Extremely compact, The Sony HDR-CX580V High Definition Handycam Camcorder captures HD 1920 x 1080 60p/24p video and can also take 20.4 megapixels still images.
It doesn't use tape or a hard drive. Instead by using an embedded 32GB internal flash memory, it can record up to 11.35 hours of HD LP video footage. You can triple the storage space by sliding a 32GB flash memory card into the SD card slot on the bottom of the camcorder..
It features a back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor that's works well in low-light situations.
Zoom - the Sony G Lens that supports 12x optical zoom and 20x extended zoom. There's also a 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD touch screen display for easy recording and instant playback.
For professional shooting, the camcorder has a built-in flash, headphone jack for monitoring and a microphone jack for using external microphones. There is a concealed hot shoe on top of the camcorder. Once the access door is slid out of the way, you can attach your microphone or a camera light.
The built in microphone features a wind noise reduction mode and 5.1 channel surround sound.
Another interesting feature is support for Geotagging with a built-in GPS receiver and NAVTEQ maps.
A cool feature is the USB power cable that pops out of the back of camcorder and gets tucked into the camcorder's hand grip. It is used to charge your camcorder from a computer via USB. Pretty cool. If the cord is too short, Sony generously supplies a USB extension cable.
The CX580V also includes a plastic screw on lens hood. Its quite short and I don't think it would be very useful out in the field - but - it definitely looks cool!
The HDR-CX580V includes several fun video enhancing features like Golf Shot, Face Detection, CinemaTone presets and 24p recording for cinematic quality video. There's also a Tracking Focus function that follows selected subjects as you record.
Sony added a few playback and connection conveniences as well. The HDR-CX580V features Event Browse, which groups video and stills by each particular recording session automatically. It also has a Highlight Playback function that creates movies with transitions and soundtracks for you automatically. With the HDR-CX580V, you can use the Direct Copy feature to transfer your HD footage directly to a hard drive without even using a PC. However, if you do want to upload videos onto Facebook and YouTube, the camcorder comes with a built-in USB cable, as well as editing and application software.
 | Just $699.00! - Sales ends May 26, 2012 |
- Full HD 1920 x 1080 60p/24p Recording with 20.4 Megapixel Still Image Capture
The HDR-CX580V offers 1920 x 1080 high definition resolution letting you record your adventures and memories in exceptional Full HD quality. The camcorder is capable of 60p, 60i or 24p recording and 60p playback via HDMI. You can use the camera's HDMI output to view your footage on a compatible HDTV in stunning clarity with incredible detail and smooth playback. You can also use the camcorder to capture 20.4 megapixel still images
- 32GB Embedded Flash Memory for Up to 11 Hours of Recording
The built-in 32GB embedded Flash memory can record and store up to 11.35 hours of high definition video footage when using the HD LP mode. If that's not enough, the HDR-CX580V supports memory cards up to 64GB for additional storage space
- Balanced Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization with Active Mode
On standard SteadyShot camcorders a single "shift lens" is moved in the optical block to offset camera shake. Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization moves the entire optical block at once, maintaining the integrity of the optical path and improving shake reduction by up thirteen times. It also reduces vignetting (light fall-off towards the edge of a scene) and lowers distortion in videos and still photos
- Manual Control for Iris, Shutter, Exposure & White Balance
Get the most out of your camcorder with enhanced manual controls. The assignable dial allows for convenient and accurate manual control of focus, exposure, white balance, iris and shutter speed
- CinemaTone Presets & 24p Recording Matches the Cinematic Aesthetic with Video
For extra control over image expression, CinemaTone technology is used to deepen the color and recreate film-like color tones. Combined with 24p recording, you'll have most of the tools you'll need to fulfill your directorial desire for cinematic expression
- Advanced Controls with Expanded Focus, Zebra & Peaking
The HDR-CX580V provides advanced capture and control features that are often considered the domain of professional cameras including expanded focus for precise manual focus control, zebra and peaking for precision focus and exposure adjustments
- Back-Illuminated Exmor R CMOS Sensor for Superb Low-Light Video
Experience stunning low-light sensitivity with improved image clarity and drastically reduced grain thanks to Sony's back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor. Designed for compact cameras and camcorders, the Exmor R CMOS sensor relocates the photo diodes above the support circuitry, maximizing the light gathering area per pixel so you can shoot with better results in lower lighting conditions
- 20x Extended Zoom to Get Even Closer to the Action
