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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.Canon HF S100 Comparison
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12.Panasonic HDC-HS300 Comparison
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13.Sanyo VPC-HD2000 Comparison
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14.Conclusion
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15.Photo Gallery
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16.Specs and Ratings
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17.Comments
Sony Handycam HDR-XR520VE
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IntroductionNext: Part 2
Colour & Noise Performance
Product Tour Summary
• New 1/2.88-inch back-illuminated Exmor-R CMOS sensor is designed to improve low light sensitivity and decrease noise
• The new six-blade aperture G-lens
• Less elegant overall design; more geared towards practicality than aesthetics
• We just can't get enough of that smooth manual control dial
Lens & Imaging System
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| The Sony HDR-XR520VE's f/1.8 12x zoom lens |
Sony put a lot of effort into revamping the lens and imaging system on this year's flagship line-up. The star of the show is the new 1/2.88-inch back-illuminated Exmor-R CMOS sensor, which Sony is featuring in its top two models, the HDR-XR500 and HDR-XR520. The new sensor design moves the photo diode from beneath the circuitry wires to above; presumably less interference will mean improved and less noise. Sony has also taken its six-blade aperture G-lens from their prosumer line and brought it to the consumer models, including the XR520.
| Lens | Sensor | |||
| Filter Diameter | 37mm | Type | CMOS | |
| Focal Range | 5.5 - 66mm | Size | 1/2.88-inch | |
| Focal Range (35mm equiv.) | 52 - 624mm | Pixel Count (Gross) | 6.631-megapixels | |
| Aperture | f/1.8 - f/3.4 | Pixel Count (Effective) | 4.15-megapixels (video) 6-megapixels (stills) |
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| Lab Tested Wide Angle* | 47° | |||
| * How We Test Wide Angle | ||||
Front
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f/1.8 12x zoom lens |
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flash for still photo use |
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| The dial makes manual controls like focusing much smoother. |
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Right
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Combined composite/component AV-out jacks, USB, and HDMI are located behind a sliding door. |
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Headphone and microphone jacks are hidden behind the pop-out plastic door. |
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The hand strap… |
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Back
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The viewfinder is a rare find on camcorders these days. It extends out and pivots up for increased accessibility. |
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Video/Photo mode button |
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Record on/off button |
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NP-FH80 rechargeable battery pack |
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Left
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Home menu button |
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Playback mode |
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Low light modes |
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Playback speaker |
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secondary zoom controls |
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Record start/stop |
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Power on/off |
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Easy Mode button |
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MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
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On-screen display on/off |
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DVD back-up button |
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Top
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photo shutter button |
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zoom toggle |
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built-in stereo microphone |
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Sony proprietary-fit accessory shoe is found under this sliding door. |
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Bottom
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tripod mount |
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