If you want to record on-the-go and look cool doing it, Sony has the camcorder for you. The lightweight, sleek HDR-TG1 High Definition Handycam Camcorder boasts modern design and true 1920 x 1080 high definition recording. Made from Titanium, the durable body also fits nicely into your pocket or bag, making it great for capturing memories when you're traveling. An included 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo media stick makes sharing, printing and editing your images fast and easy.
The 2.3Mp ClearVid CMOS sensor with Exmor technology and a BIONZ image processor provides excellent footage and 4Mp stills. The HDR-TG1 also features Super SteadyShot image stabilization, a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, Dual Record and Quick On functions. In addition, the helpful Face Detection technology ensures that you never blur your loved ones faces at a once-in-a-lifetime event again.
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/5" ClearVid CMOS (with Exmor technology) |
| Lens |
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens Focal length=3.2-32mm f-stop=1.8-2.3 |
| Zoom |
10x Optical 20x Digital |
| Filter Size | N/A |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Format |
HD: MPEG4 AVC/H.264 SD: MPEG2 |
| Audio | Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Image Stabilization | SteadyShot Image Stabilization |
| Lux | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Recording Media | Memory Stick PRO Duo Media (up to 16GB - 4GB included) |
| Recording Time |
When using included 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo Media Mark2 High Definition: FH: 25 minutes LP: 85 minutes Standard Definition: HQ: 55 minutes LP: 160 minutes |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | Wide touch panel Clear Photo LCD Plus |
| Display Size | 2.7" |
| Viewfinder | N/A |
| Camera Features | |
|---|---|
| Manual Controls | Focus |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Accessory Shoe | N/A |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Light - No Flash - Yes |
| Digital Still Mode | |
|---|---|
| Still Recording Media | Memory Stick PRO Duo Media |
| Resolution | 4Mp |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs | N/A |
| Output |
USB: Hi-speed HDMI mini Digital A/V:via USB Composite Video: RCA via A/V breakout cable Analog Audio L/R: RCA via A/V breakout cable |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Headphone Jack | No |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Languages | English, Canadian French, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese |
| Compatible Operating Systems |
Windows 2000, XP, Vista Mac compatible with iMovie or Final Cut & Intel Based Processor |
| Power Requirements |
7.2V (battery pack) 8.4V (AC Adapter) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 1 5/16 x 4 3/4 x 2 1/2" (32 x 119 x 63mm) |
| Weight | 8 oz (227g) without battery |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Excellent small form factor HD camcorder
I'm a prosumer video enthusiast owning many top of the line HDV camcorders and read some good things about this Sony and decided on buying it.
The 2 biggest selling points of this camer...Read complete review
I'm a prosumer video enthusiast owning many top of the line HDV camcorders and read some good things about this Sony and decided on buying it.
The 2 biggest selling points of this camera are it's small size/ultra-portability and it's excellent rated Image Stabilization which Sony labels, "Steady Shot." I also own a small HD camcorder called the Sanyo HD1000, and while very nice in it's own right- it's Image Stabilization simply didn't work well which often meant shaky, unuseable video. Lugging a tripod around for use with such a small camera doesn't make sense when you're looking for portability- so the Sanyo disappointed!
This Sony's IS works very well, which means when you're ready to head out for casual activities, it's likely a camera to throw in a pocket for video in an instance where bigger camcorders would require a degree of dedication to carry~ meaning more opportunities to capture video! It also features very good macro capabilities unmatched by any of the other AVCHD cams on the market currently.
The video quality while quite good, isn't as good as the best of the AVCHD cams, Canon HF10/100- but not too far off their performance level. Color and sharpness are good and exposure is usually "spot-on" or slightly under-exposed which is better than over-exposing. It's still image capture isn't too good (decent) but will suffice when a quick snapshot is all you're after. It also shoots video in 720X408 SD resolution for those looking to capture and edit SD class video ready to edit on both Mac and PC platforms.
The AVCHD spec it records to is "High Profile" 1080i in both FULL 1920X1080 as well as 1440X1080 which conforms to older spec HD codecs such as HDV (but still remains AVCHD.) The biggest negative is the fact that it does shoot in 1080i only, which is an interlaced format and there's no 720p mode which simply means this camera can't shoot "progressive" video of any kind. Interlaced video is basically half the frame being visible at any one given moment, and while this does render smooth motion, edges with motion will show jaggies which look like small stairs (but looks good on TV sets.) This is more a negative for those who want to edit the footage on a Pc or Mac and don't like to work with interlaced footage- otherwise it isn't an issue.
