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76 of 82 people found the following review helpful
It is what it is,
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This review is from: Sony HDR-CX150 16GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder (Black) (Electronics)
I paid, after shipping, $489.99. For that price, this camera is worth it. It lacks certain features you would find on the more costly camcorders. There is no optical image stabilization, only steady-shot. No night shot, no external light, no remote... I can take about 2 hours of video on the highest setting. Battery life is about the same (2 hrs). The sound seems pretty decent, although, nothing to write home about. Video quality is average. Nothing amazing. Images arent quite as sharp as I've seen on higher-end Sony's. I viewed files on my 46" Sony LCD and the video quality wasn't what I hoped for. It looks better on smaller screens. The videos were presented in 1080p only when played back through the camcorder. For just average consumers who are looking to play video that fills up their T.V. screens, and do it on a budget, this would probably be a suitable choice. If video quality is a major selling point for you, I don't recommend camera. I guess what can you expect for $489.99?!!!!!UPDATE!!!!!! 03/31/2010 After taking this camcorder outside on a beautiful spring day, I must say, in environments with good lighting (outside), the video quality appears to be a lot better. It definetly makes it worth the price. You WILL need a tripod or some form of mounting device to keep the image stable. This thing is lite, as I've stated previously. There is no weight to counter any jiddering or wobble your arm/hands makes when operating. I must say that I am overall pleased with this product. I still stand by everything I said before the update. !!!!!IMPORTANT!!!!! This camera suffers from a common problem that I thought was restricted to DSLR's: Rolling Shutter. If you're unfamiliar with this phenomena, it occurs when the camera pans from left to right (or vice versa) in quick fashion. It causes the image to become "slanted" as you pan. This can be avoided by not panning the camera so speedily. I also have noticed it in other types of video cameras, so it seems to be more prevalent than I thought. Comments
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Showing 1-10 of 18 posts in this discussion
Initial post:
Mar 31, 2010 4:20:30 PM PDT
Kinh Williams says:
Thanks for updating your post. I've just purchased one of these, open boxed from amazon warehouse in "very good" condition, whatever that means for 437. I'm going to do a side by side comparison of the other camera i just got from amazon. A favorite amongst a niche crowd, the Sanyo VPC-FH1A. Something tells I'll be keeping the Sony even though this is a 37 bucks more. That is of course, this open-box product isn't broken or flawed. We'll see.
In reply to an earlier post on
Apr 8, 2010 7:43:36 PM PDT
bob is everywhere says:
I got it on Amazon from a buyer named the PORTABLE GUY.
Posted on
Apr 9, 2010 6:57:37 AM PDT
E. Tompkins says:
Are you still having trouble with stabilization? Isn't the SteadyShot feature optical stabilization (as opposed to digital stabilization)? The reviews I've read and the camera's documentation said it had "SteadyShot with Active Mode" which is supposed to be really good per other reviews. Is yours from a different batch? I'm confused now.
In reply to an earlier post on
Apr 9, 2010 7:51:53 AM PDT
Last edited by the author on Apr 9, 2010 8:01:15 AM PDT
bob is everywhere says:
Thanks for the reply. "SteadyShot® image stabilization with Active Mode represents the next step forward in Sony® image stabilization technology. Active Mode improves on existing SteadyShot image stabilization by allowing the camera to compensate for greater degrees of camera shake and deliver a stunning level of image smoothness." ---sonystyle.com (04/09/2010; model HDR CX150). Yes, no optical image stabilization. Seems to be a form of image stabilization rather than the type of technology (OPTICAL steady shot image stabilization vs. STEADY SHOT image stabilization) that stabilizes the actual 'OPTIC' in the camera. Just a feature not added to keep costs down, I presume. A friend of mine has the higher-end HDR CX500V (Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode further improves image stabilization by allowing the camera to compensate for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver stunningly smooth video. Plus, innovative 3-Way Shake-Canceling adds electronic roll stability making your video capture unbelievably smooth. --Amazon.com 04/09/2010) and it has optical image stabilization plus three-way shake cancelation which I found to be pleasing. This model (cx150), however, there is a noticable shake in the image. This is enhanced when zoomed in on a subject. My suggestion is use a tripod. I bought a Sunpak Ultra Tripod w/ 3 Way Fluid Effect Head ($40 + s&h)and have no problems with an unsteady image. So, unless you have hands and arms as steady as a robot, you're going to get shake. At least, thats what I got out of it all. It was really a difference I noticed between his model and mine. It's really not a deal breaker. Hope this helped.
In reply to an earlier post on
Apr 9, 2010 9:15:20 AM PDT
ogLOCO says:
thanks for the previous post. I always have to remember I am buying a $500 camera. You always want the best but I have to remember its only $500!!!
In reply to an earlier post on
Apr 9, 2010 10:51:42 AM PDT
bob is everywhere says:
Yeah, you really can't beat $500 for something that if you go to a retail store you'll pay $600 after taxes so, saving $100 is always cool.
In reply to an earlier post on
Apr 20, 2010 9:17:58 PM PDT
M. Cuadros says:
Can't wait to read your findings. I just returned the new Sanyo VPC-SH1 back to Amazon because of a defect in the viewfinder. Besides I was not impressed with its hd quality as I zoomed in. I am interested in the Sony CX-150 and Sanyo VPC-FH1
In reply to an earlier post on
Apr 20, 2010 10:22:16 PM PDT
Last edited by the author on Apr 20, 2010 10:23:13 PM PDT
bob is everywhere says:
Honestly, I don't really see video quality on ANY of the consumer level cameras being all that great. As I stated previously, the video is 1080, BUT, that fine detail, that sharp picture just isn't there. It's acceptable being viewed on a 46' Sony but not the best picture. For $500, you get what you pay for. I still think it's decent, but certainly not as good as I'd hoped. It's hard for me to recommend this to people because I can't judge how well they may like the video quality. Some may find it attractive, others may not. If you're willing to settle for so-so picture and want something for a discounted price, then I'd say "Look no further". If you're serious about video quality and want next- to- professional results, I'd say "Keep looking". NOW, as far as the zoom goes, the video if a shot that is zoomed in, the quality is nearly the same as a shot that is not zoomed in. It's still decent. Hope this helped.
Posted on
Jun 6, 2010 12:48:06 PM PDT
Katelyn A. Thompson says:
Sony HDR-CX150 16GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder (Electronics)
Purchased this camera just before going to SE Asia for seven weeks. Computers over there and back here will not download the videos and sony help has been non-existant. i now have over 50 gigs of video which are not usable without some additional converter software which will need to be purchased in addition to the $500.00 plus in accessories I picked up with the camera. More than a little disappointed. |
Review Details |
Sony HDR-CX150 16GB High Definition Handycam Camcorder (Black)
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