Introduction

Audio

The Sony HDR-XR520V comes with dedicated headphone and mic jacks on the right side of the camcorder. These ports are positioned well and are essential on a high-end camcorder like this. There are also a number of audio features in the menu system. The on-board microphone can record Dolby Digital 5.1 channel audio or 2 channel stereo. It also has a zoom mic feature that will focus audio recording on whatever subject the camcorder's lens zooms into.

The accessory shoe on the top of the HDR-XR520V does allow for external microphone connection, but, unfortunately, it only works with Sony-brand accessories.

Compression & Media

Compression

The Sony HDR-XR520V records full 1080/60i HD video using the AVCHD codec. The camcorder has four HD quality settings: FH (16Mbps), HQ (9Mbps), SP (7Mbps), and LP (5Mbps). The 16Mbps maximum bitrate is the same bitrate featured on last year's top-line models from Sony. It's surprising Sony didn't make the jump to 24Mbps recording, which is the highest bitrate available on AVCHD. Canon has unveiled numerous camcorders that record at 24Mbps, although our extensive testing of the Canon HF11 didn't show a significant boost in quality between 24Mbps and 17Mbps. JVC also debuted a camcorder that records at 24Mbps.

The HDR-XR520V also offers three standard definition record settings, which compress video using the MPEG-2 codec.

Media

The HDR-XR520V has a huge, 240GB non-removable hard drive. According to Sony, this is enough space to hold up to 1750 minutes of video at highest quality or 5770 minutes of video at the camcorders lowest HD quality. The camcorder can also record to Memory Stick Pro Duo memory cards.

Editing

The camcorder comes with Picture Motion Browser Version 4.2.00, but the software is not supported by Mac OS. Picture Motion Browser is essentially a tool for transferring and organizing media—it isn't good software for editing video. The software also provides assistance with uploading video to the internet.

A new feature on the HDR-XR520V is called Highlight Playback. According to Sony, the feature uses a number of criteria (like Face Index, Smile Shutter, Dual Capture, and timestamps) to automatically sort and link scenes into a short video clip of its own—the feature even supplies music and transitions. While Highlight Playback may appeal to some, it's an overall gimmicky feature that isn't very useful.

Manual Controls

Auto Mode

Sony traditionally does well with auto controls and the HDR-XR520V is no exception. Auto focus did it's job quickly and accurately—it was able to focus in on most subjects in less than a second. Auto exposure and white balance were more difficult to check out with the display models at CES. The lighting in Sony's booth wasn't very good, but exposure appeared to adjust naturally and no major problems were noticeable. Auto White balance, although also difficult to judge under the awkward lighting conditions, also seemed to perform well.

The HDR-XR520V uses an optical image stabilization system (SteadyShot) just like last year's models, but the XR520V adds a new feature—Active Mode. According to Sony, Active Mode improves the image stabilization system by allowing the camcorder's lens to move over a greater distance. This, in turn, reduces the camcorder's shakiness more than normal OIS. Sony wouldn't say if Active Mode reduces image quality, but the feature can be turned on and off in the camcorder's menu independently from the optical image stabilization.

The XR520V has Face Detection features, which was also found on last year's models from Sony. The feature detects faces within the frame and then automatically adjusts exposure and focus to keep them looking sharp. Face Detection can detect up to 8 individual faces within a frame, although our testing usually isn't able to produce those kind of numbers.

Low Light Modes

Sony got rid of the Color Slow Shutter features on the HDR-XR520V, which is probably a good move. Color Slow Shutter, a feature that was embedded in the menu system last year, allowed the camcorder to drop the shutter to speeds as low as 1/2 or 1/4 of a second. Shutter speeds that slow, while definitely improving image brightness, also create a ton of motion blur and ghosting whenever a subject moves in front of the camcorder (or if the camcorder moves as well).

On the HDR-XR520V all low light modes are controlled by a switch inside the LCD cavity. STD sets the camcorder in standard mode (the shutter won't drop below 1/60). Low Lux mode drops the shutter to speeds as low as 1/30 of a second (like Auto Slow Shutter on previous Sony camcorders) and likely boosts the gain on the camcorder as well. NightShot is the third setting on the switch and utilizes the camcorder's infrared sensor to illuminate images in complete darkness (accompanied by a bright green glow). Sony organizes low light modes very well on the HDR-XR520V and it is a significant improvement over last year.

According to Sony, the HDR-XR520V requires a minimum illumination of 11 lux in standard mode and 3 lux in Low Lux mode.

Scene Modes

The following Scene Modes are provided on the HDR-XR520V: Auto, Twilight, Sunrise & Sunset, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, Beach, Snow.

Zoom

The HDR-XR520V has a traditional zoom toggle on the top of the camcorder. It doesn't appear to work any differently than it did on previous Sony models. There are also two buttons on the left side of the LCD screen that can be used for zooming.

