Sony - Handycam CX675 32GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black

I bought my original HDR-CX675 about 2 years ago because I wanted the ability to set a video camera up and control it remotely from my Droid smartphone and/or Droid tablet (I normally use the remote start/stop record function and zoom in & out function). I bought 2 more HDR-CX675 cameras used (total of 3) so now I typically operate hands-on with one camera and have two HDR-CX675 cameras set up at various remote locations and I control one with my smartphone and one with my tablet. That part works well as long as the phone does not go to sleep during usage. I do amateur video (no profit involved) for various events (band concerts, weddings, river baptisms, school plays, etc) and like having multiple cameras setup. I have had no problems with the "Play Memories Home" free software that comes with the camera (using a higher-end Toshiba laptop computer with Win 8.1) that I use for (1) downloading video and photos from camera to computer and (2) basic video editing (capturing still photos from video, saving a partial video clip from the original, converting video to MP4, etc). I use "Vegas" Movie Studio Platnium (a Sony product??) when I want to do more complex editing (like editing 2, 3 or 4 videos of the same event and getting the videos synchronized and then create a single video that transitions between each of the individual videos). I love the zoom capability but haven't found much use for the camera's 5.1 channel surround sound (one of my "upgraded" video editing programs can't handle a video with 5.1 surround sound). As with most digital cameras (still or video), the picture quality is dramatically affected by the amount of light available.

Couldn't be more pleased. When the pandemic caused our church family to "stay safe/stay home" we had to resort to live streaming services. This camcorder has done an excellent job of getting the viewing out to the folks at home with clarity.

I started using this camera to start our youtube channel for our business; to do b-roll, interviews, vlogging, time-lapse (they made it really easy to do using PlayMemories), etc. First few video tests didn't make me very happy, all were grainy with a lot of noise . So...I went into almost full manual on most of it. HINT: this camera LOVES natural light. If you're looking to do vlogging where you are sitting in one spot add some natural light and make your life easier. We did this coupled with three other lights around the main focus and it made a HUGE difference. However, this camera does also take great video in the shop as well, the main thing you want to do is choose "spot meter", then touch the screen in different areas until you like the lighting, this is the ONE main thing you can do that will change the quality dramatically. Also, you know the professional shots where in a scene there is something focused on in the background then switches to focus on the foreground and back and forth? This camera will do just that with spot focusing. You can adjust pretty much anything you'd want to adjust. The only downside it that it won't tell you what exactly it's doing. So, say you're adjusting the exposure manually...it won't tell you whether it's adjusting the ISO, aperture (IRIS), shutter speed, whatever to acquire the look you want. However, it does a really good job figuring it out and will give you a great quality shot especially considering the size of the sensor. So, in conclusion, if you are looking for a camera that doesn't have recording time limitations (DSLR), does great HD quality video, and is at a really good price point, then buy this camera. It's super light, portable, easy to use (touch-screen could be a bit bigger though), and will work great for someone who's a bit beyond the typical "point-and-shoot automatic mode" .

I bought this during the Coronavirus thing to livestream videos. I thought setting it up would be a breeze. NOPE. You have to download a program, and then you need to go through USTREAM which I never got to work properly. I love Sony products. Not this one, though. Sending back. Super disappointed. Can't even tell you how many hours I spent trying to get it to work. I don't understand why you can't just plug in the USB, have the computer recognize it, maybe download one program and go - maybe I should learn to code?

If you use your latest generation phone to take videos, you will surely be disappointed with the quality of video from this camcorder.Built in Gimbal works great, and keeps the video steady in most of the situation. Video quality is no way close to what you can get from your Phones nowadays (Samsung Note 8 for comparison). Zoom is good, and the Image stabilization works in full zoom as well. Wish the video quality was better.