Sony's HDR-CX520V 64GB High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder supplies hybrid recording, GPS tagging, and a bevy of enhanced features. The camera's 1/2.88" 6MP back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS sensor captures beautiful 1920 x 1080i HD video that can be stored to either the 64GB internal flash memory or optional Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. When it's time to transfer your HD video or 12MP stills to your computer for sharing or editing you'll appreciate the ease of popping the memory card out of the camera and into the computer. As an alternative you can watch videos that have been up-converted to 1080/60P resolution directly from the camera on your compatible HDTV via the HDMI connection.

The optics and design of the CX520V benefit from a number of Sony upgrades. The cam has a Sony G Lens which, among other things, features improved, true-to-life color reproduction, a 12x optical zoom, and the upgraded Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active mode and 3-Way Shake-Canceling. Another way that Sony went the distance would be the 3" wide touch panel LCD. This LCD doesn't just give you adequate room to compose and playback all your shots, it also provides you with an intuitive touch panel surface for finding your way through the improved menu with new options such as the spot focus and spot metering options. It also aids in playback with an easy to view screen even outside on a summer day.

In addition to stunning footage, improved features and design, the CX520V boasts a built-in GPS receiver and Map Index for logging your shot's exact locations, which makes this a great camera for travelers and those looking to share their memories online. Other popular features such as Face Detection with Face Touch Priority, Smile Shutter, and Highlight Playback are all sure to make your recording experience a pleasant one. If you're looking for substantial storage, ease of use, and incredible HD video, the HDR-CX520V covers all the bases.

• 1920 x 1080 High Definition Recording

1920 x 1080 high definition resolution lets you record your memories in exceptional Sony Full High Definition quality. The high definition, AVCHD, video captured with the HDR-CX520V can be used with the provided Picture Motion Browser software for PC, but is also fully compatible with iMovie (sold separately) for Mac users

• The Convenience of Hybrid Recording

Record your video and still images to the 64GB embedded flash memory or to optional Memory Stick PRO Duo media with the HDR-CX520V. Footage stored to the internal memory can be transferred to Memory Stick media for easy upload to compatible computers or printers. Up to 25 hours of HD video (HD LP mode) and up to 44 hours of standard definition footage (SD LP mode) can be stored to the 64GB embedded flash memory

• Geotagging with the Built-In GPS Receiver

The built-in GPS 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 PMB (Picture Motion Browser) software. Additionally, the receiver automatically adjusts your camcorder's clock to the proper time zone

• 1/2.88" "Exmor R" CMOS Sensor with ClearVid Array

Sony's 1/2.88" back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS sensor with ClearVid array captures brilliant 6MP (effective), 1920 x 1080i HD video footage and 12MP still images that boast improved low-light capture. The BIONZ image processor works with the sensor to reduce image noise and improve camcorder response time

• Back-Illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS Sensor

The back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS sensor provides improved image clarity, especially in low-light situations. Designed for compact cameras and camcorders, the "Exmor R" 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. Approximately 2x increase in sensitivity compared to Sony's existing front-illuminated CMOS sensors at F2.0

• Sony G Lens

The proprietary Sony G lens features precision ground optics and extra-low dispersion (ED) glass which improves detail and reduces fringing of colors, making for true-to-life color reproduction

• 12x Optical Zoom

The 12x optical zoom brings far off subjects up close without the distortion common in digital zooming

• 3" Wide Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus

The generous 3" LCD gives you an accurate display on which to compose and play back your shots, while also providing an intuitive touch panel surface to navigate menus and other functions such as integrated GPS, spot focus, and spot metering. In addition, the 270° rotation of the screen helps capture hard-to-get shots and aids in viewing upon playback

• Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode

This improved version of Sony's Optical SteadyShot image stabilization corrects for a wider range of camera movement by enabling the camera lens to compensate for an even greater range of motion. In addition, 3-Way Shake-Canceling adds roll stability which corrects for up and down wrist movement

• Face Detection for Video and Still Photos

Made possibly by the BIONZ image processing engine, Face Detection recognizes up to 8 faces anywhere in the frame and by selecting the most prominent, automatically controls focus, exposure, and color to help capture smiling faces brightly and clearly. Face Detection also helps make skin tones look natural without affecting other colors in the image. On AVCHD models, the camcorder allocates encoding bits on detected face areas prior to encoding other parts of the picture, making them sharper and clearer. In still picture mode, Face Detection technology sets the flash level to optimize picture clarity

• Smile Shutter for Still and Dual Capture

Smile Shutter technology lets the camcorder automatically take still photos when your subject smiles, even while shooting high definition video. You can also set the sensitivity and choose child, adult, or auto priority

• Highlight Playback

Why spend hours editing your movies when you can let your camcorder do it for you? Highlight Playback uses several criteria - including Face Index, Smile Shutter technology, Dual Capture and time range - to identify and compile key scenes into a short, entertaining movie complete with music and transitions

• Dolby Digital 5.1 Channel Recording with Built-In Zoom Mic

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. The Built-In Zoom Mic focuses audio recording on your subjects in sync with the camera's zoom lens

• Sony PMB (Picture Motion Browser) Software

Sony Picture Motion Browser software offers a simple, intuitive way to transfer, sort, and view your video and still images on your compatible PC. In addition, multiple output options let you burn your memories to DVD, AVCHD DVD, and Blu-ray Disc media (sold separately), as well as take advantage of one click upload to a number of popular video and photo sharing sites (compatible PC and Internet connection required)

