SONY HDR-CX550E 64GB HD HANDYCAM PAL CAMCORDER

Sony's HDR-CX550E 64GB HD Handycam PAL Camcorder provides you with numerous features and functions, including multiple recording options and 1920 x 1080 high def recording. In addition to the 64GB of internal memory, the CX550E also gives you the option to record to Sony's Memory Stick media or SD/SDHC memory cards. You can also transfer files from the built-in memory to the removable media for upload to your computer or to make room on the camera while shooting.

The core features of the HDR-CX550E include everything from a super-powered CMOS sensor and processor to a generous 3.5" LCD display. The back-illuminated 1/2.88" Exmor R CMOS sensor works together with Sony's BIONZ Image Processor to capture video and still images that are clean and detailed, with improved low-light capture over Sony's previous CMOS sensors, thanks to the back-illumination. The image processor allows for features such as Dual Recording and Face Detection. The 3.5" Wide Xtra Fine TruBlack LCD is a high contrast display that reduces glare, while giving you a large platform on which to record and play back images. And in addition to the LCD, the CX550V also has a 0.27" color viewfinder for shooting when the LCD is closed.

Among the plethora of user-friendly features on the HDR-CX550E you'll find a number of ways to enhance your recordings and to ensure that you get the shot you want. One great highlight of the CX550E would be the built-in microphone and headphone jacks for recording with optional external microphones and headphones. There's also the option to record at 24Mbps AVCHD for its detail and versatility. Other features like Golf Shot, Optical SteadyShot, 10x optical zoom, and an Assignable Dial all provide extra help so you can get just the shot you want. Additional features include Face Detection, Smile Shutter, Smooth Slow Record, and an Active Interface Shoe, among others.

1920 x 1080 High Definition Video Recording

1920 x 1080i high definition resolution lets you record your memories in exceptional high definition quality. Capable of 1080p playback via HDMI and compatible HDTV providing stunning clarity and incredibly detailed playback of your memories

64GB Internal Flash Memory

The built-in 64GB embedded flash memory can record and store up to 26 hours of high definition video footage (HD LP mode), or up to 48 hours of standard definition footage (SD HQ mode)

Media Card Slot

For convenient storage and sharing of your images and videos, the camera accepts Memory Stick Duo / Memory Stick PRO Duo / Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo media and SD/SDHC media (optional)

1/2.88" Back-Illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS Sensor

Experience low-light sensitivity with improved image clarity and drastically reduced grain with the back-illuminated "Exmor R" sensor. With 6 megapixel (effective) video resolution, the image sensor captures video at four times the density of high definition resolution resulting in a sharper and more detailed 1920 x 1080 HD picture. In addition, "Exmor R" technology captures images with high resolution and high sensitivity, while the advanced Sony BIONZ Image Processor improves camera response time and screens out noise to help ensure that the signal from each pixel is as pure as possible

Wide Angle G-Lens

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, a short, 26.3mm focal length offers a broader perspective for enhanced wide angle shooting in photo mode and 29.8mm in video mode. The six bladed iris allows for superb shallow depth of field photography

3.5" Wide Xtra Fine TruBlack LCD Plus Viewfinder

TruBlack technology brings remarkably higher contrast and brightness to the camcorder's 3.5" Wide Xtra Fine TruBlack LCD display, delivering more natural, realistic colors and easier viewing in bright conditions by reducing glare. An adjustable 0.27" color viewfinder (201k) allows you to capture video and frame your shots with the LCD closed

10x Optical / 120x Digital Zoom

10x optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, Digital Zoom Interpolation means that digital zooming (up to 120x) is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom

12MP Digital Still Capture

12 megapixel still image capture lets you take stunning, high resolution digital photos while the Dual record capability lets you capture 8.3MP still images while shooting high definition video, so you can capture those special moments without having to switch recording modes

Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization with Active Mode

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

Dedicated Microphone and Headphone Inputs

The HDR-CX550E features dedicated mic and headphone inputs (external microphones and headphones sold separately)

Up to 24Mbps AVCHD Video

The HDR-CX550E can capture video at up to 24Mbps for amazing clarity and detail, ideal for recording on to Blu-ray media since the AVCHD codec is highly compatible with the Blu-ray format

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, great for analyzing the nuances of a golf swing, tennis serve, and other fast action

2x Faster Quick AF

With the improved autofocus (AF) system, Quick AF, the focusing speed is twice as fast compared to previous models. Whether in bright daylight or in a dimly lit environment, Quick AF ensures fast, accurate, and consistent focus lock, enabling users to shoot in a wide range of scenes without missing any important moment. Especially when shooting night scenes where conventional AF might struggle to focus, thanks to the much improved AF algorithm in Quick AF, users can now capture crisp images, fast

Intelligent Auto (10 iAuto Modes)

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: Portrait Mode, Smile Shutter, Backlight Control, Scenery, Night Scenery Mode, High Sensitivity Mode, Macro Mode, Baby Mode, Tripod, and Low Light Mode

1080p Playback Via HDMI and Compatible HDTV

1080p playback via HDMI and compatible HDTV providing stunning clarity and incredibly detailed playback of your memories

Face Detection with Face Priority

With Face Priority, your camcorder optimizes focus, color, exposure, and Smile Shutter technology for the face you prioritize. Just touch the preferred face on the LCD display and the camcorder will assign it priority, even if it leaves and returns to the frame

Face Index Function

Face Index makes it easy to find and play back the right video scene. Using Face Detection technology, Face Index indexes your video footage according to the faces detected in each scene. When it's time to play back video, simply search for what you want by selecting from among the detected faces displayed in the index

Film Roll Index

Like chapters in a book, Film Roll Index helps you easily find desired scenes in video footage. When using this feature, the camcorder previews the beginning of scenes and can create scene indexes set at specified display intervals (3, 6, or 12 seconds and 1 or 5 minutes)

Smile Shutter

Smile Shutter technology lets the camcorder automatically take still photos when your subject smiles, even while shooting high definition video. You can also set the sensitivity and choose child, adult, or auto priority

Direct Copy to External HDD without a 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 (optional), 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

Dual Record with Still Image Capture

Dual record capability lets you capture 8.3MP still images while shooting high definition video, so you can capture those special moments without having to switch recording modes

Built-In Intelligent Flash

For added clarity and detail when taking pictures in low-light situations, the built-in flash improves pictures and reduces shadows

Sony PMB (Picture Motion Browser) Software

Sony Picture Motion Browser software offers a simple, intuitive way to transfer, sort, and view your video and still images on your compatible PC. In addition, multiple output options let you burn your memories to DVD (optional), as well as take advantage of one click upload to a number of popular video and photo sharing sites

Dynamic Range Optimizer

The D-Range (Dynamic Range) Optimizer function adjusts the exposure and contrast of an image to counter the effects of high-contrast shooting condition, allowing for a great shot. The D-Range Optimizer suppresses "blackout" in dark areas such as shadows and "whiteout" in bright areas such as skies. As a result, the captured image appears as natural as the original scene

x.v. Color Technology

x.v. Color technology enables the HDR-CX550E to capture nearly twice (1.8x) as many viewable colors as the standard RGB color range, resulting in more natural, life-like images. You can even experience this expanded color range on the big screen when you connect your camcorder to x.v. Color capable displays, including a wide range of Sony BRAVIA HDTVs

BIONZ Image Processor

The BIONZ Image Processor works in conjunction with the Exmor CMOS sensor with ClearVid array for pristine imaging. The BIONZ Image Processor provides Data Noise Reduction, Fast Image processing, and Data compression to preserve videos and images. In addition, the BIONZ Image Processor enables Face Detection technology and Sony's Dynamic Range Optimizer for both video and still image capture. The higher processing speed also allows Dual Recording to capture still images while recording video

