Sony HDR-TG1 4MP High Definition Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Super Steady Shot Zoom (4GB Memory Stick Included)
by Sony
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital product summary information
Manufacturer: SonyModel: HDR-TG1
Product features:
- Features 1920 x 1080 full HD video resolution
- A slim, lightweight pure titanium camcorder body
- 4.0 megapixel still image capture; Face Detection technology for video and still images
- Includes a 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus display
- Comes with Super SteadyShot image stabilization, plus a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens
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Digital camera reviews of Sony HDR-TG1 4MP High Definition Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Super Steady Shot Zoom (4GB Memory Stick Included)
Digital camera Review: A stylish, convenient, full featured ultra compact HD cam
Summary: 5 Stars
I've tried out a number of high definition camcorders in the last few years and so far this is my favorite, even compared to bigger, more robust models. That's not to say that the HDR-TG1 isn't full featured. It is. It's also one of the most elegant and easy-to-use HD camcorders on the market today. Admittedly, I like Sony products a great deal but they've raised the bar here and the HDR-TG1 looks good, feels great, and produces video of such startling clarity that it can take your breath away.
Here's how the HDR-TG1 breaks down:
PROS:
- Insanely high resolution 1920x1080i video that's super sharp.
- Audio picked from the top mounted mike is clear and loud. I was worried this was going to be the weak point of the design, but the sound is tremendous and can even focus on specific targets when using face recognition mode.
- The titanium body makes it light and doesn't dimple, which is what I was worried about when it's in my pocket for long periods of time. Since it's brushed, no fingerprints ever appear. Very slick.
- Fast startup. I can take it out of my pocket and start recording in 4-5 seconds if it's not in standby and in 1-2 seconds if it is. Never miss a shot again.
- Very well designed menus usable by touch screen. Auto-scene indexing is excellent and the options for most features are quickly found.
- LCD is amazingly sharp and bright, even outside.
- Zoom control is about the most ergonomic I've seen on a camera, though I've found it's also easy to forget which direction to go in.
- One handed operation for all major features while recording.
- The automated lens cap is extremely handy and tries hard to keep the lens covered at all times except when actually recording.
- Battery life is good, if not stellar. Have not run out of power yet, but you'll need to be good about keeping it on the charging stand.
- Nice heft and just about perfect size. Fits easily in a coat or pants pocket. This thing is slightly smaller than it even looks in the pictures.
- The steadyshot makes a big difference in video quality compared to other compact HD camcorders. I've tried a number of other compact camcorders and with the resolution of HD, image stabilization is a must. The HDR-TG1's steadyshot may not be the very best but it produces very decent results compared to other camcorders in the same category.
CONS
- The AVCHD format that the camera uses is not the most well supported HD video format out there. Many editing applications and video upload sites will not like the *.MTS files that the HDR-TG1 outputs. iMovie on the Mac is about the best for handling them though there are others. Bottom line: You will have to get used to some post processing of the files to use them elsewhere.
- The joint mount of the LCD display seems to be a design weak spot in an otherwise incredibly well built device. I'm having no problems right now but I can see how this might wear out in a year or two of regular use. I bought the extra warranty so I'm hoping Sony will just give me a new camcorder if this breaks.
- No audio input jack. Although it doesn't really seem to need it, but it's always a nice feature to have on a camcorder. But it would also make this little gem seem a little uglier.
- The still photos the HDR-TG1 takes are the typically awful ones you get from a camcorder CCD. No surprise here but it's definitely a downside; for good stills you'll still need to pack a dedicated digital camera.
- Connecting to USB on this device requires a special dongle or the base station. Not very convenient IMHO but they've tried very hard to make this iPod-like in terms of utter simplicity and understated elegance, meaning that there's really not much room to stick an ugly USB port on the body of this device without ruining the design. There is a dock connector at the bottom that turns into the USB port with dongle or dock (both included with the device.)
- Low light performance is not the strong point of this camcorder. The lens is just too small to gather enough light. That being said, its BIONZ processor does well compared to other compact HD cams. I just pack a portable light, though I wish the HDR-TG1's built-in flash was really a video light source since the still photo function isn't worth much anyway. Note: Well lit interiors record just fine, but candlelight and a little bit brighter do not come out as well.
All in all, the HDR-TG1 has become my new favorite camcorder since the size and features are just right and I end up having it with me for all occasions. I'd buy this again in a heartbeat and I'm using it almost every day now. Finally a compact HD camcorder with just about zero compromises.
More Sony HDR-TG1 4MP High Definition Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Super Steady Shot Zoom (4GB Memory Stick Included) reviews:
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Summary of Sony HDR-TG1 4MP High Definition Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Super Steady Shot Zoom (4GB Memory Stick Included)
The HDR-TG1 Handycam camcorder records Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution video from a lightweight, slim body crafted from pure titanium. It's tough enough for everyday HD video shooting and perfect for travel with its compact size that won't take up much room in your bag. The stylish design incorporates a Premium Hard Coating for superior resistance to even the smallest scratches. It records to convenient Memory Stick PRO Duo media, and Sony's ClearVid CMOS Sensor (with Exmor derived technology) and BIONZ image processor provide spectacular video and stunning 4.0 megapixel still images. Face Detection technology is also included, which automatically finds and enhances faces for beautiful results. Features: 1920x1080 Recording- Record stunning, incredibly detailed video footage in the clarity of 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution. Lightweight, Pure Titanium Body- Slim and lightweight-only 8oz without the battery-the HDR-TG1?s body is constructed of high-quality pure titanium. Additionally, a Premium Hard Coating is applied on the body surface (except for hinge and lens ring area), providing superior resistance to scratches and fingerprints. Face Detection for Video Footage and Digital Still Photos- Made possible by the BIONZ image processing engine, Face Detection technology recognizes up to 8 faces anywhere in the frame and automatically controls focus, exposure, and color to help capture smiling faces brightly and clearly. Face Detection technology also helps make skin tones look natural without affecting other colors in the image. Supremely Mobile Design- Sony has created a camcorder with the ability to fit in a shirt pocket, yet still capture stunning Full HD resolution video and 4.0 megapixel still images. Whether for personal or business use, around town or on vacation.Camcorders
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