Extended Zoom works in conjunction with the camera's 12x optical zoom to get even closer to the action while still maintaining HD image quality
- Xtra Fine 3.0" TruBlack Touch Panel LCD Display (921K)
The 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD touch screen has 921K pixels and features a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio. It displays sharp, bright, vivid images, letting you compose a shot more easily - even outdoors, while enabling you to change settings to best represent the scene. TruBlack technology brings remarkably higher contrast, which affords more natural, realistic colors and easier viewing in bright conditions by reducing glare
- Tracking Focus Follows Selected Subjects In & Out of the Frame
Tracking Focus works as an extension of Face Detection to allow you to select an object with a simple touch of the LCD panel and the camcorder will focus follow the selected target - even if it leaves the frame and returns
- Dolby Digital 5.1 Channel Surround Mic for Vivid & Dynamic Surround Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 channel recording captures active sounds coming from all directions, so you can experience your home movies the way you experienced them while recording
- Wind Noise Reduction for Clear Voice Recording
Wind Reduction reduces noise and interference that is produced when wind passes over the microphone, giving you a clearer and more enjoyable sound experience
- Expanded Recording / Monitoring with Mic & Headphone Jacks
The camera features dedicated mic and headphone inputs for expanded audio recording options and convenient monitoring of audio with headphones (external microphones and headphones sold separately)
- Active Interface Shoe to Attach Intelligent Accessories
The Active Interface Shoe lets you mount Intelligent Accessories, such as external lights and microphones, which can help extend the capabilities of your camcorder
- Event Browse Groups for Easy Reference of Photos & Videos
Event Browse conveniently groups your images and videos together for easier viewing. The date range that Event Browse uses to group your pictures and videos together is easily adjusted to suit your needs. When used with Highlight Playback, you can quickly make and share a highlight reel from an individual day or event
- Highlight Playback Creates Movies with Transitions for You
Highlight Playback identifies and compiles key scenes into a short, entertaining movie complete with music and transitions. You can even pin-point the exact scene you want to include in the highlight reel
- Clear Phase Stereo Speakers for True & Dynamic Sound
Bring your videos alive with Clear Phase stereo speakers. Drawing on Sony's high-end audio expertise, renown S-Master amplifier technology is utilized to produce more true-to-life sound
- Geotagging with Built-In GPS Receiver & NAVTEQ Maps
A built-in GPS receiver makes the HDR-CX580V an ideal choice for travelers. The receiver gives you the ability to view your current location on the LCD map display, as well as "tag" your shooting locations. Tagged videos and still images can be reviewed and played back using the Map Index function on the camcorder or once downloaded to your PC using the supplied PlayMemories Home software. Additionally, the receiver automatically adjusts your camcorder's clock to the proper time zone
- Direct Copy to External HDD without PC
Store your footage without a PC. Direct Copy gives you the ability to copy videos from your camcorder directly to an external hard disk drive (sold separately), all without a computer. Your camcorder can also access videos stored on the external hard drive for playback on your HDTV, allowing you to utilize the camcorder's handy playback features
- Built-In USB Cable for Easy File Transfers & Charging
The high-speed, built-in USB 2.0 cable allows for easy connection to your computer for charging or file transfer without having to remember separate cables. It also fits conveniently into the hand strap, so it's out of the way until you need it. plus, charging your camcorder is faster than ever; for every two minutes of charge time you get one minute of recording time
- Intelligent Auto with 180 Different Scene Combinations Possible
Intelligent Auto mode goes a step beyond traditional auto modes by analyzing your shot and then automatically selecting the appropriate settings from ten distinct scene modes and wind noise reduction. This creates 180 different combinations from scene modes including Landscape, Backlight, Twilight, Spotlight, Low light, Macro, Portrait, Baby, Walk, Tripod and Wind Noise Reduction. The camcorder utilizes an advanced sound processor and sophisticated noise reduction algorithms to reduce wind noise by up to 10dB compared to other models. In addition to reducing low frequency noise, iAuto also suppresses mid- and upper-frequency noise, resulting in clearer, more enjoyable sound
- Golf Shot
Building on the slow-motion capture capabilities of Smooth Slow Record, Golf Shot captures a few seconds of motion as a sequence of up to 22 still images, which can be viewed/printed individually or as a composite "sequence shot" image. It's perfect for analyzing the nuances of a golf swing, tennis serve or other fast action sport or activity
- Built-In Flash
The built-in camera flash will assist in shedding light on your subject when shooting still photos
