Sony HDR CX130 review
A new entry level camcorder from Sony
Sony’s Handycam HDR-CX130 model is, along with the CX160 and XR160, a new entry in the world of camcorders. It boasts on simplicity and good performance. But does it really deliver? Let’s see our test and review.
Good characteristics for this price
First of all, here are the product’s specifications: 3.0″ Clear Photo LCD™ PLUS display (230K), 3-megapixel images, 920 x 1080 Full HD video recording, wide angle G lens, Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD memory card slots, back-illuminated “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, 42x Extended Zoom, F/1.8-3.4 maximum aperture range, 52.5mm x57mm x123.5mm, 313 g, InfoLITHIUM with AccuPower Meter System (NP-FV50), TypeA mini-AB/USB2.0 Hi-speed (mass-storage/MTP), BRAVIA Sync, mini-HDMI, operating guide, AC adaptor (AC-L200), BIONZ Image processor, USB Connection Support Cable, Power Cord and CD-ROM (“Handycam” Application Software). PMB Ver. 5.5 supports Windows XP Service Pack3, Windows Vista Service Pack 2; the Windows 7. PMB software is not supported by Mac OS.
Face detection included
The Sony HDR CX130 camcorder features, among others, face detection, image stabilization, intelligent auto, auto lens cover, date/time stamp, power save mode, media/battery indicator, built-in USB cable, multiple language display (English, simplified English, Brazilian Portuguese, Canadian French and Latin American Spanish).
We have to say that we were very pleased by how small and light the Sony Handycam HDR-CX130 is; this makes for a comfortable gadget to carry around. Moreover, it is a simple-looking camcorder, with no extra frills like logos and over-the-top text. The product is available in 3 colors: black, silver and blue. The 3” touchscreen wasn’t that responsive, but it didn’t become annoying like other models. The menu system was very easy to use.
Stereo microphone
Below the lens you’ll find a stereo microphone, on the right side sits a compartment for A/V out and DC-in and on the back you’ll discover a slot for the battery, indicators for modes and a record key; the shutter and the wide/tele toggle option are close to the latter. The LCD touchscreen sits on the left; the body of the camcorder features the power button, playback button and the speaker. The slots for the SD cards and the Memory Stick Pro Duo as well as the tripod mount are to be found on the bottom.
Some images look bad
Image quality for still pictures was decent: photos appeared bright and colors looked fairly good, but overall they were similar to ones taken by a cheap digital camera. On the plus side, there was no noise both when shooting a video or snapping a picture. 3.3-megapixel images looked really bad, with almost no sharp edges or details visible.
We also tested Handycam HDR CX130 ability to record videos. Their quality is good, details are visible and sharpness is also present in the review time. Videos we took indoors offered a nice perspective and great details of what we didn’t really get to see with our own eyes. The wide angle of HDR-CX130 was perfect for shooting videos of our colleagues or families.
Fast autofocus
The autofocus works quickly and accurately and the exposure is mostly good. Also, standard image stabilization works pretty well.
The camcorder comes with four shooting modes: photo, Smooth Slow Record (there are 3 seconds of motion playback at a speed of 25%), movie and Golf Shoot (2 seconds of motion captured as multiple frames). The manual settings are as follows: exposure compensation, white balance and spot meter/focus. The battery life is 150 minutes.
The test and review conclusions
In conclusion, the conclusion of this review and after our test, we can say that the new Sony HDR-CX130 is an acceptable camcorder at a good price. But if you want a more advanced device with better performance, you should consider other options.
Technical specifications and features
| Sensor Type | CMOS |
| Maximum | 4.2 million (s) pixels |
| Optical Zoom | 30 |
| Digital zoom | 350 |
| Width | 57 |
| Recording Media | Memory Card |
| Weight | 250 |
| Sensor | 1 Sensor |
| Depth in mm | 113.5 |
| Type Camcorder | Horizontal |
| Wireless Interface | Not |
| Digital Inputs | Not |
| Height in mm | 52.5 |
| Lowest Focal Length in mm | 36.5 |
| Focal Length in mm | 1095 |
| HDMI | Yes |
| LCD Screen Size | 3 |
| Port IEEE-1394 | Not |
| USB Port | Yes |
| 16:09 | Yes |
| LCD Monitor Resolution in Pixel | 230000 |
| Maximum Aperture Tele | 3.4 |
| Maximum Aperture Wide | 1.8 |
| Resolution | Full HD |
| Shutter Speed fastest in Second | 1 / 10000 |
| Shutter Speed slowest in Second | 1 / 30 |
| Sensor Size | 1 / 4 ‘ |
| Type of Memory Stick | MS Duo / Pro Duo |
| Type of SD Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| HD Recording Format | AVCHD |
| Photo Mode Resolution Width in Pixel | 2122 |
| Photo Mode Resolution Height in Pixel | 1584 |
| Image Stabilizer | Optical Stabilizer |
| Capacity in GB | 0 |
| Format | Classic |
