Quick summary
- The CX405 comes with a built-in stereo microphone, while the CX240 only has a mono microphone.
- The CX240 has a battery life of up to 130 minutes, while the CX405 has a battery life of up to 120 minutes.
- Both the CX240 and CX405 are compact and lightweight, with the CX240 being slightly lighter at 215 grams compared to the CX405’s 220 grams.
The world of videography is constantly evolving, with new cameras and technologies emerging all the time. For those seeking a compact and versatile camcorder, Sony offers two compelling options: the HDR CX240 and the CX405. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between these two models to help you make an informed decision.
Image Quality
Resolution: The CX405 boasts a higher resolution of 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) compared to the CX240’s 1280 x 720 (HD). This means that videos captured with the CX405 will have finer details and a sharper overall image.
Sensor: Both camcorders use a 1/5.8-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor. However, the CX405 features a back-illuminated sensor, which improves sensitivity in low-light conditions.
Lens: The CX240 has a 26.8mm wide-angle lens, while the CX405 has a 26.4mm wide-angle lens. Both lenses offer optical image stabilization to minimize camera shake.
Audio Quality
Microphone: The CX405 comes with a built-in stereo microphone, while the CX240 only has a mono microphone. This gives the CX405 an advantage in capturing clear and immersive audio.
External Microphone Input: Both camcorders have a 3.5mm external microphone input, allowing you to connect an external microphone for enhanced audio quality.
Features
LCD Screen: The CX240 has a 2.7-inch LCD screen, while the CX405 has a larger 3-inch LCD screen. Both screens are touch-sensitive and allow for easy menu navigation.
Built-In Memory: The CX240 has 8GB of built-in memory, while the CX405 has 16GB. This built-in memory can be used to store videos and photos.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: The CX405 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to transfer videos and photos wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet. The CX240 does not have Wi-Fi capabilities.
Battery Life
The CX240 has a battery life of up to 130 minutes, while the CX405 has a battery life of up to 120 minutes. Both camcorders can be charged via a USB cable.
Portability
Both the CX240 and CX405 are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry around. The CX240 weighs approximately 215 grams, while the CX405 weighs approximately 220 grams.
Price
The Sony HDR CX240 is typically priced around $200, while the Sony HDR CX405 is typically priced around $300. The CX405 offers more features and better image quality, but it comes at a higher cost.
Final Verdict
Both the Sony HDR CX240 and CX405 are excellent camcorders for casual videographers. However, the CX405 offers superior image quality, better audio capabilities, and more features. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the CX240 is a solid choice. But if you’re willing to spend a bit more, the CX405 is the better investment.
Common Questions and Answers
1. Which camcorder has better low-light performance?
The Sony HDR CX405 has better low-light performance due to its back-illuminated sensor.
2. Can I use an external microphone with both camcorders?
Yes, both the CX240 and CX405 have a 3.5mm external microphone input.
3. Which camcorder has a longer battery life?
The Sony HDR CX240 has a longer battery life of up to 130 minutes compared to the CX405’s 120 minutes.
4. Can I transfer videos wirelessly to my smartphone?
Yes, the Sony HDR CX405 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to transfer videos wirelessly to your smartphone.
5. Which camcorder is more portable?
Both the CX240 and CX405 are compact and lightweight, with the CX240 being slightly lighter at 215 grams compared to the CX405’s 220 grams.