Zoom Ratio

The camcorder has a 12x optical zoom—again, same as on last year's HDR-SR12. There is also the option of a 150x digital zoom.

The HDR-XR520V does not offer Advanced Zoom, which is a new feature that Canon and JVC have announced this year. Advanced Zoom provides an extra bit of magnification with no loss of quality by using extra pixels to increase the zoom level.

Focus

There are a number of ways to manually focus on the HDR-XR520. First, there is the triumphant return of the assignable dial on the front of the camcorder (previously called the Cam Control dial). The dial works wonderfully and is second only to a full lens ring when it comes to making manual adjustments. The dial can be set to control four different functions: focus, exposure, AE shift, and WB shift. Sony's control dial is such a good idea that Canon has implemented a nearly identical dial on the new HF S-series of camcorders.

You can still adjust focus using the touchscreen interface on the HDR-XR520, but it's still an annoying procedure. There are a few touchscreen advantages on the HDR-XR520, however. First off, buttons are easier to press because of the large, 3.2-inch LCD screen. Also, the screen is less cluttered with information than it was on previous models.

There is also a spot focus option, which has been part of Sony's feature list for a while. Spot focus puts a box around the screen and you touch the portion of the frame that you want to be in focus. The spot focus feature makes good use of the touchscreen technology and works rather well.

Exposure

Sony offers a bunch of exposure adjustment methods on the HDR-XR520V. First, there's traditional manual exposure control, which can be performed using the assignable dial or the touchscreen (just like focus). Second there is AE shift, which only has nine increments of control (-4 to +4). AE shift can also be controlled using the dial as well as the touchscreen. We like the AE shift control because it allows for subtle control over the camcorder's exposure.

Just like spot focus, there's a spot meter setting on the HDR-XR520V and it works the same way. All these exposure features are essentially identical to ones on last year's Sony HDR-SR12.

Aperture

The HDR-XR520V doesn't offer manual aperture control.

Shutter Speed

The camcorder has no manual shutter speed controls, although the option is provided by most other manufacturers.

White Balance

White balance is the last control that can be adjusted using the dial on the front of the camcorder. The dial can perform a WB shift, which, like AE shift, has nine increments of control. Setting the dial to higher numbers (up to +4) will warm the image slightly, while going to negative numbers (down to -4) cools the image. WB shift can also be performed using the camcorder's touchscreen.

The HDR-XR520V has an auto white balance setting as well as two presets: outdoor and indoor. Then there's Sony's standard One Push manual white balance, which works great as usual.

Gain

Sony doesn't offer gain control on the HDR-XR520V. Panasonic and Canon (on the new HF S-series) are the only manufacturers to offer gain control in the consumer market.

Color & Image Control

The HDR-XR520V has an x.v. Color option that enables the camcorder to capture color in the xvYCC expanded color gamut. With this feature enabled the camcorder can capture 1.8x as many colors than the standard RGB color space. The only problem is you need an xvYCC-capable display in order to view the expanded colors. Many new HDTVs do have this feature (it is found on some of Sony's own HDTVs), so it is something you can take advantage of if you have all the right products.

Sony doesn't offer any other color or image controls on the HDR-XR520V—although the WB shift does cool and warm the image, which changes the tones of the colors in the frame.

Other Manual Controls

Sony puts up a few extra manual controls on the HDR-XR520V, but they're nothing we haven't seen before. Dual Record is probably the most exciting item here and the fact that the camcorder can capture 8.3 Megapixel stills while recording video is quite impressive.

Still Features

Still Features

There's a plentiful amount of still image features on the Sony HDR-XR520V, but it still won't replace a decent dedicated still camera. The XR520V is listed as being able to capture 12 Megapixel still images, but this number is very misleading. Its effective pixel count in still mode is around 6 Megapixels (in 4:3 mode), which means the device is only capable of capturing 6,000,000 pixels of information. The 12 Megapixel number is based on interpolation. So, yes, your photos will be 12 Megapixels in size, but they'll only have 6 Megapixels of information. 6 Megapixels is still quite impressive for a camcorder, however, so the HDR-XR520V will work well as a hybrid device—just don't go throwing away your digital still camera yet.

The camcorder can detect up to 8 faces using Face Detection, which automatically adjusts exposure and focus for each face detected within the frame. The HDR-XR520V also introduces Smile Shutter, a feature that will automatically snap a photograph when your subject curls their lips. If you don't want to switch over to the dedicated still mode, you can always take photographs in video mode—even while you are recording. This is called the Dual Record feature and it works with Smile Shutter and Face Detection technology (meaning you can automatically have the camcorder take a photo when your subjects smiles while you are recording). Still photos max out at 8.3 Megapixels when using Dual Record. You can set the sensitivity of Smile Shutter (in case you don't want it to accidentally go off when someone is simply opening their mouth) and you can choose priority between children and adult. Smile Shutter is an interesting auto feature, but it will likely be frowned upon by users with any affinity to manual controls.

