Face-Off: Pick the Products You Want to Compare

Sony HDR-PJ650VE
Sony HDR-PJ650VE
Sony HDR-CX740
Sony HDR-CX740

Panasonic HC-X920
Panasonic HC-X920
 
Sony HDR-PJ650VE Panasonic HC-X920 Sony HDR-CX740
Photo
Sony HDR-PJ650VE
Overview - Full review
Panasonic HC-X920
Overview - Full review
Sony HDR-CX740
Overview - Full review
Price
Test scene
Sony HDR-PJ650VE
Panasonic HC-X920
No zoom available
Sony HDR-CX740
Score
4/5
5/5
5/5
User Score
Specifications
Specifications
FormatAVCHD 1080 50p
SensorBSI CMOS 1/3.91
Zoom12 x
Focal length in 24x3626.8 - 321.6 mm (16:9)
Image stabilizationYes
Dimensions134 x 72.5 x 67 mm
WeightNA
Specifications
FormatAVCHD 1080 50p
Sensor3 x CMOS 1/2.3"
Zoom12 x
Focal length in 24x3629.8 - 368.8 (16/9)
Image stabilizationyes
Dimensions67 x 72 x 150 mm
Weight460 g
Specifications
FormatAVCHD
SensorBackit CMOS Exmor R 1/2.88 inches (6.3 mm)
Zoom10 x
Focal length in 24x3626 - 260 mm
Image stabilizationOpical (active)
Dimensions137.5 x 73.5 x 67.5 mm
Weight555 without battery g
Conclusion
The Sony HDR-PJ650VE is a very good camcorder that has a nice range of functions and features (GPS, 12x zoom, 5.1 sound, mic. and headphones sockets, built-in projector, SD recording more, etc.). The optical stabilisation system is particularly effective here, but picture quality isn't quite on par with its main rival, the Panasonic X920, which also boasts Wi-Fi connectivity.
The HC-X920 is a great next step for Panasonic's prosumer camcorder line. The bigger, newer sensors make for great images and are excellent in low lighting.
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.
Pros

+

LCD with smooth onscreen image, even in low light

+

Built-in USB cable

+

5.1 audio recording

+

Manual settings dial

+

Built-in light

+

Advanced hot-shoe (XLR)

+

27 mm wide-angle focal length

+

Good optical image stabilisation system

+

Pull-out and tilt viewfinder

+

Built-in GPS

+

Built-in projector

+

Good sensitivity levels in low light

+

Built-in memory (32 GB)

+

Excellent picture quality

+

Low image noise in low lighting

+

Wi-Fi features (live online streaming, remote control via smartphone...)

+

Audio in/out

+

Manual mode has lots of features

+

Has a viewfinder

+

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

Cons

-

No electronic level

-

LCD screen is a little small

-

Picture quality isn't as sharp as the Panasonic X920

-

Battery life could be better (approx. 1 hour)

-

EVF isn't particularly nice to use

-

Built-in projector isn't powerful enough

-

20-MP photo mode isn't worth using

-

Mic. and headphones sockets could be more conveniently located

-

No slow mo

-

Viewfinder is small and doesn't tilt

-

Could have longer battery life

-

Awkward location for the hot shoe

-

Extrapolated photo mode: terrible quality

-

Hot-shoe can only be used with Sony accessories