Ratings Snapshot
5 star:
33%
(2)
4 star:
16%
(1)
3 star:
16%
(1)
2 star:
0%
(0)
1 star:
33%
(2)
Preserve your memories in stunning, incredibly detailed 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution. You can even share your videos and photos with family and friends on your compatible HDTV.
Constructed of pure titanium, this remarkably durable and lightweight metal makes the HDR-TG5V an ideal travel companion that can be carried with ease and slipped into a pocket or purse reducing the risk of nicks and scratches.
Perfect for travelers, this camcorder features a built-in GPS receiver that automatically adjusts your camcorder's clock to the proper time zone and lets you view your current location on the LCD map display, as well as "tag" your shooting locations. You can view your tagged videos and pictures via the Map Index function or after you've downloaded them to your PC using the supplied Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software.
Record to 16GB embedded flash memory or choose instead to record to removable Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media (sold separately). You can even select from various dubbing functions to easily copy video or still images from the embedded flash media to the Memory Stick media—without using a PC.
Featuring Face Detection technology and Smile Shutter technology, capturing smiles and faces is easier than ever. Face Detection automatically detects faces and then controls focus, exposure and color while analyzing and enhancing for more natural skin tone in both video and still images. Smile Shutter captures a smile the moment it happens and takes still photos when your subject smiles, even when shooting video.
The 1/5" Exmor CMOS image sensor with ClearVid array delivers bright, vivid and exceptionally detailed 1920 x 1080 video footage, as well as 4.0 megapixel still images—all with prolonged battery life.
Sony Picture Motion Browser software offers a simple, intuitive way to transfer, sort and view your video and still images. There are also multiple output options letting you burn your memories to media, DVD or Blu-ray Disc™, as well as take advantage of one click upload to a number of popular video and photo sharing sites.
Automatically create a short movie you can play back on your compatible HDTV directly from the HDR-TG5V. The Highlight Playback feature uses several criteria to identify and compile key scenes into a short, entertaining movie complete with music and transitions (HDTV and HDMI™ cable required, sold separately).
HD Picture Quality Mode
AVCHD 16M (FH) (1920x1080i)
AVCHD 9M (HQ)
AVCHD 7M (SP)
AVCHD 5M (LP)
SD Picture Quality Mode
9M (HQ)
6M (SP)
3M (LP)
4GB Memory Stick (supplied)
25 min
55 min
1 hour 5 min
1 hour 25 min
4GB >Memory Stick (supplied)
55 min
1 hour 20 min
2 hours 40 min
8GB Memory Stick
55 min
1 hour 55 min
2 hours 20 min
3 hours
8GB Memory Stick
1 hour 55 min
2 hours 50 min
5 hours 25 min
16GB Memory Stick
1 hour 50 min
3 hours 50 min
4 hours 40 min
5 hours 55 min
16GB Memory Stick
3 hours 50 min
5 hours 40 min
10 hours 55 min
( Rated 3.2 out of 5 Stars AVERAGE RATING | 6 REVIEWS Ratings Snapshot)
3 of 6 (50%) customers would recommend this product to a friend
Rated 1.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
I bought this about 3 months ago, but only now am I editing the video on a computer. The HDV looks great when the camcorder is connected directly to a HDTV. The problem lies in getting the video transferred onto a MAC. I am using a 1 year old intel MacBook Pro, which I was told was compatible. However the video, when viewed on the MAC is grainy, and very poor quality. I tried every permutation in iMovie and Final Cut Express to try to improve the quality, but despite the large file size, the picture quality is of a broadband streaming quality. I have bought many Sony products in the past, and have been very happy with them, but this is a real disappointment. The fact that there is zero support on either MAC or Sony websites doesn't help.
Rated 4.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Pros: light & compact size, HD, easy to use
Cons: Price, software not MAC compatible & need extra steps to view/edit with audio
Reviewer: Renopz (Walnut Creek, CA)
Date: Oct 15, 2009
I've had this product for 1-3 months
5of 5 people found this helpful
So far so good. I adore the size & HD quality. I just keep it in my purse. I'm a mom who wants to capture her kids without lugging around a large complicated camcorder. I bought an extra battery & memory stick just in case because recording in HD uses the battery & memory faster. I need to get used to recording & zooming using my thumb. I'm used to using my pointer finger to record & press buttons. So a couple of times you see my finger in the videos because its looking for something to do. =) But I don't see that being a problem once I get used to it: MAC users: You can't automatically view your videos. You need to buy ($20): QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component for Mac OS X just to view on your computer. But then there's no sound! You can download a FREE program from the apple website: MPEG Streamclip to get audio. Yes... There are extra steps for us MAC users & Sony support was little help. After 30 minutes with online Sony support their advice was talk to Apple support! Luckily I was able to find discussions on the apple website to explain what to do. Sony software is not compatible with MACs: I like the idea of geotagging but the software doesn't work for us MAC users: However, I do find the Smile Shutter extremely convenient. It takes still pictures while you're recording video! Overall I am happy with my purchase. I just wished it was a bit cheaper & was more MAC friendly.
