I’m looking to buy a Sony HDR-XR520V camera this week for work.

You will take fantastic movie with this camera- I have the 500 with 120gb memory. After travelling with Mick O thru the GSD I just had to stretch the pockets too. Check his vimeos on the blogs - first time use.

Have used it extensively whilst exploring the Drysdale Escarpement plotting art sites. I had a steady subject in perfect focus even while climbing rocks and pushing thru vines with green ants biting.

Grab a clear lens protector to save the external lens shutter. Let us know how you get on.

Cheers John

Excellent camera, I have the 2008 model, which is the SR12 - the quality is fantastic. Be sure to change the default settings to HD-FH (16mb/s 1080x1920). Default settings I believe are 1080x1440 9mb/s. In highest quality mode, you will get 14hrs and 40 mins on the 120GB version (XR500) - which I believe is more than adequate. So 29hrs and 20 mins on the 240GB version (XR520)

I got myself a JVC Evrerio (can't recall the model number)..a few weeks back. Been playing with it since- and played bcak thru the HD-LCD TV last night, and was very impressed with the results (Even for a mug amateur)..
Gotta practice a bit more with the zooming and panning !!

Howdy

Go onto the website www.getprice.com.au its brilliant for giving you places which have the cheapest price for the item your looking for

cheers

Thanks for all your help fella's. I think the Sony will be a usefull tool.

Regards

Kim

I purchased this camera last month and it's FANTASTIC.. Much better than the SR12. I nearly went with the smaller 120gb one, but I think it didn't have a viewfinder. I took some video of the moon the other night using the 240Xdigital Zoom and I couldn't believe the quality. I have had a lot of camera's but this is by far the beat I have had. Colors are fantastic. Resolution is unreal. GPS is Handy and works really well.

This camera is using the new Back Illuminated CMOS Sensor and although that might not make much sesne to anyone, it means that the light Sensor Area is now in front of the Circuitry allowing more light to hit the light receptors.

Down side is: It's Expensive, it's not True 1080P, It's not 12mpx still camera it uses a 6mpx sensor. It's only 17mbit, limited manual funtion, no 24p..

Put a 12mpx camera and a true 1080p camera next to it though and the Sony would probably still beat it. That's how good it is.