Sony HDR-PJ540 32GB Full HD Handycam Camcorder with Built-in Projector, 30x Optical Zoom, Balanced Optical SteadyShot, 26.8mm Wide-Angle G Zoom Lens

SKU: SOHDRPJ540B

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Questions & Answers

Shopper : if we connect to the computer, can we use the camcorder as a projector to show computer photos?
Shopper : is the hdmi output operational when the camera is recording? I downloaded the manual and can not confirm this.ANDREW R : Unfortunately Sony does not specify in the available materials.

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2015-06-15T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Camera

I love this thing. Makes filming easy and enjoyable. The image quality cannot be beat for the price.

BAKON

2015-03-26T20:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

don't like the software

software sucks

bench

2015-03-08T20:00:00

Rated 1 out of 5

Stopped working after ~10 hours of use; poor warty

I bought this in September 2014 to capture videos of family events. I've only used it for about 10 hours of filming. It stopped working with an error that seems to be common according to message board posts; it can no longer correctly focus. I've contacted Sony's warranty servicer four times and they haven't responded. Bad product, bad service.

sonywitz

2015-02-20T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Best Camcorder We Had!!

I am really bad at reviewing products but will give it a shot. This is our 6th Sony Camera. We take a yearly vacation, and weekend trips in the summer in Colorado, and I use Youtube. The Sony quality and performance, is the best we have found. Usable features are at a premium in this camera, and the Balanced Optical Steady Shot is why I purchased! The Steady Shot, is great but BOSS takes it too the next level. WiFI not needed, but we do use it! Memories Home Mobile actually is a useable app for our cell phone. We had a Sony HDR-PJ260V for 3 years, and I enjoyed it, but this Camcorder is worth the change. I am amazed how many people trust there Vacations to there cell phones, a cell can not shoot video, like this! Check out the videos we have shot at Garry Martin on youtube! ENJOY! USE your Camcorders!

Higrader

2014-12-31T19:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

Would buy in a heartbeat if....

If they could just put a viewfinder on this 30x zoom camera, they would have the perfect camcorder.....

HorseMoney

2014-09-25T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Exactly what we needed!

We work in Law Enforcement and needed a camcorder to record scenes without sound. This is so easy to mute for those times. We also record training programs, and this camcorder makes it easy to make copies for our members. If it works this well for such high profile reasons, I would get one for personal use.

guest82

2014-09-25T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

love it

great video easy to use definitely recommend it.

GOBLUE

2014-09-25T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Excellent for Poor Vision

The 30x optical zoom means I can still watch birds despite declining eyesight. If I record, then later I can copy to a computer to view birds in magnificent detail. Highly recommend for people in my predicament. Only drawback for bird watching is the slow start up time. Birds move so fast that if the camcorder has turned off, I miss the next bird that flies in. I'd buy this camcorder again, regardless. USB charging is very handy. Camcorder is lightweight and easy to handle.

oldbirdwatcher

2014-05-07T20:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

Good, but.....

We are huge Sony fans, but this camcorder tests our loyalty. We use several Handicams to shoot b-roll footage and to keep at hand for when something interesting occurs during our travels. We make frequent use of Sony's pistol grip/triods with controls and well as Sony pan arms adapted to our Sachtler and Miller tripods for our Z5U cameras. Since these camcorders get hard use in the field, they occasionally get destroyed, hence the purchase of the PJ540. We primarily bought the PJ540 is because it was the lowest price Sony with specs we needed and had threads for mounting filters (now 46mm rather than 37mm) and shades and covers. The picture quality is excellent for such a small sensor. The zoom control has a great, smooth feel and the variable zoom linear speed is pro quality. One thing that is fun is to point the camera at your face and watch the lens track you as you move the camera body side to side and up and down. (Shades of HAL 9000) Optical stabilization hard at work. The stabilization system can be tricked by moving water (river, inlet,etc) and the lens will begin to drift, so beware and watch what's happening on the display. The images look great and the projector feature is a nice novelty. This model has a lighter, cheaper, plastic feel to it more so than our other Sony handicams. Also, note the manual is woefully inadequate. Perhaps Sony will publish a real manual in the near future. -We usually use audio captured by handheld or lavalier mics, but one of our editors happened to listen to the audio from a person about three feet distant into the PJ540's mic and was impressed. Not nearly as bad as other camcorders we've owned. -The stabilization is strong. Once locked onto a particular target, it stays locked. We use a matte box on the the PJ540, but when the lens swivels to its left or right limits, we get slight vignetting at 11, 2, 5 and 7 o'clock positions. -The 1/4"-20 mounting hole isn't deep enough for the 1/4"-20 bolts on any of our tripod mounting plates. -Sony now has chat support for this product on their overall support page, but can't help with down in the weeds tech problems.

