Sony HDR-UX10 Flash Media Camcorder

I bought this camcorder to replace my Digital MiniDV Panasonic.  Prior to that, I had Hi-8 Sony. One of reasons to purchase this camcorder is that I got a price for only $370 on Sams Clus online auction.  This HD camcorder is cheaper than my original Hi-8 ($800) and my miniDVD ($500).   So, I wanted to take a chance in exploring a high def video recording at the time all analog TVs are replaced by HD TVs.  For these particular DVD HD camcorder, Sony has made two models: HDR-UX10 and HDR-UX20.  Although all features and quality are same, the UX20 model has built-in flash memory while the UX-10 does not.

Nice features: record video directly to Duo Pro Memory Stick or miniDVD RW Disc.  DVD RW Discs are very cheap nowadays as I once bought a three DVD disc packs for only $1.99 at Fry's Electronics.  However, I prefer using Duo Pro Sticks for its size and avoid using removable part as the motor turn during the recording.  That means saving more battery life (hybrid).  Touch screen navigation menu make it easy to use.  4 Meg pixels and stabilization feature gives sharp and clear still images.  Other features include: night shot and low light recording, HDMI interface, USB interface, 15x optical zoom and 200x digital zoom.  Sleeping mode helps user to quickly capture video and image while avoid turning the power on/off.

Size/Compact :
Approximately 5"L x 3"H x 2"W.   Since it also use miniDVD disc; its height is about .5"-1" higher compared to other HD camcorders which don't use DVD Disc.  For instance, Sony HDR-CX100 uses only flash memory stick, make it smaller.  However HDR-UX is thinner compared to camcorders that use hard disk recorder.

Video Quality:
- Superior 1920x1080i HD.  Today, most homes have high defintion TVs; therefore, watching full HD video is alot better than regular 720 pixels digital video.  I currently have full HD 1080p TV. My previous digital miniDV video quality are downgraded when viewing in full screen mode.  With this Sony HDR-UX10, I can view my HD video in full screen 1080i mode without losing quality. Stabilization? It helps video moving up and down.  Slow moving and keep your camcorder stand still for better video output.  Stabilization technology from Sony is another reason that decided me to re-purchase the Sony camcorder product.  Low light? Most camcorders are found decent quality when recording in-door (with room lights), Sony camcorder performs better than most camcorder I have used in past. 

Still Picture Quality: How convenient it is that I don't have take both camcorder and camera with me since HDR-UX10 can do the job.  Like many consumers, I agree that still images taken on camcorders are not as good as on digital camera.  However, still images on HDR-UX10 are acceptable.  With Sony's stabilization technology, captured images look not too bad as I have thought.  They look sharper than my previous digital miniDV camcorder.  4M pixels are perfectly enough for those 4x6 and 5x7 pictures.  One thing user must know on this camcorder is that you can capture and save images only on memory stick.  It means that video can be recorded on either DVD disc or memory stick, but still images can be saved on memory stick only.

User experience: touch screen on LCD display is easy to use.  For first time users, you must select either DVD or memory stick appropriately.  Unlike digital camera, I could not view still pictures right after I took them.  May be the process of saving the still images on memory stick taking longer during the video mode.  I normally have to wait a little while before I can view them.  This slow process can lead users thinking of their pictures are not taken at all.  Due to Sony HD format, videos can play only by the camcorder itself unless user have to use a provided software to download and burn on a DVD disc before playing on different DVD players.  Battery life is enough for capturing over 1 hr with closing the LCD display.  Unlike my previous miniDVD, I don't need to have a wirefire cable in order to transfer my digital video to my PC without loosing quality.  Only USB cable is needed.  In adiition, a HDMI interface can be connected directly to my HD TV for the best video view.

Sound : great pickup with either stereo or 5:1 surrounding mode.

Software: HDR-UX10 package includes software.  User must use this software in order to interface with the camcorder.  This software has a installed driver that allows user to download and manage all videos and still images as well as building a home video DVD.  Although still pictures are saved in jpeg formats that are compatible on any computer, the HD video format is different.  I don't know about other users, for me, I have to use this software to burn on DVD before I can play them on a different DVD player.  Video recorded on this camcorder's DVD disc can play back only on the camcorder itselft or may be on other Sony Camcorder.  Software is not difficult to use.  It helps users each step.  Unfortunately, software does not have many background screens, colors, menu creations, ... for making home videos.

In conclusion, today many home already switched to HD Televisions; therefore, having a HD camcorder will be eventually to everyone.  I chose to have it earlier, so I can shoot best videos for my family after a long time as a Hi-8 and digital MiniDV user.  Sony HDR-UX10 is a hybrid HD Camcorder which enables user to record either on mini DVD disc or on a memory stick as well as taking a nice picture at the same time.  The price that I have purchased on this HD camcorder is a far lower than my previous camcorders.  Of course, technology has made electronics cheaper with more features.