The Cheapest Camcorder that I have - The Sony CX405
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- Опубліковано 7 сер 2020
- Affiliate Links:
Sony CX405 - amzn.to/3ml9xzX
Gear Used in my Video:
Sony AX53 - amzn.to/2KrQ6YS
Manfrotto Tripod - amzn.to/2Wfl2y3
Falcon F7 Light - amzn.to/2IRXSej
Ulanzi VL49 - amzn.to/3oUcY23 and the RGB Version - amzn.to/34h5AG9
Manfrotto Mini Tripod - amzn.to/3mjJs43
Beachtek Preamplifier - amzn.to/2JY6kt6
Gear Used in my Video:
Sony AX53 - amzn.to/2KrQ6YS
Manfrotto Tripod - amzn.to/2Wfl2y3
Falcon F7 Light - amzn.to/2IRXSej
Ulanzi VL49 - amzn.to/3oUcY23 and the RGB Version - amzn.to/34h5AG9
Manfrotto Mini Tripod - amzn.to/3mjJs43
Beachtek Preamplifier - amzn.to/2JY6kt6
This is the cheapest Camcorder that I have. I bought it for half the price of a GoPro Hero 5 and it actually has some advantages over the GoPro in some areas. The only thing I can't do with it is go underwater but it is so light and easy to use, while having a little more control than the GoPro as far as exposure goes that I actually prefer using it for vlogging than the GoPro. I also find the picture less contrasty and it actually is more easily manipulated in post.
So this video is a demo of me just walking around with it and recording the audio on the camera itself; not via an external mic. The audio is also better than the GoPro. In post, I just chose one channel and normalised it.
In my opinion, these cheapo cameras are ideal for beginners to learn on since they only partially hand over exposure details for the operator to tweak. There's less to go wrong. However, you still learn the basics of good video taking and more importantly, it's a cheap way of learning how to create something that 'tells a story' without all the worrying about whether the picture will come out!!
The freedom of having just this lightweight camera on a stick/tripod is great. No mic or even audio controls to mess up!! Although it is 'auto' as far as audio goes, this one doesn't keep ramming the audio to and actually sounds pretty good!! It never overmodulates!!
If you are considering buying anything that I feature, please consider the affiliate links below. The cost you no more but help me to get another video together!!
The CX405 isn't really around these days but there are others from Panasonic. This is the closest I could find... the CX240E (E stands for European)
CX240E - amzn.to/3fzyCUs
The terrific Sirui grip/tripod - amzn.to/3fzyCUs
If you buy the Sirui tripod, then get spare plates here. These are good and cheap - amzn.to/3fzyCUs
Sometimes you get lost on UA-cam and it could be very annoying. But this time I was lucky. I found a real human being. Thanks Ian Craig.
Thank you Mario. What I hate about some UA-cam videos is that they are made just for viewing figures and not because the op is really that interested. They also try to sell everything through afilliate links so their main driving force is money. For me, I really enjoy making the videos and the financial thing really doesn’t bother me that much. I often make videos as a personal ‘video experiment’ while making a demo for others to watch, so I have a great time doing them.
same!
Same!
Why is this actually making me tear up? I guess it's the simplicity of it. Everything in the video seems so.. normal. Like everything is nice and natural. I can't believe I'm getting emotional over a handy-cam review but here we are.
I’m so lucky to be able to walk out the door and that’s what I’m in. The obsessive sheep hasn’t been around for a while. He was lovely. Tried being a hard man at first by butting me, but soon calmed down. Then he followed me everywhere. The local animals recognise me because I’m retired and often out there, so they see a lot of me.
Simplicity is great! Like Apple
clicked on the video to know about the camera. stayed because of the tour around the neighborhood. this is so pleasant. thank you, sir.
Thanks Jogie. Just trying to show it in a ‘normal’ use context!
I love it. Very quick and straight to the point.
I have watched this video several times over many months. After the first time I ran out and bought one of these little CX405 camcorders and I love it. It is a marvel at making really nice videos. BUT, I have come back several times to re-watch this video, not because of the camera, but because it is so relaxing and calming to watch. Your video is so much more than a review, you have a great talent my friend!
Thanks Phil. Actually once I’ve sharpened and added LUTS to the footage, you wouldn’t know it was so cheap. This footage is the raw stuff that came out of the camera.