Channel70Productions

2014-03-21T20:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

great sound and pic quality

I bought this at best buy at the suggestion of the sony direct rep that was there. I liked the image stabilization lens that moves as you move the camera. I specifically questioned about the view screen because I was concerned that it wouldn't be good in strong sun. I was assured that it would be perfect in the sun. He was wrong, you can't see anything on a sunny day which renders this camera useless in strong sun. I'm very unhappy about that.

kelro04

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Sony HDR-PJ540 Specifications

  • Imaging Sensor

    1/5.8" (4.6mm) back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS Sensor

  • Processor

    BIONZ X image processor

  • Pixel Gross

    Approx.2510K pixels

  • Effective Picture Resolution

    Approx.2290K pixels(16:9)/Approx.1710K pixels(4:3)

  • Color Filter System

    RGB primary color filters

  • Media Type

    Internal Memory, Memory Stick Micro and Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC compatible

  • Still Image Max Effective Resolution

    9.2 megapixels (JPEG)

  • Still Image Size 16:9

    Movie Mode: 9.2 megapixels 16:9 (4032x2272); Photo Mode: 9.2 megapixels 16:9 (4032x2272)

  • Still Image Size 4:3

    Photo Mode: 6.9megapixels 4:3(3024x2272)

  • Video Mode

    HD: MPEG4-AVC/H.264 AVCHD 2.0 format compatible; STD: MPEG2-PS; MP4: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264

  • Video Resolution

    HD:1920x1080/60p(PS),24p(FX,FH),60i(FX,FH), 1440x1080/60i(HQ,LP)

  • Video Actual (Pixel)

    Approx.2290K pixels(16:9)

  • Video Signal

    HDTV, NTSC color, EIA standards

  • Recording and Playback Times (2ch)

    (in Internal Media): HD PS: 2h30m; HD FX: 2h35m; HD FH: 3h25m; HD HQ: 5h25m; HD LP: 7h55m; (Times are approximate; max time)

  • Photo Capture from Movie

    2.1megapixels16:9 (1920x1080)

  • Dual Record

    Yes

  • Audio Format

    Dolby Digital 5.1ch, Dolby Digital 5.1Creator; Dolby Digital 2ch Stereo, Dolby Digital Stereo Creator;MPEG-4 AAC-LC 2ch

  • Microphone/Speaker

    Built-in Zoom Microphone; Monaural Speaker

  • Dual Video Recording

    Yes

  • Internal Media

    Flash Memory 32GB

  • Mic Level Control

    Yes (31steps)

  • Movie Recording Rate(Avg. Bit Rate/VBR)

    HD PS:Approx.28Mbps/FX:Approx.24Mbps/FH:Approx.17Mbps/HQ:Approx.9Mbps/LP:Approx.5Mbps
    MP4: Approx.3Mbps

  • Recording and Playback Times (5.1ch)

    (in Internal Media): HD PS: 2h35m; HD FX: 2h40m; HD FH: 3h30m; HD HQ: 5h30m; HD LP: 8h0m; (Times are approximate; max time)

  • Still Image File Format

    DCF Ver.2.0 compatible, Exif Ver.2.3 compatible, MPF Baseline compatible

  • Wind Noise Reduction

    Yes (On/off)

  • Lens Type

    G Lens

  • Lens Stabilization

    Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization w/ Active mode (Wide to Tele)

  • Aperture

    F1.8-F4.0

  • Optical Zoom

    30x

  • Digital Zoom

    350x

  • Focal Length (35mm equivalent)

    Movie Mode: 26.8-804.0mm (16:9); Photo Mode: 26.8-804.0mm (16:9), 32.8-984.0mm (4:3)

  • Minimum Focus Distance

    Approx.1cm(Wide),Approx.80cm(Tele) (13/32inch-31 1/2inch)

  • Clear Image Zoom

    60x

  • LCD Type

    3.0" Clear Photo Plus LCD display (460K) touch screen

  • Angle Adjustment

    Opening Angle: max.90 deg., Turning Angle: max.270 deg.