By DevonO, Sony Style, Nov 3, 2009
Hi Renopz. Thanks for taking the time to post. I just wanted to make sure that folk knew that some tips & work arounds not supported by Sony could potentially void a warranty. I also wanted to provide a Sony supported link with instructions on how to transfer your video using a Mac, what type of cameras are compatible and the connection needed. This can be viewed at http://esupport.sony.com/perl/support-info.pl?&info_id=64. I hope this helps and again, thanks for posting.
Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Pros: size, video, ease of operation, works fine with MAC
Cons: not really any
Reviewer: scruffy (North Carolina)
Date: Aug 28, 2009
I've had this product for 1-3 months
6of 6 people found this helpful
The camcorder is perfect for its intended purpose. I've owned many camcorders, all more expensive and this one handles the job fine and the hook up with a MAC is flawless using iMovie.
Perfect for travel and everyday recording, the unbelievably compact HDR-TG5V Handycam® camcorder captures stunning Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution video. Its slim, pure-titanium body is not only lightweight and stylish, it also houses a GPS receiver that maps your photos and videos while displaying your current location. For easy recording, you will enjoy 16GB of built-in flash memory, good for nearly two hours of HD video at the highest quality settings. Face Detection technology is also included for fantastic results when recording family and friends, and Smile Shutter™ technology captures smiles as they happen.
1920 x1080 high definition resolution lets you record your memories in exceptional Sony® Full High Definition quality2.
The slim, sleek Sony® HDR-TG5V Handycam® camcorder is constructed of pure titanium. This remarkably durable and lightweight metal makes the HDR-TG5V an ideal travel companion that can be carried with ease and slipped into a pocket or purse reducing the risk of nicks and scratches.
Made possible by the BIONZ™ image processing engine, Face Detection technology recognizes up to 8 faces anywhere in the frame and by selecting the most prominent, 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. With variable bit allocation, the HDR-TG5V allocates encoding bits on detected face areas prior to encoding other parts of the picture, making them sharper and clearer. In still picture mode, Face Detection technology sets the flash level to optimize picture clarity.
2.7” (diag.) wide (16:9) touch panel Clear Photo LCD Plus™ display provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution (211K pixels). The display rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles, as well as provides sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback. The convenient touch panel allows easy access to menus and additional functionality such as spot focus and spot metering.
1/5” Exmor™ CMOS image sensor with ClearVid™ array delivers bright, vivid, and exceptionally detailed 2.3 megapixel (effective) video footage, as well as 4 megapixel still images – all with prolonged battery life.
Dolby® Digital 2 channel stereo recording captures active sounds coming from both left and right, while the Built-In Zoom Mic focuses audio recording on your subjects in sync with the camera’s zoom lens.
Hybrid recording technology delivers a new level of flexibility of capturing and transferring your video footage and digital photos from the camcorder to compatible viewing devices. Record to 16GB1 embedded flash memory, or choose instead to record to removable Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media (sold separately). You can even select from various dubbing functions to easily copy video or still images from the embedded flash media to the Memory Stick® media -- without using a PC.
x.v.Color™ technology enables the HDR-TG5 to capture nearly twice (1.8x) as many viewable colors as the standard RGB color range, resulting in more natural, life-like images. You can even experience this expanded color range on the big screen when you connect your camcorder to x.v. Color capable displays, including a wide range of Sony® BRAVIA® HDTVs.
A USB 2.0 interface provides an easy way to connect your camcorder to a compatible PC for fast transfer of video and still images for editing.
Face Index makes it easier than ever to find and play back the right video scene. Using Face Detection technology, Face Index indexes your video footage according to the faces detected in each scene. When it’s time to play back video, simply search for what you want by selecting from among the detected faces displayed in the index.
A built-in GPS receiver7 makes the HDR-TG5V an ideal choice for travelers. In addition to automatically adjusting your camcorder's clock to the proper time zone, the GPS receiver also 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) software9.
For added clarity and detail when taking pictures in low-light situations, the built-in flash reduces shadows and improves pictures.
The HDR-TG5V features a professional-quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® lens designed specifically for compact camcorders. Precision ground optics help maintain the sharpness and contrast of larger lenses, and SteadyShot® image stabilization helps reduce blur caused by camera shake.
10X optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, Digital Zoom Interpolation means that digital zooming (up to 120X) is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.