If you want something a bit more lively, I’ve just sent up a lutted video for people to see differences. Made it in a town called Tenterden.
Nice review of the Sony camcorder. Enjoyed the tour of your neighborhood. Awesome.
I was looking for a good quality, but affordable camcorder, thanks for posting this.
Nice mini reportage/hands on Ian. Didn`t mention it`s stabalizer but no worry. Cheap and handy films are dandy. Thanks Ian.
The footage looks great. Color really seems to pop. I was also impressed with how smooth the footage stayed while you walked. Thank you for this video!
Thanks for the tour of your village! I enjoyed your take on the features of the Sony CX405
Thank you Julie.
This was lovely and very helpful. Thank you for making this video!
Thank you. I enjoyed making it.
Thank you so much for all of your information. I just bought mine today and am so excited to use it.
I truly enjoyed all of the beautiful scenery and animals in your video. And of course your amazing accent ☺️. Many Blessings
Hi Helen. It's funny that my accent stopped me speaking on video and even making them for UA-cam. UK accents can be 'class' based and mine is definitely not posh!
Cheers
Ian
Great video!!! Your video looks so much better than the other reviews that I have seen. Very encouraging!
Thank you.
what warm and calming character you have sir :)
hopefully i find rewiew videos to other cameras i could need
Thank you DZ. I can assure I’m not really!!! ;)
Great review along with the scenery and peaceful energy you give in the videos/narrations. Recently purchased this camcorder for the gym and outdoors! Cant wait to try it out.
Thank you.
What a great little demo. Things to expect from the camera were well represented with a warm natured lifestyle and temperament. A real credit to both the camera and presenter. Nice! A+
Thank you Wil. It just started as a walk up the road ……
I just stumbled into quaint rural Britain youtube and the world is now so pleasant. Great atmosphere! This lifted my spirits.
It's a lovely part of the world.
I love seeing your little piece of heaven. I just unboxed and made a video for one of these. I'm taking notes on how you use this. Thank you for the diversion. My traffic is much worse 😁
Great work Ian. I bought a CX450 based on your videos and couldn't be happier. Many thanks!
Thank you. Glad the video helped you make a decision. It's not always easy to decide.
I was here for the review but I appreciate you as a person, thanks for the review and for the video :)
Thank you. You’re very kind.
Thank you for your review and tips on settings. Just got one.
Hope it helped.
This got to be the most relaxing video I've ever watched!
Great review, Sir!
So laid back, it’s flat eh? The place I live in is very relaxed. Not a single shop here. Just a pub and a church to apologise for drinking in ….
just came across Ian what a joy... informative & interesting, excellent job
Thank you Jane. Really appreciated.
What a lovely place to live. Great video & review. Made me smile as you were playing with the animals 😊
The animals get to know you, although being farm animals, they tend not to be around that long…….
Nice video Ian. After watching this, I may get one of these for a back up to my ax53. Very relaxing video, and you have a great voice to go with this video. For the price, this camcorder is an excellent value.
Thanks Sean.
Great video Ian, thanks for sharing its a feel good video. I was looking for a review on a camcorder and this seems to fit the bill perfectly. Thanks again it made change to have such a lovely video.
I thought that it might make a change from a straight review type video. The CX405 is ok for the money. Not the sharpest but as long as you can get a little story going, it allows you to film it pretty easily.
The bits with you and the sheep are so cute and wholesome I'm legit about to cry rn 😆🥲
The worst part is that he became a little friend to me because I take a walk down there nearly every day, so he knew me. Then he suddenly disappeared so I’m guessing he’s gone. He was like an overgrown dog to be honest. He always moaned when I walked off. He was a lovely little sheep and lived just up the road from my house in that field for a few years.
What a beautiful video! It really made my day better. I came for a review of the camera and I got warm feelings and a friendly stroll in nature. Thank you for the experience!
Thank you Thanos. I just thought a wander taking video would show people what it did. They're really not bad for the low price.
Fully agreed.
Thank you for this review! I'm so excited to get this for Christmas ❤
Blimey …. Christmas video coming up ……
Watching this video was so heart warming and enjoyable, I came across it because I’ve just bought a Sony camcorder. Thanks for example footage and such a lovely watch Ian!