• PC & Mac Compatibility

Video captured by the Sony HDR-CX520V can be viewed and edited on your PC or MAC. MAC users will now be able to take their video from the HDR-CX520V (including the high definition AVCHD files) and view/edit it within iMovie software (sold separately). For PC users, the included Sony Picture Motion Browser software offers a simple, intuitive way to transfer, sort, and view your video and still images on your compatible PC. In addition, multiple output options let you burn your memories to DVD, AVCHD DVD2 , and Blu-ray Disc media (sold separately), as well as take advantage of one click upload to a number of popular video and photo sharing sites (compatible PC and internet connection required)

• Smooth Slow Record

The Smooth Slow Record mode increases the record rate from 60 frames per second (fps) to 240 fps, allowing you to capture 3 seconds of fast motion and play the video back in 12 seconds. This is a great tool for analyzing a golf swing or a viewing a bird in flight. In addition, you can record an audio track to narrate the video footage

• Dual Record with 8.3MP Still Image Capture

Dual record capability lets you capture 8.3MP still images while shooting high definition video, so you can capture those special moments without having to switch recording modes

• Built-In Intelligent Flash

For added clarity and detail when taking pictures in low-light situations, the built-in flash improves pictures and reduces shadows

• x.v. Color Technology

x.v. Color technology enables the HDR-CX520V to capture nearly twice (1.8x) as many viewable colors as the standard RGB color range, resulting in more natural, life-like images. You can even experience this expanded color range on the big screen when you connect your camcorder to x.v. Color capable displays, including a wide range of Sony BRAVIA HDTVs

• Assignable Dial

An assignable dial on the front of the camcorder can be programmed to control a variety of settings, including focus, exposure, AE (Auto Exposure) Shift, and WB (White Balance) Shift

• Easy Playback Options

Four, easy to use Playback indexing formats allow users to easily find and playback scenes at any time: Film Roll Index displays scene indexes at specified display intervals, Face Index uses Face Detection technology to organize your video footage based on the faces detected in each scene, Map Index uses the GPS to easily find a desired scene based on location, and Date Indexing organizes scenes based on the time and date they were recorded

• Record and Zoom Controls on LCD Touch Screen

The HDR-CX520V features an additional set of record and zoom buttons on the LCD touch screen, giving you more control and flexibility when holding the camcorder, especially in overhead or low angle shots

• One Touch Disc Burn

Easily burn a DVD copy of your footage using the supplied PMB (Picture Motion Browser) software. Simply connect the camcorder to your compatible PC via a USB cable and press the One Touch Disc Burn Button (DVD media sold separately)

• BIONZ Image Processor

The BIONZ Image Processor works in conjunction with the "Exmor R" CMOS sensor with ClearVid array for pristine imaging. The BIONZ image processor provides Data Noise Reduction, Faster Image processing, and Data compression to preserve videos and images. In addition, the BIONZ image processor enables Face Detection technology and Sony's Dynamic Range Optimizer for both video and still image capture. The higher processing speed also allows Dual Recording to capture still images while recording video

• Dynamic Range Optimizer

The D-Range (Dynamic Range) Optimizer function adjusts the exposure and contrast of an image to counter the effects of high-contrast shooting conditions, allowing for a great shot every time. The D-Range Optimizer suppresses "blackout" in dark areas such as shadows and "whiteout" in bright areas such as skies. As a result, the captured image appears as natural as the original scene

• Burn Direct to DVDirect express DVD Burner

The HDR-CX520V supports a direct connection to the VRD-P1 DVDirect DVD burner (sold separately). The camcorder down converts HD to SD automatically when connected to the P1, which allows you to burn DVDs directly from your camcorder without the need for a PC. And because the VRD-P1 is powered by your camcorder, you don't need an additional AC power cable

• BRAVIA Sync Technology

BRAVIA Sync technology offers greater ease of use in controlling compatible Sony products connected via an HDMI connection. HDMI connectivity provides a simple; high-quality video and audio connection, with the ability to transmit HD video and up to 5.1 channel audio directly from the camcorder to compatible HDTVs via a single HDMI cable, sold separately. With BRAVIA Sync technology, the HDMI connection also delivers the ability to control both the camcorder and HDTV using a single BRAVIA TV remote and displays the camcorder's playback menu on screen for easier navigation

• Active Interface Shoe

The Active Interface Shoe lets you mount Sony's Intelligent Accessories, such as external lights and microphones, which can help extend the capabilities of your camcorder

• HDMI Connection

The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a compact audio/video connector interface for transmitting uncompressed digital streams. HDMI connects digital audio/video sources such as a compatible camcorder, Blu-ray Disc player, a personal computer, a video game console, or an AV receiver to a compatible digital audio device and/or video monitor such as a digital television (DTV). HDMI began to appear in 2006 on consumer HDTVs, camcorders and high-end digital still cameras

• USB 2.0 Interface

A USB 2.0 interface provides an easy way to connect your camcorder to a compatible PC for fast transfer of video and still images for editing

• Auto Lens Cover

An Auto Lens Cover protects the lens when the camcorder is powered off

• Power On by Opening LCD Display

Power on your camcorder by simply opening the LCD display