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Sony Handycam HDR-XR520V
Sony Handycam HDR-XR520V
B+
HQ Grade: B+
A is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of camcorders.
B means they are good, with some standout features.
C means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.
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Vic (garett) 0 pts
March 30, 2009 6:13 PM
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Is this the best low light HD camcorder (read "The sensor is back-illuminated for performance even in low light conditions")?

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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58449 pts
April 1, 2009 10:48 PM
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Well, I don't think so. If you look at the rankings, it isn't even close to the best. The Canon HV30 is a much better low light option. And don't underestimate the value of a good superbright LED light.
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Vic (garett) 0 pts
April 4, 2009 3:07 PM
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Thanks. If you think that Canon HV30 is a much better low light option, so Canon HFS10 should be even more better?
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58449 pts
April 6, 2009 10:42 PM
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Well, it certainly has the advantage of the HV30 coming before it. And the results I've read about is that in low light, the HFS10 is nothing short of "wow." So clearly, Canon is building on the HV30's success with the HFS10. So in short, you bet.
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Vic (garett) 0 pts
April 7, 2009 12:33 AM
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Thanks James.
Sorry for bothering you but this is my last question: if you had to decide between Canon HFS10, Sony HDR-XR500/520V and Panasonic HS300 which one would you pick?
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58449 pts
April 9, 2009 9:11 PM
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Well, to be honest up front, I'm a tried and true Canon man. But the fact is, that both Canon and Sony use the same video codec (AVCHD). So the only real, difference would be the lens quality and the whistles and bells and in my opinion, the Canon has a far superior set of optics. As for Panasonic ... not much of a fan. I tend to prefer getting a camera from a camera company rather than an electronics company that's just got yet another market to compete in.
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