I have this camera and even if the features are very basic is just perfect. Some months ago I went to a music festival with a friend and most people were recording with their phones. There was a guy who mocked me for using a camcorder however I suppose I had the last laugh because my footage came out extremely well without the shakiness that some phones tend to record and without sacrificing my phone's battery usage.
This is exactly why I'm researching camcorders! Thank you I almost feel like it's less intrusive to hold a camcorder at chest level and record the stage then holding your bright ass phone in the sky. I hate how every concert is just an ocean of screens now.
Great Review! I bought mine back in 2017. Although my phone arguably take better photos and videos, I still lean towards my camcorder. Its fast, durable, and still gets good content. Theres just a nice feeling about having a dedicated camera and it feels so much better in my hand than a phone.
Thank you Michael. I've been looking at various reviews DSLRs that have hdmi output (for online music lessons), I found this video in my search, I always forget: that camcorders are still here and GOOD!
I use a CX450 for recording long cricket games. You set it up on a tripod, attach a powerbank, shut the side door so the screen is off and leave it. It'll record for as long as your powerbank has battery life, and as long as your memory card has space.
@@mohamedmihilardeen9676Hi Mohamed, here is a link to a match that was streamed on TH-cam using the CX450 and a cheap video capture card - th-cam.com/video/ZQHh6RBcR04/w-d-xo.html . The rest of the videos on the channel were filmed with a CX450 and the native MP4 file was uploaded to TH-cam after the match. If you record in AVCHD and then use video editing software to convert to MP4 you get a better image result, but I don't do that as I just want to upload quickly after the match directly from the camcorder.
Considering buying one of these to record concerts. I currently a Canon SX710HS, which takes brilliant pictures, but even with a new 1700mAh battery, I only recorded about 20 minuties of video. Probably could of done more, but it did better at pictures, so I used that. Good video!!
Michael, you're so good what you do, you have a gift, your voice the way you explicitly say in details. You must be a video producer, weddings, events, corporate, etc. I will.check out your other videos, happy to discover you Michael, keep going Great video
ohhhhhh OLD ssschool ahhhhhhhhh back in 80s & 90s in my teens/20s & 30s i used to buy & used these kinda SONY cameras all the times was VERY poplar back in those decades even throw 2000s but of course back in 80s, was 5 times bigger & heavier an this ...Ahhh good ole dayzzz & memories was😘🥰
Sony just posted this twice on their IG and now it's being bought up for that look. Sony said on IG that they still sell them trying to push it which this can be a good thing for them to make another version of this but updated if people want it. The way to let them know is to buy it.
We've had ours since 2015 when we were replacing our mini dv camera. It's dependable, long battery life and fits anywhere. Like the built in lens protection. Just not great in low light.
Thanks for the review, just what I needed! Been wanting to get into filmmaking and I think this is a perfect starter video camera to experiment with! :D
You can connect with hdmi to a monitor or tv while recording. You can keep in charging mode while recording. Next to the battery slot is a slot for a spare battery.
It's a nice, simple affordable camcorder. I've been using the CX405 to record motorcycle content for years. If Sony would make an affordable 4k camcorder, I'd buy it in a second! Good review!
@@MichaelWTurner thank you :) Would you happen to have any recommendations for a camcorder that has this same 90s/early 2000s look that can record 4:3?
I have 2 of them and the one feature which you did not mention is you can edit what you record in the camera before you put it in the PC that comesin realy handy when you record for 10+ houres like I do to capturet all of the bird and squirell action in the day and the possum racoon and shunck action during the night and edit taht down 10 about 10 mintues and put it in your PC and make a video for YT with your editing softeare . Good review PLEAE MAKE ANOTHER ONE ABOUT WHAT I JUST TOLD YOU. 92 likes.
Are you from Maine or just visiting? I’m currently away and it was a nice surprise to see home! Also I bought this camera because I’ve always loved camcorders and it makes me sad that more people don’t use them.
tHanks for the video. I understand you can be recording in video and take a photo at the same time. Can you tell me whether the video is interrupted? When editing will there be a break in the video or has the Sony recorded non stop and added a picture file? tHanks again for the helpful review.
Hi! Great video! Could you help-me with 2 doubts: 1) is this camera records about 1 hour with bateria and an extra SDCard? 2) is it possible to user an external wireless microphone to improve the audio quality?
how did you get your quality that good? did you use a SD card reader ? i have been using just the regular cable the camera comes with and it’s always really grainy. Thanks!
