Low Light Conditions - SR1 vs XR550?

[pony2010]

I'm a proud owner of the original Sony HDR camera (SR1), which has been absolutely fantastic for me over the past few years for shooting outdoors.

However, lately, my needs have changed, and I have to video a lot of stuff indoors (sports activities). Unfortunately, SR1 just doesn't deliver, even with the Nightshot (infrared) feature, the videos come out blurry, especially if I don't use the zoom (I need to shoot between 10 and 60 feet away). I tried the Super Night shot feature, but the quality was even worse.

So, if anyone is familiar with the type of quality you can get from SR1 in low light indoor conditions, and some of the newer Sony cameras (such as XR550V), would you say that the quality with the newer cameras is significantly better?

Again, the one and only reason I would consider buying a new Sony camera would be to improve the low light shooting quality. I'm very satisfied with everything else my SR1 provides.

Thanks in advance!

[acgold7]

Oh, yeah. Significantly.

[Doughie]

To echo Adam, yes definitely.

The XR500/XR520/CX500/CX550/XR550 made significant advances over the SR12 especially in low-light. They're really quite impressive in low-light.

Also, a side-benefit, the image stabilisation is a lot better too on the XR and CX series, particularly the latest CX550 and XR550 models.

[pony2010]

Thanks guys!

Would you say that XR550 is the best consumer camera today for shooting in low-light conditions? Or is there something else I can look at?

Unfortunately, I can't afford high-end professional equipment. I'm looking to spend around (or a little over) $1,000.

Thanks again!

[Doughie]

Thanks guys!

Would you say that XR550 is the best consumer camera today for shooting in low-light conditions? Or is there something else I can look at?

Unfortunately, I can't afford high-end professional equipment. I'm looking to spend around (or a little over) $1,000.

Thanks again!

In my opinion, if you are looking at a Hi-Def camera, traditional camcorder, (ignoring D-SLRs which are a completely different animal) then i would say "yes".
I can't think of a camcorder for the price (around 1100USD) that will do any better in low-light. It's the 'Exmor R' sensor design that is largely responsible. Various reports that the low-light capability of CX550 (& it's siblings) is not far off the very highly-regarded Sony EX1R (US$6300 XDCAM codec).

[acgold7]

I agree. If I were in your position that's the cam I'd buy now.

[pony2010]

Thanks guys, you've been very helpful. I'll probably wait till the holidays to see if I can get it on sale. Once I do, I'll come back and post my review :)

PS. I also looked (just for fun) at the mentioned EX1R camera. Wow, that thing is a beauty. Unfortunately, it's not something I can currently afford, but it's good to know what else is out there.