Sony HDR-TG5V High Definition Handycam Camcorder
Sony's HDR-TG5V High Definition Handycam Camcorder is a pocket sized powerhouse where true 1920 x 1080 video meets a rugged, yet sleek titanium body. Just like its predecessor, the TG1, this camera records to optional Memory Stick PRO Duo media, while giving you the added flexibility of recording to the 16GB built-in flash memory.
However, unlike its big brother, the TG5V features Geotagging. The built-in GPS receiver lets you tag your shots for storage and easy retrieval from the camera's Map Index. The GPS receiver also automatically sets the camcorder's clock to the correct time zone and shows your current location.
Other features of the TG5V include the 2.7" LCD with a touch panel screen for intuitive menu navigation and a 1/5" CMOS sensor for capturing brilliant 2.3MP video and 4MP stills. The professional Vario-Tessar lens features 10x optical zoom and SteadyShot image stabilization. In addition to these standard features, the TG5V also features Face Detection for automatic exposure and focus adjustment on up to 8 faces and Smile Shutter for capturing the best smiles in all your still images.
- Hybrid High Definition Recording
- Record all your memories in true 1920 x 1080 HD to either the 16GB embedded flash memory or to optional Memory Stick Pro Duo media.
- 1/5" Exmor Cmos Image Sensor
- Sony's 1/5" Exmor CMOS sensor with ClearVid array captures brilliant 2.3MP videos and 4MP stills. The BIONZ image processor works together with the sensor to reduce image noise and improve response time.
- Geotagging with Built-In GPS Receiver
- Geotagging gives you the ability to tag your shooting locations. You can then play back your video and still images using the camera's Map Index function. Geotagging also automatically sets your camcorder's clock to the correct time zone and allows you to see your current location.
- Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens with 10x Optical Zoom
- The professional quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens features precision ground optics for sharp, true-to-life image capture. The 10x optical zoom captures far off subjects with virtually no loss in image quality.
- 2.7" Wide Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus Display
- The 2.7" wide touch panel Clear Photo LCD Plus screen features improved display resolution (211k) for a clear, accurate view when composing and playing back scenes.
- 4MP Digital Stills
- Capture beautiful 4MP stills with the HDR-TG5V. Use the built-in flash for clear pictures even in low light conditions.
- SteadyShot Image Stabilization
- Sony's SteadyShot cuts down on blur caused by hand-shake or a moving subject
- Creative Control and Work Flow Features
-
- Smile Shutter: Camera automatically takes stills when subject smiles
- Face Detection: Adjust exposure and focus on up to 8 faces for video and stills
- Power On the camcorder by opening the LCD display
- Built-in Intelligent Flash for capturing low-light stills
- Titanium camcorder body: lightweight and rugged
- Highlight Playback: Compiles a short movie with music using your clips
- Dual Record: Capture 2.3MP stills and HD Video at the same time
- PMB Software offers easy transfer and burning of your video and stills
- Smooth Slow Record for slow motion recording
- x.v. Color Technology captures incredible, vibrant colors for HD viewing
- BRAVIA Sync for easy use with BRAVIA HDTVs
- HDMI connection for video and still output via included cradle
- Map Index: uses geotagged video and photos to show shot locations
- Film Roll Index: shows scenes like chapters in a book
- Dynamic Range Optimizer adjusts exposure and contrast of images in high contrast situations
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/5" CMOS |
| Lens |
3.2 - 32 mm f/1.8 - 2.3 |
| Zoom |
Optical: 10x Digital: 120x |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Recording Media |
Internal Flash Memory 16GB Memory Stick PRO Duo |
| Recording Time |
Internal Flash Memory High Definition: FH: 110 minutes High Definition: LP: 355 minutes Standard Definition: HQ: 230 minutes Standard Definition: LP: 655 minutes |
| Video Format |
High Definition MPEG AVC/H.264 1920 x 1080 |
| Still Image Resolution | JPEG: 4 Megapixel |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LCD |
| Screen Size | 2.7" |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Lux | 5 (Auto Slow Shutter On, 1/30 Shutter Speed) |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Light - No Flash - Yes |
| Tripod Mount | 1/4" |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs | None |
| Outputs |
1x USB 2.0 1x A/V 1x HDMI C (Mini) 1 Please Note:All via Handycam Station. A/V out: Video, S-Video Audio, Component Out, Remote close |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Headphone Jack | No |
| General | |
|---|---|
| System Requirements |
Windows
|
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Power Adapter | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 1.18 x 4.61 x 2.44" / 30 x 117 x 62 mm |
| Weight | 9 oz / 255 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
83%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (5)
- Great picture quality (5)
- Image stabilization (5)
- Zoom range/performance (5)
- Great sound (3)
Cons
- Poor in low light (4)
Best Uses
- Home movies (5)
- Travel (5)
- Documentaries (4)
- HD shooting (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (5)
Reviewed by 6 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Complicated To Operate
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-TG5V High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
Worked great for a few days then the automatic lens cover would not open fully and an error message kept coming up saying to send it in for service! Luckily we nursed it along during a 3 week Alaska trip but we were lucky to do so.
Quite disappointing for a brand new camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-TG5V High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
Small but powerful! It takes good quality videos. Perfect for traveling.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
Cons
- No External Mic Input
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-TG5V High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
High quality product. Easy to carry in pocket anytime anywhere.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Great Sound
Cons
- Poor Image Quality
- Poor In Low Light
- Poor Still Image
Best Uses
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Sony HDR-TG5V High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
This camera may be a fine acquisition if you only want good quality videos, but stay away from it if you intend to take still pictures. The still resolution is very low (2 MP - it can take up to 3 MP wide pictures or 4 MP 4x3 pictures, but using interpolation) and the image quality is very poor, even outdoors in good light conditions. The compression is horrible (you can see jpg compression artifacts all over the picture). I regret very much I've bought this camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy menu navigation
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- No External Mic Input
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-TG5V High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
First impressions of Sony HDR-TG5V camcorder. Very sharp images and very smooth 10x optical zoom. Windows Movie Maker will create a wmf video that can be emailed or recorded to a DVD, BUT.... the DVD will only play on a Blu-ray player. iMovie will accept the photo and video files. Good News: Adobe Premiere Elements 9 for the Mac will accept the HDR-TG5V for editing and recording to a regular DVD.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sony HDR-TG5V High Definition Handycam Camcorder:
the lenses is wonderful- easy to use- great battery life- Memory sticks are super to use- I use Apple and this creates an AVHCD video that the latest Apples digest
sound is superb- video sharp- way past YouTube capable
no complaints!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-6
Media
Be prepared - always carry extra media.
- Price: $29.88
- GBP 19.08
Batteries & Power
Don't get caught without power, always have a spare battery.
-
- Original: $24.95
- Save: $2.49
- Price: $22.46
- GBP 14.34
- Price: $39.95
- GBP 25.51
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
-
- Original: $13.95
- Save: $1.39
- Price: $12.56
- GBP 8.02
LCD Hoods & Coverings
Shield your camcorder from unwanted glare and wet/extreme conditions.
- Price: $24.50
- GBP 15.64
What's in the Box
- HDR-TG5V High Definition Handycam Camcorder
- AC Adapter
- NP-FH50 H-Series Info-Lithium Battery Pack
- Handycam Station
- USB Terminal Adapter
- Component A/V Cable
- A/V Connecting Cable
- Wrist Strap
- Application Software/USB Driver/(CD-ROM)
- Long USB Cable
- Short USB Cable
- USB Adapter Cap
- 90-Days Labor & 1-Year Parts Limited Warranty
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