  • Brightness Control

    Yes (Menu)

  • Coverage

    100%

  • Projector

    Lumen: 25

  • Grid Display

    Grid Line

  • Focus System

    Contrast AF

  • AF Modes

    Auto / Manual (Touch Panel / Dial)

  • Focus Area

    Full range Focus / Spot Focus

  • Focus Features

    Tracking Focus

  • Metering Modes

    Multi-segment / Spot

  • Exposure Compensation

    AE Shift (Touch Panel)

  • Exposure Settings

    Auto; Flexible Spot (Touch Panel)

  • Scene Mode(s)

    Auto / Twilight / Twilight Portrait (Photo Mode only) / Sunrise Sunset / Fireworks / Landscape / Portrait / Spotlight / Beach / Snow

  • D-Range Optimizer

    Yes

  • Noise Reduction

    Yes

  • White Balance Mode

    Auto/Onepush/Outdoor/Indoor

  • Minimum Illumination

    Standard: 6 lux (1/30 Shutter Speed); Low Lux: 3 lux (1/30 Shutter Speed)

  • Auto Iris Control

    F1.8 - F10

  • Backlight Compensation

    Yes (Auto)

  • Gain Control

    Auto

  • LOW LUX Mode

    Yes

  • Drive Mode

    Photo Mode: Single-shot / Self-timer

  • Self-timer

    Approx. 10sec. (Still Image / Golf Shot)

  • Shutter Speeds

    Shutter Speed(Standard): 1/60 - 1/10000; Shutter Speed (Auto Control Range) 1/8 - 1/10000; Shutter Speed(Manual lris Control) 1/60 - 1/10000; Shutter Speed(Manual Shutter) 1/8 - 1/10000; Shutter Speed(Smooth Slow Rec): 1/250 - 1/10000

  • Manual / Auto Lens Cover

    Auto

  • S/S Zoom button on LCD

    Yes (Touch Panel)

  • Self Timer

    Yes

  • Red-Eye Reduction

    Yes (On/Off)

  • Fader Effect(s)

    White / Black

  • Date / Time Stamp

    Yes (Rec Date and Time, Camera info)

  • Erase/Protect

    Yes / Yes

  • Media/Battery Indicator

    Yes (recordable time, free and used media space) / Yes (recordable time, remaining capacity)

  • Power Save Mode

    Yes

  • Still Image Playback Options

    Slide Show

  • Video Playback Options

    Highlight Playback (HD Movie Only); Highlight Playback Save and Share (Translate into STD quality); Highlight Scenario (Save/Playback/Erase); Highlight BGM (Preinstalled 4 music files, Music transfer)

  • Built-in USB Cable

    Yes (USB Charge Available)

  • Multiple Language Display

    English; Brazilian Portuguese; Canadian French; Spanish

  • Picture Effects

    Yes

  • Self Recording

    Yes

  • Audio Level Display

    Yes

  • CinemaTone Gamma/Color

    Yes

  • Face Detection

    Yes

  • Image Stabilization

    v

  • Intelligent Auto

    Portrait / Baby / Walk / Tripod / Backlight / Landscape / Spotlight / Twilight / Macro / Low light / Auto Wind Noise Reduction

  • S-Master

    Yes

  • Smile Shutter technology

    Dual Capture / Always On / Off

  • Wi-Fi

    Built-In (Wi-Fi Compatible, IEEE 802.11b/g/n(2.4GHz band)

  • x.v.Color

    Yes

  • Memory Card Slot

    Memory Stick Micro and Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC compatible

  • NFC

    Yes

  • SD Output

    Composite Video Out (AV CABLE (sold separately))

  • HD Output

    HDMI Out (micro)(supplied)

  • USB Port(s)

    Type A (built-in) / USB 2.0 Hi-speed (mass-storage/MTP)

  • BRAVIA Sync

    Yes

  • PhotoTV HD

    Yes

  • Headphone Jack

    Stereo Minijack

  • Microphone Input

    Stereo Minijack

  • Direct Copy

    Yes

  • Accessory Shoe

    Yes (Multi Interface Shoe)

  • DC IN

    Yes

  • HDMI Terminal

    Yes (HDMI micro)

  • Projector Input

    Yes (HDMI micro)

  • Power Consumption (in Operation)

    LCD: HD:2.4W

  • Power Requirements

    6.8V/7.2V (battery pack); 5.0V (AC Adapter)

  • Battery Type

    InfoLITHIUM with AccuPower Meter System (V Series)

  • Dimensions (Approx.)

    2.42 x 2.61 x 4.76" / 61.5 x 66.5 x 121.0 mm

  • Weight (Approx.)