Thank you Sabrina. Don’t expect miracles from it, but they are nice little camcorders. I’ve had mine for years now plus the cx450 and ax53.
Beautiful review, is just what I needed. I want to make videos of hands on demostrations for my dental students and I decided for this camera and your video is the only one that I really liked, think you
Great. I'm glad it was useful to you. The zoom will really help to focus on the mouths of patients; especially with dentist lights!
This is one of those videos on UA-cam that you enjoy watching simply because it is enjoyable.
A still tiny puddle in the vast, roaring ocean that is the internet.
I think I will buy this handy cam in the future.
Thank you for making a video that respects the audience: not yelling and asking for subscription. You earn a new subscriber mate! Have a good day!
A big 'Thank you' from 'little drip.'
Looks like a great camera for close-ups and b-roll. Great price!
Love this camcorder! It was affordable and easy to use.
Exactly. Quick to use and actually capable of some lovely footage. I often have mine with me in my pocket.
Amazing zoom videos. Exactly what I'm looking for. Thank you.
I'm glad it was useful.
Nice video. Lovely footage from such an inexpensive camcorder. Well done!
Thank you.
I love how you react with animals what a gentle soul you are much respect it shows how pure your heart is.
Thank you. I love the animals around me. I’m surrounded by farms all around my home so they are a big part of our lives. Even the sheep start to recognise you after a while!
Alight Ian. The picture looks great on my iPad. On my phone you can’t really see the difference between this and a more expensive camcorder. It just proves that a proper camcorder, even a cheap one like this, is great for UA-cam videos bearing in mind that most UA-cam videos are viewed on small screens. The audio is good as well, better than many of the actioncams for their internal mics. Great video. Cheers, Dave.
Hi Dave. The audio is surpring on the cx405. The description stuff in this video was done on the ax53 and I felt that it might make the cx405 look bad, but not really. I think Sony got a bit greedy at one point and raised the price of the cx405 but I bought this at half the price of the Hero 5. It’s price at the time was £175 but I think I got a deal on it at £125. Later, I think it went over £200. I also got a fantastic price (from Amazon would you believe) for the cx625!
In a way, it’s a pity these types of video camera went out of fashion and Sony moved on. They made very good value cameras which were designed for video rather than photos. So they were efficient at getting a good video without getting hot, crashing, or limiting how long you could video for. They’re great to use on the move as well because they’re so lightweight.
you’ve convinced me !! thank u so much for this honest review
I hope that it suits your purpose Yumika.
@@iancraig im aiming to make a short film for my media project in school! i really want to have that vintage, grainy look like mid90s (if you search up the screencaps, youll understand the inspo) soim trying to find a camera that is affordable, becasue what i can do is just film on my phone and edit the exposure and grain for each frame.... so im trying to find a camera that is cheap, but still gives off that vintage look.
This is the best review of this camera I've watched on youtube till now
Thank you Shuvo. Funny thing is how many views it got when I just made a simple demo video!
Completely Loved this Video 📹 👏🏻
This video made me smile!
Video& sound is good. Great no bull video. Do more videos.
That's a great video, Ian. Thanks.
Thanks Pau. Had fun making it too.
Great video thanks for reviewing this 😊
Thank you.
I think that your cheapest camcorder model has just become my most expensive camcorder model. Ah, the legendary "entry level"--I have finally arrived ;)
What do you normally use..... a Box Brownie? ; )
Thank you it's the kind of video I was looking for 👌👌😇😇
Such a nice little video. I have the Canon Legria HF R606, which is a few years old. It was dirt cheap at the point of purchase, and, even though I suspect that the image quality is not as good, and the lens is not as sharp as yours, it also has a great zoom range and - a filter thread! I have just purchased a 43mm UV filter for general protection for this camcorder. These long zoom range gadgets are great for filming nature on a budget, as you said, because the animals aren't aware that you're filming them.
Thanks Nic. I think many videographers don’t understand that the video is what we’re making and very few people look at videos and say things like .... I wonder what camera they used? Unless the video is really boring or exceptionally clear or something ..... Sometimes, you just want something that’s light and convenient that just captures the moment and at other times, you want precision. It just depends. I have 11 cameras and choose according to what is needed! No one notices except me, the guy lugging gear around!
You can make great videos on a phone.
