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Sony's gaggle of camcorders (pictures)

HDMI pass-through, so that you can use the projector with other devices, is the highlight for many of the models.

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.
Lori Grunin
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Handycam HDR-CX430V

Priced at $700, this model is the cheapest one that gains the balanced optical SteadyShot system.
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Some get smaller

The models in the middle of the price range -- the x380 versions -- have shrunk by about 20 percent.
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HDR-PJ430

The $850 PJ430 is the base model that offers HDMI pass-through for using the camcorder as a pico projector.
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PJ380

The $450 PJ380's projector.
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HDMI pass-through

The higher-end models have a second Micro-HDMI port for video input so that you can use the camcorder as a standalone pico projector.
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New accessory shoe

Sony's moving toward a universal accessory shoe, dubbed "ni."
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PJ790

The $1,500 PJ790 kitted out with the Wi-Fi accessory. This model uses the new audio system.
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PJ790

Top view of the camcorder.
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EVF

The PJ790 and PJ650 have electronic viewfinders.
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Inside view of the PJ790

This model has Nightshot infrared mode, which had largely disappeared from the Sony camcorders.
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Manual controls

The PJ790 has the company's veteran manual control dial.
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Optional microphone

Sony's new add-on mic.
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Optional mic

It has pretty simple options.
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LED light

The company also announced an accessory light.
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Add-on light

The control-switch options.

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