Sony HDR-PJ650V High Definition Handycam

There is no doubt that this Sony HDR-PJ650V (2013) Model is a great upgrade from previous Sony HDRPJ580V (2012) Model and I am very happy to report that this new camcorder looks good and takes excellent quality video.

Rather than going into explaining the full glory details I will try and highlight the new features first.

New! Feature: Balanced Optical steady shot

The balanced optical steady shot(TM) image stabilization with active mode optics is very impressive indeed. The optics and the lens assembly elements visibly move within the enclosure providing a sort of `gyroscope balance' of the lens assembly in the efforts to minimize the shake. This camcorder provides the best image stabilization Sony has ever offered in hand held camcorders for consumer market in this price range. The video quality is super stable without any jitters or shake even when zoomed to the full - Love this new feature.

New! Feature: HDMI input for the built-in projector

This new feature enabling HDMI input to the built-in projector is very handy. The package includes a Micro HDMI cable where one can input video from other input sources like cell phones or tablets, Media players and use the camcorder's projector to project videos and images up to 20 lumens intensity. While this brightness will never match your typically household projector which in most cases are least 700+ lumens but in my tests I found this feature very useful thing to have especially when you want to show the video you captured from your other tablet with your family members when you are out on vacation and do not have access to a large screen TV. The camcorder's projector not only shows the videos you have taken using this camcorder it also shows videos from other HDMI input sources!

New? Feature: Electronic Viewfinder

Generally we used to find Electronic Viewfinder in older DV camcorders and then it gave way to bigger & better LCD displays that came out in recent years. Also, You find these sorts of 'Electronic' or 'optical' viewfinders in some high end cameras/camcorders as an additional costly accessory. But it was a pleasant surprise to find this fitted in this model at no extra cost. IMHO it is a convenient feature to have as it saves on battery power by not using the power hungry LCD screen. The viewfinder however seemed of poor resolution only 201k pixels and also hard to view without an eye-cup but gets the job done when badly needed.

Video Quality: EXCELLENT! With optically stabilized imagery

The video picture quality is fantastic with full 1080p AVCHD video as well as the new option for direct recording of 720p MP4 format for instant sharing of content onto hand held devices like tablets and phones. There is no more need for any software conversion steps to share your content on popular social media sites and I found this super convenient.

Still Picture Quality: Okay at best compared to DSLR with similar pixel counts

Make no mistake it sure takes good pictures for a 'camcorder' and is very convenient to capture pictures simultaneously when shooting videos. The pictures are 20.4 megapixels in size and quality wise are 'merely' good. But nothing outstanding in nature either - may be because I am comparing the still photos with shots taken from Canon EOS 60D or because they are possibly interpolated in some fashion or the other and not really 'optical' in nature. For Best still shots I still would recommend having a dedicated DLSR like Canon.

PROS

• Super steady image stabilization
• Very good video image capture at 1080p AVCHD
• 720p MP4 video recording is a welcome addition
• Simulated Super slow motion built-in
• GPS Geotagging with built-in maps from NAVTEQ
• Has Built-in light and flash for recording in poorly lit condition
• HDMI input for the Built-in projector
• Direct copy to external HDD without using PC 
• Provisions for external Microphone and headphone jacks
• Touch screen is responsive and bright even for outdoors.

CONS

• Slightly heavier than expected compared with Sony HDRPJ580V
• Still image quality is good but not as good as DSLR
• Still uses USB 2.0 and file transfers takes long time especially the AVCHD files
• Camcorder comes with battery Sony NP-FV50 only - wish this was larger capacity.

Please read:  For direct external HDD transfer without using PC

The foot notes 13. says Requires "VMC-UAM1" cable (sold separately), Please be advised that you need VMC-UAM2 cable instead which uses the 'MULTI' interface on the camcorder. 

This cable is currently not sold on Amazon at the time of this review but available elsewhere on the internet as well as from SONY accessories store online. The camcorder is *NOT* compatible with old 'VMC-UAM1' cable for direct to HDD transfer without using PC. 

I confirmed this myself and both SONY's website and Amazon's website foot notes are wrong.

The only place where this information is correctly documented is the product manual you can read the manual by using this link: HDR-PJ650 Manual

Bottom-line: Excellent upgrade from last year's model Sony HDRPJ580V

The major feature upgrade for me is HDMI input and super steady image stabilization. The camcorder is slightly bigger and heavier than last year model but feels solid in hands. The only other camcorder that comes close to this year's model would be Canon VIXIA HF G20. While both share similar specifications I would definitely recommend this camcorder to my family and friends without any hesitation.

You can buy this from Amazon by using this link below:

Sony HDR-PJ650V High Definition Handycam