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Sony 16GB HDR-GW77V Full HD Flash Memory Camcorder
- NP-FG1 (G-Series) Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery
- AC Adapter
- USB Cable
- PlayMemories Home Software (PC Only)
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
New Sony HDR-GW77V Handycam Loves Adventure
Summer’s just about here, and you’ll soon be ramping up your travel and outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a camcorder or still camera that’s easy to travel with, and one that doesn’t mind going wherever you do, consider Sony’s new HDR-GW77V Handycam; it’s waterproof, shockproof and dustproof. It offers full HD 60p recording, 20.4MP still image capture, a 3-inch touch screen and 16GB of internal flash memory, which is enough to record up to 4 hours of video in HD LP mode—this means no fumbling with memory cards unless you feel so inclined. If you need more storage space, the camcorder also features Memory Stick Micro and Micro SD/SDHC card slots.
Easy to transport, the HDR-GW77V measures only 1.27 inches wide by 4.15 inches high by 2.76 inches deep (3.22 x 10.55 x 7.02 cm) and weighs less than 8 ounces with the battery installed, so it will easily fit in your pocket or carry-on bag. And it doesn’t matter if your destination is cold and icy, tropical and humid, hot and dusty or even underwater, as the HDR-GW77V is waterproof to a depth of 16 feet, shockproof from falls of up to 5 feet and impervious to dirt and dust. The camcorder’s 3 inch touch screen even works under water.
If you’re not a professional videographer or even a tech-savvy individual, fret not, because the HDR-GW77V is very easy to use. The camcorder features a 17x extended zoom that works in conjunction with 10x optical zoom to pull faraway subjects into view. The back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor’s low-light sensitivity offers improved image clarity with reduced grain, and the Optical SteadyShot image stabilization delivers smooth video throughout the entire zoom range. A 3-way shake-canceling system adds electronic roll stability to help capture smooth video even while jogging, swimming or square dancing. When there’s just not enough light with which to shoot stills, the camcorder’s built-in flash will brighten things up.
Other neat features of the HDR-GW77V include Golf Shot, which captures a few seconds of motion as a sequence of still images, up to 22 of them, which can be viewed or printed individually or as a composite sequential image to help analyze a golf swing or other sports maneuver. Tracking Focus is an extension of face detection, and it lets you select an object by touching the LCD; the object will then stay in focus even if it exits and returns to the frame. There are 99 different combinations of Intelligent Auto to choose from, with a newly developed underwater mode.
Don’t worry if your travels bring you to so many locations that it’s hard to keep track of where you’ve been, because the camcorder’s built-in GPS and geotagging function can display a map of your current location on the LCD and tag your shooting locations for permanent record. The GPS receiver also automatically adjusts the camcorder's clock to the proper time zone so you won’t have to. The HDR-GW77V is available in black, blue, or white.
