Sony DCR-SX45 Handycam Camcorder (Blue)

I use this camera to document processes in a manufacturing environment, so I wasn't looking for the latest/greatest feature filled camera. I have been very impressed with the overall functionality of this camera. The optical zoom is very good and the image stabilization is top notch. The light on the front of the camera is a great feature when recording in a low light (up close) conditions; however, don't expect it to light up a room. The touch screen is intuitive when cruising through menus and the controls are well placed. The ability to switch between video and photo is a great feature for my use. I turn the camera on/off several times per hour, so I believe this negatively impacts battery life; nonetheless, the battery consistently lasts >90minutes of use. The built-in USB cable is useful since the camera will also charge through the USB (no cables to carry from computer to computer). Mac and Windows compatible. If the durability of this camera proves sufficient, the 5-star rating will be earned. Time will tell.

When I turn on the camera, try to take a picture or video I get this beeping and message saying there is a problem with the memory card And I might not be able to record or play files. Im using the best sd card available. Ive attempted to format it and several others and it get to 6 sec, goes to 9 and then says error message. I tried to format on my laptop first and same results. It appears there is s problem with the camera.

I haven't used this camera yet except to test it out. I have just upgraded from 35mm to digital. I really like that it takes a media card instead of film. I like that it attaches to my tripod and that I don't have to buy a new tripod. I like the zoom feature. I stood in my kitchen window and was able to use the camera to zoom out onto the street and see car license plates up close enough to read. I like that I can switch from picture mode to video really quickly. I like being able to turn on this camera quickly by just opening the side video panel it automatically comes on and to turn it off just close the side panel. The one thing I don't like is the self timer isn't long enough only 10 seconds. I would have liked it to have been at least 30 seconds. My primary purpose for buying this camera was to take pictures and be able to take as many as I like without worry about if I have enough film.

The camcorder was bought to record some interviews and later to be used for general videos. It worked very well for the interviews with excellent image quality and color balance. The audio was good but not great with the built-in microphone, something that I expected.I have tried to use it for other general videos with a fair number of action shots of animals, planes and other moving targets. I find the screen to be difficult to see in direct sunlight, one of the main reasons I strongly prefer an optical viewfinder over a screen. The audio is okay, and the video quality is very good in bright and moderate light. In very low light, it starts to suffer as most camcorders in this price range do until it eventually becomes almost unusable.I am not enamored with the controls. I find that they do not fall where I need them. The still camera is only okay, though it does give a 12 MP image. Get a DSLR or quality P&S if you are serious about still images.If you want a very good, moderate cost camcorder for moderate to bright lighting and can live with the controls, this is a good choice.

Even set at the highest setting (HQ)the video is grainy. Audio is fine. Though just starting to learn the software, it seems fairly easy to figure out. Reviews I read on this camera all said this and it was a big reason for selecting this camera.

Many options to choose from. Menu style is very user friendly. The biggest problem for me was picture quality. I understand this is a standard definition camcorder but in low light or indoors the picture was just to grainy. Outdoors the picture is okay but it could be better. The battery life wears down extremely fast so you must have a backup. Overall I should have paid an extra $200 and bought the CX110 model. I bought it on 4-8-2011 and I returned it 4-12-2011.

This handycam camcorder was the first I ever bought, so I can't really compare it with any others. But, I have noticed that the recorded picture is remarkably still, despite one's shaky hands! And I was able to take clear pictures through my car windows. The sound is very clear and picks up even the quietest sounds. I don't know how much better a HD picture would look, so I cannot comment much on the picture quality. However, it is certainly good enough for my touristy purposes. After downloading the software, I was able to burn DVD's very easily from the camera (since I have an external DVD player attached to my computer). And, it sounds like a "slot machine" when you turn it on and press buttons, as it has all sorts of internal sounds to let you know what it is doing!So, I am very happy with this camcorder.

Product was ok for the 4 months that it worked. Unfortunately, it stopped working during work one day. Contacted the seller to be told that the return window was closed, and to take to a repair shop. I don’t recommend buying from this seller. Find a seller willing to help you.