Great camcorder, no touchscreen

Great camcorder, no touchscreen

Sony HDR-CX240 HD Flash Camcorder (Full HD, Exmor R CMOS sensor, 2.2MP, BIONZ image processor X) (Electronics)

Customer Review

Camcorders do not have it easy in this day and age. Has become yet big competition. Each DSLR, system camera, compact camera, and even tablet PCs and smartphones have a video mode. In some cases the quality is truly amazing and you can only splurge with automatic and manual functions so. The question now is: a camcorder worth at all?

The question is not easy to answer. The Sony HDR-CX240 comes with some functions, therefore, with the above-mentioned devices are not equipped or requires additional equipment which is often very expensive. A very good image stabilization, extreme zoom functions and a very easy and simple handling often they do not provide. I am equipped for years with different camcorder models because I professionally but also privately much use. From the smallest to the largest model I have used all before and maybe give one or the other assistance if your now buys you as a camcorder or not.

We come to the main point, the image quality:
Image tests to a camcorder, I'm basically via HDMI to a TV. Only here you can see differences that can not be seen on the small screen of the device. Here I compare with more expensive models such as the Sony HDR-PJ810 to see how much worse the smaller model performs. I am pleasantly surprised. A little more noise but otherwise very good and with no real differences. I would compare it roughly with the image quality of the Sony HDR-CX410VE, which has sometimes cost around 600 euros. The CX240 you get for half the price.

Image Stabilization: is for me a little to picture quality. Still so good imagery is not really worth seeing when the viewer is seasick. Again, the CX240 is working properly. Even the zoom range it helps to keep the image still. Sony has just the image stabilizer in the lead, there is also at Panasonic or Canon is nothing that can keep up.

Sound recording: This works very well. Unfortunately, it is when the wind past with the quality, but that is a problem that also 1000 Euro models. Intrinsic noise of the camcorder can be heard in very silent recording already, but do not bother really. Who edited his recordings with an editing program, can here the sound so off completely if required. Of course you should not avoid knocking on the camcorder or adjust menu items during recording, that makes you before recording. Since the automatic is the fastest way here, a manual adjustment is not necessary anyway.

Handling: open Monitor and away you go. In automatic mode, you can press the start button in less than three seconds. Differences in brightness and focus to be adjusted very quickly. Faces are recognized as such and the camcorder aimed his attention. Disadvantages, there are unfortunately also. The lens cover has to be opened manually. Really many buttons there are not more, not even a power button. The very loud beeping noises can turn to happiness in the menu.

Manual functions: brightness, focus and white balance can be done manually. Since the use of these functions can be carried out only on the small switch next to the monitor, which is obviously quite cumbersome and time consuming. Luckily, you can set up three custom shortcuts on the monitor. Touchscreen there is not in this model, which would make this procedure much easier.

Memory Card: So if you ask me, your SD card sells and buys you only Micro-SD memory cards. Even with the HDR-CX240 this storage medium has arrived. Who leaves a card so fall times during removal, is here already have to search a bit, because they after all be very tiny. With other manufacturers, there are now signs that this type of memory will become more common. Advantage, the Micro-SD can also be installed in other devices such as smartphones and tablet PC's.

Battery: This is where Sony has come up with something new. The battery does not depend more hintendran but is built into the camcorder. This course is also the possibility to use larger batteries lost. What do I do with my many expensive batteries that have accumulated over the years, when I again have to buy a new model with new size now? Regular customers of the company Sony would be happy and continue to be loyal to the company.

Yet what the battery: It looks as though you could install two batteries there. But in the instructions and on the internet I could not find anything about it. The other battery is securely closed by a cover. Perhaps this idea is not yet mature at Sony. In any case, one wonders why the rump then the size fails if there is only 50% air? If the possibility exists, one could increase the recording time to twice. Sony: sewage on us!

Scope of supply: A power adapter with which you can operate the camcorder steady with power is no longer supplied. For this, a USB charger, the battery is charging on the camcorder. The way I do not find too bad but. On vacation you have to take only the USB charger, almost all electronic devices can be charged with now. An external battery charger with matching battery can buy more favorable. At the company Patona I've had good experience if they can offer this new battery already.

What else is included: An HDMI cable, a USB extension and instruction manuals in many languages. That was it. Now it no longer surprises me why the board has failed so small at the HDR-CX240. ;-)

What else is so struck me: filters or lens hoods can not screw you, but there is no thread. There is also no headphone and microphone jack. The case is of course plastic, but very slightly. The monitor now has not the resolution that you are already familiar today, but he is very bright and can also be when the sun still use well. Photos can be done in sufficient quality, but that is not the indication of a camcorder and the resolution is sufficient for the television show out just so.

Conclusion: You get a really good camcorder, for its image quality and image stabilization you had to pay at least 600 euros recently. For the delivery has become smaller and touch screen and automatic lens aperture is unfortunately ceased. But for the price you get a really good device. I give it 5 stars.

I hope I could help you a little with my review.
Until then your Bill

Very very good product 10 Rank: 5/5
November 14
Satisfied but not closed 1 Rank: 3/5
October 7
Not bad at all. 147 Rank: 4/5
August 14
packaging oreal hair fall Rank: 3/5
December 20
good but not OTG Rank: 3/5
August 6
Not quite satisfied 1 1 Rank: 4/5
March 1

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