Sony Handycam HDR-CX130 (black)
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: HDR-CX130
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Typical for their price class, the no-frills Sony Handycam HDR-CX130, CX160, and XR160 produce generally subpar HD video, but if you're not picky you'll probably be fine. The CX130 is the best buy of the three, as long as you go cheap on the memory card.
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CNET editors' review
Sony Handycam HDR-CX130 (black) price range: $249.99 - $446.29
- Reviewed by: Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 05/08/2011
- Released on: 03/15/2011
The good: A wide-angle lens, built-in USB cable, and consistently good automated behavior highlight the otherwise no-frills Sony Handycam HDR-CX130, CX160, and XR160 camcorders.
The bad: The sub-HD resolution sensor on these camcorders produces merely satisfactory video.
The bottom line: Typical for their price class, the no-frills Sony Handycam HDR-CX130, CX160, and XR160 produce generally subpar HD video, but if you're not picky you'll probably be fine. The CX130 is the best buy of the three, as long as you go cheap on the memory card.
There's not a lot to say about Sony's 2011 entry-level camcorders, the Handycam HDR-CX130, CX160, and XR160. With their no-frills design and feature set, I'd expect them to be a little cheaper, but they're definitely an improvement over last year's still-available-and-cheap CX110. The three models differ mostly by storage: the CX130 has no internal memory, the CX160 has 16GB built in, and the XR160 incorporates a 160GB hard disk and 5.1-channel audio. This review covers the CX130. (There's a fourth model, the PJ10, which is identical to the CX160 but incorporates a built-in projector; we plan to review that separately.)
In sunlight, with the subject filling the frame, the camcorder produces good-looking video that passes for full HD. But in many other circumstances, especially when there's a lot of background detail and motion such as grass or trees waving in the breeze, the low-resolution (in this case, less than the native 2.07 megapixels required for HD) sensor simply isn't up to the task of resolving all that and you'll start to see artifacts from the interpolation and video compression, despite the relatively high bit rates.
The colors look pleasing and sufficiently saturated, if a bit coolly white-balanced, and while bright highlights get blown out, that's an acceptable trade-off for the price that most users probably won't mind.
Moderately low-light video looks decent, albeit a bit soft and noisy, and in very dim living-room shadow-level light, the camcorder trades off color for visibility and sharpness, producing usable video with a not-unpleasant graininess reminiscent of black-and-white.
While the still photos are serviceable, you probably don't want to count on the camcorder as a camera. Photos are bright and colorful, but have that smeary, processed look of a cheap digital camera because they're scaled up from the native resolution of 1.67 megapixels to 1.9MP.
| Sony Handycam HDR-CX110 | Sony Handycam HDR-CX130/CX160 | Sony Handycam HDR-XR160 | Sony Handycam HDR-PJ10 | |
| Sensor (effective resolution) | 1.35 megapixels | 1.49 megapixels | 1.49 megapixels | 1.49 megapixels |
| 1/4-inch | 1/4-inch | 1/4-inch | 1/4-inch | |
| Lens | 25x f1.8-3.2 37-1075mm | 30x f1.8-3.4 29.8-894mm (31.2-531mm 17x with Active Steady Shot) | 30x f1.8-3.4 29.8-894mm (31.2-531mm 17x with Active Steady Shot) | 30x f1.8-3.4 29.8-894mm (31.2-531mm 17x with Active Steady Shot) |
| Closest focus (inches) | N/A | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| Min illumination (lux) | recommended: N/A standard: N/A low light: 5 | recommended: N/A standard: 11 low light: 3 | recommended: N/A standard: 11 low light: 3 | recommended: N/A standard: 11 low light: 3 |
EVF | None | None | None | None |
| LCD | 2.7-inch 230,000 pixels | 3-inch 230,000 pixels | 3-inch 230,000 pixels | 3-inch 230,000 pixels |
| Primary media | 1 x SDXC | 0GB/16GB internal; 1 x SDXC | 160GB hard drive; 1 x SDXC | 16GB internal; 1 x SDXC |
| HD recording | AVCHD: 1080/60i @ 24, 17Mbps; 1,440x1,080/60i @ 9, 5Mbps | AVCHD: 1,080/60p @ 28Mbps (nonstandard); 1,080/60i @ 24, 17Mbps; 1,440x1,080/60i @ 9, 5Mbps | AVCHD: 1,080/60p @ 28Mbps (nonstandard); 1,080/60i @ 24, 1 Mbps; 1,440x1,080/60i @ 9, 5Mbps | AVCHD: 1,080/60p @ 28Mbps (nonstandard); 1,80/60i @ 24,17Mbps; 1,440x1,080/60i @ 9, 5Mbps |
| Manual shutter speed | No | No | No | No |
| Manual iris | No | No | No | No |
| Accessory shoe | No | No | No | No |
| Audio | 2 channels | 2 channels | 5.1 channels; mic and headphone jacks | 5.1 channels; mic and headphone jacks |
| Body dimensions (WHD, inches) | 2x2.3x4.5 | 2.1x2.3x4.9 | 2.4x2.6x5.1 | 2.4x2.6x5.1 |
| Operating weight (pounds) | 8 (est) | 10.5 | 14.1 (est) | 12.9 (est) |
| Mfr. price | $399.99 | $449.99/$499.99 | $599.99 | $699.99 |
| Ship date | January 2010 | March 2011 | April 2011 | March 2011 |
The CX130 autofocuses quickly and accurately, even in dim light, though like all camcorders it occasionally chooses the wrong subject or jumps into face-detection mode when you don't want it to. Its metering and exposure decisions are mostly correct. You can always turn IA off and use touch focus or touch exposure to force it, though I rarely found the need to. If you find yourself working out in the last 90 percent of the zoom range or tend to hold the camcorder with outstretched arms, you probably want to keep the camcorder set on Active Steady Shot all the time, but overall the standard image stabilization seems to work pretty well.