Yes, I use an SD card reader, but that won't cause quality issues. This camera will always have quality issues indoors or any dim light. I always shoot in mp4 as opposed to avchd. That might help very little
Hey, what are your camera setting or exporting for keeping the size 1080P, Ive used the camera and exported but it comes out as 720? Any tips or advice ?
Sounds like your editing software export settings might be the issue. I don't know of way to switch to 720p in the camera. I typically shoot xavc in 60p.
thanks for the review! have you ever had a problem with the video formats? can i just import the video to my pc and watch? i am thinking to buy it and i am trying to make my desicion wisely. do you recommend? thanks.
There are threads on it, but not sure if they would really take a lens converter because the diameter is super small. I have smaller filters that fit on some other camcorders that I have but I have nothing that will fit the cx405
i have almost the same camera... it zooms 54x. I have had this for several years now... maybe around 5 years? I'm having increasing difficulty working with it. It seems there is always some message coming up telling me why it can't record. usually it is about the memory card being full. So I figured the camera is just dying and I will have to replace it soon. Well.. tonight I was recording, the message came up so I offloaded all the videos. When I tried recording again right after, It said "HD movie area in memory card is full. Cannot record HD movies. I tried figuring it out, but can't. While trying to figure it out I see a bunch of thumbnails .... from the ENTIRE time I have had the camera! When I go to click on it, it comes back and says there is nothing there.... but the thumbnail is still there. When I try to hook it up to the computer... it reads like it is an empty camera. I don't understand what is happening. I was wondering if you (or anyone reading this) might have a clue?
What kind of card are using? Size and speed? You should be using at least a class 10 card. Also, have you ever tried formatting the card in the camera instead of only deleting the files. There's a difference. It sounds like the card needs to be formatted or it is possible that the card is going bad. You could try a different card but make sure it is at least class 10 speed
The panasonic wxf991 has a infrared mode. I just turned it on a moment ago. It works, but since I have no experience with it, I have nothing to compare it to say if it is good or not. I imagine the vx981 mode would also have this feature. They are pretty much the same camera minus a few other features
If you plug the camera directly into your macbook, you should see it pop up as a drive and you can simply copy the files to your computer. At least that's the way it works in windows. I don't own a mac. You could also remove the sd card and plug it into a card reader if you have one. As far as your phone goes you would need to copy it on your computer first and then plug your phone to your computer and copy it into your phone's picture folder. I don't know what that is on a apple phone. Or maybe once the photos or videos are on your computer you can transfer to your phone wirelessly through airplay or whatever it's called on mac. (Wifi Transfer)
What type of microsd card? I’m new to all this so I don’t want to get the wrong type, right now im seeing a 128 GB SanDisk for around $10 on Amazon, would that work?
I think some older cams like this one were designed for older hard drive file structures such as FAT-32, which are limited to 4gb file sizes. That would be my guess
I use it for recording cricket games. You attach a power bank and it'll record until your memory card runs out. I've left it recording for 8 hours before.
It lacks good image quality indoors. Overall my smart phone generates a nicer image. It really is a subjective thing, but with all the different types of cameras i have used this might be my last choice for a documentary. That is a personal choice, though. Your documentary might do fine with a more home movie look. It's not necessarily wrong. It just depends on the topic
hi! i want to ask if this camera has a wifi in which i can sync it with an app from sony that i can wirelessly transfer the videos from the cam to my phone
Reviewing a type of camera, camcorders, that nobody wants. This devices have a bad image in the market. The funny house videos programs on TV did give this cameras a bad reputation. Also the target group, family, are using now smartphones. For professional use most moved to mirrorless. Other target groups wants one camera for making videos and stills during vacations. I am a camcorder guy as you. It is a pity that this devices does not get attention and no reviews.
The bigger manufacturers have pretty much abandoned the consumer camcorder. Smart Phones are good 90% of the time. There is no doubt about it. The zoom capabilities are why I'll grab for a camcorder some family outings
@@MichaelWTurner I think Sony and Canon will keep making one or 2 models for consumers, but don’t think Panasonic will do this as the seem to struggle in other markets as well. JVC is only making professional camcorders for the broadcast ENG market. I hear a lot of rumors that Pana will shut down their camcorder segment, but I think those who spread this rumors are confused or confusing market segment as Panasonic is big in the ENG professional segment.
I was looking for something with that nostalgia of those early 2000s smack dvd raps videos
I have this camera and even if the features are very basic is just perfect.
