Topic: Sony HDR-CX520

[tapeheadtoo]

Just picked this up, the latest AVCHD HD cam from Sony.  Brought it to the Springsteen show this week.  The thing is SMALL (for a fullsize camcorder), has optics specialized for low light, and has an onboard video stabilization system that really works.

Footage I shot from way up in the second level:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCC56alnrc0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc2snX-Ahqk

I think this cam's going to be my constant companion for shows from now on (in addition to my audio rig).  I'm lovin' it...

[drewloo]

Looks nice!  Can you swing by a theater and get Where the Wild Things Are for me?   

[livejamz]

Looks good. How did the battery hold up?

[tapeheadtoo]

The capacity of the stock battery is around 1300-1400 mAh I believe.  I got two extended capacity batts, one 1800 and one 3900.  Using the 1800, I shot around 90 minutes (with LCD screen on, no EVF) and it's still reading that there's 79 minutes left.  (The camera has this handy feature where it tells you how much battery time you have remaining.)  I've read that the super-high capacity one is good for at least 7-8 hrs of recording.  A bit of overkill, plus it sticks out a good 2 inches from the back of the camcorder but it might come in handy someday.

I'm happy with the mid-capacity battery... good for 3 hours of filming and is exactly the same size as the stock battery.

[BlackLab]

you're the 4th or 5th person to use a HD cam at a Bruce show

I opted for a Canon, though I considered TM300 Pana