It also has no lens threading which means you can't thread on filters of any kind, which is ashamed but may not be an issue for some. I typically mount a UV filter onto all cameras to protect the lens but Sony has put an automatic lens cover of which opens when the camera is powered on.
This is also a "touch-screen" camera, and while some may like this technology there are many others who don't- myself included. I don't like the idea of touching the small LCD to make adjustments as I don't like roughing up the LCD or touching the camera while tripod mounted.
This camera also doesn't allow for many manual adjustments- and the few that are present all must be done via the touch screen.
As I stated earlier- if you're looking for a video camera that produces very good quality video and is ultra-portable- this is the camera- there's simply none better at the moment at this size.
While I do own better cameras, I reach for this Sony when I'm heading out the door as I know it will capture excellent video should I need to capture something on video and for this reason it's a great camera. Just be aware of it's few shortcomings and if they don't deter you- this might be the perfect camera for you!
It is very well made and features titanium construction and has a very nice LCD screen. There are very few buttons as this is mainly an "automatic" camcorder. It uses Sony's proprietary Memory Stick Pro Duo cards and I wish Sony would drop their own "brand specific" memory formats and adopt the industry standard options (SD cards would have been great!)
There are no mic inputs so using external mics aren't an option with this camera. Sounds like allot of negatives but all in all they're not present because the targeted market likely wont use the omitted features......but I do recommend this camera to the higher end user who wants an automatic point & shoot camcorder that captures good video!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
SONY HDR-TG1 HD
All the reviews I have read, have it correct. It is a great camera, but the image quality is not 1080 X 1920. The image is, but not the quality. It is ...Read complete review
All the reviews I have read, have it correct. It is a great camera, but the image quality is not 1080 X 1920. The image is, but not the quality. It is the first product I have not been completely satisfied with. Its' aesthetics win out for the "wow factor" that I need. All of the other camera's in this price range look goofy or out of star wars. I need an HD camera that looks good out of the box and will suffer through the image quality until they put out the next version.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 40 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
The HDR-TG1's light weight and small size make it an ideal video cam to carry with my D90 to document my travels. It fits into a pocket very smoothly and does not hang up when removing it to shoot an unexpected "photo op". It's light weight requires bracing yourself and/or the camera to insure a smooth pan or steady shot. If you don't have time to return it to a pocket, let it dangle from it's strap. The few onces won't hamper shooting stills. The HDMI connection connects directly to an enabled HD TV and I can review both video and D90 shots on a big screen. I suggest practicing with it to get used to the zoom control and the need to have a steady hand while recording. I carry spare batteries so battery life is not an issue with me. My only complaint applies to the lack of a view finder--bright light, reflections and sun glasses hamper easily framing your scene and results in some unexpected video shots.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
This is one of the best High Def camcorders for under 500.00. Amazing images both video and still. Some have said it is slow changing from movie to still and that the image quality isn't that great, I am thinking they are just spoiled. I can honestly say I cant find anything wrong with that I got for my [$]. Now do I wish it had night shot, sure, but then again, for the price I paid I am extremely happy.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
It's very small and have great image. Manual adjustments are good for play with it. The touchscreen menu make the display always dirty with finger prints, i don't like this system.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
Great outdoors -- horrible indoors. Worse low light performance than any of the half dozen camcorders I have owned over the years.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
I love the videos this video camera takes. It's 1080i which is awesome. I also love that it's so easy to take a still picture as well. I would def buy this product again
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
Would be nice to know if the stabilization is actually optical or digital. There are sites that describe it either way depending on who you believe. Sad that Sony can't accurately describe what they are selling -- though that seems to be then norm for them lately. In many cases, my Nikon d300s captures a 'better looking' video, despite the fact that the Nikon is only 720p. On the other hand, the Nikon doesn't fit in my coat pocket...
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
We picked up this camcorder to capture moments with our young kids--we noticed that most people don't bother lugging around the larger camcorders anymore and settle for lower quality videoclips on their digital cameras.
This one is small enough to tuck in your pocket or purse, but has a phenomenal 10x optical zoom lens with image stabilization, and also records in HD with 5.1 surround sound. Software included does a nice job indexing the videos with thumbnails, simple editing, and can dump to DVD or Blu-Ray...cool!
Cons would be battery life--definitely pick up a spare battery, and also a bigger Memory stick than what's included.
