SONY HDR-XR550E 240GB HD HANDYCAM PAL CAMCORDER

Sony's HDR-XR550E 240GB Handycam PAL Camcorder provides up to 100 hours of high def recording to an internal hard disk drive (HDD), and a myriad of other features and functions. In addition to the large HDD, Sony also gave the XR550E the ability to record to proprietary Memory Stick media, or to SD/SDHC memory cards. Transfer video and still images from the HDD to removable media for easy uploading, and to free up space on the camera when you can't get to a PC.

The XR550E captures 1920 x 1080i HD video and 12MP stills. The camera also offers up 1080p output to HDTV, and features like Dual Recording that allow you to record video and take a still shot at the same time. Other options such as 24Mbps AVCHD video capture help you to get the most out of your memories.

At the core of the XR550E you'll find a 1/2.88" back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, a generous 3.5" Xtra Fine LCD display, a 0.27" color viewfinder, and other functions like 10x optical zoom, Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, and a Wide Angle G-Lens. Other features like Sony's BIONZ Image Processor, BRAVIA Sync technology, and an HDMI connection all come into play as well.

Among the other many user-features, the XR550E offers up the ever popular Face Detection, Smile Shutter, and Sony's Intelligent Auto modes. Other functions like an Assignable Dial and the customizable "My Menu" system help you set the camera to functions you use most often. And let's not forget external microphone and headphone connections, along with the Active Interface Shoe, which allow you to add optional accessories for enhancing your production value.

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

240 GB Hard Disk Drive

A built-in 240GB hard disk drive can record and store up to 100 hours of high definition video footage in long play mode (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

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. Designed for compact cameras and camcorders, the "Exmor R" 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

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

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

Active Interface Shoe

The Active Interface Shoe lets you mount optional Intelligent Accessories, such as external lights and microphones, which can help extend the capabilities of your camcorder

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

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

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

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 10 distinct scene modes (90 different combinations possible): Portrait Mode, Smile Shutter, Backlight Control, Scenery, Night Scenery Mode, High Sensitivity Mode, Macro Mode, Baby Mode, Walk Detection, Tripod, and Low Light Mode

Personalized "My Menu" System

New user friendly interface uses touch screen technology to allow users to scroll through menus quickly and easily and even create a personalized "My Menu" to bring together the functions they use most. Users can spend more time recording memories and less time in menus

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

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

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

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-XR550E 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

Additional Creative Control and Workflow Features

Remote Commander remote control

HDMI output for one cable connection to your 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                      Hard Disk Drive 240GB Video/Image

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

Recording Time                        Hard Disk Drive                   

High Definition: FX: 1370 minutes

High Definition: HQ: 3560 minutes

High Definition: LP: 5770 minutes

Standard Definition: HQ: 3560 minutes

Video Format                           High Definition

MPEG AVC/H.264

1,920 x 1,080i

Still Image Resolution                JPEG: 12 Megapixel,

Audio Format                           2-Channel Stereo

Display

Display Type                            LCD

Screen Size                              3.5"

Touchscreen                             Yes

Features

Image Stabilization                    Optical

Lux                                          Not Specified By Manufacturer

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 HDMI

1x Analog A/V Input

1x Headphone Out

1x Mini HDMI

1x Component Video (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 7 64-bit editions and Starter (Edition)

Battery                                     Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack

Power Adapter                         Not Specified By Manufacturer

Dimensions (WxHxD)               2.76 x 2.91 x 5.63" / 70 x 74 x 143mm

Weight                                      20.11 oz / 570g

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.