The flash on the HDR-XR520V

There is a flash on the HDR-XR520V and it's located on the left side of the lens. This is decent flash placement and Sony offers control over red-eye reduction as well as flash level (normal, high, and low). The flash can be turned on and off, as well as set to auto, in the photo settings menu.

 

Handling & Use

Ease of Use

Sony's standard Easy button, with its familiar blue dot, is featured on the HDR-XR520V inside the LCD cavity. Sony didn't mess with success so they kept the Easy button features the same—it locks you out of menus, makes icons and information bigger on the screen, and puts the camcorder into an entirely auto mode. There are a bit more buttons inside the LCD cavity this year—mainly the GPS and Low Light switches—but they are labeled clearly and it is probably better that the buttons are here rather than embedded in the camcorder's menu. We didn't like how Sony's auto slow shutter often kicked in unexpectedly on last year's camcorders and the feature was difficult to find and turn off amongst the sea of menu options. Now, with the Low Light switch right on the side of the camcorder, important features are easier to find and are grouped together better (NightShot is also on this switch).

The assignable dial is a wonderful option for consumers who want an easy way to adjust manual controls. The dial is smooth, well-placed, and precise—just like on the HDR-SR12. It a not so surprising move, Canon has adopted a similar dial on its new HF-S series of camcorders. Comparing the two dials (Sony's and Canon's) is difficult, as they are both well designed and very similar. Sony's dial has a bit more room so you can make adjustments using two fingers if you want to, while Canon's is meant to be controlled using your thumb only.

By the looks of it, the GPS feature isn't the easiest system to use and will likely confuse beginners. The automatic location finder doesn't always work and using the touchscreen to manually select your position is an annoying process. We expect most unexperienced users will ignore the GPS option outright, which brings us to wonder if Sony will release the same camcorder only without the built-in GPS feature.

Handling

Our first impression of the HDR-XR520V is that it is a better handler than the HDR-SR12. It has a slightly smaller frame that offers a better grip and a more comfortable feel. The camcorder is big enough to wrap your hands around, but small enough to still be quite portable. It is amazing Sony was able to squeeze a huge 240GB hard drive into such a compact design.

No changes were made to Sony's touchscreen system, which will always be annoying to users who don't like touchscreens. The presence of the assignable dial makes using the touchscreen more bearable (mainly because you don't have to use it as often) and important adjustment features, like focus and exposure, can be made smoothly and accurately by simply rotating the dial.

The body of the Sony HDR-XR520V feels a bit stronger and more durable than comparable models from Canon. The HDR-XR520V doesn't have the heartiest design on the market (it only weighs 590g), but for a compact camcorder it does quite well.

 

Portability

Sony pulled off a lovely design feat with the HDR-XR520V. The camcorder has a 240GB hard drive, which is 2x the capacity of last year's HDR-SR12, yet the XR520V is actually smaller than its predecessor. This is good design work by Sony and with the 240GB of storage space, you'll never have to think about buying a tape or memory card again.

The camcorder's dimensions are approximately 71 x 75 x 137mm (2 7/8 x 3 x 5 1/2 inches) and it weighs 590g with the battery. In comparison the Sony HDR-SR12 weighs 650g and has dimensions of 83 x 76 x 138mm. The Canon HF S10

Battery

The HDR-XR520V features a rechargeable NP-FH60 battery. The battery compartment on the camcorder is open, which means you can easily upgrade to a larger, longer-lasting battery pack if you want to. Sony didn't release any battery life information for the camcorder, but we'll run our own battery test once the product enters our laboratory.

The battery compartment on the HDR-XR520V and the supplied battery.

LCD & Viewfinder

Sony didn't bother to make any changes to the 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen for the HDR-XR520V—it has the same size and 921,000-pixel resolution as the LCD on the HDR-SR12.

The color viewfinder didn't undergo any size or resolution changes either—it is still 0.27-inches in size with a 123,000-pixel resolution. The viewfinder does have a slightly different shape on the HDR-XR520V as it is more curved along the bottom and has tighter-angled sides than last year's models. This reshaping of the viewfinder didn't make it more comfortable to use, although it pivots better than the EVF on the HDR-SR12.

 

Menus

If you're familiar with Sony, you should immediately recognize the menu system used on the HDR-XR520V—it is nearly identical to previous models. Some of the options have changed, but the navigation system (a touchscreen) and overall structure has remained the same. Given the large 3.2-inch screen on the XR520V, we found the menus a bit easier to use and go through than on some of Sony's other models.