Some months ago I went to a music festival with a friend and most people were recording with their phones. There was a guy who mocked me for using a camcorder however I suppose I had the last laugh because my footage came out extremely well without the shakiness that some phones tend to record and without sacrificing my phone's battery usage.
hi care to tell how to set the camera setting? my footage has been kinda too pixelated pls help
This is exactly why I'm researching camcorders! Thank you
I almost feel like it's less intrusive to hold a camcorder at chest level and record the stage then holding your bright ass phone in the sky. I hate how every concert is just an ocean of screens now.
Great Review! I bought mine back in 2017. Although my phone arguably take better photos and videos, I still lean towards my camcorder. Its fast, durable, and still gets good content. Theres just a nice feeling about having a dedicated camera and it feels so much better in my hand than a phone.
Thank you Michael. I've been looking at various reviews DSLRs that have hdmi output (for online music lessons), I found this video in my search, I always forget: that camcorders are still here and GOOD!
I use a CX450 for recording long cricket games. You set it up on a tripod, attach a powerbank, shut the side door so the screen is off and leave it. It'll record for as long as your powerbank has battery life, and as long as your memory card has space.
hi how is the image quality? i am planning to use this camcorder for live cricket broadcasting using obs
@@mohamedmihilardeen9676 here is the link to our TH-cam. All videos were taken with the Sony CX450. youtube.com/@PCCMatches?si=iEI5e97tjpdUmks2
@@mohamedmihilardeen9676Hi Mohamed, here is a link to a match that was streamed on TH-cam using the CX450 and a cheap video capture card - th-cam.com/video/ZQHh6RBcR04/w-d-xo.html . The rest of the videos on the channel were filmed with a CX450 and the native MP4 file was uploaded to TH-cam after the match. If you record in AVCHD and then use video editing software to convert to MP4 you get a better image result, but I don't do that as I just want to upload quickly after the match directly from the camcorder.
Considering buying one of these to record concerts. I currently a Canon SX710HS, which takes brilliant pictures, but even with a new 1700mAh battery, I only recorded about 20 minuties of video. Probably could of done more, but it did better at pictures, so I used that. Good video!!
Michael, you're so good what you do, you have a gift, your voice the way you explicitly say in details. You must be a video producer, weddings, events, corporate, etc. I will.check out your other videos, happy to discover you Michael, keep going Great video
So nice of you
I love this camera & you sound like Ray Romano
ohhhhhh OLD ssschool ahhhhhhhhh back in 80s & 90s in my teens/20s & 30s i used to buy & used these kinda SONY cameras all the times was VERY poplar back in those decades even throw 2000s but of course back in 80s, was 5 times bigger & heavier an this ...Ahhh good ole dayzzz & memories was😘🥰
Sony just posted this twice on their IG and now it's being bought up for that look. Sony said on IG that they still sell them trying to push it which this can be a good thing for them to make another version of this but updated if people want it. The way to let them know is to buy it.
Thanks for sharing. I checked out the post. They really need to upgrade it, though. The image quality is so so
u made me want to buy one of these.... thanks
Totally with you got fed up us my iPhone just bought a new Sony CX 450 at a great price so back to ease and fun 👌😎☕️ smelling the coffee
We've had ours since 2015 when we were replacing our mini dv camera. It's dependable, long battery life and fits anywhere. Like the built in lens protection. Just not great in low light.
Thanks for the review, just what I needed! Been wanting to get into filmmaking and I think this is a perfect starter video camera to experiment with! :D
this looks fun for skateboarding
You can connect with hdmi to a monitor or tv while recording.
You can keep in charging mode while recording.
Next to the battery slot is a slot for a spare battery.
spare battery slot? How does it open?
th-cam.com/video/5J56HPelYQM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=pVqOs9XORd5i2hf4
There are videos on TH-cam on how to
you did a great job of explaining everything Thanks
My wife just got one for sports. Appreciate the review!
I’m thinking of getting one for my daughter’s basketball…how has it worked out for you?
@@chrisclarke7226it's worked out great, get one.
Captured too many memories for me
Great video Michael. Thanks.
It's a nice, simple affordable camcorder. I've been using the CX405 to record motorcycle content for years. If Sony would make an affordable 4k camcorder, I'd buy it in a second! Good review!
Out of curiosity, what price tag is affordable to you?
@@MichaelWTurner From Sony, I'd like to see a $500 or less 4K Camcorder similar to CX405 / CX450
Recording Old Orchard Beach on a camcorder is beautiful
I record all my videos on You Tube with this camera , love it !
i now own 4 of them, i love them.
Thank you for the review!!!
Im sorry if this is an ignorant question I’m new to cameras, but can you record in 4:3 with this camera?
