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Sony Handycam HDR-CX100

*Est. $500

Reviewed October 2009
Sony Handycam HDR-CX100

pros
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to use
  • Tiny and lightweight
  • Neat features such as Smile Shutter
cons
  • Lacks some common features
  • Video not as good as pricier models
  • May be too small for comfort
 
 
Where to Buy
  • HomeGoodz

    for $369.00

  • Dell

    for $439.99

  • P.C. Richard & Son

    for $449.97

 
 
 

The Sony Handycam HDR-CX100 is very inexpensive for a high-definition camcorder, according to top review sources. It costs more than twice as much as a pocket camcorder like the Pure Digital Flip UltraHD (*Est. $160), but experts say you'll get full 1080p HD video, a long-range optical zoom and other features you won't find on a stripped-down pocket camcorder. Users particularly like the Smile Shutter, which can be set to snap a still photo whenever it detects a smile, and the fact that the 4.5-inch-long HDR-CX100 is tiny enough to slip into a purse or jacket pocket. However, some expert testers find this camcorder too small to hold comfortably, and it's missing some common features such as an accessory shoe, microphone jack and headphone jack. Experts say you'll find these features -- plus better video quality -- on Canon's budget camcorder, the Vixia HF200 (*Est. $600).

Experts at CNET test many of the major camcorders on the market, including the Sony Handycam HDR-CX100. Although they don't usually test camcorders head-to-head, ratings and best-of lists make it possible to see how the various models stack up. Tests at CreativeMac.com and DigitalTrends.com come up with very different opinions about the Sony HDR-CX100. Owner-written reviews at Amazon.com are a good place to find out whether owners like the Sony HDR-CX100.

Where To Buy
 
 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
HomeGoodzHomeGoodz has not yet been reviewed0 store reviewsIn Stock. Usually Ships in 24-48 Hours$369.00
DellDell rated 3.50 (1761 reviews)1761 store reviewsIn Stock. Free Shipping!$439.99
P.C. Richard & SonP.C. Richard & Son rated 4.50 (61 reviews)61 store reviewsIn Stock. $449.97
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. CNET

The Sony Handycam HDR-CX100 earns a "very good" 3.5-star rating (out of five) and a spot on CNET's list of the best camcorders, but tester Lori Grunin doesn't seem to be all that crazy about it. "You can tell where Sony cut corners," she says.

Review: Sony Handycam HDR-CX100, Lori Grunin, March 15, 2009

2. Creative Mac

This tester is involved in action sports photography, and he says the Sony HDR-CX100's electronic image stabilization makes it particularly good for strapping to a helmet, aircraft, etc. He also does a good job explaining the important features of the Sony HDR-CX100, such as its Easy Mode, one-touch disc burn and Smile Shutter.

Review: Sony HDR-CX100, Douglas Spotted Eagle, Feb. 18, 2009

3. DigitalTrends.com

This review compares the Sony HDR-CX100 with Canon's budget camcorder, the Canon Vixia HF200. It concludes that the Canon Vixia HF200 "is so much better, we'd definitely urge you to spend the extra cash" for it.

Review: Canon Vixia HF200 Review, David Elrich, May 6, 2009

4. Amazon.com

The Sony HDR-CX100 earns an average of four stars (out of five) from about 40 users. Some users complain that footage shot indoors doesn't look great.

Review: Sony HDR-CX100 AVCHD HD Camcorder, Contributors to Amazon.com

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