The Professional's Source 866.276.1435 / 212.502.6357

Sony HDR-PJ30V High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with Projector

  • Price: $843.00
  • Instant Savings: -$375.00
  • Offer ends JUN 30 '12
  • You Pay: $468.00
  • B&H # SOHDRPJ30V
  • Mfr# HDR-PJ30V

Product Highlights

  • 1920 x 1080/24p HD Recording
  • 32GB Internal Flash Memory
  • Memory Stick Duo / SD Memory Card Slot
  • 1/4" Exmor R CMOS Sensor
  • 3.0" WIDE Xtra Fine Touch Panel LCD
  • Sony Lens G with 30mm Filter Diameter
  • 12x Optical and 150x Digital Zoom
  • Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode
  • Built-In Projector
  • Built-In GPS Receiver

Protect Your Purchase

 
Trade-in your gear for cash

What item is right for you?

Ask our Experts!

866.276.1435
Live Chat

Remember the Essentials

Recording media is not included, be prepared - always carry extra media.

The Sony HDR-PJ30V High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with Projector is more than your ordinary high def camera. The PJ30 boasts a GPS receiver and projector too! Now, instead of sharing your videos and stills on the LCD screen you can project right onto the nearest wall, up to 60". And when you want to geo-tag your creations the built-in receiver lets you do just that. In addition, the GPS feature also allows you to archive your footage based on location for easy retrieval and sharing on social media sites.

When it comes to the more conventional aspects of the PJ30, you'll find all things you would expect for a camera of this caliber: a 3.0" touch screen LCD, 17x Extended zoom, optical image stabilization, a wide angle lens... You'll also find a few things that you weren't expecting, like 5.1 channel Dolby Digital Surround Sound recording. In fact, the camera is full of audio enhancements, such as Sony's built-in Clear Phase stereo speakers, mic and headphone connections, and wind noise reduction.

Shooting controls, like Intelligent Auto, help take the guesswork out of recording. Some other useful controls include Golf Shot and Tracking Focus. When it comes to features that come into play after recording, High Playback, Event Browse, and NAVTEQ maps help you organize, jazz up, and review your footage in fun and unique ways. And of course, the PJ30V comes with editing software included so you can edit and share your memories with ease.