The LCD is on the small side--as befits the compactness of the camcorder--and like many is hard to see in direct sunlight. It's serviceable as a touch screen; not wonderfully responsive, but there's so little to navigate that I didn't mind too much.
| Canon Vixia HF M300/M30/ M31/M32 | Panasonic HDC-SD80/TM80 | HDC-HS80 | Sony Handycam HDR-CX130/CX160 | Sony Handycam HDR-XR160 | |
| Sensor (effective resolution) | 2.99-megapixel CMOS | 1.3-megapixel CMOS | 1.3-megapixel CMOS | 1.49 megapixels | 1.49 megapixels |
| 1/4-inch | 1/5.8-inch | 1/4.1-inch | 1/4-inch | 1/4-inch | |
| Lens | 15x f1.8-3.2 39.5-592.5mm | 34x f1.8-4 33.7 - 1240mm (16:9) | 12x f1.5-2.8 35 - 420mm (16:9) | 30x f1.8-3.4 29.8-894mm (31.2-531mm 17x with Active Steady Shot) | 30x f1.8-3.4 29.8-894mm (31.2-531mm 17x with Active Steady Shot) |
| Closest focus (inches) | 0.4 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| Min illumination (lux) | recommended: 100 standard: 5.5 low light: 0.4 | standard: 1400 low light: 7 Color Night View: 1 | standard: 1400 low light: 7 Color Night View: 1 | recommended: N/A standard: 11 low light: 3 | recommended: N/A standard: 11 low light: 3 |
EVF | None | No | No | None | None |
| LCD | 2.7-inch 211,000 dots | 2.7-inch 230,400 dots | 2.7-inch 230,400 dots | 3-inch 230,000 pixels | 3-inch 230,000 pixels |
| Primary media | 0GB/8GB/ 32GB/64GB internal; 1 x SDHC (SDXC on M32) | 0GB/16GB flash; SDXC | 120GB hard disk; SDXC | 0GB/16GB internal; 1 x SDXC | 160GB hard drive; 1 x SDXC |
| HD recording | AVCHD: 1,080/60i @ 24, 17Mbps; 1,440 x 1,080/60i @ 12, 7, 5Mbps (also encodes 30p and 24p as 60i) | AVCHD: 1,080/60i @ 17, 13, 9 ,5Mbps | AVCHD: 1,080/60i @ 17, 13, 9 ,5Mbps | AVCHD: 1,080/60p @ 28Mbps (nonstandard); 1,080/60i @ 24, 17Mbps; 1,440 x 1,080/60i @ 9, 5Mbps | AVCHD: 1,080/60p @ 28Mbps (nonstandard); 1,080/60i @ 24, 17Mbps; 1,440 x 1,080/60i @ 9, 5Mbps |
| Manual shutter speed | 1/6 - 1/2,000 sec | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Manual iris | f1.8-f8 | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Accessory shoe | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Audio | 2 channels (5.1 via optional mic); mic, headphone jacks | 2 channels | 2 channels | 2 channels | 5.1 channels |
| Body dimensions (WHD, inches) | 2.7x2.4x4.8 | 2.0x2.3x4.3 | 2.6x2.8x5.8 | 2.1x2.3x4.9 | 2.4x2.6x5.1 |
| Operating weight (pounds) | 13.1 | 8.2 (est) | 10.8 (est) | 10.5 | 14.1 (est) |
| Mfr. price | $549.99/ $599.99/ $699.99/ $999.99 | $449.99/$499.99 | $599.99 | $449.99/$499.99 | $599.99 |
| Ship date | March 2010 | March 2011 | March 2011 | March 2011 | April 2011 |
The CX130 and CX160 are small, but not the smallest in their class, and the XR160 is larger and heavier because of the hard drive; if you have big hands, that can be an advantage. On top of the camcorder are mode and photo buttons, which feel too close together, and the rather loose zoom switch. It was hard to precisely control both the speed and amount of zoom. The tiny captive USB cable tucks into the strap, and comes in handy when you're on the road.