BRAVIA Sync Technology

BRAVIA Sync technology offers great ease of use in controlling compatible Sony products connected via an HDMI (CEC) connection. HDMI connectivity provides a simple, high-quality video and audio connection, with the ability to transmit HD video and up to 5.1 channel audio directly from the camcorder to compatible HDTVs via a single HDMI cable (not included). With BRAVIA Sync (CEC) technology, the HDMI connection also delivers the ability to control both the camcorder and HDTV using a single BRAVIA TV remote and displays the camcorder's playback menu on screen for easier navigation

Highlight Playback

With Highlight Playback, your camcorder automatically creates short movies by identifying and compiling key scenes into a short, entertaining movie complete with music and transitions. In addition, the Highlight Scenario feature lets you save up to eight of these movies for later playback

Assignable Dial

Get the most out of your camcorder with enhanced manual controls. The assignable dial allows for control of focus, exposure, white balance, iris, and shutter speed. Adjusting the iris lets you control depth of field, while shutter speed allows for control motion blur. There are a total of 6 settings available: Focus, Exposure, AE Shift, WB Shift, Iris control, and Shutter speed control

Additional Creative Control and Workflow Features

HDMI output for one cable connection to HDTV

Power on your camcorder by simply opening the camera's LCD display

USB 2.0 provides an easy connection between your camcorder and PC for fast transfer of video and stills

Record and zoom controls on LCD for more control and flexibility, especially for overhead or low angle shots

Dolby Digital stereo recording with built-in zoom mic focuses on subject for clear dialogue and crisp, discrete sounds

Specifications

Optics

Sensor                                                  1/2.88" CMOS

Lens                                                     3.8-38mm

f/1.8-3.4

Zoom                                                   Optical: 10x

Digital: 120x

Filter Size                                             37mm

Recording

System                                                 PAL

Recording Media                                  Internal Flash Memory 64GB Video/Image

SD/SDHC, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo  

Recording Time                                    Internal Flash Memory

High Definition: FX: 360 minutes

High Definition: FH: 465 minutes

High Definition: LP: 1595 minutes

Standard Definition: HQ: 965 minutes

Video Format                                       High Definition

MPEG AVC/H.264

1,920 x 1,080i

Still Image Resolution                           JPEG: 12 Megapixel,

Display

Display Type                                        LCD

Screen Size                                          3.5"

Touchscreen                                         Yes

Features

Image Stabilization                                Optical

Lux                                                      11 (1/60 Shutter Speed)

3 (1/30 Shutter Speed)

0 (1/60 Shutter Speed)

Built-in Mic                                          Yes

Built-in Speaker                                    Yes

Built-in Light/Flash Light -                     Yes/Yes

Accessory Shoe                                   Hot

Tripod Mount                                       1/4"

Input/Output Connectors

Inputs                                                   1x Microphone In 

Outputs                                                1x USB 2.0

1x Mini HDMI

1x Analog A/V Output

1x Component Video (out)

1x Headphone Out

Analog A/V: Included via A/V Remote Terminal

Component Video: Included via A/V Remote Jack

S-Video: Via optional A/V Remote Jack

Microphone Input                                 Yes

Headphone Jack                                   Yes

General

System Requirements                            Windows System

XP (SP3), Vista (SP2), 7

PMB Ver.5.0 does not support Mac OS

PMB Ver.5.0 does not support Windows XP SP3, Vista SP2, or Windows & 64-bit editions and Starter (Edition)

Battery                                                 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack

Power Adapter                                     Not Specified By Manufacturer

Dimensions (WxHxD)                           2.6 x 2.91 x 5.63" / 66 x 74 x 143mm

Weight                                                 1.08 lbs / 490g

This is a "PAL" product and CANNOT be used in the USA. It is designed for use with video products built to PAL TV standards.