The under $300 category is a tough category in which to choose the best camcorders as every camcorder in this price range has flaws. If they didn’t have flaws they would cost more money. A solid all around performer in this category is the Sony DCR-SX85. This review actually covers 3 Sony camcorders in the $200-$300 price range, in addition to the DCR-SX85, there is also the DCR-SX65 and DCR-SX45.
View reviews and prices for the DCR-SX85, SX65 and SX45 on Amazon by clicking this link
These camcorders differ by the amount of internal memory they each have. The DCR-SX85 has 16GB of internal memory, the SX65 has 4GB of internal memory and the the DCR-SX45 has no internal memory, relying on a Memory Stick / SD/SDHC card slot. It’s questionable whether the lower priced DCR-SX45 is a bargain as you will have to buy memory that will make up for the price difference.
The outstanding feature of the DCR-SX85 and all 3 of these models is the 70x optical zoom, vastly beyond the zoom capabilities of most models in this price range. You will want to use a tripod when using the zoom, especially toward the upper end of the zoom range.
An innovative and useful feature is the 3 inch LCD display which can be rotated 270 degrees for different viewing angles. For example, you could shoot up into the sky and just rotate the display so that you wouldn’t have to tilt your head upwards.
In the under $300 category you are going to have to give up something and the downside to these models is that they are not high-def. Still, for standard definition models these Sony’s deliver excellent video quality.
Face Recognition is an important feature that many other camcorders in this price range don’t have, Face Recognition is very useful in shooting high quality video.
Sound quality and image stabilization are above average for this price range.
Auto Focus is a major strength for Sony and these Sony’s have excellent auto focus, the best in the under $300 category. This is another feature which contributes significantly to shooting quality video.
The built in LED light can be very useful in low light situations and you can even record in pitch black with the LED light focused on a person or other object.
Additional Features of these Sony’s include:
A professional-quality Carl Zeiss lens with precision ground optics that assist in replicating the sharpness of bigger lenses.
SteadyShot image stabilization decreases blurring caused by camera shake.
Intelligent Auto (iA) is Sony’s automated setting system and this is an effective system. iA automatically chooses the correct settings making it very easy to just point and shoot.
The built-in USB cable makes transferring files easy
Dolby Digital stereo recording with Built-in Zoom Mic that syncs with your zoom lens to capture clear audio with minimized background noise.
The 3.0” touch-screen Clear Photo LCD Plus display has outstanding clarity created by it’s 230K pixels of resolution. The display rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles and supplies sharp, clear images.