Product ReviewsSony HDR-XR500V 120 GB Camcorder - Black

Sony HDR-XR500V rocks!

The Sony HDR-XR500V is one of the best video cameras Sony ever made. It's designed for use in all lighting conditions, and works particularly well in low light, and it records sound in Dolby 5.1. This camera is NOT Ultra HD, but if you are recording for YouTube or most other internet uses, Ultra HD isn't practical because the file sizes are much too big. I now own FOUR of these cameras with wide-angle lenses and the Sony VCT-60-AV remote tripods, and they do a professional job for about one-fourth of what a studio-quality camera sells for.Read full review...

used camera

The reason I bought this camera is because I already have one exactly like it. I bought the first one new in Aug. '09. Since I have had it for ten years and have made a lot of videos, I decided I would feel better having a backup camera in case I start to have problems with it.
The one that I received on Aug. 12th of this year works fine except for one thing. The single
eye view finder will not focus properly and everything is a blur. The viewing screen that you
open up works fine. The camera records and plays back well. Just the one problem I described
is the only complaint I have. But, that is the risk you take when you buy something used.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: sparke0420

Sony HDR-XR 500V - the best camera I've ever seen

I love camera's image quality, colors extended dinamical range and much much more. Camera is capturing excellent quality video clips in almost any light conditions. It is easy of use, although I'd prefer to use regular buttons rather than touch screen. G-series Lens is very sharp, electronic viewfinder is very helpful in bright light conditions and 3.2" screen is very sharp and detailed. Playback is very conveniently made.
I don't like Owner's manual only. It doesn't have enough of information about camera features and how to reach them (unlike for example my Nikon D90 Owners manual). Also, the size of the book is too big and doesn't feet to my LowePro EX 160 camera bag. Sony suplied XR 500V by very good Full Owner's Manual on CD, but I am not sure, that it is always possible to carry PC (if you have one) with camera. Those small inconveniences can NOT make oweral opinion about this wonderfull camera lower.
Bravo, SonyRead full review...

Best camcorder of the year so far...

Purchased my XR 500V a month ago. You will love it for:
1. Quality of recording 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution
2. 5.1 channel recording
3. One of highest resolution still images 12 megapixels
4. Face detection feature automatically captures pictures while you are video shooting and simle shutter feature.
5. Reduces the image shake up with image stabilizer feature.
6. PMB software helps you record DVDs in various modes - SD, HD etc.
7. Geo-taggin as well with inbuilt GPS.

Its a different experience and I love it.Read full review...

Sony Handycam HDR-XR500V

It's truly a great camera, if you use the added software it's really great! Adobe doesn't like the ACVHD format, but if you use the sony software and do the in and out points then render it to something else Adobe Premiere and After Effects like it much more (under PC not sure on MAC). There are several blogs about this know issue with CS4. If you can get into Sony Vegas 9, it works like a charm! Though I am so much more used to Adobe, it kinda makes me ARG over it. Hopefully Adobe will address their shortfall with the horrible issues with AVCHD.

The camera it truly steady! My hands shake so this camera was a true match! I use a steady cam attachment to help and have fun with, you can youtube steadycam and get some great info on building one for yourself.

If you do decide on this, I bought from user "ibuyplasma" and they were a little slow on shipping but it came as stated. The hard case and backpack case are sweet! The wide angle and 2x tele are ok and do the job but are what they are cheap. For the price you can't beat what they offer! What a DEAL!

So, what are you waiting for? GEO TAGGING? it has it!Read full review...

Best semi pro video camera ever.

Its compact with very image quality.
It has an eye viewer for recording which most newer models at this level do not have anymore, just a flip out screen.
This my 3rd Sony HDR XR and I use it almost every day for coaching.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: lebowskisrug

One of my all-time favorites for the $$

I purchased this camcorder because I knew exactly what to expect from it having owned one when they first came out. The quality still holds up today for uploading to popular video sites. I recommend buying this camcorder over ANY of those new $250 and below camcorders claiming HD quality. Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: imabidder711

Older, but still good!

A little older technology, BUT very acceptable operation and image quality for a 1080 consumer camcorder.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: billsdealsforyou

Pro-sumer quality at an affordable price!

I use this camera for both video capture as well as live output via hdmi to a projection screen during private events. As another user stated, it works great with Sony Vegas Pro for post-editing. Tremendous plus is the external mic input. Just bought a back-up on ebay for a great price.Read full review...

Awesome! Will get some serious use out of this item! Thanks so much from EricBlackmonMusic YouTube!

Awesome! Will get some serious use out of this item! Thanks so much from EricBlackmonMusic YouTube!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: mama.withacamera