1920 x 1080 Full HD 60p/24p Recording with 7MP Still Image
The Sony HDR-PJ30V offers 1920 x 1080 high definition resolution letting you record your memories in exceptional Full High Definition quality. Capable of 60p recording and playback via HDMI (cable sold separately) and compatible HDTV providing stunning clarity and incredibly detailed and smoother playback of your memories. If you're looking for a film-like quality look to your video, 24p recording is available for you
32GB Embedded Flash Memory for Up to 13 Hours of Recording
The embedded 32GB flash memory can record and store up to 13 hours of high definition video footage (HD LP mode)
Project Your Videos On the Go Anywhere, Anytime
The high-contrast projector built-in to the LCD panel gives you the freedom to share your favorite memories virtually anywhere. Powerful enough to project up to a 60" diagonal screen, this small mobile theater packs a powerful punch. Combined with advanced Clear Phase stereo speakers, your memories will come alive for you and those you're sharing with
Wide Angle G Lens to Capture Everything You Want
Experience the pinnacle of Sony lens technology with the professional-quality G Lens. Engineered for superior optical performance, Sony G lenses deliver brilliant, accurate color reproduction and sharp, amazingly detailed images. In addition, the 27.4mm focal length in Photo Mode and 29.8mm in Video Mode offers a broader perspective for enhanced wide angle shooting
Geotagging with Built-In GPS Receiver and NAVTEQ Maps
A built-in GPS receiver makes the HDR-PJ30V an ideal choice for travelers. The receiver gives you the ability to view your current location on the LCD map display, as well as "tag" your shooting locations. Tagged videos and still images can be reviewed and played back using the Map Index function on the camcorder or once downloaded to your PC using the supplied PMB (Picture Motion Browser) software. Additionally, the receiver automatically adjusts your camcorder's clock to the proper time zone
17x Extended Zoom to Get Even Closer to the Action
Extended Zoom works in conjunction with 12x optical zoom to get even closer to the action while maintaining HD image quality
Back-Illuminated 'Exmor R' CMOS Sensor for Superb Low-Light Video
Experience stunning low-light sensitivity with improved image clarity and drastically reduced grain with Sony's back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS sensor. Designed for compact cameras and camcorders, the "Exmor R" sensor relocates the photo diodes above the support circuitry, maximizing the light gathering area per pixel so you can shoot with better results in lower lighting conditions
3.0" Touch Screen Clear Photo LCD Plus Display (230K)
The 3.0" Clear Photo LCD Plus screen displays sharp, bright, vivid images, letting you compose a shot more easily -- even outdoors, while enabling you to change settings to best represent the scene
Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization with Active Mode
Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode compensates for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver stunningly smooth video from wide angle to full telephoto shooting. In addition, innovative 3-Way Shake-Canceling adds electronic roll stability for even smoother video capture
Highlight Playback Creates Movies with Transitions
Why spend hours editing your movies when you can let your camcorder do it for you? Highlight Playback identifies and compiles key scenes into a short, entertaining movie complete with music and transitions. You can even pinpoint the exact scene you want to include in the highlight reel
Tracking Focus Follows Selected Subject
Tracking Focus works as an extension of Face Detection to allow you to select an object with a touch of the LCD and have the focus follow the selected object
Expanded Recording and Monitoring with Microphone and Headphone Jack
Features dedicated mic and headphone inputs for expanded audio recording options and convenient monitoring of audio with headphones (external microphones and headphones sold separately)
Active Interface Shoe to Attach Intelligent Accessories
The Active Interface Shoe lets you mount Intelligent Accessories, such as external lights and microphones, which can help extend the capabilities of your camcorder
Event Browse Groups Photos and Videos
Event Browse conveniently groups your images and videos together for easier viewing. The date range that Event Browse groups your pictures and videos is easily adjusted to suit your needs. When used with the Highlight Playback feature, making and sharing a highlight reel from your event is easy and fun
Wind Noise Reduction for Clear Voice Recording
Wind Reduction reduces noise and interference that is produced when wind passes over the microphone, giving you a clearer and more enjoyable sound experience
Clear Phase Stereo Speakers for True and Dynamic Sound
Bring your video alive with Clear Phase stereo speakers. Drawing on Sony's high-end audio expertise, renown S-Master digital amplifier technology is utilized to produce more true-to-life sound
5.1 Channel Surround Mic for Vivid and Dynamic Surround Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 channel recording captures active sounds coming from all directions, so you can experience your home movies the way you experienced them while recording
Built-In USB Cable for Easy File Transfer and Charging
The high-speed, built-in USB 2.0 cable allows for easy connection to your computer for charging or file transfer without having to remember separate cables. It also fits conveniently into the hand strap so it's out of the way until you need it
Intelligent Auto - 90 Different Scene Combinations Possible
Intelligent Auto mode goes a step beyond traditional auto modes by analyzing your shot and then automatically selecting the appropriate settings from ten distinct scene modes (90 different combinations possible): Landscape, Backlight, Twilight, Spotlight, Low light, Macro, Portait, Baby, Walk, Tripod
Direct Copy to External HDD without PC
Store your memories in a whole new way with the ability to copy videos from your camcorder directly to an external hard disk drive (sold separately), all without a computer. Your camcorder can also access videos stored on the external hard drive for playback on your HDTV, allowing you to utilize the camcorder's handy playback features.
Golf Shot
Building on the slow-motion capture capabilities of Smooth Slow Record, Golf Shot captures a few seconds of motion as a sequence of up to 22 still images, which can be viewed/printed individually or as a composite "sequence shot" image, perfect for analyzing the nuances of a golf swing, tennis serve, and other fast action
Built-In Flash
The built-in flash sheds light on your subject when taking still photos
Optics
Sensor 1/4" CMOS
Lens 2.9 - 34.8 mm
f/1.8 - 3.4
Zoom Optical: 12x
Digital: 160x
Filter Size 30 mm
Recording
System NTSC
Recording Media Internal Flash Memory 32GB 
Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD/SDHC/SDXC  
Recording Time Internal Flash Memory
HD PS: 2 hours, 35 minutes
HD HQ: 7 hours, 15 minutes
HD LP: 12 hours, 55 minutes
STD HQ: 7 hours, 40 minutes
Video Format High Definition
MPEG AVC/H.264
1920 x 1080p, 1920 x 1080p, 1920 x 1080i (60/24/60 fps)
High Definition
MPEG AVC/H.264
1440 x 1080i (60 fps)
Standard Definition
720 x 480i (60 fps)
Still Image Resolution JPEG: 7.1 Megapixel
Audio Format 2-Channel Stereo 1
Please Note:

Dolby Digital 5.1 Channel

close
Display
Display Type LCD
Screen Size 3.0"
Touchscreen Yes
Features
Image Stabilization Optical
Lux 11 (1/60 shutter speed)
3 (1/30 shutter speed)
Built-in Mic Yes
Built-in Speaker Yes
Built-in Light/Flash Light - Yes
Flash - Yes
Accessory Shoe Hot
Tripod Mount 1/4"
Input/Output Connectors
Inputs 1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini
Outputs 1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini
1x HDMI C (Mini)
1x USB 2.0
1x Component Video (out)
1x Composite Video (out)
Microphone Input Yes
Headphone Jack Yes
General
System Requirements Windows
  • XP (SP3), Vista (SP2), 7
Battery Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
Dimensions (WxHxD) 2.30 x 2.54 x 5.04" / 58.5 x 64.5 x 128 mm
Weight 12.2 oz / 346 g