What a great review. I think this camera is great for someone who likes simplicity and has less than good eyesight. I have a GoPro but it's a bit difficult to operate in the sun because of glare on the screen. I love how well the Zoom looks on the Sony. I honestly liked how you included animals and other interesting footage in this review. Awesome narration as well. 💯❤
Thank you ARC. I had a bit of fun making it.
Thank you for the review. I might get this cam. Also, what is a dottal?
I don’t know…. Have I mistyped something?
you look like a very calming and good person, very good video too ❤
Thank you. My wife might not agree though! ;)
This is so wholesome oh my gosh I love it
If only the truth were out .........😉
Great review, nice video and beautiful country scenery.
Thank you Adea.
A really good and thorough video my friend. So I just bought one of these lol ...
They’re nice little camcorders Fred. So cheap for what they do.
Great review Ian! You know what this webcam is a bit technologically old, or rather smartphones have replaced it, but there is this aspect of filming that you showed and it's great - you can show the beauty of nature and that's the most valuable thing we have..
The end result is an mp4 at 50fps so the age of the technology doesn’t really worry me that much. Certainly, the ax53 gives as good a picture as my canon m50 most of the time and to get a zoom on the canon costs a lot of money in lenses.
With phones, to get close, you need a pretty good phone really. That’s expensive as well and tbh, I hate carrying an expensive phone around with me in my pocket. The cheaper phones only give 30fps with little control over exposure. The frame rate is often slightly variable too. The more expensive phones are much better though and are easier to carry around I guess.
I showed the cx405 just because of it’s cheapness. A third of the price of the Canon M50. Not the sharpest camcorder I have (I have 4) but great fir running around with no mic getting quick shots.
I just bought this camera from Best Buy for my You Tube channel 2 weeks ago.I am glad you posted video about this camera.I am retiring in 2 years & I want to document videos & post them for people in work that what to know how I am spending retirement ,because I am 60,now !!!
Welcome to the club. I’m 69.
Great video! Sometimes the UA-cam algorithm takes you to places you looked for deep inside your heart. Really nice video, nice person, a blast to see and hear. Subscribed, coming back for more! Stay healthy, greetings from Germany !
Thank you Phoenix.
Another great video! Thank you.
Thank you Angela.
So I've decided to pull the trigger and buy myself the CX405. I have a Canon T3i and a GoPro Hero 6 but both of them are quite oposite and I want the equivalent of their love child which I think is the Sony CX405. It combines the simplicity and size of the GoPro with some extra settings from the Canon.
Not going to lie, since I was a kid I wanted a videocamera but unfortunately my family couldn't afford it. Now that I have a job I think I will give my child self this gift and enjoy it.
Thank you for this informative review! Also this video is just super relaxing, it makes me want to move to the countryside.
The downside of living here is that there isn’t a single shop!
The cx405 is virtually a point and shoot camcorder. You just need to make sure it doesn’t over expose and blow out highlights. I still enjoy using it because of its simplicity.
I have the pj405 I picked up the other week from cash converters. For something to put in your pocket for walking videos it’s great. Not having a mic input was a plus. Bang for buck can’t knock it. Perfectly useable.
I use the cheaper ones exactly the same way too. Great for quick shots.
Great review.
Am going for this
When you think this is cheaper than a lens for my Canon, you realise what good value it is. Not the sharpest but works well. The picture can be sharpened up in post and it comes up well.
Great video..many thanks…I have the gopro…after watching your video have purchased the 405 great video thank you
Glad it was useful. I really like the ease of use of the cx405.
this video made my entire year. I hope you're doing well sir
Thank you. I’m doing fine thanks!
You made a beautiful video my friend.
Many thanks.
Great demo. Love the UK even if I live in the USA.
im sold. excellent video. thank you
It’s a ‘fun’, easy to use video camera. Leaves you less worried about the technicalities of making videos and more focused on getting a good ‘storyline’ together.
Thank YOU for watching it.
What a lovely video 👍🏽
Thank you James, and thank you for warching it.
Love the nature and animals!
Thanks ezpainting. That’s why I like living in this area. I just wanted to show what people might typically shoot on a camcorder.
