Sony HDR-CX550VE

Audio Features (5.0)

A 5.1-channel surround sound microphone rests on the top of the HDR-CX550V just above the camcorder's lens. This mic is in good position to pick up audio, but we did find our pinky finger to rub up against it a bit when we held the camcorder in our hand (this may not be an issue if your hands and fingers are on the smaller side). The built-in mic can also be set to record 2-channel audio if you prefer (this will also allow you to record a bit more video onto your memory card or internal flash memory). Unfortunately, you cannot adjust audio levels manually on the HDR-CX550V. All you can do is set the built-in mic to normal or low recording levels.

Along with this built-in mic, the HDR-CX550V also has an external mic input and a headphone jack. The ports are protected on the right side by a sliding cover that is a bit difficult to close since the hand strap juts right up next to it (still, it is great to see a port cover here). You could also attach an external mic to the accessory shoe on the top of the camcorder, but the shoe only accepts Sony-proprietary accessories.

The built-in mic records 5.1-channel surround sound audio.

Other Features (4.5)

Golf Shot
This feature, which is meant to analyse a golf swing, takes two quick seconds of video and divides it into frames that are recorded as a film and photos.

Smooth Slow Record
A slow motion setting that records 3 seconds of footage and turns it into 12 seconds of very slow video. This setting shoots at 240fps in order to create the slow motion effect. Unfortunately video captured with Smooth Slow Record doesn't look very good (the quality is very poor).

Fader
You can add a black or white fade while you shoot your video clips using this setting.

Night Shot
Night Shot uses infrared technology (like night vision goggles) to allow you record an image in total darkness. You just have to be willing to accept the fact that all your videos shot in this mode will come out looking bright green.

GPS (Global Positioning System)
As with many of Sony's new camcorders, the HDR-CX550V has built-in GPS. This allows you to keep track of your videos by the location in which they were shot—and you can even view/organize clips by location on a map. You turn GPS on and off via a small switch inside the camcorder's LCD cavity. Having GPS activated will drain your battery a bit faster than normal, so keep that in mind.

Disc Burn
The small disc burn button is located on the inside of the LCD cavity on the HDR-CX550V. This button lets you burn video footage directly to a disc if you use a compatible DVD burner. Sony sells a few portable burners that work with the camcorder and connect via the USB terminal. Video shot using the highest quality setting (the 24Mbps FX mode) may not be able to be burned onto a regular DVD.

Sony HDR-CX550V Comparisons
Panasonic HDC-TM700	Canon HF S21	JVC GZ-HM1