Sony Bloggie Live vs Sony HDR-GW66VE: The Camcorder Duel of the Century

Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially with the vast array of options available. If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile camcorder for capturing your adventures, the Sony Bloggie Live and the Sony HDR-GW66VE are two popular contenders. Both camcorders offer unique features and capabilities, making it challenging to decide which one best suits your needs. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each camcorder, helping you make an informed decision.

Design and Portability

Sony Bloggie Live: The Bloggie Live boasts a compact and lightweight design, making it incredibly portable. Its unique swivel lens design allows for easy self-recording and capturing different perspectives. The camcorder’s small size makes it easy to slip into a pocket or bag, perfect for travel or everyday use.
Sony HDR-GW66VE: The HDR-GW66VE features a more traditional camcorder design with a handgrip and a rotating LCD screen. While it’s slightly larger than the Bloggie Live, it still remains compact and lightweight for easy carrying. Its design offers better control and stability, especially when shooting in challenging conditions.

Video Quality and Features

Sony Bloggie Live: The Bloggie Live excels in video quality, offering 1080p HD resolution at 30 frames per second. It features a wide-angle lens that captures a broader field of view, ideal for capturing expansive landscapes or group shots. The camcorder also boasts built-in stereo microphones for clear audio recording.
Sony HDR-GW66VE: The HDR-GW66VE also delivers impressive video quality with 1080p HD recording at 60 frames per second. Its optical zoom lens provides more flexibility in framing your shots, allowing you to get closer to the action without sacrificing quality. The camcorder’s advanced features include image stabilization, wind noise reduction, and slow-motion recording, enhancing the overall video experience.

Battery Life and Storage

Sony Bloggie Live: The Bloggie Live offers decent battery life, allowing you to record for approximately 2 hours on a single charge. Its internal memory can store a considerable amount of footage, and it also supports SD card expansion for additional storage space.
Sony HDR-GW66VE: The HDR-GW66VE boasts a longer battery life, allowing you to record for up to 3 hours on a single charge. It features a larger internal memory and also supports SD card expansion, providing ample storage for your videos.

Water and Shock Resistance

Sony Bloggie Live: The Bloggie Live is not waterproof or shockproof, limiting its use in harsh environments.
Sony HDR-GW66VE: The HDR-GW66VE is a rugged and durable camcorder, designed for adventure. It’s waterproof up to 16.4 feet (5 meters) and shockproof, making it ideal for capturing underwater footage, extreme sports, or travel to rugged terrains.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Sony Bloggie Live: The Bloggie Live offers a variety of connectivity options, including USB and HDMI ports. It also features built-in Wi-Fi for easy sharing of videos to social media platforms or streaming live to the internet.
Sony HDR-GW66VE: The HDR-GW66VE provides similar connectivity options, including USB, HDMI, and Wi-Fi. It also boasts advanced features such as GPS tracking, allowing you to record location data for your videos.

Choosing the Right Camcorder for You

The choice between the Sony Bloggie Live and the Sony HDR-GW66VE ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize portability, affordability, and ease of use, the Bloggie Live is a great option. Its compact design, 1080p HD video quality, and Wi-Fi connectivity make it perfect for everyday use and capturing casual moments.
However, if you require a more rugged and feature-rich camcorder for adventurous pursuits, the HDR-GW66VE is the better choice. Its waterproof and shockproof design, longer battery life, and advanced features, including optical zoom, image stabilization, and GPS tracking, make it ideal for capturing action-packed footage in challenging environments.

The Verdict: Finding the Perfect Fit

Both the Sony Bloggie Live and the Sony HDR-GW66VE are excellent camcorders with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Bloggie Live excels in portability, affordability, and ease of use, while the HDR-GW66VE shines in durability, features, and video quality. Ultimately, the best camcorder for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options

While the Sony Bloggie Live and the Sony HDR-GW66VE are both excellent choices, they may not be the perfect fit for everyone. If you’re looking for alternative options, consider exploring other camcorders from Sony or other reputable brands. Factors to consider include:

• Budget: Set a budget to narrow down your options and focus on camcorders that fit your price range.
• Features: Determine the essential features you need, such as video quality, zoom capabilities, battery life, and connectivity options.
• Use Case: Consider how you plan to use the camcorder. If you’re an avid traveler, a rugged and waterproof model might be best. For everyday use, a compact and portable option might be more suitable.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Is the Sony Bloggie Live compatible with external microphones?
A: No, the Sony Bloggie Live does not have an external microphone jack. It relies on its built-in stereo microphones for audio recording.
Q: Does the Sony HDR-GW66VE have a built-in screen protector?
A: Yes, the Sony HDR-GW66VE features a built-in screen protector to help prevent scratches and damage.
Q: Can I use the Sony Bloggie Live for live streaming on social media?
A: Yes, the Sony Bloggie Live has built-in Wi-Fi and supports live streaming to social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube.
Q: What types of accessories are available for the Sony HDR-GW66VE?
A: A wide range of accessories are available for the Sony HDR-GW66VE, including underwater housings, external microphones, tripods, and carrying cases.
Q: Is the Sony Bloggie Live compatible with SD cards?
A: Yes, the Sony Bloggie Live supports SD card expansion for additional storage space.