Very good cheap camera and nice village, I like Britain… I live in a small town in northern Italy but there are a lot of villages with rice fields around me…
This place is tiny and situated on what are called the ‘North Downs’. A raised area that faces the ‘South Downs’ which is towards the south coast of the UK. It’s a beautiful place that is stuck in time. I feel as though I am living in the 60’s here. Only a church, school and a very old pub. Not a single shop so in the Winter, if it snows we get stuck in here! Not easy to get out.
It's quite incredible for the money, as long as you have a lot of light.
I'd much rather have that camcorder than a GoPro.
Definitely. The Sony is way more stable. My GP9 plays up all of the time.
@@iancraig Interesting! I've had this little camcorder for about two years. Overall, a great camera for the money, especially with the zoom. I've NOT been happy with the stabilization and use a DIY stabilizer made out of PVC pipe. That helps a lot but not perfect. I am looking at the GoPro Hero 10 for the stabilization. Sound like you do not agree and would be interested your expanded opinion. Thanks
The GoPro stabilisation is the best in the business. When I first bought it a year ago or so, on first use out of the box, it locked 4 times in 10 minutes. The camera started recording on its own twice. The picture froze once. The colour made skins look plastic in some lighting conditions. Stabilisation was brilliant though.
As I said, the GoPro played up all of the time. (Not the stabilisation!)
Since then, I haven’t touched the GoPro until this week actually. I installed the recent update and it worked fine!
Personally, I think the GoPro 9 is the worst camera they released. The 10 is really what the 9 should have been. I think it’s more stable.
I don’t know why the Sony stabilisation should be so bad. It has both digital and optical stabilisation and that has worked well for me. Digital stabilisation May not be so good in low light perhaps, but optical should be ok.
Thank you Ian, i just came across your video, I like how you talk to the animals/birds, i do that all the time, you got a good heart! I just got one of these camcorders today, a you tuber guy i reached out to recommended it, telling me they were cheap and tough, he makes all his videos with his, anyway i got a computer too for editing, im trying to "build" a YT channelthanks again for the tutorial on the camcorder.
Thank you for watching it, Len. I have 4 camcorders plus other cameras! It soon gets a grip on you! UA-cam is a very slow, hard slog. I often wonder whether it’s worth the time making them for such low views. This one did well for some reason, but isn’t typical of my videos as far as numbers go.
The cx405 is a great little camera. You might want just a little sharpening in post.
@@iancraig , Ian, UA-cam is all i know, and i heard it takes time, i don't have facebook either, back in 2015 when i got my first smartphone, everybody said FB was old, and all the young people were using Instagram.....
Have a good one thanks for your reply!
@@iancraig hi Ian, sorry to bother you, but you said i might want to be a little sharper in post, i dont understand that phase, what did you mean? Thanks for you time.
In your editor, there is probably a switch that allows you to sharpen the picture. The cx405 lens can look a bit soft on tiny detail, so a little bit of sharpening in post production can help the picture a lot. Just a little trick I sometimes use if the picture has a lot of tiny things in it, like twigs and leaves.
Yes this was a very calming video with great music and Ian's relaxing style/accent and was fun to hear him talking to the sheep, yappy dogs and the curious chipmunks.
I personally enjoy waving at dogs in the back seats of cars at a red light, just to see their ears perk up and the owner wonder why the dog looks so anxious:)
Sure...I've been known to let out quite the energetic "MOOOOOOO" while passing a farm field full of reclining bovines and you need to hear my Canada goose call to believe it!
On the topic of cameras...too bad you can't get that 405 new in 2022 January and I'd like to know whats comparable in price as of now.
Years ago I had a Sony vx3 3 chip dv camera which i bought used for about $2,500 but nowadays i'd rather not spend $1k if I can avoid it.
The zv1 jumped up $200 in price since December and I'm too lazy or unmotivated to learn how to use a dslr Sony a7 or 3 or whatever its number is.
Bought the same camera 2 years ago. It's a nice inexpensive camcorder that has good image stabilization. Thanks for your review. Cheers!
I use mine a lot as well. No fuss. Long battery. Good picture. Good colour. It’s actually a great buy.
@@iancraig right. I wanted to also buy a Sony Ax700, but it's just too expensive. Can't afford it. Hehe
I have the ax53 and also couldn’t afford it.
@@iancraig hahaha. Do you have clips of that camera here?