| Color Filter System | ClearVid array |
| Effective Picture Resolution | Approx. 5020K pixels(16:9) |
| Imaging Sensor | 1/3.91" (4.6mm) back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS Sensor |
| Pixel Gross | Approx. 5430K pixels |
| Processor | BIONZ image processor |
| Still Image Size 4:3 | Movie mode: 15.3 megapixels 4:3 (4512 x 3384); Photo mode: 15.3 megapixels 4:3 (4512 x 3384) |
| Panorama Still Image Size | Standard (4,912 x 1,080 / 3,424 x 1,920), Wide (7,152 x 1,080 / 4,912 x 1,920) |
| Audio Format | Dolby Digital 2ch Stereo, Dolby Digital Stereo Creator |
| Dual Record | 20.4 megapixels 16:9 (6016 x 3384); 10.0 megapixels 16:9 (4224 x 2376); 2.1 megapixels 16:9 (1920 x 1080) |
| Internal Media | Flash Memory 16 GB |
| Media Type | Internal Flash Memory; Memory Stick Micro (Mark 2); Micro SD/SDHC Memory Card (Class 4 or Higher) |
| Mic Level Control | Yes (2 steps) |
| Microphone/Speaker | Built-in Zoom Microphone; Monaural Speaker |
| Movie Recording Rate (Average Bit Rate/VBR) | HD PS: Approx. 28 Mbps / FX: Approx. 24 Mbps / FH: Approx. 17 Mbps / HQ: Approx. 9.0 Mbps / LP: Approx. 5.0 Mbps, STD HQ: 9.0 Mbps |
| Photo Capture from Movie | 2.1 megapixels 16:9 (1920 x 1080); 307K pixels 4:3 (640 x 480); 230K pixels 16:9 (640 x 360) |
| Recording and Playback Times (in Internal Media)(2ch) | HD PS: Approx. 1h (Approx. 1h), HD FX: Approx. 1h 15m (Approx. 1.0 hr 15 min), HD FH: Approx 1.0 hr 40 min (Approx. 1 hr 40 min), HD HQ: Approx. 3 hr (Approx. 2 hr 15 min), HD LP: Approx. 5 hr 15 min (Approx. 4 hr 20 min), STD HQ: Approx. 3 hr 10 min (Approx. 2 hr 55 min) |
| Recording and Playback Times (in Internal Media)(7) | 20.4 megapixels 16:9 (6016 x 3384) : Approx. 1,550 pictures, 15.3 megapixels 4:3 (4512 x 3384) : Approx. 2,100 pictures, 10.0 megapixels 16:9 (4224 x 2376) : Approx. 2,850 pictures, 5.0 megapixels 4:3 (2592 x 1944) : Approx. 5,200 pictures, 2.1 megapixels 16:9 (1920 x 1080) : Approx. 15,500 pictures, 307K pixels 4:3 (640 x 480) : Approx. 40,000 pictures, 230K pixels 16:9 (640 x 360) : Approx. 40,000 pictures, Panorama Standard (4,912 x 1,080) : Approx. 5,100 pictures, Panorama Standard (3,424 x 1,920) : Approx. 3,800 pictures, Panorama Wide(7,152 x 1,080) : Approx. 3,900 pictures, Panorama Wide (4,912 x 1,920) : Approx. 3,050 pictures |
| Still Image File Format | DCF Ver. 2.0 compatible, Exif Ver. 2.3 compatible, MPF Baseline compatible |
| Still Image Max Effective Resolution | 20.4 megapixels |
| Still Image Mode | JPEG |
| Still Image Size 16:9 | Movie ModeL 20.4 megapixels 16:9 (6016 x 3384); Photo Mode: 20.4 megapixels 16:9 (6016 x 3384) |
| Still Image Size (Photo Mode) | L: 20.4 megapixels 16:9 (6016 x 3384), 15.3 megapixels 4:3 (4512 x 3384), M: 10.0 megapixels 16:9 (4224 x 2376), 5.0 megapixels 4:3 (2592 x 1944), S: 2.1 megapixels 16:9 (1920 x 1080), 0.3 megapixels 4:3 (640 x 480) |
| Video Actual (Pixel) | HD, STD: Approx. 5020K pixels (16:9), Approx. 3760K pixels (4:3) |
| Video Format | HD: MPEG4-AVC/H.264 AVCHD format ver. 2.0 compatible, STD: MPEG2-PS |
| Video Resolution | HD: 1920 x 1080 / 60p (PS), 60i (FX,FH), 1440 x 1080 / 60i (HQ,LP), STD: 720 x 480 / 60i |
| Video Signal | HD: HDTV 1080 / 60p, 60i, STD: NTSC color, EIA standards |
| Wind Position | Yes (Off/On) |
| Focal Length (35mm equivalent) | Movie Mode; f = 29.8 - 298.0mm (16:9), f=36.3 - 363.0mm (4:3) Photo Mode; 29.8mm - 298mm (16:9), 36.3mm - 363mm (4:3) |
| Aperture | f/1.8 - f/3.4 |
| Digital Zoom | 120x |
| Extended Zoom | 17x |
| Focal Distance | f = 3.2 - 32.0 mm; f = 5/32 - 1 5/16" |