While not fully automatic, the camcorder comes close. You have a choice of four shooting modes: movie, photo, Smooth Slow Record (3 seconds of motion played back at 25 percent speed), and Golf Shot (2 seconds of motion captured as multiple frames). The "manual" settings are white balance, spot meter/focus, and exposure compensation. But they're in the menu system and not accessible enough to be very useful. The camcorder is really intended to be used in auto, and it fares pretty well from that perspective. Its best feature is the relatively wide-angle lens, which starts around 30mm-equivalent.
Conclusion
Because of the trend in this price class to use underpowered sensors overwhelmed by long lenses, it's hard to make an unreserved recommendation in the category. If you're not picky about your video, you might not notice the difference, and in that case this series is a fine choice that's not much different from the rest. I'd opt for the CX130; it's just not worth paying extra for the built-in memory or the hard drive.
User reviews
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Great Performer for the Money
by D-Holmes on October 30, 2011
Pros: Very small and easy to carry.
Touchscreen menu is intuitive
Very good wide and long zoom
Surprisingly good screen image
Very good image stabilizationCons: View screen can be hard to see in bright daylight
Photo quality is barely adequateSummary: I bought this as an inexpensive backup to my pricier Canon Vixia to go on motorcycle trips, boats etc so if I killed it it would not be a financial ...
Summary: I bought this as an inexpensive backup to my pricier Canon Vixia to go on motorcycle trips, boats etc so if I killed it it would not be a financial disaster. It exceeded my expectation.
If you will buy the HDR-CX130 I suggest you have to check for best deal before you decide at: bestdealschecking.info/sony-hdrcx130
Good points:
Very small and easy to carry.
The touchscreen menu is intuitive and offers lots of in camera editing features for this price.
Very good wide and long zoom. No accessory wide angle lens needed but I recommend a polarized filter in very bright situations.
Surprisingly good screen image for the price - would definitely satisfy most non professional users. Colours are true and detail is crisp.
Focusing can sometimes be a touch slow but the feature that allows you to follow focus by touching the subject on the screen works really well.
Very good image stabilization which you need for a light camera with a long zoom.
The supplied battery is good for two hours and most people won't need to buy a backup. You can leave the charger at home and use the USB cable in the camera plugging it into your computer or similar power supply - quite cool as the charger is bigger than the camera.
Takes cheaper easier to get SD cards as well as Sony memory stick.
Bad points
View screen can be hard to see in bright daylight but improves if you wear polaroid glasses and shadow the screen with your body or hand. As the screen is polarized you will see the full brightness even with your glasses on but the rest of what you see will be shaded. Not nearly as bright and clear as my Vixia but usable.
Photo quality is barely adequate. Carry a still camera
In extremely high contrast bright situations highlights can burn out - a neutral density or polaroid filter helps this but it doesn't happen a lot.
Indoor shooting is fine with good room light. It can be a bit grainy and there is no infra red nightshot but it is not a $1200 camera, not for paranormal hunters so it should satisfy most people.
( If you will buy the HDRCX130 I suggest you have to check for best deal before you decide at: *********.info/Sony-HDRCX130 )
Summary - Well built tiny camera that will give you quite good video and sound.
Enjoy!
Updated on Nov 30, 2011
Hope this helps.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This is a very crappy camera.
by xray300 on December 25, 2011
Pros: small and cheap and good for gift if you do not know what to present.
Cons: - No Depth of Field with that lenses
- Pictures is flat
- it is impossible to shoot steady with this camera (if not on tripod)
- design is super old and ugly
- interface is as simple as it was developed for kindergartenSummary: Get a good one, do not waste your money. It is an age of DSLR - why do you have to go back if you can go further.
Anyway I ...Summary: Get a good one, do not waste your money. It is an age of DSLR - why do you have to go back if you can go further.
