The budget-friendly Sony HDR-CX260V High Definition Handycam Camcorder (Black) shoots Full HD 1920 x 1080/60p video and can capture 8.9 megapixel still images as well. It features 16GB of embedded flash memory, which provides up to five hours of recording. The camcorder is equipped with a back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor that's ideal for low-light situations. Plus, it features a wide angle Sony G lens that supports 30x optical zoom and 55x extended zoom. There's also a 3.0" touch screen Clear Photo LCD display for easy recording and instant playback.

The HDR-CX260V comes outfitted with several video enhancing features. It has Face Detection with voice enhancement and noise reduction. The Tracking Focus function follows selected subjects as you record and the Geotagging with built-in GPS receiver and NAVTEQ maps is great for travelers. There's also a microphone and headphone jack for connecting alternate mics and monitoring equipment. The camcorder even supports Golf Shot for analyzing video frame by frame and Intelligent Auto, which supports 120 different scene combinations. It has Sony's Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode as well.

Sony added a few playback and connection conveniences as well. The HDR-CX260V features Event Browse, which groups video and stills by each particular recording session automatically. It also has a Highlight Playback function that creates movies with transitions and soundtracks. Plus, with the HDR-CX260V, you can use the Direct Copy feature to transfer your HD footage directly to a hard drive without even using a PC. However, if you do want to upload videos onto Facebook and YouTube, the camcorder comes with a built-in USB cable, as well as editing and application software.

Full HD 1920 x 1080 / 60p Recording & 8.9 Megapixel Still Image Capture

The HDR-CX260V offers 1920 x 1080 high definition resolution letting you record your adventures and memories in exceptional Full HD quality. The camcorder is capable of 60p recording and 60p playback via HDMI. You can use the camera's HDMI output to view your footage on a compatible HDTV in stunning clarity with incredible detail and smooth playback. You can also use the camcorder to capture 8.9 megapixel still images

Embedded 16GB Flash Memory & Memory Card Slot

There's 16GB of embedded flash memory, which can support up to five hours of recording using the HD LP mode. Plus, if you want more storage, there's also a memory card slot that supports SD / SDHC / SDXC (class 4 or higher) memory cards, as well as Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark 2) and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo cards

Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization with Active Mode

Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode compensates for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver stunningly smooth video from wide angle to full telephoto shooting. In addition, innovative 3-Way Shake-Canceling adds electronic roll stability for even smoother video capture

30x Optical Zoom & 55x Extended Zoom

The camera's 55x extended zoom works in conjunction with 30x optical zoom to get you even closer to the action while maintaining a fair distance and high definition image quality

Back-Illuminated Exmor R CMOS Sensor for Superb Low-Light Video

Experience stunning low-light sensitivity with improved image clarity and drastically reduced grain with Sony's back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor. Designed for compact cameras and camcorders, the Exmor R CMOS sensor relocates the photo diodes above the support circuitry, maximizing the light gathering area per pixel, so you can shoot with better results in lower lighting conditions

Wide Angle G Lens to Capture More of What You Want

Experience the pinnacle of Sony lens technology with the professional-quality G Lens. Engineered for superior optical performance, Sony G lenses deliver brilliant, accurate color reproduction and sharp, amazingly detailed images. In addition, the focal length in Photo and Video Modes offers a broader perspective for enhanced wide angle shooting

Clear Photo 3.0" Touch Screen LCD Display (230K)

The 3.0" Clear Photo LCD touch screen panel displays sharp, bright and vivid images that let you compose a shot more easily - even outdoors. It also enables you to change settings to best represent the scene

Built-In USB Cable for Easy File Transfers & Charging

The high-speed, built-in USB 2.0 cable allows for easy connection to your computer for charging or file transfer without having to remember any separate cables. It also fits conveniently into the hand strap so it's out of the way until you need it. Plus, charging your camcorder is faster than ever; for every two minutes of charge time you get one minute of recording time

Intelligent Auto with 120 Different Scene Combinations Possible

Intelligent Auto mode goes a step beyond traditional auto modes by analyzing your shot and then automatically selecting the appropriate settings from ten distinct scene modes and wind noise reduction. There are 120 different combinations possible. The ten scene modes include Landscape, Backlight, Twilight, Spotlight, Low light, Macro, Portrait, Baby, Walk, Tripod and Wind Noise Reduction. The camcorder utilizes an advanced sound processor and sophisticated noise reduction algorithms to reduce wind noise by up to 10dB compared to other models. In addition to reducing low frequency noise, iAuto also suppresses mid- and upper-frequency noise, resulting in clearer, more enjoyable sound

Clear Voice with Face Detection

When the camcorder's Face Detection technology identifies people in a scene, an Advanced Acoustic Processor automatically reduces background noise, resulting in recorded voices with outstanding clarity and intelligibility

Tracking Focus Follows Selected Subjects

Tracking Focus works as an extension of Face Detection to allow you to select an object with a touch of the LCD panel and have the focus follow the selected object, even if it leaves the frame and returns

Expanded Recording / Monitoring with Mic

The camera features dedicated mic and headphone inputs for expanded audio recording options and convenient monitoring of audio with headphones (external microphones and headphones sold separately)

Event Browse for Grouping Photos & Videos Automatically

Event Browse conveniently groups your images and videos together for easier viewing. The date range that Event Browse groups your pictures and videos is easily adjusted to suit your needs. Plus, when used with the Highlight Playback feature, making and sharing a highlight reel from your event is easy and fun

Highlight Playback Creates Movies with Transitions for You

Highlight Playback identifies and compiles key scenes into a short, entertaining movie complete with music and transitions. You can even pin-point the exact scene you want to include in the highlight reel

Wind Noise Reduction for Clear Voice Recording

Wind Reduction reduces noise and interference that is produced when wind passes over the microphone, giving you a clearer and more enjoyable sound experience

Geotagging with Built-In GPS Receiver & NAVTEQ Maps

A built-in GPS receiver makes the HDR-CX260V an ideal choice for travelers. The receiver gives you the ability to view your current location on the LCD map display, as well as "tag" your shooting locations. Tagged videos and still images can be reviewed and played back using the Map Index function on the camcorder or once downloaded to your PC using the supplied PlayMemories Home software. Additionally, the receiver automatically adjusts your camcorder's clock to the proper time zone

Direct Copy to External HDD without a PC

Store your home movies by copying videos from your camcorder directly to an external hard disk drive (sold separately), all without a computer. Your camcorder can also access videos stored on the external hard drive for playback on your HDTV, allowing you to utilize the camcorder's handy playback features

Golf Shot

Building on the slow-motion capture capabilities of Smooth Slow Record, Golf Shot captures a few seconds of motion as a sequence of up to 22 still images, which can be viewed/printed individually or as a composite "sequence shot" image, perfect for analyzing the nuances of a golf swing, tennis serve or other fast action