Sony Handycam HDR-XR160 (black)
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: HDRXR160
- 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.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TheNerds.net |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/22/2012 |
CNET editors' review
Sony Handycam HDR-XR160 (black) price range: $547.99
- 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
-
-
Sony HDR-XR160 HD 1080p Camcorder!
by L-Berry on June 11, 2011
Pros: + Sound quality very good
+ Picture is good enough in standard video
+ Video quality is quite good
+ Manual low light mode is works so well
+ Optical Zoom 30x is so good and quietCons: - Auto focus is about 1/2 time slower compared to my Sony TRV-340 digital8 in my opinion
Summary: I got this product and partially happy with it compared with my Sony TRV-340 digital8 camcorder.
Something I want to point out:
Features: I don't like the battery release ...Summary: I got this product and partially happy with it compared with my Sony TRV-340 digital8 camcorder.
Something I want to point out:
Features: I don't like the battery release button because it is at the bottom of the camcorder. When using it with tripod, it is very difficult to change the battery if tripod adapter is used unless the adapter is small or using FV-100 battery to avoid the problem.
Sound: It captures the sound quality very good and much powerful if zoom mic is enable.
Picture: It is good enough in standard video and quite good in 1080p capture. If viewing on the LCD panel, video quality is quite good for both formats. However, video quality looks too much brightness when viewing in computer or DVD player.
Manual low light mode (3LUX): It is a big surprise to me it works so well. Without any zoom in or out, I captured a clear video from the bed room using the light from the bathroom (light source 40W was about 6 feet way and pointed directly to the object behind the camcorder). But it is grainy if the zoom is used. It was also grainy if capturing a scene 15 feet away from the camcorder using light reflection, light source was about 10 feet behind the camcorder and pointed 90 degree angle. But I prefer to have it at 1.5-2 LUX.
Optical Zoom: 30x is so good and quiet.
Auto focus: It is about ½ time slower compared to my digital8 in my opinion.
Auto Gain works automatically ONLY in playback mode when using LCD panel.
Overall I grade this camcorder(below $600) 4-4.5 stars at consumer level camcorder. If it has 3 CMOS sensor and 1.5 LUX, it is my 5 star camcorder($2000+).
*** P.S. If you will buy this Camcorder I suggest you have compare price before you decide at: www.amazon.com/gp/*************?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Foffer-listing%2FB004H8FN8K%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref_%3Ddp_olp_new%26condition%3Dnew%23&tag=***************&********=ur2&camp=1789&creative=39095712 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Can take cheap, HQ video for a cheap price.
by HKFIlms on April 18, 2012
Pros: 1. High definition recording.
2.160GB OF space (ive never used my memory card)
3.super compact and is open to screens and mics.Cons: 1. no "professional" look.
2. Bearly any manual settings.
3. low light takes so much quality from video.Summary: I say its worth the money, as though i found a proffesinal camera on a discount site for less than it is now. and its no longer sold on sony'...
Summary: I say its worth the money, as though i found a proffesinal camera on a discount site for less than it is now. and its no longer sold on sony's online store.
-
Not very useful for sharing videos
by creemts on August 20, 2011
Pros: Takes a great video - easy to use and control
Cons: Only option is for the video to be in a proprietary format, and you need Sony's special software to even get at it. Once you do gain access to the video files you have to manually convert them and the only option I have been able to find is to convert to
Summary: If this is for you to use and only you want to see the videos -- OK ... if you want to use this for something like a team or work ...
Summary: If this is for you to use and only you want to see the videos -- OK ... if you want to use this for something like a team or work event then I would skip it. ... Personally, I am skipping it right back to the store ...
-
Great point and shoot
by mikezmac on August 11, 2011
Pros: -Easy to use
- Mac and PC friendly
- Very nice results on the movies.Cons: - lower light (outside at night) it's grainy a little, but not bad.
- The provided software packages are not mac compatible.Summary: I'm very happy with this camcorder
Summary: I'm very happy with this camcorder
-
I really liked working with this one
by mr-stan on May 19, 2011
Pros: Long battery life is its strong point
Cons: The battery life is not good
0 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: HDRXR160
- Description: Take stunning 1920 x 1080 Full HD video with the compact HDR-XR160 Handycam camcorder. It features an "Exmor R" CMOS sensor for superb low-light performance, a 160GB hard disk drive, 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
- Total Pixels 4.2 megapixels
- Camcorder Media Type Hard disk drive,
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,
Twilight portrait,
Twilight mode,
Sunset,
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
- Camera Flash Built-in
- 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
- 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,
x.v.Color technology,
Auto Backlight Compensation,
Smile Detection technology,
Date/time stamp,
Dolby Digital 5.1 channel recording,
Exif Print support,
Golf Shot function,
USB charging,
Built-in USB plug,
Face detection,
Auto power save,
Dolby Digital AC-3 (2 channel) recording,
Touch-screen control,
Dynamic Range Optimizer,
Built-in stereo speakers,
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,
Audio / video cable 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 Hard disk drive ,
Flash card - Supported Memory Cards SD Memory Card
- Internal Storage 160 GB Hard disk drive
- 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 - 1920 x 1080 - 17Mbps,
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 Surround
Power
- Battery type - Lithium ion
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Features Rotating
- Resolution 230,000 pixels
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 2.4 in
- Depth 5 in
- Height 2.6 in
- Weight 12.3 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-185 DL - protective case for camcorder (35033783)129.99 - 160.26
- Sony SPK HCG - marine case for camcorder (34580847)239.95
- Canon CA 950 - Power adapter + battery charger (33615515)164.99
- Canon MA 300 - camcorder microphone adapter (30121346)174.49 - 174.95
- Porta-Brace Rain Slicker RS-HVX200 rain cover (33614228)181.41
- Sony LCS VCC - soft case for camcorder (33351258)139.00 - 249.99
- Sony SPK CXB - marine case for camcorder (34580865)199.00 - 216.49
- Hoodman EX KIT PRO LCD screen hood loupe (34409067)159.95
- KATA D-Light Capsule-183 DL - protective case for camcorder (35033782)149.89
- Novoflex BALSON-AK - lens hood (31060082)148.50
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
%20-%20Compare%20prices,%20reviews,%20user%20opinions%20-%20Shopper.com&srcUrl=http://shopper.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/sony-handycam-hdr-xr160/4014-6500_9-34468885.html&x_breadcrumb=6451:6500){kind=small}