Sony HDR-CX230/B 1080p HD Flash Memory Camcorder | Black

Bought this to use outdoors, so far have used it at lakes to record RC boats. Does the job for me, videos come out very nice in bright clear conditions, have not used it in low light conditions yet. Will not be using the picture taking feature, prefer my DLSR for that. Taking me a while to get use to the menu navigation, the more I use it the better I get at it. There are not many buttons on the whole camera which seems to simplify navigation. Comes with built in memory and I bought an Extreme 32 GB card by SanDisk. You need to go into setup to tell the Camcorder which one to use. Does not come with an AC Adapter (optional purchase) and it needs to be charged via the USB cable connected to a computer. It does come with a USB extension cable. I use a spare Apple iPod USB charger. Not interested in using the digital zoom as the closer you get to the subject the video tends to be shaky. I thought I read on the Sony site that this model came with an adapter ring which will allow you to add a wide angle lens, but now I cannot find this info. And the lens area does not have threads for add-ons. Maybe that was for another model. I have big hands and it feels awkward to have my hand in the strap since this thing is so small. I tend to hold it with my right hand with my thumb on the zoom button and sometimes with both hands to keep it steady.When connected to my Mac and using iMovie, it recognizes that camera to import movies. Supposedly if you set the camera to mass storage you will be able to browse the movies in the Finder, but have not gotten that to work yet, if it does. Still learning. Videos have come out great so far when editing with iMovie.Overall I am happy with purchasing this Camcorder.

I've owned video cameras, and without mentioning any of their names, I've got to give the Sony PJ230 all the stars in the sky. Where to start; The Operating Guide manual is written with full cross-reference and clearly laid out details that cover even a full printed map of all menus - Five stars for the Operating Guide alone, next, the glass, image quality is superb thanks to a high performance Carl Zeiss lens, to which I must add, the most wonderful feature on the camera, for me, is the smooth zoom that is easy to control for dynamic and impressive slow zoom which can be pushed to a fast zoom all the while under the full control of the videographer. With 8.9 megapixels for the still camera, you have something that is suitable for wildlife images using the powerful (32x) optical zoom, or, take stills at the same time you are shooting video footage, all done without a glitch to either still or movie action on the fly. The controls are instinctive, unlike 'other' video cameras out there, Sony has put the control into the hands of the artist running the camera buy designing the camera to work ideally in the human hand. Other cameras I have worked with forget the human element and make you struggle to 'try' to get the shots you want, not so with the Sony Pj230, everything is available while you are shooting with natural hand and finger movement on the controls which are so well placed to keep you focused on your subject and not on the camera. Let me quit drooling on here about this camera and simply say there is nothing, not even at a professional level, that this camera does not address in a professional and complete manner. I dumped all of my other equipment in order to get a fresh shot at a documentary I am working on as well as footage to put together a screenplay that has hopes of making it to a theatre near you in the future. I've spent my entire working career in multimedia presentations so I recognize at good working tool. The Sony Pj230 is definitely one camera that is a keeper and a close 'right-hand' ally. I have not even begun to get into the bigger batteries, accessories and whatnot I have purchased also for this camera, but I will say, I believe you will find that it will open up possibilities for you no matter what job you have assigned to it. Simplicity of design, super light weight, small 'out of the way' size and powerful features will having you producing your best work yet. Some have said to spend more and get a "pass through" feature available on the more expensive models, but for my dollar, this camera does it all, and for my production interests it is the best thing since sliced bread IMHO.Oh, BTW, the projector feature is amazing, something I could have lived without I'm sure, but since it really does work, and amazingly well, I'm very glad to have it as a 'fun' feature and recommend that also. Look at the specs. see that it delivers it all, and enjoy.

I owned an old Sony Handi Cam that I have had for ten years. I loved it and until now have never had problems with it. I cannot afford to buy another hi end camcorder but do not want to miss out on my children's' events. I did a lot of review research and decided to order this. Video quality is wonderful and the camera is very easy to use. I like that it is small. It is also amazingly easy to upload videos into Sony cloud and burn a DVD if you choose to. My old Sony has a touch screen and view finder. I do miss these as well as night shot. Picture are not of good quality with this camera, but I didn't buy it for that purpose anyway. The only true complaint I have is that the screen needs to be lite up for the camera to record. Some sporting events frown on the lite screens.Over all for the price, it is truly a really great camera.

This Sony Camcorder really is awesome. One of the best products I've ever purchased. I've had many camcorders over the years. This one is so lightweight and sturdy. At the same time it is made with expensive parts. You can see how well made it is. With the built projector that is a breeze to use. The projector will work anywhere and is crystal clear even on the wall of a home. The audio coming out while projecting is descent. For a small camera you can't have a large speaker in it so it definitely is great for the size.The recording features are so easy to use and many options also. You can easily change to record at a lesser quality if your running out of space on your media card and don't have an extra on hand.My wife and I have used this so many times already since Christmas and were blown away with the quality. Take your media card right out and plug it right into your computer to download it. You can delete data off the media card and reuse it.Many other options I can keep going on and on about this Sony Handicam but all and all it's a great one for the money.