Virtually every video I make!
ua-cam.com/video/g5npOSgD0Qs/v-deo.html
Thank you so much Ian for the beautiful review made like a movie. Can you tell me how do you connect your mobile phone with this camcorder? Is there any video you have done about it ? Do you use the cables provided in the box to connect it with a mobile phone or have you bought an external USB cable for it ?
You should be a narrator on wildlife programs, as you have a great voice and seem good with wildlife such a shame we don't see enough nature programs on TV
Thanks mate for sharing this video new subscriber to.
Thank you Motour.
I've just started my UA-cam channel, and I use the very camera you reviewed here. As an artist, I use it for recording my paintings en plein air. My current challenge is how to get my little camcorder to shoot better video of the Utah Desert landscape that I paint in so much. Thanks for what tips you shared here.
With landscapes, I often underexpose by half to one stop so that highlights don’t get blown out. In post, a little sharpening and saturation added. I might also use a polarised filter to saturate colours on the sun and bring out the sky when it’s bright and sunny or a graduated grey filter when overcast.
ha - that's exactly why I'm here - looking for a cheap camera for outdoor painting trips - will checkout your channel.
Great quality image and a nice zoom range, this or similar would make a great beginners camcorder and a great alternative to a Gopro, shame it's not available anymore. Great video review Ian.
Best wishes stay safe
Jon
Thanks Jon. For the cost, it was such great value. Just got my hands on a Sony ZV-1. Now that would make an interesting comparison!
There still might be a few cx450’s around. They’re very good as well and have a mic input for a lav. No coldshoe though so can’t use a shotgun with it. For that and keeping lightweight, I use the cx625 and that one is still around.
Doing a tourist board video next week, and will use the AX53 but tempted to try out ZV1 alongside it!
Actually, comparing to the AX53, the bigger camera shows better depth of colour from the start and is actually sharper in general. I’m hoping the ZV-1 matches with the AX53 at a minimum! Mind you, I was lucky with the AX53. I saw Comets selling them off really cheap so bought it on the spot a little while back.
The ZV-1 though is a completely different market so that will be an interesting comparison.
Great. It is a useful camcorder because it’s so light and has the audio input. Normally, I use it with a lavalier although I guess there’s nothing to stop you using an ‘L’ bracket in order to attach a shothpgun mic. It’s almost as light as an action cam but you gain a massive zoom lens!
The 405 doesn’t have a mic input. The next one up, the 450 does! Having said that, I did this video on the internal mic. If I want to have better sound and keep the 405 working because it’s compact and light, I either use a separate recorder or a Tascam mini recorder for lavs and sync it later. I leave the Tascam running so I have one long soundtrack and clap or snap my fingers when I’m about to film.
Otherwise, I use a bigger setup or even a setup with an xlr mic which also has a separate preamp for sound, but that’s a lot bigger.
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Oh that’s a pity. The 450 is a handy little camera too. Not sure why they stopped selling them tbh. Fantastic with a lavalier too. The quality with all of these cam orders os pretty consistent. It improves quite a bit with the ax53 but that’s quite a bit more and even nicer is the ZV-1 but that’s getting quite high in price.
The little cams are cheap and lightweight, making them great for moving around.
THIS IS SO ADORABLE
Thank you. Really appreciated.
Excellent video, I appreciate the info, very informative, what would you recommend for charging extra batteries while filming?
Thanks Steve. It’s not the ultimate in sharpness, but it can take nice videos. With regards to extra charging, the batteries are very small and it’s easier to keep a few in your pocket rather than a power unit. Being a camcorder, battery life is quite good so a few extras in your pocket will easily see you through a lot of videoing.
Man if this thing had a mic input and shoe mount. I'd be sold. The built in mic is okay I've heard. I think I'll mostly use it for vlogging and b-roll footage.
It’s a cheapo though. The sound is ok and can be massaged in post. Great for quick vlogs though…..
Thank you very much. The video helped me a lot. I loved it, I liked the camera, and I also liked that you put the translation in Arabic.💗💗💗
I’m glad that it was useful. It’s quite an old video now.
Great review! Thnaks!
Thank you for watching.
I know it has everything to do with the sensor size (minuscule 1/5.8in or 3.1mm), but it is very interesting how well the built-in stabilization works when walking. Not wanting to sound like Captain Obvious, but I think if someone can't make interesting content with this low-resolution camera, it doesn't matter if they buy the latest and greatest equipment. Thanks for posting
I think making at least a half decent video is most of the battle tbh.
