Topic: SONY HDR-CX190

[genesisoh]

Hi everyone,

I have been looking for a camcorder to use for recording live shows from a distance.  My point and shoot works well if I am close.  The SONY HRD-CX190 is relatively (surprisingly) cheap, shoots full HD video onto an SD card, has stabilization, 20X (!) zoom etc.  I think the mic is not the greatest, but I usually dub audio anyway. 

Any comments on this camera?  Thanks much!

[TimSmith]

I have not used this camera. For video taping now I use Nikon p7100 photo camera (films in 720p, but only 7x zoom) and results are very good. My old Panasonic GS-330 miniDV video camera is not much better (colors are more natural, but it's only SD). What I'm trying to say is that in these days photo cameras may film amazingly good video. And at a show they draw less attention. You always can say: "Video? What video? I'm only taking photos!" Sometimes that helps.

I remember seeing some aud video from Dime filmed with some Sony from the same price range as SONY HRD-CX190 and I didn't like it. My Nikon films a lot better (doesn't have 20x zoom though)

My advise is - try to do some research on youtube, torrent trackers, etc... Yes it's Full HD, but it doesn't mean it can't look like crap. If camera is cheap, there must be a reason. I'd see some video samples first.

As always - that's just an MHO. 

[TimeBandit]

This cheap range camcorders are like with crop and full frame SLR cams. the cheaper ones almost got little sensors much noise on difficult light situations , the high priced better sensor better circuits etc.

But still amazed with my Panasonic Zs3, yes only 720p but good quality for such an older PS cam, and the internal mic is amazing how much SPL it can take. stood in front of stacks to get some nice angles, no distortion at all. 

[shoestringconcerts]

spend a couple more bucks and get a sony hx9v, much much better camera and decent built in mics

[genesisoh]

After doing ALOT of research, I ended up buying an hx9v.  You can get one used for below $250.  What I liked: 16x zoom; high quality video; stabilization; small and compact.  The 29 min limit is the only real negative I saw.  I synch audio, so having multiple clips to synch just makes it more time consuming. 

Other cameras/camcorders I seriously considered:  CANON SX40 (too big); SONY HDR-CX520V (nice price used; a great camcorder; decided I did not want to seal with a camcorder at shows); PANASONIC FZ150 (a monster of a camera but too big); SONY HX20V (some really nice features but pricier than the hx9v); PANASONIC SD600 (again great camcorder but I made a decision to get a camera instead).

Read reviews, look at clips, ask questions in this forum, keep your fingers crossed .. :-)

[Mental Time Traveler]

I guess it's a bit too late but I'm using CX160. I'm seeing increased number of cameras on each show so I don't think it draws that much attention. Sure it's not for small clubs but zoom helps when it's some big festival. If anyone will read this topic searching for some info, shoot me a pm if you got any questions.

[robeti]

This cheap range camcorders are like with crop and full frame SLR cams. the cheaper ones almost got little sensors much noise on difficult light situations , the high priced better sensor better circuits etc.

But still amazed with my Panasonic Zs3, yes only 720p but good quality for such an older PS cam, and the internal mic is amazing how much SPL it can take. stood in front of stacks to get some nice angles, no distortion at all. 

I agree. I use a ZS3 too. And for larger arenas / stadiums I use a HDC-SD600.