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
SonyHDR-PJ30V Camcorder
 
4.3

(based on 10 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (6)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

89%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Great picture quality (8)
  • Zoom range/performance (8)
  • Easy to use (6)
  • Image stabilization (6)
  • Large clear LCD (6)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Travel (8)
    • Home movies (5)
    • Movies/short films (5)
    • HD shooting (4)
    • Low light (3)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Casual user (4), Enthusiast (3)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (8)

    Most Liked Positive Review

     

    Small but Mighty!

    Family events~Hiking~I have used this to shoot some Christmas stuff of the kids & grand kids. The main reason I bought it however is to use while walking in the woods,wildlife abo...Read complete review

    Family events~Hiking~I have used this to shoot some Christmas stuff of the kids & grand kids. The main reason I bought it however is to use while walking in the woods,wildlife abounds where I live.I normally only use my DSLR, but now I can get movies also.I would not recommend this for someone who, like me,is not a computer geek as figuring out how to download the movies is a very big PAIN!!

    VS

    Most Liked Negative Review

     

    Great Picture Quality, Horrible Upload

    This camera seemed easy to use, and had great picture quality. The problem is uploading. My computer didn't recognize the camera, so I couldn't transfer the video or stills I shot. Even the...Read complete review

    This camera seemed easy to use, and had great picture quality. The problem is uploading. My computer didn't recognize the camera, so I couldn't transfer the video or stills I shot. Even the professional videographer I went to for help couldn't figure it out. He had to use an external DVD burner. Therefore, I couldn't edit my movie. Only buy this if you are a real professional.

    Reviewed by 10 customers

    Sort by

    Displaying reviews 1-10

    Back to top

     
    5.0

    Excellent

    By Arthur

    from Brazil

    About Me Semi-pro Videographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy to Use
    • Good Image Stabilization
    • Great Picture Quality
    • Great Sound
    • Great Zoom
    • Large Clear LCD

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Documentaries
      • Home Movies
      • Movies/Short Films
      • Travel
      • Weddings/Events

      Comments about Sony HDR-PJ30V Camcorder:

      Great image, great size, great camera.

      Share this review

       
      2.0

      Great Picture Quality, Horrible Upload

      By Band Mom

      from New York

      About Me Casual User

      Pros

      • Great Picture Quality
      • Great Zoom
      • Large Clear LCD

      Cons

      • Complicated To Operate

      Best Uses

        Comments about Sony HDR-PJ30V Camcorder:

        This camera seemed easy to use, and had great picture quality. The problem is uploading. My computer didn't recognize the camera, so I couldn't transfer the video or stills I shot. Even the professional videographer I went to for help couldn't figure it out. He had to use an external DVD burner. Therefore, I couldn't edit my movie. Only buy this if you are a real professional.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Cool Camera

        By CLP

        from Raleigh, NC

        About Me Pro Videographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy to Use
        • Great Picture Quality
        • Large Clear LCD

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • HD Shooting
          • Movies/Short Films
          • Travel

          Comments about Sony HDR-PJ30V Camcorder:

          This camera is exactly what we were looking for in terms of portability and durability since it's being used by student groups. Having the external mic attach at the top was also a must. The projector mode is just a really cool feature new to this model - works great too!

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

          (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          great Camcorder, great price

          By Keske

          from São Leopoldo, Brazil

          About Me Video Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Image Stabilization

          Cons

          • Limited Zoom
          • Poor In Low Light

          Best Uses

          • Home Movies
          • Travel

          Comments about Sony HDR-PJ30V Camcorder:

          I bought this one, but i will wish other cam. But this camcorder is better, much better. The images are very good and the price too. I recomend.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          better than I thought

          By Henry

          from Brazil

          About Me Video Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Easy to Use
          • Good Image Stabilization
          • Good in Low Light
          • Great Picture Quality
          • Great Zoom

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Travel

            Comments about Sony HDR-PJ30V Camcorder:

            the Projector is amazing!!!! It Works better then the projector that I had before.Great image.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            4.0

            Small but Mighty!

