Choosing between camcorders

[ronyzmbow]

I am a COMPLETE newer to video - needs help choosing between CX190E and CX130 - which one is better and why?
BTW - how good is the Sony bloggie™ CM5?

[Stephan]

Hi, it seems the CX130 was a former model from last year, probably soon unavailable and replaced by the newer 190 - so sooner or later you won't have a choice between one or the other.

Oddly enough, it seems the CX190 has a smaller 1/6'' sensor, compared to 1/4'' in the CX130, and also Digital Image Stabilization instead of the former Optical IS. Both are bad, and it's surprising the newer model would be such a step back. Anyway these are entry-level camcorders, same for the Bloggie, so you should expect entry-level performance all around. If you want to have fun and check if video is for you (with a modest investment), then go ahead. But if you've ever done photography and care about performance and control, the real stuff is in the 500 or 700 series.

[ronyzmbow]

Thanks Stephan,

So as I understand from you - the older model (CX 130) is better than the new model (CX 190) - it is by the way more expensive. Which one would you choose between the two? I know they are both basic models. I am more into photography but want to have the option of video - with a relatively low budget. What about other brands? (Panasonic - JVC) - from what I saw on the net Sony seems to be better.

[Doughie]

In general, my advice would be to always go for a model with a larger sensor. Thats always a good thing. So out of those two models mentioned above, the CX130 would get my vote as it has a 1/4in sensor as opposed to the far smaller 1/6in sensor.

[acgold7]

Agree with everything Stephan and Doughie said. Even though I'm a big Sony user, I have to tell you that if you are a still photog and care about image quality, you will likely be very unhappy with even the 130. The tiny chip gives really poor performance. You really need to go to the 500 or 700 series, or the Canon equivalent with 1/3" chips or larger.

Just a heads up. Even a cheap cam isn't a bargain if you're unhappy with the results.

You could also consider a DSLR which shoots video -- all of them do these days.

[Doughie]

Even a cheap cam isn't a bargain if you're unhappy with the results.

"Buy Cheap, Buy Twice....."


By the way, what is your budget for the cam? I have an XR520 and have been pretty happy with it. that's a 1/2.88in. sensor.