Anyway I do not like it.
http://www.terminalmoving.ca1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Just OK, but a good value for the price
by Bradikal on February 23, 2012
Pros: compact, SD memory is cheap and convenient
Cons: Poor auto focus, uncomfortable to hold
Summary: This is a nice compact camcorder. You can buy a bunch of SD cards- 4GB hold enough for a roughly 1 hour DVD- a good size for home movies. I ...
Summary: This is a nice compact camcorder. You can buy a bunch of SD cards- 4GB hold enough for a roughly 1 hour DVD- a good size for home movies. I use a Sony VDB MA1 external blu ray/DVD burner to make my disks. The SD cards go into the slot and you're good to burn.
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I expected alot less than this camera packs!
by FaylProductions on November 22, 2011
Pros: The camera is so easy to carry and feels sturdy even though it feels light.
Camera is extremely easy to use.
The picture quality it produces is great! Especially if you are using it just for Youtube videos.
The audio is also very good.Cons: Really wish the camera had some kind of light for dark conditions but then again, its a cheap lil machine and you can buy an attatchment of ebay for about £50.
Summary: Couldn't be more pleased with the purchase, great camera, great price. !00% satisfied.
Summary: Couldn't be more pleased with the purchase, great camera, great price. !00% satisfied.
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Great Camera Really Awesome..
by bloodnest on August 6, 2011
Pros: +Great HD Quality
+Superb portability
+Nice Little TouchesCons: +Takes more seconds than usual to auto focus
Summary: Great Camera,little to non cons
Summary: Great Camera,little to non cons
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I had this once
by noaesthetic1 on August 3, 2011
Pros: It takes good video
Cons: It's a Sony
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Great for price!
by therimmiti on June 18, 2011
Pros: Long Battery
HD capability
3 inch touchscreen
42x zoooooomCons: A little lagy on focus
Summary: This is a great camera for its price and worth it! Has a great battery and the ability to take still photos isnt that bad either. You get what you ...
Summary: This is a great camera for its price and worth it! Has a great battery and the ability to take still photos isnt that bad either. You get what you pay for!
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Awesome Wide Angle Lens Super 3 way image stabilization
by notching on May 10, 2011
Pros: The image stabilization has to be seen to be believed. Definitely best in class.
Great Wide angle view
Nice touchscreen
Small & lightweightCons: Focus is on the slow side
Summary: An excellent camera. Should be able to be picked up for less than $300 soon.
Summary: An excellent camera. Should be able to be picked up for less than $300 soon.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: HDR-CX130
- Description: Take stunning 1920 x 1080 Full HD video with the ultra-compact HDR-CX130 Handycam camcorder. It features an "Exmor R" CMOS sensor for superior low-light performance, a wide angle Sony G lens, plus 42X extended zoom for getting you closer to the action.
General
- Product Type Camcorder - 1080p
- Enclosure Color Black
- Camcorder Sensor Resolution 4.2 megapixels
- Effective Video Resolution 1.67 megapixels
- Digital Zoom 350 x
- Effective Photo Resolution 3.3 megapixels
- Camcorder Media Type Flash card
- Optical Sensor Size 1/4"
- Optical Sensor Type Exmor R CMOS
- Min Illumination 3 lux
- Analog video format NTSC
- Digital Video Format MPEG-2,
AVCHD - Special Effects Black & White
- Image Stabilizer Optical (Steady Shot with Active Mode)
- Digital Scene Transition White fader,
Black fader - Image Processor BIONZ
- Min Shutter Speed 1/8 sec
- Max Shutter Speed 1/10000 sec
- Shooting modes Digital photo mode
- Shooting Programs Snow,
Beach,
Spotlight,
Fireworks,
Sunrise,
Portrait mode,
Landscape - White Balance Automatic,
Presets,
Custom - White Balance Presets Outdoor,
Indoor - Exposure Modes Program,
Automatic - Exposure Metering Multi-segment,
Spot - Image Recording Format JPEG
- Widescreen Video Capture Yes
- AV Interfaces S-Video,
HDMI,
Composite video/audio Lens System
- Type 30 x x Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 63 mm - F/1.8-3.4
- Lens aperture F/1.8-3.4
- Features Built-in lens shield
- Optical zoom 30 x
- Lens system type Zoom lens
- Min focal length 2.1 mm
- Max focal length 63 mm
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Filter Size 37 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 29.8 - 894 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual,
Automatic - Min Focus Range 0.4 in
- Macro Focus Range 44 cm (Tele-macro)
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
