Sony Handycam HDR-CX550V

Sony Handycam HDR-CX550V

Given its accoutrements--a large G series lens, 64GB memory built in, 3.5-inch LCD and EVF, headphone and mic jacks, and shutter and iris controls--the Sony Handycam HDR-CX550V's price north of $1,000 may be a bit painful, but not much of a surprise. One of Sony's two nearly identical high-end models for its prosumer line, the CX550V differs from its sibling, the XR550V, primarily with its recording media and by having a slightly different body design. Their designs differ only because of their storage media--the XR550V's 240GB hard drive versus the CX550V's flash memory. This review is based on our testing of the XR550V. Though Sony changed some of the controls, the camcorder's design is fundamentally the same as last year's models. The camcorder feels quite sturdy. However, if you've got larger hands, the hard disk's protrusion on the XR550V might give you a more comfortable grip. All of the camcorder's door covers are solidly attached. The camcorder has a sliding door on top for the accessory shoe; another slider near the lens on the right side covering the mic and headphone jacks; two separate covers underneath the record button for the proprietary AV out and DC power in; and one inside the LCD hiding the Mini-HDMI and USB connectors.