Sony HDR-CX190 High Definition Handycam 5.3 MP Camcorder(2012 Model)

Purchase date: February 10, 2012My previous camcorder: Sony DCR-SR42 Handycam purchased approximately 4 years ago Sony DCR-SR42 30GB Hard Disk Drive Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical ZoomAccessories purchased with CX190:32GB Transcend Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card Transcend 32 GB Class SDHC 10 Flash Memory Card TS32GSDHC10EGold Plated HDMI to HDMI Mini cable Gold Plated HDMI to HDMI Mini cable, 2 M / 6.56 FTWhat you need to know:- CX190 does not have a touch screen (CX200 & CX210 do)- does not have internal memory- requires class 4 or higher memory card- doesn't take pictures while recording in highest quality- 32GB card holds a little more than 3 hours in highest quality- camcorder has built in USB cable for transfer or charging- lens cover is manual- camcorder automatically turns on when screen is opened- buttons/controls are in the same place as my previous handycam- camcorder is surprisingly slim and light- video is extremely clear (outside is better than inside but both are so clear you feel like you are in the video)- no wind noise can be heard in the play back of the video- camcorder has a threaded receiver for tripod- USB cable (about 3" long) is built in and slides into the strap when not being usedI have to say, "I love Sony." Having owned a handycam before, I immediately felt comfortable operating the CX190. My previous handycam was not an HD camcorder so the video shot with this camcorder is unbelievable especially compared to my SD camcorder. The indoor and low light video is not as clear as video shot outside in the sunlight but the video is still very clear.I am very impressed with this camcorder. It is smaller than my previous handycam, takes much clearer video, and was less expensive. I don't have any complaints. I didn't want a touch screen and the memory card was cheaper than internal storage.You won't regret purchasing Sony HDR-CX190

Nice camera with good features. Good price. I was surprised at how small and lightweight this camera is. The quality of the pictures is excellent, the array of features is fine. The included software (downloaded from the camera, updated from the internet) is sufficient for some editing work, though for more complex editing, I suggest using a more powerful software package. The file type seems proprietary to Sony. That has not been problematic yet since the included software allows converting to other more generic video file types.There is one issue with the file type that I will mention. If you intend to take the SD card and plug it into an SD reader, be aware that you may have to install the Sony software to use the files.I mentioned that the camera is small and lightweight. It definitely is both. In fact the camera seems to weigh less than the battery pack. This is a good thing with a caveat. With such a small camera that is easily hand held (more like palm held), for action shots, it is really easy to forget that you are taking video. For example, I was videotaping my grandson's little league baseball game. The results were at times jerky because I was involved in the game and cheering and such. The camera is so unobtrusive that it's easy to forget that one shouldn't applaud when using it. That's the fault of the operator. For this type of video, better results would likely result from using a tripod or monopod. Note that this is not a complaint about the camera but rather an observation that the smaller size and weight may result in more camera movement. Practice and use will improve this.All in all, I am quite pleased with the camera. This is the first camcorder I've purchased since my Digital Video 8 and Hi8 days. The technology has moved forward nicely.