            By Rider Roy

            from London Mills

            About Me Casual User

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Good Image Stabilization
            • Good in Low Light
            • Great Picture Quality
            • Great Zoom
            • Large Clear LCD

            Cons

            • Downloading is a big pain

            Best Uses

            • Documentaries
            • HD Shooting
            • Home Movies
            • Indoors/Low Light
            • Travel

            Comments about Sony HDR-PJ30V Camcorder:

            Family events~Hiking~I have used this to shoot some Christmas stuff of the kids & grand kids. The main reason I bought it however is to use while walking in the woods,wildlife abounds where I live.I normally only use my DSLR, but now I can get movies also.I would not recommend this for someone who, like me,is not a computer geek as figuring out how to download the movies is a very big PAIN!!

            • Was this a gift?:
            • Yes

            Share this review

             
            4.0

            This item is good

            By venki

            from NJ

            About Me Casual User

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easy to Use
            • Great Picture Quality
            • Great Sound

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • HD Shooting
              • Movies/Short Films
              • Travel

              Comments about Sony HDR-PJ30V Camcorder:

              This product is pretty much good and built in projector is good. Checked with the projector if the room is Dark then could able to see a better quality from the project but not so good in the bright room.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

              (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              This projector is amazing (-:

              By Faray

              from Dallas, TX

              About Me Video Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Easy to Use
              • Good Image Stabilization
              • Good in Low Light
              • Great Picture Quality
              • Great Sound
              • Great Zoom
              • Large Clear LCD
              • Zoom range/performance

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Home Movies
                • Indoors/Low Light
                • Movies/Short Films
                • Travel

                Comments about Sony HDR-PJ30V Camcorder:

                Easy to handle, easy to use and the most amazing thing is this projector.
                You can share the images right away with the projector.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                (1 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                3.0

                Mid-range camcorder with a surprise

                By [@]

                from Boston, MA

                About Me Pro Videographer

                Verified Reviewer

                Pros

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                      Comments about Sony HDR-PJ30V Camcorder:

                      The Sony Handycam HDR-PJ30V is a middling camcorder, and, while its built-in projector is a cool feature, we're not sure if it warrants the [$] price tag that comes with the model. The camcorder did well in most of our tests, and it really stood out in stabilization and motion, but its overall numbers weren't able to match what we saw from the competition. Mid-range camcorders from Canon (Vixia HF M40) and Panasonic (HDC-TM90) both did better in our tests—particularly in low light—and are available at much lower costs than the PJ30V. In fact, the PJ30V is closer in price to Panasonic's high-end model, the HDC-TM900. And if you can get a camcorder of that quality for the same price, then that puts the HDR-PJ30V in a dangerous limbo.[@]

                      Share this review

                      (4 of 10 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      Great Camcorder & built in Projector

                      By Mookster99

                      from Mississauga, Canada

                      About Me Casual User

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Easy to Use
                      • Good Image Stabilization
                      • Good in Low Light
                      • Great Picture Quality
                      • Great Sound
                      • Great Zoom
                      • Large Clear LCD
                      • Zoom range/performance

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • HD Shooting
                        • Home Movies
                        • Indoors/Low Light
                        • Movies/Short Films
                        • Travel
                        • Weddings/Events

                        Comments about Sony HDR-PJ30V Camcorder:

                        I have used the camera to take photos and movies since I unpacked it.Works Great![...]

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                        Displaying reviews 1-10

                        Back to top

                        Media

                        Required item: Recording media is not included, be prepared - always carry extra media.

                        Sony -  8GB SDHC Memory Card Class 10
                        • Price: $14.50
                         

                        Batteries & Power

                        Don't get caught without power, always have a spare battery.

                        Sony -  NP-FV70 Rechargeable Camcorder Battery Pack (2060mAh, 8.4V)
                        • Price: $64.99
                         
                        Pearstone -  BPS-FV70 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack for Sony (8.4 V, 1650 mAh)
                          • Original: $39.95
                          • Save: $3.99
                        • Price: $35.96
                         

                        Bags & Cases

                        Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.

                        Pearstone -  Onyx 1030 Digital Camera/Camcorder Shoulder Bag
                          • Original: $17.95
                          • Save: $1.79
                        • Price: $16.16
                         

                        Filters

                        Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect by adding a filter.

                        Tiffen -  30mm UV Protector Filter
                        • Price: $4.03
                         
                        Tiffen -  30mm Circular Polarizing Filter
                        • Price: $35.95
                         

                        Lenses & Adaptors

                        Capture the right view with a conversion lens.

                        Sony -  VCL-HA07A 0.7x Wide Angle Lens
                        • Price: $29.99
                         
                        Sony -  VCL-HG1730A 1.7x High Grade Telephoto Conversion Lens
                        • Price: $129.00
                         
                        View all Accessories

                        What's in the Box

                        Sony HDR-PJ30V High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with Projector
                         
                         
                        See any errors on this page? Let us know.

                        Close

                        Close