Handycam Evolved - Big Improvements

keyboard review Sony HDR PJ650V Definition Handycam Camcorder

The 2012 model was my favorite camera and camcorder. I found it took great low light photos (much better than even a mid-range point and shoot Sony) and videos using the auto mode. It was just the right size and weight to be held with both hands for stability and ease of use. The sharpness was barely beaten by Sony's high end 3D camcorder. The extra cost over Sony's low end camera is worth it for amateurs if you want superior pictures and the versatility to adjust settings so you do not miss out because of unforeseen circumstances. The memory enhancements are significant.

The 2013 model has some additional features that will really make it easier in some situations. The lens hood is larger and the microphone sits behind it so it is better shielded from wind instead of at the bottom of the body (2012). The port locations have been moved to new locations. The SD Card slot is now on the side instead of underneath. The movable viewfinder is a nice addition although the size is quite small but it comes with a focus-adjusting wheel. This is good when sunlight is so bright you can't see the LCD screen or to prolong battery life. I really like the new placement of the Power on/off button that lets the screen stay open- ready for that quick shot without running the battery down.

I took both cameras for a walk- stepping off curbs and turning my body 180 degrees (that always caused a jumpy picture in the past). I can say the floating optics is a really great feature that I have longed for but the 2012 model was almost as good when I walked on loose gravel. The video stayed smooth and that is going to save a lot of editing work. When I have been on a train or bus in Europe and took video of the countryside, I had to edit out a lot of shakes. The floating optics is going to almost eliminate that. Panning was very smooth.

IMPRESSIVE LOW LIGHT
Many places are forbidding the use of flash inside their building so a low light capable camera is necessary. To get a better still photo you would have to spend almost the price of this camera on a DSLR so this is very cost effective as an all-in-one camera. I took a lot of stills with this camera and they were excellent. Other cameras show a grainy picture if you zoom in a low light area. This one captured an etched liqueur glass distinctly even though it was inside an unlit glass case. It distinctly showed the numbers and lettering on a 2" measuring instrument inside another case. Another problem is when the object you are photographing has an unshielded light next to it and the camera dims everything else down. That did not happen with the Sony.

A limited number of people will find they need/like the Multi-Interface shoe, using the projector to show phone/tablet photos, using the remote control, Geotagging, using the Golf Shot rapid freeze-frame, or the Wi-Fi. Its like 3D- some have to have it and others will never use it. The Manual Control (Iris/Shutter/Exposure/White Balance) is a great addition for people trying to improve their pictures without being required to become a camera expert. I have found that the average user will get their best pictures if the auto mode is good at sensing the surrounding conditions and Sony has been very good.

I like to hold the camera with my right hand and use my left hand to activate items on the LCD screen- like zooming, triggering the photo/video button, and making menu changes. Sony's compression software gives you about 6 hours on the internal 32 GB (over twice what my old Panasonics did). Transfer to Final Cut Pro and Image Capture is very simple. I have some NP-FV70 batteries that I use as my primary and the included FV-50 will be an easily carried backup. When I go on international trips I always appreciate not having to bring a voltage adapter, just a plug adapter.

Although the camera bodies are virtually the same size, a lot of thought was put into moving the placement of adjustments and ports. If you like the option to project your photos/movies onto a wall/ screen or show them on your big TV then this is the camera for you.