when using 55x Extended Zoom. Enjoy the advantage of superb low light shooting with Sony’s ‘Exmor R” CMOS sensor.

Key Features

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

The Sony HDRXR260V 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.

160GB Hard Disk Drive*

A built-in 160GB* hard disk drive can record and store up to 63 hours of high definition video footage (HD LP mode). In addition, “HDD Smart Protection” gives you peace of mind by helping to prevent any recorded video and images from being lost if the camcorder is accidentally dropped.

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 0x Optical / 55x Extended 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.

Closer 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.

5.1ch Surround mic for Vivid and Dynamic Surround Sound

Dolby Digital 5.1 channel recording captures active sounds coming from all directions, so you can experience your home movies the way you experienced them while recording.

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/Headphone Jack

Features dedicated mic and headphone inputs for expanded audio recording options and convenient monitoring of audio with headphones (external microphones and headphones 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.

Clear Phase Stereo Speakers for True and Dynamic Sound

Bring your video alive with Clear Phase stereo speakers. Drawing on Sony’s high-end audio expertise, renown S-Master digital amplifier technology is utilized to produce more true-to-life sound.

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

A built-in GPS receiver*** makes the HDRXR260V 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).

Accessories Included With The Product: Rechargable Battery Pack, AC Adapter, Powe Cord, A/V Cable, HDMI Mini Cable, USB Connection Support Cable, Operation Guide.

	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

Record and store up to 60 hours of 1920x1080p Full HD video and thousands of 8.9MP photos with the HDRXR260V Handycam camcorder. Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode minimizes camera shake and blur, even when using 55x Extended Digital Zoom. Enjoy the advantage of superb low light shooting with Sonys Exmor R CMOS sensor.   1920x1080 Full HD 60p Recording w/8.9MP still image capture The Sony HDRXR260V 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 HDTV4 providing stunning clarity and incredibly detailed and smoother playback of your memories. 160GB Hard Disk Drive A built-in 160GB hard disk drive can record and store up to 63 hours of high definition video footage (HD LP mode). In addition, HDD Smart Protection? gives you peace of mind by helping to prevent any recorded video and images from being lost if the camcorder is accidentally dropped. 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. 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. Back-illuminated Exmor R 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 R CMOS sensor. Designed for compact cameras and camcorders, the Exmor R CMOS sensor relocates the photo diodes above the support circuitry, maximizing the light gathering area per pixel so you can shoot with better results in low...

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

75 of 78 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing camera September 5, 2012

By Andrew

Length: 0:53 Mins

This camera is well worth the money which I picked up for $559.99 through the sony website. The camera can take some amazing video, and still pictures are fantastic contrary to what some may say. I find the color saturation is impressive, perhaps a little bit vibrant but the colors are sharp and vivid. As long as you are not moving the actual camera too much the video is incredibly smooth with 60p, and the sound recording is amazing for a camcorder. Very impressive directional mic which blocks out noises outside the camera recording view, though this can be turned off. The GPS feature I thought was at first kind of lame, but viewing videos in map mode is pretty cool looking at a map with all the pictures located at the spots you took them, very cool feature.
The zoom is absolutely amazing and the video I uploaded showcases this mazed out at 350x zoom back down to 1x, though I have better and was restricted to 100 MB file which was converted from .mts (28 MBps) to .avi (8 MBps) and lost some detail. This video amazes me still at how far away that tree actually is (at least 15-20km or more) which is just incredible. Whether it's 10 KM away or zooming into a ladybug, you will get unbelievably crisp images with accurate color (well as long as you don't zoom in all the way to 350x digital).
Be warned though, at the highest quality you are looking at over 12GB of data an hour and is difficult to upload anywhere (especially amazon, which can barely even handle a 25 second video at 1/4 quality) as this short video is 98MB even in avi format.
Also do not buy your accessories from sony. They charge $200 for the best battery (NP-FV100)! I got that battery plus a whole package of items (case, charger, sd card, tripod, etc.) for $50! 1/4 the price and a whole accessory package also and the battery gets 6 hours recording. So avoid sony branded accessories, way overpriced. Buy this camera, you will not regret it. For the record, I went through sunset electronics for my accessories.

81 of 101 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Entry-Level Camcorder With AVERAGE-ONLY Video Quality April 23, 2012

By Jonathon

Amazon Verified Purchase

160GB HDD storage! 5.1 surround sound! Built-In USB! GPS!

So those are the positives and they are somewhat impressive. However, keep in mind that it is HDD storage and NOT solid state memory. You'll need to insert a SD card into the included SD card slot if you want solid state memory.

Sony has decided to place the microphone pickups right at the front (under the lens) which means that you are near certain to pickup wind noise while recording. In fairness, it was minimal but it was evident.

Battery use is fast and depletes faster than solid state because of the HDD moving parts. Carry a backup.

BUT.... What is most important is the quality of the video. This camcorder has so many positives but when it comes to picture quality, you'll find a severe lack of pixel resolution. Colors will be impressive and even low light indoor video came in with impressive results. The negative was sub-par video. Just no details. No sharpness. Low lines of resolution. We used both 60i and 60p. Maximum quality settings and as said, got great colors but just no details. Can't see a human hair, a flower, a garden leaf or a blade of grass. Playback was using HDMI to a 1080p TV.

Sony did a fairly good job of including massive storage, 5.1 sound and GPS. What I wanted mostly was resolution and this model doesn't offer that.

I did not use the photo/still aspect as I purchased a camcorder and not a digital still camera.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars OK for fair weather December 19, 2012

By CrabClaw

Amazon Verified Purchase

I waited to do the review on this until I could use it a lot and give a good review.

The camera is easy to use, the touch screen works well, and the menu is very intuitive. Linking and downloading to the computer also works well. I cant accurately comment on battery life as I purchased a larger battery right from the get go and I can get a day out of that easily with lots of stand by time and active filming. Video quality is good but deteriorates rapidly about 2/3 of the way through zooming.

The one thing that this camera does that is really annoying and a deal breaker for me is it does not function in cold, or even cool, weather. I use the camera in the outdoors in all weather conditions and a camera that wont function below about 35 degrees Fahrenheit is unacceptable. All my other electronics work just fine, even when it is -20 or colder. This thing gives you a message "cannot access media, warm the camera".

If you want to film stuff in the outdoors during fall and winter I would not recommend this product. If that is not an issue than it is a pretty good deal.