Product Face-Offs Camcorders : Sony HDR-CX740, Panasonic HC-V700, Sony HDR-PJ260, Canon HF M52,

Sony HDR-CX740

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Sony HDR-PJ260

MARCHANDS	€
Bestpriceph...	569.00
Amazon mark...	598.00
Amazon	598.00
Ebay	648.00
Sony store	649.99
Dell	649.99
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Panasonic HC-V700

MARCHANDS	€
J&r mus...	449.00
Buy.com	483.99
Adorama	529.93
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Panasonic HC-V700

Canon HF M52

MARCHANDS	€
Amazon	749.00
J&r mus...	749.00
Bestpriceph...	749.00
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Canon HF M52

Sony HDR-CX740

Panasonic HC-V700

Sony HDR-PJ260

Canon HF M52

Photo

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Price

Prices unavailable Recommended alternatives

MARCHANDS	€
J&r mus...	449.00
Buy.com	483.99
Adorama	529.93
Compare prices

MARCHANDS	€
Bestpriceph...	569.00
Amazon mark...	598.00
Amazon	598.00
Ebay	648.00
Sony store	649.99
Dell	649.99
Compare prices

MARCHANDS	€
Amazon	749.00
J&r mus...	749.00
Bestpriceph...	749.00
Amazon mark...	749.00
Adorama	784.45
Amazon mark...	789.95
Compare prices

Flesh tones

Sony HDR-CX740

Panasonic HC-V700

Sony HDR-PJ260

Canon HF M52

Score

Specifications

Caractéristiques
Format	AVCHD
Sensor	Backit CMOS Exmor R 1/2.88 inches (6.3 mm)
Zoom	10 x
Focal length in 24x36	26 - 260 mm
Image stabilization	Opical (active)
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Dimensions	137.5 x 73.5 x 67.5 mm
Weight	555 without battery g
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Caractéristiques
Format
Sensor
Zoom	x
Focal length in 24x36
Image stabilization
Show all specifications

Dimensions
Weight	g
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Caractéristiques
Format	AVCHD
Sensor	CMOS Exmor R 1/3.91 (4.6 mm)
Zoom	30 x
Focal length in 24x36	29.8 - 894 mm
Image stabilization	Lens with Active stabilisation mode
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Dimensions	116.5 x 58.5 x 64.5
Weight	320 g
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Caractéristiques
Format
Sensor
Zoom	x
Focal length in 24x36
Image stabilization
Show all specifications

Dimensions
Weight	g
Hide specifications

Conclusion

It's hard to find fault with Sony's CX740. It's a five-star camcorder with an impressive number of qualities (just look at how many 'Pros' we listed above!). The unique image stabilisation system works very well and picture quality is good in all conditions. It's not cheap, but at least the CX740 gives you top quality for your top dollar.

The Sony Handycam PJ260 is a family camcorder with plenty of great features, as much in its optics (zoom, wide angle) as in terms of its design (touchscreen, built-in memory). The integrated projector is a nice touch that's a decent enough fallback solution when there's no TV to hand. All in all, it's a good four-star camcorder.

Pluses

Excellent image stabilisation system

Very good picture quality in 50p mode

Good build and finish, lens hood supplied

Adjustable viewfinder

Built-in USB cable

26 mm wide angle

32 GB internal memory

5.1 microphone

Built-in light

50p video mode and 5.1 microphone

29.8 mm wide angle

30x optical zoom

16 GB internal memory

Headphones and mic sockets

Built-in projector

Minuses

Hot-shoe can only be used with Sony accessories

Colours are a bit dull