Additional Features
- Self Timer Delay 10 sec
- Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
- Additional Features Intelligent AUTO (iAUTO),
Display brightness control,
Scene Detection Technology,
Dolby Digital Stereo Creator,
Backlight compensation,
x.v.Color technology,
Smile Detection technology,
Date/time stamp,
Exif Print support,
Golf Shot function,
USB charging,
Built-in USB plug,
Face detection,
Built-in speaker,
Smile Detection Auto Shutter,
Auto power save,
Digital noise reduction,
Dolby Digital AC-3 (2 channel) recording,
Touch-screen control,
Dynamic Range Optimizer,
Takes photos while movie recording,
USB 2.0 compatibility - Remote control Included
- Software Drivers & Utilities,
Sony Picture Motion Browser - Included Accessories Component video / audio cable,
USB cable,
Power adapter Display
- Type 3 in LCD display
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Composite video/audio output,
1 x Hi-Speed USB,
1 x Component video output,
1 x HDMI output,
1 x S-Video output,
1 x Remote control,
1 x Microphone - Memory Card Slot SD card,
Memory Stick PRO Duo card Microphone
- Microphone Features Wind noise reduction,
Zoom,
Sensitivity control Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type None
Memory / Storage
- Media type Flash card
- Supported Memory Cards SD Memory Card
- Included Memory Card Memory Stick PRO Duo|SD Memory card
- Image Storage JPEG 2112 x 1584,
JPEG 2112 x 1188,
JPEG 1600 x 1200,
JPEG 640 x 480 - Video Capture AVCHD - 1920 x 1080 - 28Mbps,
AVCHD - 1920 x 1080 - 24Mbps,
AVCHD - 1440 x 1080 - 9Mbps,
AVCHD - 1440 x 1080 - 5Mbps,
MPEG-2 - 720 x 480 - 9Mbps - Video Recording Modes LP,
FX,
HQ,
FH
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows XP SP3,
MS Windows 7,
MS Windows Vista - Peripheral Devices USB port,
CD-ROM drive Battery
- Supported Battery Sony NP-FV50
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Features Rotating
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts - 1 year,
Limited warranty - Labor - 90 days Physical Characteristics
- Width 2.1 in
- Depth 4.5 in
- Height 2.2 in
- Weight 8.8 oz
Product series
-

Sony Handycam HDR-CX130 (blue)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Exmor R CMOS,
8.8 oz,
4.5 in,
2.2 in,
30 x x Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 63 mm - F/1.8-3.4,
Sony Handycam HDR-CX130 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card,
2.1 in -

Sony Handycam HDR-CX130 (black)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Exmor R CMOS,
8.8 oz,
4.5 in,
2.2 in,
30 x x Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 63 mm - F/1.8-3.4,
Sony Handycam HDR-CX130 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card,
2.1 in -

Sony Handycam HDR-CX160 (black)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Exmor R CMOS,
8.8 oz,
4.5 in,
2.2 in,
30 x x Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 63 mm - F/1.8-3.4,
Sony Handycam HDR-CX160 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card,
2.1 in -

Sony Handycam HDR-XR160 (black)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Exmor R CMOS,
Built-in,
12.3 oz,
5 in,
2.6 in,
30 x x Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 63 mm - F/1.8-3.4,
Sony Handycam HDR-XR160 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive,
- Flash card,
2.4 in -

Sony Handycam HDR-CX130 (silver)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Exmor R CMOS,
8.8 oz,
4.5 in,
2.2 in,
30 x x Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 63 mm - F/1.8-3.4,
Sony Handycam HDR-CX130 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card,
2.1 in -

Sony Handycam HDR-CX130E PAL (Black)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Exmor R CMOS,
8.8 oz,
4.5 in,
2.2 in,
30 x x Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 63 mm - F/1.8-3.4,
Sony Handycam HDR-CX130E - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card,
2.1 in
Accessories
- KATA D-Light Capsule-181 DL - protective case for camcorder (35033784)99.06
- Platinum Plus 59 Tripod - Pearl White/Gray - 5800D (30612450)79.99
- Sony LCS VCD - soft case for camcorder (34692042)89.99 - 129.99
- KATA GDC HDV Case CC-193 - case for camcorder (32959760)99.00 - 129.99
- ACCESSORY KIT (35097691)93.39 - 95.95
- Ewa-Marine VC-1M - rain cape for camcorder (34345336)109.95
- KATA D-Light Capsule-181 DL - protective case for camcorder (35033779)89.99
- LAMINATOR COSMIC CL125-12.5IN HOME/OFFICE (32777035)98.98 - 141.71
- Sony ACC-FP71 - camcorder accessory kit (31768260)73.00 - 87.99
- Sony ACC-FV70 camcorder accessory kit (33965514)69.00 - 114.99
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Sony
- Address:
16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127 - Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
- Email: contact@sel.sony.com
- Fax: 941-768-7790