    11.5 oz / 325 g Main Unit Only

  • UPC Code

    027242877511

9 Accessories for Sony HDR-PJ540 32GB Full HD Handycam Camcorder with Built-in Projector, 30x Optical Zoom, Balanced Optical SteadyShot, 26.8mm Wide-Angle G Zoom Lens

  • All Accessories (9)
  • Memory & Storage (1)
  • Batteries & Power Supply (3)
  • Grips & Handles (1)
  • Adapters & Mounts (1)
  • Microphones & Audio (3)

About Sony HDR-PJ540

FEATURED REVIEWS

Exactly what we needed!

By guest82

We work in Law Enforcement and needed a camcorder to record scenes without sound. This is so easy to mute for those times. We also record training programs, and this camcorder makes it easy to make copies for our members. If it works this well for such high profile reasons, I would get one for personal use.

love it

By GOBLUE

great video easy to use definitely recommend it.

The Sony HDR-PJ540 32GB Full HD Handycam Camcorder with Built-in Projector captures Full HD 1920x1080 video at 24p and 60p, as well as 9.2MP still images. It features a 1/5.8" Exmor R CMOS sensor and a wide-angle Sony G zoom lens with 30x optical zoom plus 60x Clear Image digital zoom and provides 32GB of internal flash memory for up to 8 hours of video.

The camcorder delivers smooth shots even on the move with its Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization technology with Active Mode. For enhanced connectivity and control, built-in Wi-Fi with NFC support lets you use your smartphone or tablet to control the camera, as well as wirelessly transfer files to your mobile device for sharing and back up data on your computer.

The HDR-PJ540 includes a built-in 25 lumen projector that allows you to project video at up to a 100" diagonal size without having to connect to a playback device. You can also monitor and playback footage from the camcorder on the 3.0" Clear Photo LCD display with 460K dot resolution. For increased flexibility, you can choose to simultaneously record video in high-quality AVCHD or web-optimized MP4 files and the built-in microphone lets you capture 5.1 channel Dolby Digital sound.

A built-in USB 2.0 cable provides a connection to your computer for charging or file transfer and fits conveniently into the hand strap, so it's out of the way until you need it.

Sony HDR-PJ540 Features

  • Create cinematic video in high definition 1920 x 1080 24p/60p and high quality 9.2MP still images. 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
  • On standard Optical SteadyShot camcorders a single "shift lens" is moved in the optical block to offset camera shake. Balanced Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode moves the entire optical block at once, maintaining the integrity of the optical path and reducing shake. I
  • Enjoy your favorite memories virtually anywhere with the high-contrast 25 lumen projector built-in to the LCD panel. The HDMI multi-terminal allows you to connect external devices that have an HDMI output and use the camcorder's projector to enjoy other forms of entertainment
  • Built-in Wi-Fi/NFC makes for easy one touch connection to compatible mobile devices
  • The built-in 32GB embedded Flash memory can record and store up to XX hours XX minutes of high definition video footage (HD LP mode).
  • The 3.0" (16:9) Clear Photo Plus LCD touch screen (460K) displays sharp, bright, vivid images, letting you compose a shot more easily -- even outdoors, while enabling you to change settings to best represent the scene.
  • Dolby Digital 5.1 channel recording captures active sounds coming from all directions, so you can experience your home movies the way you experienced them while recording.
  • Picture Effects add a new level of expression and creativity to video and photos. Seven picture effects (Toy Camera, Pop Color, Soft High Key, Partial Color, Retro Photo, High Contrast Monochrome and Posterization) are available in both photo and video modes.
  • Engineered for superior optical performance, Sony G lenses deliver brilliant, accurate color reproduction and sharp, amazingly detailed images. In addition, the 26.8mm focal length in Photo and Video Modes offers a broader perspective for enhanced wide angle shooting.
  • Get amazingly close with 30x optical zoom plus 60x Clear Image digital zoom. Most digital zooms use electronic cropping to get closer to the subject, resulting in unsharp images.
  • With Clear Image Zoom the powerful processor compares patterns found in adjacent pixels and creates new pixels to match selected patterns, resulting in more realistic, higher-quality images. Clear Image Zoom doubles optical zoom for closer photos and video.

What's in the box:

  • Sony HDR-PJ540 32GB Full HD Handycam Camcorder with Built-in Projector
  • Rechargeable Battery Pack (NP-FV50)
  • USB AC Adapter
  • HDMI (Micro) Cable
  • USB Connection Support Cable
  • Operating Guide
  • Sony 1 Year Parts & 90 Days Labor Limited Warranty