Sony HDR-XR520V Handycam First Impressions Camcorder

The HDR-XR520V is the new top-dog HD camcorder from Sony. It packs a 240GB internal hard drive into a fairly compact frame and offers new Exmor R technology on a 1/2.88-inch CMOS sensor. The new sensor as well as improved processing is designed to boost low light performance, reduce noise, and offer a clearer picture than previous Sony models. The HDR-XR520V also has a built-in GPS mapping system, a special Active Mode image stabilization enhancement feature, and a Sony G lens designed to work specifically with the new image sensor and processor system. Sony is expected to make the HDR-XR520V available to consumers in March for roughly $1500.

Lens & Sensor
The HDR-XR520V has a 1/2.88-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor and an effective pixel count of 4,150,000. This new sensor is being touted by Sony as having better low light capabilities than last year's models and the improved BIONZ processor supposedly offers a cleaner image with less noise.

Lens		Sensor
Filter Diameter	37mm	Type	CMOS
Focal Range	5.5 - 60.0mm	Size	1/2.88-inches
Focal Range (35mm equiv.)	43 - 516mm (16:9) 52 - 624mm (4:3)	Pixel Count (gross)	6,631,000 Pixels
Aperture	f/1.8 - 3.4	Pixel Count (Effective)	4,150,000 Pixels (16:9) 3,110,000 Pixels (4:3)

Front
The front of the HDR-XR520V is mostly lens barrel. Hanging out on the left side of the lens is the flash, which can be turned on and off in the menu. Underneath the lens is a small, assignable dial (referred to as the Cam Control dial on last year's models) that can be used to make manual adjustments. We raved about this dial last year and we're happy to see it here again on the HDR-XR520V.

The front of the HDR-XR520V

Right
The right side of the HDR-XR520V doesn't look much different than last year's models. The large 240GB hard drive bulks up this side, but it doesn't make the camcorder too big and it still fits in your hand comfortably. The camcorder has a traditional Sony hand strap that is adjustable and sturdy. There are two sections of ports on the right of the HDR-XR520V—a headphone jack and microphone jack are behind a pop-out port cover near the back, and a port cover near the front slides open to reveal an AV-output, USB port, and an HDMI output.

The right side of the HDR-XR520V

Back
From the back, the first thing we noticed is how much thinner the XR520V is compared to last year's Sony HDR-SR12. The fact that Sony managed to produce a slimmer camcorder while still doubling the size of the internal hard drive is rather impressive. The button layout and design is also different on the HDR-XR520V compared to last year's models. Instead of a mode dial to switch between still and video mode, the XR520V features a small mode button. The record button, which is still located in the same place, has been granted a tall, slim design. Beneath the record button is the camcorder's DC input.
The HDR-XR520V does have an electronic viewfinder as well as a battery compartment here on the back of the camcorder.

The back of the HDR-XR520V

Left
The left side of the HDR-XR520V doesn't have much going on—until you look inside the LCD cavity. Hiding inside the cavity are a number of buttons: power, playback, display, easy, and DVD burn. There are also two sliding switches: one turns GPS on and off and the other chooses low light modes (standard, low lux, and NightShot). The Memory Stick slot is located next to this collection of buttons, behind a little door.


The left side of the HDR-XR520V with LCD closed...	...and the left side with the LCD open

Top
On the top of the camcorder is a door that slides open to reveal the Sony accessory shoe, which is only compatible with Sony brand products. The zoom toggle and shutter button are also on the top of the camcorder, but are placed back where your index finger has easy access to them.