| Lens Stabilization | Optical SteadyShot image stabilization w/ Active mode (Wide to Tele) |
| Lens Type | G Lens |
| Minimum Focus Distance | HD / STD / Still: Approx. 1.0 cm (Wide) , Approx. 80 cm (Tele) , Approx. 38 cm (Tele Macro)HD / STD / Still: Approx. 13/32" (Wide), Approx. 31-1/2" (Tele), Approx. 15" (Tele Macro) |
| Optical Zoom | 10x |
| Steady Shot Mode | Active: 31.7 - 538.7mm |
| Auto Iris Control | f/1.8 - f/10.0 |
| Backlight Compensation | Yes (Auto) |
| D-Range Optimizer | Yes |
| Exposure Settings | Auto; Flexible Spot (Touch Panel) |
| LOW LUX Mode | Yes |
| Metering Modes | Multi-segment/Spot |
| Minimum Illumination | Standard: 6 lux (1/60 Shutter Speed); Low Lux: 3 lux (1/30 Shutter Speed) |
| Noise Reduction | Yes |
| Scene Modes | Auto / Night Scene / Night Portrait (Photo Mode only) / Sunrise & Sunset / Fireworks / Landscape / Portrait / Spotlight / Beach / Snow / Underwater |
| White Balance Modes | Auto / Onepush / Outdoor / Indoor |
| Date / Time Stamp | Yes (Rec Date and Time, Camera info, Coordinates) |
| Erase/Protect | Yes / Yes |
| Fader Effects | White / Black |
| Media/Battery Indicator | Yes (recordable time, free and used media space) / Yes (remaining capacity) |
| Multiple Language Display | English; Brazilian Portugese; Canadian French; Latin American Spanish; Traditional Chinese; Korean; American English |
| One Touch Disc Burn | Yes (Menu) |
| Red-Eye Reduction | Yes (On/Off) |
| S/S & Zoom button on LCD | Yes (Touch Panel) |
| Still Image Playback Options | Slide Show |
| Video Playback Options | Highlight Playback (HD Movie Only) Highlight Playback Save and Share (Translate into STD quality) Highlight Scenario (Save/Playback/Erase) Hightlight BGM (Pre-installed 4 music files, Music transfer) |
| View & Index | Event / MAP |
| Angle Adjustment | Opening Angle: max. 90 deg., Turning Angle: max. 270 deg. |
| Brightness Control | Yes (Menu) |
| Coverage | 100% |
| Grid Display | Guide Frame |
| LCD Type | 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD screen (921K) Wide (16:9) |
| Touch Panel | Yes |
| Shutter Speeds | Self-timer: Approx. 10 sec (Still Image/ Golf Shot); Shutter Speed (Standard): 1/60 - 1/10000; Shutter Speed Auto Control Range: 1/8 - 1/10000; Shutter Speed (Smooth Slow Rec): 1/250 - 1/10000 (Standard) |
| Drive Mode | Photo Mode: Single-shot / Self-timer |
| Self Timer | Approx. 10 sec (Still Image/Golf Shot); Approx. 2 sec (portrait1 / portrait2) |
| Sweep Panorama | Intelligent Sweep Panorama |
| Waterproof | Yes (IPX8 16' / 5.0 m) |
| Dustproof | Yes (IP5X) |
| Embedded GPS | Yes (Current Position Display (Your Location)) |
| Face Detection | Yes |
| Golf Shot | Yes |
| Image Stabilization | Optical SteadyShot image stabilization w/ Active mode (Wide to Tele) |
| Intelligent Auto | Portrait / Baby/Walk / Tripod / Backlight / Landscape / Spotlight / Twilight / Macro / Low light / UnderWater |
| Priority Setting (for Face Detection) | Auto / Child Priority / Adult Priority |
| Shockproof | Yes (1.5 m MIL-STD810F Method 516.5-Shock) |
| Smile Shutter Technology | Dual Capture / Always On / Off |
| Smooth Slow Record | Yes |
| x.v.Color | Yes |
| Power Consumption (in Operation) | HD: 2.3 W; STD: 2.1 W |
| Battery Type | LITHIUM ION NP-BG1 (supplied) |
| Power Requirements | 3.6 V (battery pack); 5.0 V (AC Adapter) |
| Dimensions (Approx.) | 1-5/16" × 4-1/4" × 2-7/8" (32.2mm × 105.5mm × 70.2mm) |
| Weight (Approx.) | 7.8 oz (218.4 g) (NP-BG1 supplied battery) |
| AF Modes | Auto / Manual (Touch Panel) |
| Focus Area | Full range Focus / Spot Focus |
| Focus Features | Tracking Focus |
