The HDR-XR520V has the typical output options: composite A/V, USB and Mini-HDMI. When we connected the camera to our computer via USB, our Windows XP system quickly recognized the internal hard drive and treated it as such without the need of drivers or software. The provided software includes an image and footage browser, which works fine but is not much use as an editor. The latest version of Sony Vegas recognizes the video clips right away without needing an update or plug-in.

Allowing the user to view the camera as a hard drive gives you the option of also storing other content such as edited videos or music. Which brings up another really cool new feature. Sony has added the Highlight Playback option, which takes little pieces of your stored video clips and edits them together to music, allowing quick playback without having to sit through two hours of your child's birthday party. The camera uses options like the smile recognition and face recognition to choose which clips to use, so theoretically you edit out the boring clips. We didn't get enough footage to properly test this feature, but the idea is cool enough in itself. Like shuffle on the iPod.

Sony's HDR-XR520V has everything you could want in a consumer camcorder - and even a little more. It's compact, versatile and easy to use, but it does come with a price tag. The adage stands true: you get what you pay for. And the HDR-XR520V is no exception.

Sensor: 1/2.88" Exmor R CMOS sensor
Format: MPEG-4 AVCHD/H.264
Lens: 12x optical HD video zoom lens
Focal Length: 5.5-66mm
f-Stop: 1.8-3.4
Zoom: 12x optical/200x digital
Filter Size: 37mm
Storage: 240GB internal hard drive
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Image Stabilization: Yes
Line In: No
LCD 3.2" Viewfinder: Yes (color)
Manual Controls: White balance, focus, AE shift, WB shift
Built-In Speaker: Yes
Built-In Mic: Yes
Accessory Shoe: Yes - S Mini advanced shoe
Built-In Light/Flash: Yes/no
Stills: Yes
Media: PRO Duo Memory Stick
Still Resolution: 12Mp
Mic Input: Yes
Output: Mini-HDMI, A/V, Hi-speed 2.0 USB
Headphone: Yes
Dimensions: (WxHxD) 2.9" x 3" x 5.5"
Weight: 1 lb. 4 oz. (w/ battery)

• Improved low light
• Massive storage
• Smooth slow motion
• Image stabilization

• Battery life
• Limited footage for smooth slow motion

With loads of features, ease of use and quality to back it all up, the Sony HDR-XR520V is a powerful consumer-grade camcorder.

Brent Holland is a wedding/event video producer and owner of a video production company.

Sony Electronics, Inc.
16530 Via Esprillo
San Diego, CA 92127
www.sonystyle.com
Price: $1499