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Introduction
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01.Product Tour
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02.Colour & Noise Performance
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03.Motion & Sharpness Performance
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04.Low Light Performance
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05.Compression & Media
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06.Manual Controls
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07.Still Features
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08.Handling & Use
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09.Playback & Connectivity
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10.Audio & Other Features
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11.Panasonic HDC-TM700 Comparison
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12.Canon HF S21 Comparison
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13.JVC GZ-HM1 Comparison
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14.Conclusion
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15.Specs and Ratings
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16.Comments
Sony HDR-CX550VE
Previous: Part 11
Panasonic HDC-TM700 ComparisonNext: Part 13
JVC GZ-HM1 Comparison
Sony HDR-CX550V versus Canon HF S21
• The HF S21 is a strong performer, but its price is high in comparison to the HDR-CX550V.
• Canon's main advantage is its alternate frame rate options (including a new native 25p setting).
The Canon HF S21 is a good camcorder and it edged out the HDR-CX550V in some of our performance tests, but it is difficult to justify the camcorder's higher price tag -- the HF S21 costs more than the HDR-CX550V even though both camcorders have the same amount of internal flash memory. The two camcorders also have similar feature sets and both have 3.5-inch LCDs with touch-screen interfaces (as well as excellent control dials for making manual adjustments).
The HF S21 does have one standout feature, however, as the camcorder offers two frame rates for recording HD video. In addition to its 50i setting, the HF S21 can record using a 25p frame rate. This frame rate is ideal for professional videography or if you want to create a more film-like aesthetic. Sony doesn't offer anything of this nature on the HDR-CX550V, so the need for alternate frame rates is a strong reason to go with the Canon here. If you have no use for a 25p mode, however, then you can save a little cash by going with the cheaper HDR-CX550V (or the Panasonic HDC-TM700).
| Comparison Specs | ||
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| Sony HDR-CX550V | Canon HF S21 | |
| Price | £1100 | £1199.99 |
| Primary Recording Media | 64GB internal flash memory | 64GB internal flash memory |
| Secondary Recording Media | SD/SDHC/Memory Stick PRO Duo card slot | 2x SD/SDHC memory card slots |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.88-inch CMOS | 1/2.6-inch CMOS |
| Effective Pixel Count | 4.15 megapixels | 6.01 megapixels |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| LCD | 3.5-inch with 921,000 pixels | 3.5-inch with 922,000 pixels |
| Viewfinder | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 490g | 520g |
| Dimensions | 66 x 74 x 143mm | 75 x 74 x 148mm |
| HD | Yes | Yes |
| Frame Rates | 50i | 50i, PF25 |
| Compression | AVCHD | AVCHD |
| Maximum Bitrate | 24Mbps | 24Mbps |
| Optical Zoom | 10x | 10x |
| Stabilisation | Optical with active mode | Optical with Dynamic and Powered IS settings |
| Scores | ||
| Sony HDR-CX550V | Canon HF S21 | |
| Colour | 6.96 | 8.05 |
| Noise | 10.78 | 7.28 |
| Video Sharpness | 11.32 | 11.97 |
| Low Light Sensitivity | 2.49 | 4.96 |
| Low Light Colour | 5.83 | 6.55 |
| Low Light Noise | 11.09 | 6.05 |
| Stabilisation | 11.95 | 6.17 |
| Noise at 60 lux Auto | |
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Sony HDR-CX550V 100% Crop |
Canon HF S21 100% Crop |
| Low Light Colour Score Comparison |
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Shop for the Sony HDR-CX550VE
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