Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

After researching on alot of different web sites and looking up endless reviews I finally decided on the CX220 model, if your looking for a amateur camcorder for around 250 dollars save yourself the time and get this camera, its a very nice compromise between basic function and a really modest price for what you get. The Sony CX220 has all the necessary features you want with no over priced frills. I paid 250 for the value bundle with 32 gb memory card, extra battery, wall charger, car charger, mini tripod, cleaning kit, and camecorder case this value is unbeatable. Higher end Sony CX models will add 16 gb of internal memory which is a nice feature but they will increase the price by 50 dollars or more when you can simply buy a sdhc class 10 or higher memory card for around 20 dollars and that will give you twice the memory. -Recording Modes- There are 4 different recording modes. 1. Highest def which is 1080 p (60 frames per second) approx 2hr 30min record time on a 32 gb memory card 2. High def which is 1080 i (30 frames per second) approx 3hr 30 min record time on a 32 gb memory card 3. Standard def 480 i (lower resolution 30 frames per second) approx 4 hr 30 min record time 4. Mp4 for quick internet or cell phone transfers I usually use the 1080 i record mode this provides very good video even in low light conditions with the proper settings enabled. You can also take pictures as you record video on the second to highest rec mode which is fantastic for capturing those key sporting event pictures. -Battery- The 2 Lithium Ion batteries included in the bundle are the NP FV30 and the NP FV50. the NPFV30 will give you approx. 95 minutes of record time (depending on settings) the NPFV50 will give you approx. 180 minutes of record time (depending on settings) and you have the option to recharge the batteries directly in the camcorder, on the provided wall charger, or by the provided car charger. Other battery options for separate purchase are the NPFV70 (375 minutes record time) or the NPFV100 (745 minutes record time) -Output Connections- -The built in USB connection lets you plug the CX220 directly into your computer to make easy data transfers so there is no real need for a seperate card reader. -HDMI output lets you plug the provided HDMI cable from the CX220 directly to your tv for full 1080 P video display and picture slideshow display from the camcorder. -Sound- The CX220 has a built in speaker for playback sound dirtectly on the camcorder and for recording sound uses "Dolby Digital Stereo Creator". This camcorder records good sound quality in stereo and has a wind sound reduction feature if your recording at a windy location. It also has a built in zoom mic and adjustable mic level which gives you the option to mute or reduce background noise. -Lens- Carl Zeiss 29.8 wide angle lens. The 1080 settings are truly vibrant, especially when recording landscape and nature. It also comes equipt with a sony patented Cmos Exmor R sensor that lets in extra light for low light situations. It has a lux rating of 3 which basically means the minimum lighting requirement needed is the equivilant of 3 candles in a 100 square foot area, but the more light the better (in short turn on a light and you should be fine). As with all camcorders in this price range recording in low light is not optimal but for my purposes it works reasonably well. -Still shot- The still shots are 8.9 mega pixel, which is higher resolution then the iPhone 5. -Zoom- It can zoom up to 32x however with the active steady shot enabled you can only zoom 27x which I find is more then I ever need to zoom. To give you an idea you can read a bus sign across a park from over 100 yards away. -Computer Compatability- -PC-Operating requirements are (windows xp, windows vista, windows 7 and windows 8) Sony provides an online photo and video editing service for PC called "play memories" and is compatible with "You Tube" and "Facebook". -MAC-Requirements are os x (version 10.5 - 10.8) Mac users you will need to download the Imovie app. -PS3-Requires a network account and a simple application download. -Direct Editing- You have 3 options to edit your footage or pictures directly from your camera. 1. Deleting: you can delete both photos or footage: multiple images at once or individual scenes directly from your camcorder. 2. Protect: you can protect movies or photos from getting deleted by accident. 3. Direct copy: You can copy images to an external media device, ie external hard drive. -Settings- A quick list of adjustable settings are: white balance, exposure time, focus options, lux adjustments for low lighting environment, self timer, tele macro, steady shot, back light, digital zoom, face recognition, smile shutter, grid dislay, time date on dislay settings, beep sounds, lcd brightness, language setting, and power save mode. There is also an I-auto feature that automatically optimizes your video settings based on where your recording. I find this feature very usefull since I dont want to have to adjust the settings every time Im indoor or outdoor or if its overcast ect... -Warranty- Sony also gives a limited 1 year warranty, meaning they will replace any part they deem defective for up to a year after the purchase date. The sony 32 gb card I use Sony 32GB SDHC Class 10 UHS-1 R40 Memory Card (SF32UY/TQMN) you also have the option to get the 64 gb card as well which is what I will be ordering next time. Another handy accessory to have for organizing your memory cards ECO-FUSED® Black Memory Card Carrying Case / ECO-FUSED® Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Included This camcorder has a ton of nice features and is a very good light weight all purpose starter camera perfect for capturing family vacations or your kids sporting event. I have already recomended it to family members especially if you can get the value bundle deal. If this review helped let me know, I enjoy the feedback.... and if you have questions, I have answers.