Sony Bloggie Live vs Sony HDR CX730E: The Ultimate Showdown for Camcorder Enthusiasts

What To Know

It features a rotating LCD screen, a dedicated zoom lever, and a larger body, providing a more substantial feel in hand.
The CX730E boasts a higher resolution of 1920 x 1080p at 60fps, resulting in smoother, more detailed footage, particularly for fast-paced action or slow-motion effects.
While the Bloggie Live offers basic features like auto-focus and white balance, it lacks the advanced capabilities of the CX730E.

Choosing the right camcorder can feel like navigating a maze of options and features. Two popular contenders often top the list, especially for those seeking a balance of quality and affordability: the Sony Bloggie Live and the Sony HDR-CX730E. While both boast impressive capabilities, understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial to make an informed decision. This comprehensive comparison will unveil the nuances of each camcorder, helping you determine which one aligns best with your filming needs and budget.

In This Article

Design and Portability: Compact vs. Traditional
Video Quality: A Tale of Two Resolutions
Audio: Capturing the Sound of Memories
Features: Beyond the Basics
Connectivity: Sharing Your Stories

Design and Portability: Compact vs. Traditional

The Sony Bloggie Live stands out with its compact, pocket-friendly design. Its sleek, cylindrical form factor makes it incredibly portable, ideal for capturing impromptu moments on the go. The integrated lens and screen, combined with its lightweight build, make it a true “point-and-shoot” experience.
On the other hand, the Sony HDR-CX730E opts for a more traditional camcorder design. It features a rotating LCD screen, a dedicated zoom lever, and a larger body, providing a more substantial feel in hand. While less compact, its design offers greater control and versatility, especially for those accustomed to traditional filming techniques.

Video Quality: A Tale of Two Resolutions

The Sony Bloggie Live records video at a maximum resolution of 1080p at 30 frames per second (fps). While this is sufficient for everyday use, it falls short of the HDR-CX730E’s capabilities. The CX730E boasts a higher resolution of 1920 x 1080p at 60fps, resulting in smoother, more detailed footage, particularly for fast-paced action or slow-motion effects.
Furthermore, the CX730E incorporates Sony’s Exmor R CMOS sensor and advanced image processing technology, delivering superior low-light performance and richer color reproduction compared to the Bloggie Live.

Audio: Capturing the Sound of Memories

Both camcorders feature built-in microphones for capturing audio. However, the HDR-CX730E offers a significant advantage with its stereo microphone setup. This provides a more immersive and realistic audio experience, especially for recording events with multiple sound sources. The Bloggie Live, with its single microphone, may struggle to capture clear audio in noisy environments.

Features: Beyond the Basics

The Sony HDR-CX730E packs a punch with its advanced features. It includes features like:

Optical SteadyShot: This advanced image stabilization system minimizes camera shake, resulting in smoother footage, particularly when shooting handheld.
Face Detection: The CX730E automatically detects and focuses on faces, ensuring sharp and clear portraits.
Slow Motion and Time Lapse: These creative features allow you to capture unique perspectives and dramatic effects.
Built-in LED Light: This helps illuminate subjects in low-light conditions.

While the Bloggie Live offers basic features like auto-focus and white balance, it lacks the advanced capabilities of the CX730E.

Connectivity: Sharing Your Stories

Both camcorders offer connectivity options for transferring footage to your computer or mobile devices. The Bloggie Live features a USB connection, while the CX730E provides both USB and HDMI ports, offering greater versatility.
The CX730E also includes Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities, allowing for wireless transfer of videos and photos to compatible devices. This makes it easier to share your creations on social media or back them up in the cloud.

Battery Life: Powering Your Adventures

The Sony HDR-CX730E boasts a longer battery life than the Bloggie Live. Its extended recording time allows you to capture more content without interruption, making it ideal for longer events or outdoor adventures. The Bloggie Live, with its smaller battery, may require more frequent charging, especially for extended filming sessions.

Price: Finding the Sweet Spot

The Sony Bloggie Live is generally more affordable than the HDR-CX730E. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. However, the CX730E’s superior features and performance justify its higher price tag, especially for those who prioritize image quality and advanced functionality.

Choosing the Right Camcorder: Your Needs Matter

Ultimately, the best camcorder for you depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Choose the Sony Bloggie Live if:

You need a compact and portable camcorder for everyday use.
You’re on a tight budget.
You primarily need a simple point-and-shoot device for capturing quick memories.

Choose the Sony HDR-CX730E if:

You prioritize video quality and advanced features.
You need a camcorder with longer battery life.
You want to capture more professional-looking footage.
You need wireless connectivity options for easy sharing.

The Final Verdict: Beyond the Numbers

While both the Sony Bloggie Live and the Sony HDR-CX730E offer compelling features, the CX730E emerges as the clear winner for those seeking a more versatile and feature-rich camcorder. Its superior video quality, advanced features, and extended battery life make it a solid choice for capturing high-quality memories and videos. However, if budget is a primary concern and you prioritize portability, the Bloggie Live remains a viable option for casual recording.