They’re a really cheap way of getting into making videos and learning how to actually put a video together. That’s what I think the real value of these cameras is. You really don’t have to worry about technical stuff like exposure so you can concentrate more on structure which is a good thing in video. You can even get blurry backgrounds!
A great alternative to the GoPro if your main usage is general videoing.
Hi Mr. Craig,
Just wanted to say THANKS for your impressive, informative and entertaining content.
Am purchasing an old CX440 and CX405 tomorrow 10/24/2022 and your videos have really motivated me to transition from my NIKON DSLR Cameras.
In America Camcorders are considered archaic and "not cool" instead, people always prefer Smartphones, Go Pro, Dashcam. The huge Dinosaur DSLR have long being antiquated and only used by wedding photographers.
Thanks again Ian.
Greetings from USA 🇺🇸
Malik Martin.
I just subscribed to your channel. Best Regards
Martin, if you are USA, these camcorders don't do 30 or 60 FPS. They work in 25 or 50 only.
@@iancraig
According to the US reviews and the one am looking at they are spec'd at 60FPS. I Believe SONY has a huge presence in USA and the American products are of higher superior quality than the rest of the world. Thanks again
Ah …. Ok Malik. Just wanted to make sure that you had checked because we are stuck with 25 and 50 over here!
Great review! I have this camera too and it works very well. Although mine can do 60 frames per second, not sure if they changed that option
In the UK, we the PAL system so we work at 25 or 50FPS to match our tv systems better. Also, the power is at 50Hz so using 50FPS stops flicker with lights.
What a magical video
Thank you Cleo.
Just brought mine today ☺️
Just in the process of editing a video on camcorder settings! The CX405 really is a 'handycam'.
Great review sir
Thank you Manju.
Think that you have convinced me. Sony HandyCam it is for me. Will be my 1st ever camcorder. PS. another great vid. 👍
Thank you.
Great Videos on the CX range could you do a short video on settings for a dummy
Thanks Gordon. That’s a great idea. I start planning a video on settings!
It’s vastly different from Australia. Looking at the pond my first thoughts were of snakes and mosquitoes, then I realised they wouldn’t exist there. This is the best review I’ve seen. Thank you. I just bought a used one on EBay rather than a cheap new one & it seems I’ve landed a beauty. They’re still available new for $AUD500+ . On a tripod it should fine for filming football for the local club. Thanks again!
Great for football with the huge zoom on it. Yes, in the UK, the only thing we fear the most is the neighbour. A very ferocious breed.
@@iancraig Good fences make good neighbours. We’ve been very lucky.
Hi Ian
I must first say that I very much appreciate your videos! They are very informative and I really like you as a person because you can feel through the screen that you're a sweet and genuine man! I'm consider buying it because I want a cheap camera that I can work with and then maybe later upgrade to something bigger, but I've a question: Is there a way where the sky isn't like "white and real bright" in the background (due to, I think, focusing on something else than the sky)?
Hope you can help!
Thank you Laverken. In the UK, we often get white skies. We are often covered in by cloud cover! So that is actually what the camera saw in many cases.
If there is actually cloud texture in the sky, I often use a graduated filter to bring it out.
However, there is another issue going on. That is called dynamic range. In the UK, the sky can be white and bright, while the land is dark because it's not actually that well lit up. That also gives that horrible white sky look.
Most cameras will give that unless you go to something that has a choice of 'profile' in order to increase dynamic range by limiting the black tones and white tones so that you can stretch them out to what you want in post. Trouble is, those cameras are expensive.
When we have those white skies, I leave it as it is or stick a filter on, but white stays white even with a filter if it is.
Just recently, I posted a video about the Osmo Pocket 2. I took it with mist and fog about. There's not a lot you can do about the white sky!
I took a look at my video and there are clouds up there but the sky is white when I'm in front of a dark background. Either I raised the exposure in post so I wasn't too dark or else the contrast range was just too bright for the camera.
@@iancraig Okay thanks! I think I'll buy this camera s a starter camera, but again thanks for the detailed and very fast answer! Continue with what you're doing! Bye from Denmark
Nice Shirt Mate👍🏻
this is a great review.