Highlight Playback uses several criteria - including Face Index, Smile Shutter™ technology, Dual Capture and time range - to identify and compile key scenes into a short, entertaining movie complete with music and transitions that you can play back on your compatible HDTV directly from the camcorder (HDTV and HDMI™ cable required, sold separately).
Dual record capability lets you capture 2.3MP still images while shooting high definition video, so you can capture those special moments without having to switch recording modes.
The Smooth Slow Record mode is a great tool for analyzing a golf swing, viewing a bird in flight or simply getting that creative slow motion shot. By increasing the record rate from 60 frames per second (fps) to 240 fps, you can capture 3 seconds of fast motion and play the video back in 12 seconds. In addition, you can record 12 seconds of audio to narrate the video footage right after the 3 sec slow motion recording ends.
The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI™) is a compact audio/video connector interface for transmitting uncompressed digital streams. HDMI™ connects digital audio/video sources such as a compatible camcorder, Blu-ray Disc™ player, personal computer, video game console, or an AV receiver to a compatible digital audio device and/or video monitor such as a digital television (DTV).
Like chapters in a book, Film Roll Index helps you easily find desired scenes in video footage. When using this feature, the camcorder previews the beginning of scenes and can create scene indexes set at specified display intervals (3, 6, or 12 seconds and 1 or 5 minutes).
16GB1 of embedded flash memory gives you the ability to record up to two hours of high definition video at the highest quality settings.
4 megapixel still image capture lets you take high resolution digital photos.
Smile Shutter™ technology lets the camcorder automatically take still photos when your subject smiles, even while shooting high definition video. You can also set the sensitivity and choose child, adult, or auto priority.
Power On your camcorder by simply opening the LCD display.
The BIONZ™ Image Processor works in conjunction with the Exmor™ CMOS image sensor with ClearVid™ array for pristine imaging. The BIONZ™ Image Processor provides Data Noise Reduction, Faster Image processing, and Data compression to preserve videos and images. In addition, the BIONZ™ Image Processor enables Face Detection technology and Sony’s Dynamic Range Optimizer for both video and still image capture. The higher processing speed also allows Dual Recording to capture still images while recording video.
An Auto Lens Cover protects the lens when the camcorder is powered off.
Sony® Picture Motion Browser software9 offers a simple, intuitive way to transfer, sort, and view your video and still images on your compatible PC. In addition, multiple output options let you burn your memories to DVD, AVCHD, and Blu-ray Disc™ media (sold separately)2, as well as take advantage of one click upload to a number of popular video and photo sharing sites (compatible PC and internet connection required)9.
BRAVIA® Sync™ technology5 offers greater ease of use in controlling compatible Sony® products connected via an HDMI™ (CEC) connection. HDMI™ connectivity provides a simple; high-quality video and audio connection, with the ability to transmit HD video and up to 5.1 channel audio directly from the camcorder to compatible HDTVs via a single HDMI™ cable, sold separately. With BRAVIA® Sync™ (CEC) technology, the HDMI™ connection also delivers the ability to control both the camcorder and HDTV using a single BRAVIA® TV remote5 and displays the camcorder’s playback menu on screen for easier navigation.
Map Index uses the geotagged video and photos to display your shot locations on NAVTEQ® maps in the camcorder, offering a new way to easily search and find a desired scene by location or view where a scene was captured.
The D-Range (Dynamic Range) Optimizer function adjusts the exposure and contrast of an image to counter the effects of high-contrast shooting condition, allowing for a great shot every time. The D-Range Optimizer suppresses “blackout” in dark areas such as shadows and “whiteout” in bright areas such as skies. As a result, the captured image appears as natural as the original scene.
( Rated 3.2 out of 5 Stars AVERAGE RATING | 6 REVIEWS Ratings Snapshot)
3 of 6 (50%) customers would recommend this product to a friend
Rated 1.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Date: Nov 16, 2009
I've had this product for 3-6 months
I bought this about 3 months ago, but only now am I editing the video on a computer. The HDV looks great when the camcorder is connected directly to a HDTV. The problem lies in getting the video transferred onto a MAC. I am using a 1 year old intel MacBook Pro, which I was told was compatible. However the video, when viewed on the MAC is grainy, and very poor quality. I tried every permutation in iMovie and Final Cut Express to try to improve the quality, but despite the large file size, the picture quality is of a broadband streaming quality. I have bought many Sony products in the past, and have been very happy with them, but this is a real disappointment. The fact that there is zero support on either MAC or Sony websites doesn't help.
