First-rate video quality and performance ; geotagging videos is fun, if limited. Provoking menu system ; no wind filter ; no manual shutter-speed, iris, or audio controls ; comparatively huge and heavy ; expensive.

Though their geotagging capacities are often novelty and their interfaces could use a total overhaul, the first class video quality, performance, and consumer-friendly feature sets of the Sony Handycam HDR-XR500V and HDR-XR520V make them deserving video recorder options. Both are overpriced, but since fourteen hours of recording time is plenty–especially if bolstered with flash media–the HDR-XR500V is the better deal of the 2.

Bigger and heavier than most client video recorders, the XR500V / XR520V will fit in a loose jacket pocket but will often drag it down a bit. Due to the size, though , it’s as cosy to hold as the video recorders of yesterday, with a depression above the drive to sink your back fingers into, and it feels especially strong.

All of the door covers feel awfully solidly attached. The zoom switch falls without delay under your right ring finger, which pushes the incredibly tiny photograph button to the corner, where it’s borderline tough to feel. Though the record button falls under your right thumb, the mode button, for switching between video and stills, is oddly positioned ; it’s too high up to reach with your thumb and too far back to reach with your forefinger.

Toward the front top of the unit is the five-channel mic, and behind it’s a clever sliding cover hiding the accessory shoe. And behind that could be a disappearing commodity : an electronic viewfinder, which pulls out and leans up.