| Focus System | Contrast AF |
| Flash Compensation | Yes (3 steps) |
| Flash Coverage | Approx. 11-7/8 inch - 98-1/2 inch (Approx. 0.3m - 2.5m) |
| Flash Metering System | Pre-flash TTL |
| Flash Modes | Auto / Forced / Prohibited |
| Flash Types | Built-in Flash |
| BRAVIA Sync | Yes |
| HD Output | HDMI Out (micro) (supplied) |
| HDMI Terminal | Yes (micro) |
| Memory Card Slot | Memory Stick Micro and Micro SD / SDHC compatible |
| PhotoTV HD | Yes |
| USB Port(s) | micro-B / USB2.0 Hi-speed (mass-storage/MTP) |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows XP SP3 * /Windows Vista SP2 ** /Windows7 * 64-bit editions and Starter (Edition) are not supported. The Windows Image Mastering API (IMAPI) Ver. 2.0 or later is required to use the function for creating discs. ** Starter (Edition) are not supported. Standard installation is required. Operation is not assured if the above OS has been upgraded or in a multi-boot environment.Supplied Software: PC: PlayMemories Home Lite (built-in; for PC only); PlayMemories Home (by download); Music Transfer (by download); MAC:Music Transfer (by download); PlayMemories Online Uploader (by download) |
Comments
Questions of HDR GW 77v:
1. 64gb or 128 gb are compatible? they mention up to 32gb (operation verified)does that means that they garuantee 32 gb to work but larger ones can work?,
2. whats the best video format getting the best of the cam and not eatting up all the space that you got in a 40 minutes video ex. 60p (well if it reads the big sdhc cards problem is solved), the 16gb installed is not that bad but 3gb are for maps so..
My experience / conclusion:
rather than that ill reccomend this toy to everyone its a breakthrough in tech and i am in love to a degree that i am not planning to buy any other camera for the time being.the shrinking of the sensor (exmor plus G lence!!) ending up with such a tiny monster and the low light performance results is amazing and guess what you can dive dive dive with it too :)
Is the hdr-gw77v compatible with iMovie HD 6.0.4?
Hello Boatbump -
Your iMovie 6 will not support the video codecs of this new camera (or any other MPEG4-AVC/H.264 AVCHD format camera). The easiest and best route to take at this point is to update to the latest version of iMovie.
Hi it is so small ,that even hard to hold in hend and make a shots. Also sometimes it doesn't turning on when I need.so I shoud push the sd cart and battary out and in. After that it is going on. Shoud I come over to shop? Thenk you.
Hello Elena -
I am sorry to hear that you are having difficulties with your camera. Please contact our Customer Service Department via telephone: 800-221-5743 or 212-239-7765 or via e-mail: CS@BandH.com or bring your camera to our Customer Service department at our store during regular business hours. Directions to our Manhattan SuperStore location
Hi, Is there a lens cover for this camcorder otherwise it will get scratched?
At this time there is no separate lens cover. I suggest that when not in use, you keep the camera in a pouch or case. You can find my two case suggestions by separately entering these these numbers into the search box on the B&H web site. SLCMGWAW and F6ALB.
no microphone input? This is the most frustrating. Even at $700 no one wants to put a microphone input jack? That makes for crappy videos unless it's baby shots or pet shots around the house. You'd think something like this could be used for interviews or even a lapel mic.
hi, anyone care to comment on low light quality (for for video)
Thanks
I want one.... How does it fare in low light?
