"at least for what I do with mine." jrazz, please expand on your needs more. ;-) I was thinking this would be good for recording my daughter softball games.

jrazz said: "...but after reading through the specs and the DV info forum post on it, I don't think it is really up to the task"

HUH???

Lower light level sensitivity with less noise, EXMOR chip, 24mbps AVCHD full raster codec, wider angle lens, tapeless acquisition?

How can that NOT provide more than the A1U?

Even tacking on the Beachtek XLR Adapter if needed, as far as I can tell, it surpasses what the A1U is capable of and there's no worry about issues around tape in hostile environments.

And who was the Einstein who came up with bottom tape loading on the A1U?

Cliff Etzel
Solo Video Journalist | Micro Documentary Film Maker
bluprojekt | SoloVJ Blog
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Desktop: OS: Win7 x64 | CPU: Q9400 | Mobo: Intel DG33TL | 8GB G.Skill Dual Channel RAM | Boot/Apps Drive: Seagate 160GB 7200RPM | Audio Drive: Seagate 160GB 7200RPM | Video Source: WD Black 2x750GB RAID 0 | Video Card: nVidia GeForce GT 220 1GB

Laptop: Dell Latitude D620 | C2D 2.0Ghz | 4GB G.Skill RAM | OS: Vista x64 | Primary HD: WD 320GB 7200RPM | Video HD: WD 250GB 5400RPM

I really benefit from the two XLR inputs of the A1U. This only having a single stereo jack makes this a no go for me.

I was excited about the lower light ability and the tapeless acquisition, but the audio needs outweigh that for me.

I agree with the bottom loading tape mechanism. Bad design, but there is a 5 dollar or so fix for that. A guy is selling a plate on ebay that solves that issue on the cheap.

Plus, looking at the CX550V, I don't really see the need to spend the extra $500 on this cam if I was interested in buying it.

Now, don't think I am knocking the camera, it should be great for low light baseball games and venues where a wireless mic and a shotgun mic capturing audio in full stereo is not needed. And I am sure it would make a great camera for plenty of other areas, it just isn't the camera that will replace my 4 A1u's.

j razz

4 - A1U's!!! I see your point ;)

There has to be other features not being discussed for the camera to cost more than the CX550V...

EDIT: the differences: supplied Mic, finish, 2 year Sony PrimeSupport agreement backed up by certified engineers at a Sony Professional repair centre should this be required - providing peace of mind and superior professional customer support

So for an extra $600, you get a questionable mic and a 2 year support contract with SONY - man - talk about getting all excited for nothing...not so sure it's worth it now :(

It's a rebranded CX550 as far as I can tell

Use my customized SONY A1U hoods and my Ambient Audio Tiny Mic and save myself $600 - that's a no brainer...

Cliff Etzel
Solo Video Journalist | Micro Documentary Film Maker
bluprojekt | SoloVJ Blog
--------
Desktop: OS: Win7 x64 | CPU: Q9400 | Mobo: Intel DG33TL | 8GB G.Skill Dual Channel RAM | Boot/Apps Drive: Seagate 160GB 7200RPM | Audio Drive: Seagate 160GB 7200RPM | Video Source: WD Black 2x750GB RAID 0 | Video Card: nVidia GeForce GT 220 1GB

Laptop: Dell Latitude D620 | C2D 2.0Ghz | 4GB G.Skill RAM | OS: Vista x64 | Primary HD: WD 320GB 7200RPM | Video HD: WD 250GB 5400RPM

thanks! the hdr-cx550e appears to be the better deal, especially since this is for limited personal use vs "other" ;-)

Beware the zoom range sucks on this cam especially in low light! Otherwise awesome cam.

"Beware the zoom range sucks on this cam" could you expand on this, please ;-)

Sure, the lens ramps to 3.4 from 1.8 seriously killing its low light excellence. I've never seen such a crippling zoom lens. This causes the gain to go up to 24 which causes lots of noise which kills the picture.

Otherwise, fantastic cam especially on a merlin. Heck with active steady shot a merlin isn't even needed.

Thanks, I was thinking this would be used for recording my daughter's softball tournaments, I should shop around but...... if you have any suggestions, strictly for personal kids' events and easy to use for the kids.

The CX550 is pretty darn good. Lots of widgets you probably could do without ( GPS), the menu system is diabolical to say the least. On the upside the image stabilisation is brilliant, quite good in low light and if you just want to give it someone to point and shoot they really cannot go wrong, flip open LCD screen and press record.

If you want a covert cam I've heard of people using the CX550 with a HDMI cable into a NanoFlash hidden in a bag.

I don't know why Sony don't make an "audio bridge" like they had for the A1 for these cameras. They probably wouldn't sell that many but if they stuck to the one hotshoe design over a wide range of models there's have to be money in it for them. There's a lot of people like Cliff around.

Bob.

Thanks Farss, Since my kids travel a lot, and my daughter softball ( travels allover in the midwest states) the GPS actually maybe be helpful. But the diabolical menu system may be an issue to consider. Then again, I been shock how well the kids work their phones, laptops, itouchs,etc,,, It would be a little embarrassing to be fumbling around with the menu.....but watching the my kids' faces as I struggle with technology would be worth it....maybe..... ;-)