Sony HDR-CX6EK

After Panasonic, it’s now up to Sony to offer a "miniature" camcorder that records on memory cards (here the MemoryStick Duo).  Very aesthetically pleasing, does the HDR-CX6 keep its promises in image quality?

Handling

We might as well say right off that the HDR-CX6 is a real success in terms of design and ergonomics.  This camcorder is almost entirely comprised of its lens barrel and a control screen which fits onto the side.  Very compact, the CX6 easily fits into a pocket and even remains discreet once in your hand. 

The different commands are found on the back, the side, and especially, the LCD screen, which is tactile.  It enables setting parameters even if the interface is a bit disconcerting at times (redundancy of menus, navigation cab be tedious).  The zoom command turned out to be enjoyable and precise.  As for the LCD screen, it’s of good quality (an obligation for 16/9 HD format) with large viewing angles that make up for the absence of a viewfinder.  We also noted that some controls (zoom, recording, menus) are repeated on the side of the screen. 

The Sony CX6 records on a memory card (MemoryStick Duo).  We do have to point out that its location is a little too close to the tripod mount and when using this accessory it’s difficult, even impossible, to change the memory card. Another disappointment for a camcorder in this category is the absence of a microphone input.  This is unfortunate even if the integrated micro offers good results and allows simulating 5.1 recording. "Of course” like the majority of camcorders, the CX6 does not have a true wide angle (40 mm).  As for connectivity, it is complete but Sony does not give us (probably for space reasons) a wide format HDMI.  The mini HDMI is not too common at this time and the required cable is not included.  Finally, the CX6 also allows recording in SD format which means an easier transition to HD.

Image quality

The Sony CX6 shoots in Full-HD (1920x1080 pixels) but records in 1440x1080 and then interpolates with playback.  In automatic mode, results are quite satisfactory.  There is proper exposure and a quick and precise focus.  White balance is often good but sometimes a bit slow to fall into place (for example, coming out of a dark hallway into a lighter area).  However, in less than ideal lighting conditions, the CX6 does rather well.  In automatic mode, slow shutter control means efficient exposure but this isn’t exempt from small cuts in fluidity.  Once this mode is turned off, the image is relatively clean though a bit dark.  Colors are also well rendered with good fidelity and neutral tones contrary to the majority of camcorders.  As for the AVCHD format, it offers good rendering (15 Mbits/s) but compression is visible compared to HDV.  In lower quality 9, 7 and 5 Mbits/s modes, fixed shooting is of very good quality but this degrades mostly with subject movements.  There is optical stabilization on the CX6 but results are sometimes deceiving (the CX6 only has a 10x optical zoom) without a tripod. As for photo quality, the 3 MP sensor interpolates data to produce 6 MP images which are more or less satisfactory.