Hello Jose -
Sony is offering the best low-light technology available in this size and form factor camera. A 1/3.9" "Exmor R" CMOS image sensor delivers bright, vivid, and spectacularly detailed video footage, as well as three-megapixel still images. The back-illumination delivers stunning low-light sensitivity with improved image clarity and drastically reduced grain. 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. Sony is offering the best low-light technology available in this size and form factor camera.
Is the video format that this camera uses compatible with Apple's Final Cut Pro X?
Hello Johnny CGC -
It appears that this new SONY camcorder will be compatible with Final Cut Pro X, based on the cameras that Apple has already tested.
I would be wary of the 1440 x 1080i (60/60/60 fps) setting, however. SONY has ensured compatability with iMovie 11as well - so it looks like editing with FCP X natively with this camera is a safe bet.
I was thinking about purchasing the CX580V, but the GW77V has really caught my eye. My primary use will be for outdoor adventures (backpacking, kayaking, etc..), so the waterproof/dustproof/shockproof is really appealing to me.
Does it offer the same shallow depth of field that you can achieve with the CX580V? And, can you do the slow motion video?
Thanks!
Hello WhiskeyHat -
Can you mount this camera on a tripod?
Yes, the camera has a standard 1/4-20 tripod mounting screw on the bottom.
How is the still picture quality ?
Is there any test of this camera on the internet ?
I've been performing alot of tests and I can honestly say the still pictures are amazing! I've also tested low-light conditions (which was my main concern) and the videos turned out pretty well, with minimal (if any) noise. My only complaint with the dual cam is the battery door is pretty flimsy, so you have to be pretty careful when closing the door. I've been taking camera and camcorder on trips with me in the past. Not anymore! This will do the trick. One more thing: even tho the cam has 16g internal storage, I'd recommend buying an sdhc card.
Hello robbmeister -
We are glad that you are enjoying your camera and appreciate this valuable feedback!
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com
robbmeister i have 2 question for you, i bought this cam last week and never been happy about my purchase i like to know if a 64gb sdhc or a 128gb will be compatible, in the manual sony mention up to 32gb operation verified but really!!! this was made in 2012 so i have a doubt that bigger ones can work (because they mentioned operation verified),again what do you format you use i know that 60p is very big (not if it reads a 64gb or 128gb), but what is the selection getting the best of it and good in space consumption.
Ive seen test videos on youtube. They look to be from japan. No stills though. I was about to buy the 580 as well but decided to wait for this to hit the shelves. I was at the sony store at south coast plaza in OC and they didnt have it in stock. No staff members knew what I was talking about either. Hope these come out soon before summer passes by.
Hello -
We have not yet seen any hands-on reviews of this new camcorder, as SONY has not started shipping. Keep an eye on this InDepth resource for future updates on this product. If you have additional questions - please contact us via e-mail at: AskBH@BandH.com
I've been using a Sony HDR-GW55 for a couple of months now, and am really impressed with it (The only difference from the GW77 is absence of internal memory). My previous favourite camcorder was the Panasonic HDC-TM700, which sets a very high reference standard. But because the Sony is so compact, I now leave the Panasonic at home. Unfortunately the Sony is so compact that it is now in Hungary: I forgot it on the seat of a taxi earlier this week. Video quality is excellent in all light conditions. Sound is pretty good (in and out of the water), with no attempt at the stupid 5.1 surround sound some camcorders claim to capture. I would strongly recommend it to anyone who wants to capture genuine HD video on the move. One convenient touch is that it charges through a standard microUSB lead, either from your laptop or the charger supplied.
I was initially doubtful about the wide angle lens, but distortion is minimal, and it still has an auto macro setting for extreme close-up. So the range of the lens is immense. I'm still not sure the camcorder needs GPS, but that can be handy in sorting shots. My one remaining gripe is that the screen can be impossible to view in strong sunlight.