My previous camcorder: Sony DCR-SR42 Handycam purchased approximately 4 years ago Sony DCR-SR42 30GB Hard Disk Drive Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom
Accessories purchased with CX190:
32GB Transcend Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card Transcend 32 GB Class SDHC 10 Flash Memory Card TS32GSDHC10E
Gold Plated HDMI to HDMI Mini cable Gold Plated HDMI to HDMI Mini cable, 2 M / 6.56 FT
What you need to know:
- CX190 does not have a touch screen (CX200 & CX210 do)
- does not have internal memory
- requires class 4 or higher memory card
- doesn't take pictures while recording in highest quality
- 32GB card holds a little more than 3 hours in highest quality
- camcorder has built in USB cable for transfer or charging
- lens cover is manual
- camcorder automatically turns on when screen is opened
- buttons/controls are in the same place as my previous handycam
- camcorder is surprisingly slim and light
- video is extremely clear (outside is better than inside but both are so clear you feel like you are in the video)
- no wind noise can be heard in the play back of the video
- camcorder has a threaded receiver for tripod
- USB cable (about 3" long) is built in and slides into the strap when not being used
I have to say, "I love Sony." Having owned a handycam before, I immediately felt comfortable operating the CX190. My previous handycam was not an HD camcorder so the video shot with this camcorder is unbelievable especially compared to my SD camcorder. The indoor and low light video is not as clear as video shot outside in the sunlight but the video is still very clear.
I am very impressed with this camcorder. It is smaller than my previous handycam, takes much clearer video, and was less expensive. I don't have any complaints. I didn't want a touch screen and the memory card was cheaper than internal storage.
You won't regret purchasing Sony HDR-CX190
I opted for CX-190 when my DCR-DVD405 went out of focus due to fungus after 4 glorious years. I miss the touch screen and flash in my previous camera so much! I would recommend others to go for CX-200 for the touch-screen. There is no internal memory with the CX-190 and CX-200, so buy some SD memory along with the camera. Internal memory is available in CX-210, but I think its not so cost-effective. I was able to record HD video onto an old class 4 SD card. It will be a wise option to purchase the connector for external HDD too, as I found out that common cables won't work, the hard way. You really need the one from Sony(through Amazon - search for VMCUAM1) to make it work. Photos taken at night are too grainy like in a low resolution webcam! But the photos in daylight are fine. Though viewing the photos in original size makes you wonder if the compression mechanism in the camcorder is good enough.
Enough about the cons! The HD video from this small, cute machine is astounding! Check out my video by searching for - chicago cx-190 on youtube. I had recorded it in the default HD mode and not the highest quality FX mode. The zoom is excellent and auto picture grabber feature is also cool. It fits into my pocket, and even though its not as sleek as a cellphone, I am satisfied with not taking a bag along on a holiday! The affordability of this camcorder is a boon. Thank you Sony for launching this cutie pie :)
Sony generally makes good products, and the HDR-CX190 is no exception. It is durable and works as advertised.
Pros
- Compact, portable, and easily fits in the palm of your hand.
- Zoom works well.
- Image stabilization works well.
- Shoots full HD (not as good as a movie studio HD, but still very good).
- Audio records loud and clear.
- Fits on standard tri-pods.
- You can transfer the videos to your computer without the Sony software. Simply plug in the camera via USB and drag and drop the files (at least in Windows 7).
- The lens cap is manual and built into the camera so you can't possibly lose it.
- It has a USB cable attached to the camera at all times, so you always have one (but it isn't very long so I normally have to use the extension cable that it came with).
- Great price!
Cons
- Definitely buy additional batteries. The battery this camera comes with lasts up to an hour (maybe) when recording full HD.
- The zoom is kind of noisy and can be heard during playback.
- There's no light on the camera, so make sure there's plenty of light when recording or else the video quality degrades and becomes grainy.
- You can get hand cramps when recording for extended periods of time due to the camera's small size, so get a tri-pod.
- You can't take a still-image while recording full HD.
- The default recording setting isn't full HD, so make sure to change it before you start recording.
Pros
- Compact, portable, and easily fits in the palm of your hand.
- Zoom works well.
- Image stabilization works well.
- Shoots full HD (not as good as a movie studio HD, but still very good).
- Audio records loud and clear.
- Fits on standard tri-pods.
- You can transfer the videos to your computer without the Sony software. Simply plug in the camera via USB and drag and drop the files (at least in Windows 7).
- The lens cap is manual and built into the camera so you can't possibly lose it.
- It has a USB cable attached to the camera at all times, so you always have one (but it isn't very long so I normally have to use the extension cable that it came with).
- Great price!
Cons
- Definitely buy additional batteries. The battery this camera comes with lasts up to an hour (maybe) when recording full HD.
- The zoom is kind of noisy and can be heard during playback.
- There's no light on the camera, so make sure there's plenty of light when recording or else the video quality degrades and becomes grainy.
- You can get hand cramps when recording for extended periods of time due to the camera's small size, so get a tri-pod.
- You can't take a still-image while recording full HD.
- The default recording setting isn't full HD, so make sure to change it before you start recording.