Rated 4.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Reviewer: Renopz (Walnut Creek, CA)
Date: Oct 15, 2009
I've had this product for 1-3 months
5of 5 people found this helpful
Pros: light & compact size, HD, easy to use
Cons: Price, software not MAC compatible & need extra steps to view/edit with audio
So far so good. I adore the size & HD quality. I just keep it in my purse. I'm a mom who wants to capture her kids without lugging around a large complicated camcorder. I bought an extra battery & memory stick just in case because recording in HD uses the battery & memory faster. I need to get used to recording & zooming using my thumb. I'm used to using my pointer finger to record & press buttons. So a couple of times you see my finger in the videos because its looking for something to do. =) But I don't see that being a problem once I get used to it: MAC users: You can't automatically view your videos. You need to buy ($20): QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component for Mac OS X just to view on your computer. But then there's no sound! You can download a FREE program from the apple website: MPEG Streamclip to get audio. Yes... There are extra steps for us MAC users & Sony support was little help. After 30 minutes with online Sony support their advice was talk to Apple support! Luckily I was able to find discussions on the apple website to explain what to do. Sony software is not compatible with MACs: I like the idea of geotagging but the software doesn't work for us MAC users: However, I do find the Smile Shutter extremely convenient. It takes still pictures while you're recording video! Overall I am happy with my purchase. I just wished it was a bit cheaper & was more MAC friendly.
By DevonO, Sony Style, Nov 3, 2009
Hi Renopz. Thanks for taking the time to post. I just wanted to make sure that folk knew that some tips & work arounds not supported by Sony could potentially void a warranty. I also wanted to provide a Sony supported link with instructions on how to transfer your video using a Mac, what type of cameras are compatible and the connection needed. This can be viewed at http://esupport.sony.com/perl/support-info.pl?&info_id=64. I hope this helps and again, thanks for posting.
Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Reviewer: scruffy (North Carolina)
Date: Aug 28, 2009
I've had this product for 1-3 months
6of 6 people found this helpful
Pros: size, video, ease of operation, works fine with MAC
Cons: not really any
The camcorder is perfect for its intended purpose. I've owned many camcorders, all more expensive and this one handles the job fine and the hook up with a MAC is flawless using iMovie.
Rated 1.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Reviewer: wolfeman (Los Angeles)
Date: Aug 16, 2009
I've had this product for 1-3 months
5of 11 people found this helpful
Pros: HD and Small
Cons: Not compatible with anything
What file format is MTS? If you just plan on shooting mom and pops videos on Sony propriatary Memory sticks - you are in luck at $1,000 This camera is very dissapointing - not streaming options, no Mic or audio in options, touch screen still sucks, too big to grip like a gun, not quite small enough to fit comfortably in your pocket. At $400 - this camera would be good, but there are so many others (including Sony models) that you would be just better off getting.
Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Reviewer: judy (Southwest Louisiana)
Date: Jun 16, 2009
I've had this product for less than a month
9of 10 people found this helpful
Pros: Easy to use, lightweight, great video
Cons: none--maybe just a little pricey.
I love this. and waited for it to come out..We have only had it a couple of weeks and have not put it down. We are always recording our grandchildren doing something cute. It is very easy to use. Great, great video. There might be things wrong with this camcorder if you are a pro but, we are just grandparents who love filming Abby, Tay-Tay, and Tripp. I told sister and sister-in-law to go and buy one.
Rated 3.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Reviewer: MikeRadio (Maryland)
Date: Apr 3, 2009
I've had this product for less than a month
287of 312 people found this helpful
Pros: Great Features Added Over HDR-TG1
Cons: NO 5.1 SOUND! HD without surround!!
I recently purchased the HDR-TG1 and love it. When I saw this cam soon to be come available, I was going to return the 1 for the 5V, as the geo tagging, built in memory, easier UI and some of the other features are ones I would enjoy. THEN after carefully reading the specs here, for some reason Sony TOOK AWAY the Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound which is in the TG1 and replaced it with standard Stereo. So this is now only HALF an HD camcorder, as it does not have the full HD surround. Let me tell you, the 5.1 Surround on the TG1 is STUNNING. As the shooter, you can talk to your subject, Your voice comes from the rear while theirs comes from the front. That is one example... It just sounds GREAT with that 5.1 surround. Sony, why did you take such an incredible and needed major feature away? HD means the picture and the sound... I am really surprised that adding the new features on this cam ment losing the 5.1 surround... My suggestion is if you REALLY want a com to do its main job (Video and sound) stick with the TR1. You won't regret it.
© 2009 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony, Handycam, SteadyShot, BIONZ, Clear Photo LCD Plus, Smile Shutter, AVCHD, ClearVid, x.v. Color, BRAVIA, Sync, Exmor, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick and the Memory Stick logo are trademarks of Sony. PLAYSTATION is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Blu-ray Disc and it’s logo are trademarks. HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC. Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. *Logo mentions need to be included if logo shown or listed in copy