Review on 📹 Sony HDR-PJ790V Handycam Camcorder with 3.0-Inch LCD - High Definition (Black) - Discontinued by Manufacturer: A Detailed Review and Buying Guide by Eric Glup

Like many others, I read every single pro and con review I could find before deciding on the Sony Handycam HDR-PJ790V camcorder. After about two weeks of careful research, I decided to spend double my budget to get this monster video camera. It replaced my Canon Vixia HF-10. I know there are better models out there for the video enthusiast, but this thing has everything I need and more. The stability of this camcorder is unreal when using Balanced Optimized Steady Shot (BOSS). I tested it many times and only that convinced me. If you focus on something and then move your hand in any direction, your replay will show none of it. Of course there are limitations, but the goal is that you get very stable playback at full optical zoom, I haven't seen anything like this on previous camcorders. Once I settled on Sony, it sat between that model and the PJ-810, which omits Nightshot and uses 32GB of internal storage. I miss Nightshot since my old miniDV camcorder. You can't ignore the 96GB of onboard storage along with a 64GB SDXC memory card, I literally never have to offload a video. This is especially true when using an external hard drive. I also bought an extra cable (VMCUAM2 USB adapter cable) and a 2TB WD Passport external hard drive so I just dump everything on it when needed and wipe the internal storage and I can work for days. This process requires the camcorder to be connected to the network, but is much easier than switching to a PC/laptop and back again every other day. My favorite accessory is the Shooting Grip (Sony GPAVT1 Shooting Grip with Mini Tripod). It is very easy to balance and you can control zoom, start/stop and photos with the thumb of one hand. It even folds out onto a tripod with an adjustable angle. To operate the shooter grip, you need a Sony VMCAVM1 AV/R adapter cable. I also bought an optional Wi-Fi module (WLS ADPT for Multi-IF) and it worked right away. I took the largest battery available, the NP-FV100. I mentioned accessories because they played a big part in my decision to purchase this camcorder. The projector works great and is said to give a very sharp display at 100 inches or less. The lumens that this model offers work great in a dimly lit room and obviously do a lot better in a darker environment. This feature was the most fun for the family. Enthusiast or not, I don't see anyone disappointed with this camcorder. Pros: - 96GB internal storage - 64GB external SDXC capacity - BOSS (Balanced Optimized Steady Shot) - Projector (35 lumens but works fine) - Mini HDMI projector input - Manual focus adjustment - Excellent 1080p/60p video quality - Night Shooting Cons: - EVF harder to use with larger battery, touchscreen harder to use in the corners of the LCD viewfinder