Thanks for watching Johnny.
Great review. I own one of these and never use it. That changes today. England is certainly a beautiful country with wonderful people. I am in Los Angeles. Not so wonderful. Lol . Thank you sir.
Thanks Alan. The more cameras I own, the more important I think the putting together of a video is. It’s not the camera but how it’s used to portray something. I find more often these days, that I just want to return to one of my camcorders because they do the job so quickly and efficiently. Of course, if I want a strong bokeh, then I would use the Canon camera that I have but I always end up going back to a camcorder for a lot of things.
There are too many videos on UA-cam about fancy cameras that have capabilities way above what most people really need. Sure, they are dead sharp and offer strong bokeh effects with the right lens, but ultimately, we are all telling a story and if the audience starts to pick out picture quality, then I reckon the video must be pretty boring.
If I need quick ‘b roll’ or vloggy type shots where audio isn’t a main focus, then the cx405 is light, quick to use with reasonable picture and audio. Fits in a pocket and gets the shot in seconds.
So for that, it’s a great little camera.
Los Angeles has a different story to tell in comparison to Crockham Hill, that’s all. Wonderful orchestra and quite a history with landmarks that foreigners would find fascinating. There’s a lot going on in Los Angeles! ..... like, why is it called ‘The Angels’?
I bought it because it's got clean hdmi out for livestreaming. And it works with a usb powerbank or brick. Great zoom too
That’s good to know. I’ve never used one for live-streaming.
Great video & no horrible (Bokeh) keep the good work up
You know, this is the review that's convinced m to get this camera, and to subscribe! Sony indeed, does still make this camera, it's still listed on their website as the cheapest camcorder. I'm blown away with the zoom on that camera, I've been getting into electronic repair (or at least filming it, I've been repairing things for years) and I'm tired of not having access to my phone when I'm recording, if someone calls me, my recording stops and I have to edit yet another clip into the video, id rather have a decent, standalone camera for my videos, and sure I could pay more for a 4k version, but I don't need it to be 4k, if I need 4k then ill use my iPhone for that scenario.
Thanks for subscribing, Hunter. I guess with cheap camcorders, many overlook them. As far as 4k goes, the differences imo aren’t as huge as many describe between 1080 and 4k really. If your video is that boring so that people are trying to work it out, then I guess the video needs improving in content! I find with the cx405 that a little sharpening in post makes it go really crisp to; especially if you’re videoing small bits, that really might bring everything up.
@@iancraig agreed, thanks for the info 😊
Hi Ian, have enjoyed your vids on the CX405 and other topics. I've been using a CX405 for a few years now and completely agree with you about its ease of use and its secret power (optical zoom). My two tips are to put a couple of little stick-on lavalier furry windshields on each of the mics. The wind noise without them makes the audio almost unusable, with anything more than the most gentle of breezes. With the little lavalier windshields the audio is magnitudes better! Other thing I do is to use a small powerbank with a usb extension cable. I velcro it to my tripod or just leave it in my pocket. That little village btw is just so quintessential England! Where is it? Surrey/Kent maybe?
Hi. Yes, great ideas.
I’m in a village called Crockham Hill, which is right on the border between Kent and Surrey. On the path where those old Canterbury monks walked and apparently, stopped in our pub which was then an inn. I’m surrounded by farms which is fantastic, but there isn’t a single shop here, so if we get snow, it’s freezer time!
@@iancraig ah ha, my wife's parents were in Smallfieid. I'm a Kiwi in NZ, but for some reason figured it was close by. Lovely part of the world. :) Do try the furry windshields, they really work well for this camera.
Actually, I use do use fluffies on them normally if it's windy! I love it here except for no shops. Smallfield isn’t far from me.
What I like most about this video is that it keeps filming naturel. I cannot tolerate all those fancy, artificial visual effects - and btw you hardly see them on commercial films, only on short TV-ads, intended to last 15 seconds. Nor can I stand all that noisy music that obliterates what the message really is. I agree that talking heads tend to be boring but the very opposite is so nerve wrecking that my patience does not last 10 seconds. Thanks for making a video that looks like a video and explains the key points!
Thank you. Tbh, I’m happiest making videos like these than doing reviews.
I have this camcorder and I love it
It’s a great little camera!