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Sony HDR-CX520

Sony HDR-CX520
Sony HDR-CX520Sony HDR-CX520Sony HDR-CX520Sony HDR-CX520Sony HDR-CX520Sony HDR-CX520
alaScore 87

121 reviews

Apr, 2024

alaTest has collected and analyzed 121 reviews of Sony HDR-CX520. The average rating for this product is 4.2/5, compared to an average rating of 4.0/5 for other Camcorders for all reviews. People are impressed by the reliability and size. The image quality and portability also get good feedback. Some have doubts about the battery and memory. Views are divided on the viewfinder.

usability, portability, image quality, size, reliability

price, durability, zoom, memory, battery

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Camcorders the Sony HDR-CX520 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 87/100 = Very good quality.

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Review analysis

(Based on 121 reviews)

Expert Reviews  

User Reviews  

Review Ratings

  (50% of reviews)
Show all 5 star reviews   (33% of reviews)
Show all 4 star reviews   (10% of reviews)
Show all 3 star reviews   (4% of reviews)
Show all 2 star reviews   (3% of reviews)
Show all 1 star reviews

Features

usability
  Show positive (71%)Show negative (29%)(Show all)
portability
  Show positive (94%)Show negative (6%)(Show all)
price
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image quality
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size
  Show positive (100%)None yet(Show all)
durability
  Show positive (33%)Show negative (67%)(Show all)
reliability
  Show positive (100%)None yet(Show all)
zoom
  None yetShow negative (100%)(Show all)
design
  Show positive (67%)Show negative (33%)(Show all)
viewfinder
  Show positive (50%)Show negative (50%)(Show all)
memory
  None yetShow negative (100%)(Show all)
battery
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color
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More features

Showing 66 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews

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Showing 1 - 43 of 66 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (51)

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Sony HDR-CX520

 

alaTest has collected and analyzed 33 user reviews of Sony HDR-CX520 from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 4.2/5, compared to an average user rating of 3.9/5 for other Camcorders on Amazon.com. People are impressed by the size and image quality. The usability and price are also mentioned favorably, whereas there are some less positive reviews about the zoom and durability.

portability, price, usability, image quality, size

durability, zoom

88% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Expert review by : Lori Grunin (cnet.com)

Sony HDR-CX5 review

 

With a six-month lag behind their hard-drive-based siblings, the HDR-XR500V and HDR-XR520V , the HDR-CX500V and CX520V promised some much-needed interface enhancements over their solid-but-flawed brothers. While I don't think the interface and control...

Compact design; first-rate video quality and performance; geotagging videos is fun, if limited.

No SD card support; awkward control layout; no wind filter; no manual shutter speed, iris, or audio controls; expensive.

The geotagging capability remains mostly a novelty, but the top-notch video quality of the Sony Handycam HDR-CX500V and HDR-CX520V make them worthy options. Because internal memory is overpriced, the HDR-XR500V is the better deal of the two, though you...

Feb, 2010
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Expert review by : Rob Mead (pcworld.com)

Sony Handycam HDR-CX520V

 

Good range of features including manual controls ; Good video quality ; Solid build

Geotagging feature didn't work ; Confusing touchscreen menu system ; Odd manual dial location

Nov, 2009
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Expert review by : Rob Mead (macworld.com)

Review: Sony Handycam HDR-CX520V HD camcorder

 

China has ordered Google to suspend its foreign Web site search service after warning that the company's filtering of pornography was too weak.

As you’d expect with Sony camcorders, the HDR-CX520V’s build quality is high and it sits comfortably in your hand, giving easy access to its wide zoom toggle and still photo buttons. You’ll find the usual smattering of sockets dotted around the...

Nov, 2009
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Expert review by : Chris Jager (goodgearguide.com.au)

Sony HDR-CX520 HD camcorder

 

A Full HD flash memory camcorder with a three-way optical image stabiliser

Improved image stabilisation, 12-megapixel still image mode, impressive range of features

HDR-CX500V offers better value for money

The Sony HDR-CX520 is a feature-packed camcorder that performs impressively across the board. However, if you're not a frequent shooter, you may want to consider the cheaper Sony HDR-CX500V -- it offers all of the same functionality, but with less memory.

Jan, 2010
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Expert review by : Chris Jager (techadvisor.co.uk)

Sony HDR-CX520 review

 

Sony has overhauled the imaging components for its latest suite of camcorders. The new system consists of a three-way optical image stabiliser, a backlit image chip for increased light sensitivity, a six-blade aperture lens and an enlarged 1/2.9in CMOS...

The Sony HDR-CX520 is a feature-packed camcorder that performs impressively across the board. However, if you're not a frequent shooter, you may want to consider the cheaper Sony HDR-CX500V - it offers all of the same functionality, but with less memory.

Jan, 2010
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Expert review by (gadgetheaven.co.uk)

Sony HDR-CX520VE Camcorder

 

The Sony HDR-CX520VE is a fantastic camcorder giving great video quality in a small and compact camera. Coming with all the features you would expect from a camcorder of this type and so much more the Sony HDR-CX520VE is a camcorder that is highly...

The screen on the Sony HDR-CX520VE is big and clear allowing you to view your videos and photo easily. The screen is a large LCD 3 inch touchscreen so there is no worry about not being able to see exactly what your taking a video of. If this isn’t...

May, 2012
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Expert review by : electricpig.co.uk (electricpig.co.uk)

Sony HDR-CX520 camcorder review

 

A decent camcorder, but let down by a high price

Great shots, slow mo mode

Expensive, not great in low light

Feb, 2010
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Expert review by (channel5.com)

Sony HDR-CX520

 

Sony's Full HD camcorder, the HDR-CX520, aims for imaging excellence thanks to a top-quality G lens and an Exmor R CMOS sensor. The camcorder can store up to 26 hours of movies on its 64GB internal memory but if you need extra storage you can record to...

Comfortable to hold and use, and capable of rock-solid movie clips, the CX520 is a dependable addition to the ranks of HD camcorders. Videophiles may begrudge the odd absence from the tech specs but otherwise there’s a lot here to really enjoy. Sony...

Feb, 2010
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Consumer review (viewpoints.com)

Sony is great ”

 

Having two children under the age of five,  having a high qualitity camcorder is something that i must have.  I dont want some low quality sloppy pictures and video of my children.  i want pictures and video that i am gonna love and wanna look at years...

Feb, 2011
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Consumer review (viewpoints.com)

Sony Camcoder HDR-CX520 : Low price and quality recording ”

 

This  is a one of the best  HD camcorder that also can take high resolution still photos. This camcorder is comes with an HDMI cable, additional battery, 32 GB flash memory, and an attractive camera pouch. You can buy it at local electronic store or...

Jan, 2011
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Price comparison for Sony HDR-CX520

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