It's a valid question - no you can't
@@MichaelWTurner thank you :) Would you happen to have any recommendations for a camcorder that has this same 90s/early 2000s look that can record 4:3?
I have 2 of them and the one feature which you did not mention is you can edit what you record in the camera before you put it in the PC that comesin realy handy when you record for 10+ houres like I do to capturet all of the bird and squirell action in the day and the possum racoon and shunck action during the night and edit taht down 10 about 10 mintues and put it in your PC and make a video for YT with your editing softeare . Good review PLEAE MAKE ANOTHER ONE ABOUT WHAT I JUST TOLD YOU. 92 likes.
So friggin based...
no big deal as soon as I get my tax refund I will buy my 3rd Sony CX-405@@Alfenium
this is incredibly helpful, thank you so much!
You're so welcome!
Are you from Maine or just visiting? I’m currently away and it was a nice surprise to see home!
Also I bought this camera because I’ve always loved camcorders and it makes me sad that more people don’t use them.
Just visiting
Thank you for this review! I'm so excited to get this for myself this Christmas ❤
Thanks, Michael.
tHanks for the video. I understand you can be recording in video and take a photo at the same time. Can you tell me whether the video is interrupted? When editing will there be a break in the video or has the Sony recorded non stop and added a picture file?
tHanks again for the helpful review.
You can't record and take photos at the same time
tHanks @@MichaelWTurner
Hi! Great video! Could you help-me with 2 doubts:
1) is this camera records about 1 hour with bateria and an extra SDCard?
2) is it possible to user an external wireless microphone to improve the audio quality?
Yes it can record for an hour, but there is no mic input
how did you get your quality that good? did you use a SD card reader ? i have been using just the regular cable the camera comes with and it’s always really grainy. Thanks!
Yes, I use an SD card reader, but that won't cause quality issues. This camera will always have quality issues indoors or any dim light. I always shoot in mp4 as opposed to avchd. That might help very little
Hi, do you know how to set the video size to 1440x1080 60i? Thanks!
Hey, what are your camera setting or exporting for keeping the size 1080P, Ive used the camera and exported but it comes out as 720? Any tips or advice ?
Sounds like your editing software export settings might be the issue. I don't know of way to switch to 720p in the camera. I typically shoot xavc in 60p.
thanks for the review! have you ever had a problem with the video formats? can i just import the video to my pc and watch? i am thinking to buy it and i am trying to make my desicion wisely. do you recommend? thanks.
It's a pretty standard format that should work in any modern day computer
@@MichaelWTurner thank you for the reply friend cheers
Awesome😊
Would this be good for recording a live church service?
I wouldn't. I don't feel the image quality is good indoors. That's just my opinion.
does it has the lens thread where you could mount a fish eye lens converter?
There are threads on it, but not sure if they would really take a lens converter because the diameter is super small. I have smaller filters that fit on some other camcorders that I have but I have nothing that will fit the cx405
i have almost the same camera... it zooms 54x. I have had this for several years now... maybe around 5 years? I'm having increasing difficulty working with it. It seems there is always some message coming up telling me why it can't record. usually it is about the memory card being full. So I figured the camera is just dying and I will have to replace it soon.
Well.. tonight I was recording, the message came up so I offloaded all the videos. When I tried recording again right after, It said "HD movie area in memory card is full. Cannot record HD movies. I tried figuring it out, but can't. While trying to figure it out I see a bunch of thumbnails .... from the ENTIRE time I have had the camera! When I go to click on it, it comes back and says there is nothing there.... but the thumbnail is still there. When I try to hook it up to the computer... it reads like it is an empty camera. I don't understand what is happening. I was wondering if you (or anyone reading this) might have a clue?
What kind of card are using? Size and speed? You should be using at least a class 10 card. Also, have you ever tried formatting the card in the camera instead of only deleting the files. There's a difference. It sounds like the card needs to be formatted or it is possible that the card is going bad. You could try a different card but make sure it is at least class 10 speed
oh my goodness.. thank you for this information! This gives me hope I might be able to fix this problem! @@MichaelWTurner
Can I take macro videos with this cam? I heard this cam has good macro capabilities.
Somewhat. Take a look at 5:36 and 6:43
This camera 🎥 also has very good Audio
Hi. Can the display be rotated forwards and can the camera use a night vision mode in complete darkness?
Yes display can be flipped forward, but the is no night vision mode
I want to buy one handy cam for the night vision… which one would you recommend?
The panasonic wxf991 has a infrared mode. I just turned it on a moment ago. It works, but since I have no experience with it, I have nothing to compare it to say if it is good or not. I imagine the vx981 mode would also have this feature. They are pretty much the same camera minus a few other features
@@MichaelWTurner thank you so much!