 

Playback & Connectivity

Playback

The actual playback system on the Sony HDR-XR520V isn't any different than previous models. There are still thumbnails of your media and you click on them to begin playback. VCR controls are located on the touchscreen and a separate playback menu is accessible through the camcorder's settings tab.

The Sony HDR-XR520V has multiple indexing options for organizing footage and making it easier to group during playback. Most of these options aren't new (except for GPS tagging features), and it's difficult to see anyone actually using them on a regular basis. Nevertheless, they are features that may appeal to some users and if you're going to be storing tons of footage on the 240GB hard drive inside the camcorder, it won't hurt to have multiple methods of organizing and indexing your media. There is a Face Index feature that will group media based on faces you tag in your images and videos, a Film Roll Index that allows users to group media into different rolls, and a Map Index that uses the GPS geotagging software to arrange media.

There's a direct DVD burn button on the HDR-XR520V, but you'll need additional hardware to utilize the feature—like a computer or portable DVD burner. The Movie Dub setting in the camcorder's menu isn't an audio dubbing feature. Instead, it allows you to copy files from the camcorder's internal hard drive to an inserted Memory Stick Pro Duo card or vice versa.

A new feature, called Highlight Playback, will automatically string clips together to form a little edited video based on footage captured with the HDR-XR520V. The system uses Face Index, Smile Shutter, and a number of other criteria to sort through your media and create the final product. You can also add music tracks to play behind the footage if you want to (the tracks must be stored on the camcorder's internal hard drive). Messing around with the feature on the floor, it didn't appear all that impressive, although it may be a fun setting to play around with once or twice. JVC offers a similar feature on numerous camcorders.

Connectivity

Sony didn't add any ports or connectivity features that weren't present on last year's models. There was a bit of reorganizing, however. The AV-out, USB, and HDMI ports are now all located together behind a sliding port cover and the headphone and mic jacks are located together behind a separate door. This is a better grouping setup than on last year's HDR-SR12 and SR11. The port covers all feel well built and solid.

We also must mention that the hot accessory shoe still only works with Sony-brand accessories (like microphones, lights, and external flashes).

 

The hot accessory shoe only works with Sony-brand accessories.

Other Features

GPS The built-in GPS receiver is something that makes the Sony HDR-XR520V special (the GPS system is also available on the HDR-XR500V and HDR-XR200V). Sony previously offered a GPS accessory unit, but this camcorder represents the first integrated GPS system from a major camcorder manufacturer. The HDR-XR520V utilizes an integrated mapping system that enables you to view your current location on the LCD screen, or choose a location if the GPS signal isn't working. Just to note, the GPS system wouldn't automatically pick up our location inside the convention center at CES. The most useful function of this GPS system is the ability to organize footage based on location. This will certainly help sort your videos out after a cross-country road trip. There are also features on the Picture Motion Browser supplied software that will allow you to group videos and stills based on their GPS tags (date, time, location, etc.).

Smooth Slow Record Smooth Slow record is a feature found on previous Sony models that increases the recording frame rate from 60 frames per second (fps) to 240 fps. This allows you to capture three seconds of video and play it back in 12 seconds, thus making the footage appear in super slow motion. The camcorder also allows you to record an audio track over the slow video if you want to narrate the 12-second clip. Unfortunately, you can't change the length of time over which the clip is recorded—you're stuck at capturing three seconds of footage.

Fader Sony actually got rid of the digital effects features for the HDR-XR520V. We must say we aren't too disappointed to see them go. Sony did keep a fader option on the camcorder, however, and it's capable of performing either a white or black fade.

Conclusion

There is a lot to like about the Sony HDR-XR520V. The GPS feature is intriguing, if not entirely easy to use, and the processor and sensor specs are quite impressive. The return of the assignable dial (formerly called Cam Control dial) earns our applause, as does the comfortable design and 240GB internal hard drive.

Being a manufacturer's top-line product, however, comes with its share of difficulties. There is a ton of competition out there and it is going to be difficult for any camcorder to hold its own at the peak. Canon's HF S10 offers a superb set of manual controls and packed in the best options from other manufacturers (like gain control and focus peaking) in an attempt to make a dominating HD device. Samsung has unveiled the HMX-H106, which contains a whopping 64GB of internal flash memory, and Panasonic is sending out the HDC-HS300 and HDC-TM300, which both feature lens rings and Panasonic's traditional wide-range set of manual controls. Still, the Sony HDR-XR520V (as well as HDR-XR500V and XR200V) is the only camcorder with built-in GPS integration, which is something that should set it apart from the crowd.

The HDR-XR520V has a lot riding on its new Exmor R sensor technology. How much work Sony truly put into improving the imager will be revealed once we get a model into our testing labs. If things have really improved as much as Sony says they have, then the HDR-XR520V should be one of the top-notch camcorders of 2009. The camcorder is expected to be available in March for about $1500.

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Specs and Ratings

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