Sony Handycam HDR-PJ10 photos and image samples

The video quality of the Sony Handycam HDR-PJ10 camcorder doesn't stand out, but you won't really notice it if you view video using the projector.

Lori Grunin

I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.

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Lori Grunin

Oct. 3, 2011 9:48 a.m. PT

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Compact despite projector

The PJ10 has the same basic design as its siblings, the CX130 and CX160; the door is just a little thicker to accommodate the projector and stereo speakers. There's also a slider on top that allows you to adjust the projector's focus.

Back to the Sony Handycam HDR-PJ10 review.

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Projector

The projector operation is pretty basic. You toggle it on and off via a button on the inside of the camcorder, and navigate via the zoom rocker and photo button.

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Stereo speakers

Even if you don't plan to use the projector, the stereo speakers are great for when you're hooked up to a TV via HDMI, since HDMI doesn't carry audio.

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Basic controls

Here you can see the slider atop the LCD, used to focus the projector. As for the rest of the camcorder's controls, you've got the typical zoom rocker, photo button, and mode button (still/video).

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Sharpness

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This frame grab shows the PJ10 at its best--in good light, zoomed in, without a lot of high-frequency movement.

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Low-light video quality

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The PJ10's low-light video quality is passable; smeary and noisy, but with good color saturation and decent detail. If you plan to view your videos only through the projector, on whatever surface is available, you won't notice these problems, however.