Hi Michael! I just want to ask if how can I transfer the photos and videos to my phone or macbook? Thank you.
If you plug the camera directly into your macbook, you should see it pop up as a drive and you can simply copy the files to your computer. At least that's the way it works in windows. I don't own a mac. You could also remove the sd card and plug it into a card reader if you have one. As far as your phone goes you would need to copy it on your computer first and then plug your phone to your computer and copy it into your phone's picture folder. I don't know what that is on a apple phone. Or maybe once the photos or videos are on your computer you can transfer to your phone wirelessly through airplay or whatever it's called on mac. (Wifi Transfer)
I got the same one. I decided to get one before it completely disappears from the market.
does it work with a flashdrive? so that i can use it to record concert festivals like LOUDER THAN LIFE ROCK FEST!
Uses a micro SD card. There's no way to plug in a flash drive
What type of microsd card? I’m new to all this so I don’t want to get the wrong type, right now im seeing a 128 GB SanDisk for around $10 on Amazon, would that work?
So long as it is at least class 10, you will be fine.
Why does my continuous recording gets split into a few files?
I think some older cams like this one were designed for older hard drive file structures such as FAT-32, which are limited to 4gb file sizes. That would be my guess
@@MichaelWTurner Thank you.
the best camcorder you can buy🙂
Can you charge the camera with a powerbank while it recording so you get like 5 hours of recording time?
It appears you can. I connected a power bank and the battery guage on the lcd disappeared and I could still record
I use it for recording cricket games. You attach a power bank and it'll record until your memory card runs out. I've left it recording for 8 hours before.
This camera also can take a pictures?
yes
Hola, qué modelo de cámara utilizas para esto?
It's in the title
What is the fps of the cam
It can go up to 60fps in 1080p
Sony just discontinued this model.
Are u able to change the speed of zoom I'm thinking of getting this camera
Yes, the toggle in pressure sensitive. It can't be changed in the menus though
@@MichaelWTurner 👍
nice video bro❤
Thanks!
Does it have night vision
No
Would you recommend this for a short-film project?
It lacks good image quality indoors. Overall my smart phone generates a nicer image. It really is a subjective thing, but with all the different types of cameras i have used this might be my last choice for a documentary. That is a personal choice, though. Your documentary might do fine with a more home movie look. It's not necessarily wrong. It just depends on the topic
can you charge the battery?
Yes
hi! i want to ask if this camera has a wifi in which i can sync it with an app from sony that i can wirelessly transfer the videos from the cam to my phone
I don't see any wireless options in the menus. Only usb
This camera or the panasonic 180
They seem very similar. I almost say whichever is cheaper. See if you can find sample footage from the panasonic and go from there
@@MichaelWTurner okay its same price, brand new, the pana has a better zoom
I made a vlog but i think that the quality can be better
The image quality is certainly not the best. I only used it for family stuff because of that.
Reviewing a type of camera, camcorders, that nobody wants. This devices have a bad image in the market. The funny house videos programs on TV did give this cameras a bad reputation. Also the target group, family, are using now smartphones. For professional use most moved to mirrorless. Other target groups wants one camera for making videos and stills during vacations. I am a camcorder guy as you. It is a pity that this devices does not get attention and no reviews.
No reviews? This is literally the only camcorder that people talk about
That or the older ones that record onto tape..
The bigger manufacturers have pretty much abandoned the consumer camcorder. Smart Phones are good 90% of the time. There is no doubt about it. The zoom capabilities are why I'll grab for a camcorder some family outings
@@MichaelWTurner I think Sony and Canon will keep making one or 2 models for consumers, but don’t think Panasonic will do this as the seem to struggle in other markets as well. JVC is only making professional camcorders for the broadcast ENG market. I hear a lot of rumors that Pana will shut down their camcorder segment, but I think those who spread this rumors are confused or confusing market segment as Panasonic is big in the ENG professional segment.
Emma Chamberlin made it popular and I will buy one tomorrow like many others lol
It's cheap alternative of super zoom cameras dude.
This camera ittself looks amazing but the quality itself is awful, it looks like 480p
You're right. It can get pretty grainy even in good light, but so many people love it. I think it gives off vintage vibes.
Hello, Thanks for the video, I got a friend selling me one for 100.00 is that a good deal? Thanks
Yes
@@MichaelWTurner thanks on my way now to buy it. It’s actually new according to my friend, but I’m going to scope it out but thanks. Appreciate it.
I rather zoom real telescope