For now, the best pocket camcorder on the market--pricey, but worth the memories you would have lost!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
We use this camera as a behind-the-scenes tool and it really does well. Perfect size to carry all day and good battery life and card capacity. Biggest issue id that Sony and Mac do not play well together so no download or storage ability with a Mac except for iMovie or FC which thanks to Mac work great. Not easy to drag material into an AVID but then again it is a consumer camera
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
I have always wanted to take more video of the kids. This camera is small enough you can carry it with you all the time. Works better than my old camera and has instant download capability instead of waiting for the tape to play all the way through so you can burn it to dvd.
Make sure to get a second battery & charger. This one lasts a little over an hour. Sony make a case designed just for this recorder that is awesome.
I love it
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
I have been using this camera since last 3 weeks and loved every feature of it.
this is a real HANDY cam, yeah the word handy goes perfectly with it. perfect shots in broad daylight, but night shots aren't that good. awesome zoom, great picture quality. good stills. focus is a problem at times it takes time to adjust the focus. Touch screen is too good, and the controls are o user friendly. This camera is good for on the go shooting and the quality is awesome.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
Love the camera and how easy it is to operate. Additionally, light and compact - perfect!
Great picture and sound.
You will love this camera.
"SONY" = "NO BOLOGNA"
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
Camera is compact and allows me to take it everywhere without it being a burden. The quality is perfect hd when playing back from the unit but if you burn a dvd and play it in a regular DVD player its standard playback because of AVCHD format. I see you can burn a DVD to play in a bluray player and the quality will be better but I haven't got a bluray player yet. The functions are simple, really only record and W/T afer initial settings are chosen. Records well in daylight and well lit rooms but doesn't have the nightshot feature or as good a sensitivity as other Sony cameras I've used. It has a mini HDMI jack but no mini HDMI connector/converter is included. I have recorded approximately 1 hour of HD video on the 4M card that came with the unit. Sound is very good.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
This is a top of the line compact HD camcorder and B&H had the best price by far. Very easy to use, excellent video and audio, and built well. Cons: a little ackward to hold, needs a wide angle lens for close quarters, and needs a lot of light for the best video quality. Spare battery is also a must. Do yourself a favor and buy from B&H then, accessorize.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
I'm a professional video producer and shoot with full size cameras. Last Christmas I decided to buy a small consumer camera I could keep with me all the time for those shots that "just happen." I settled on the TG1 because it fits into a coat pocket, even to a pants pocket if you're wearing loose clothes. I keep it in my briefcase all the time and can grab it on a moment's notice.
Build quality is excellent and the image quality is amazing for such a small chip. In adequate light it is always good, can get a little grainy under very low light, but that's true of all small chip camcorders. All the auto features work as they should, and manual focus capability means you can compose a shot properly, and it's easy to get to the manual focus mode.
I have actually shot some background chroma key plates to use in a professional production, as well as a couple of cutaway shots. It's not a professional camera, but you can get by doing that under some circumstances. I also shot some interviews just to see what would happen. Audio is good if you're in close and not much background noise--again, not professional audio but usable in an emergency...ie., better to get it with a small camera than not at all.
Battery life is not great, and that's about the only negative. A second battery and remote charger would be a good buy. Sony sells a package with a little bag for both at a reasonable price.
Operation is simple, playback easy. Loading the footage into an Intel Mac with Final Cut Pro or even iMovie is easy, and the transcoding happens just about as fast as loading from tape in real time. I'm using Sandisk 8 gig cards with no trouble at all. I noticed recently that Sony's 8 gig cards at one place were actually cheaper than Sandisk, a good trend.
Overall, it's a great consumer camera and suits my purposes for a small camera I can always have with me. The OIS is smooth and steady and it's easy to hand hold the camera steady.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
Great little camcorder
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
slim and sufficient features... mostly what minimum needs
simple to use it & good quality.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
I use this camera at all my gatherings, events, concerts, for no reason at all. In other words....ALL the time. The camcorder functions are very intuitive and the touch screen is very helpful. The camera mode is fantastic too. Image quality is top notch in both photos and video. And the battery life is not too shabby either.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
I feel very comfortable with sony video cameras
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
Truly compact. Good vid quality. Easy to use. Forget about using the camera function. Just take a frame from the vid.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
Perfect picture quality.
5.1 sound is excellent.
Eazy to use.
Still picture quality not so great.
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Merchant response: Sony's Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization System is an optical image stabilization system