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High Definition Handycam® Camcorder

Model number: HDR-TG5V
Rated 3.2 out of 5 stars
Capture all the action on your next trip with this ultra-portable, titanium-bodied Handycam® camcorder. It features Full HD 1920 x 1080 video recording, 4MP still shots and so much more.

ADDITIONAL IMAGES:

$999.99

As low as $30.00/month**

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  • Full HD Recording

    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.

    Watch Video

  • Lightweight, Pure Titanium

    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.

  • Geotagging7 With Built-In GPS Receiver

    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.

    Watch video

  • Hybrid Recording To 16GB Flash Memory Or Media Card

    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.

    View Recording Times

  • Scene Selection

    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.

    Learn More About Smile Shutter

    Learn More About Face Detection

  • Exmor CMOS Image Sensor With ClearVid array

    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.

  • Includes PMB (Picture Motion Browser) Software

    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.

    Learn More About PMB

  • Highlight Playback

    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).

Approximate recording times

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

Product Reviews

Write a review

( Rated 3.2 out of 5 Stars AVERAGE RATING | 6 REVIEWS Ratings Snapshot)

Ratings Snapshot
5 star:
33%
(2)
4 star:
16%
(1)
3 star:
16%
(1)
2 star:
0%
(0)
1 star:
33%
(2)

3 of 6 (50%) customers would recommend this product to a friend

Rated 1.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot

Ratings Snapshot
Design
60%
Value
20%
Reliability
20%

A total waste of money for MAC user

Reviewer: (Edmonton, Canada)

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

Ratings Snapshot
Value
60%
Design
80%
Performance
80%
Reliability
80%

Overall Happy with Purchase

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.

Response from Sony Style

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

Ratings Snapshot
Value
80%
Reliability
100%
Design
100%
Performance
100%

Worth the price

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.

1920x1080 high definition video recording2

1920 x1080 high definition resolution lets you record your memories in exceptional Sony® Full High Definition quality2.

Slim, light and durable pure titanium body

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.

Face Detection technology for Video Footage and Digital Still Photos

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 touch panel Clear Photo LCD Plus™ display

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

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 2ch stereo recording with Built-in Zoom Mic

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 to 16GB1 memory or optional Memory Stick® media

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 for superior color

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.

USB 2.0 interface

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

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.

Geotagging with built-in GPS receiver7

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.

Built-in Intelligent Flash

For added clarity and detail when taking pictures in low-light situations, the built-in flash reduces shadows and improves pictures.

Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® lens with SteadyShot® image stabilization

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 / 120X Digital Zoom

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

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 with simultaneous still image and video capture

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.

Smooth Slow Record

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.

HDMI™ connection output via included cradle

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).

Film Roll Index

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 embedded memory

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

4 megapixel still image capture lets you take high resolution digital photos.

Smile Shutter™ technology for still and dual capture

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 by opening LCD display

Power On your camcorder by simply opening the LCD display.

BIONZ™ Image Processor

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.

Auto Lens Cover

An Auto Lens Cover protects the lens when the camcorder is powered off.

Includes Sony® PMB (Picture Motion Browser) software9

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

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

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.

Dynamic Range Optimizer

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.

Product Profile

Support

License Agreements

Product Warranty

Product Specifications

Convenience

  • Dual Record : Yes
  • Dynamic Range Optimizer : Yes
  • Embedded GPS : Yes
  • Face Detection : Yes - video and still
  • Hybrid : Yes
  • Image Stabilization : SteadyShot™ image stabilization
  • Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media Compatibility : Tested to support up to 16GB media capacity; does not support high speed transfer function; does not support Access Control security function.
  • Quick On : Power On by LCD
  • Scene Mode(s) : Auto, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Candle, Sunrise & Sunset, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait), Spotlight, Beach, Snow
  • Smile Shutter™ technology : Yes
  • Still Image Mode(s) : JPEG
  • White Balance : Auto, Outdoor, Indoor, One Push (via Touch panel)

General

  • Imaging Device : 1/5" Exmor™ CMOS sensor with ClearVid™ array
  • Pixel Gross : 2360K
  • Processor : BIONZ™ image processor
  • Recording Media : 16GB Embedded Flash memory Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media (Sold Separately)
  • Recording and Playback Times : 16GB Flash Memory: High Definition: FH = up to 110 min., HQ = up to 120 min. SP = up to 280 min., LP = up to 355 min. Standard Definition: HQ = up to 230 min., SP = up to 340 min., LP = up to 655 min.
  • Still Actual : 1490K Pixels (16:9) 1990K Pixels (4:3)
  • Still Picture Resolution : 4 megapixel
  • Video Actual : 1430K Pixels (16:9) 1080K Pixels (4:3)
  • Video Resolution : 1920 x 1080

Software

  • Operating System Compatibility : Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional, XP Home, XP Professional, Windows Vista
  • Supplied Software : PMB Ver.4.2.00 Supports Windows 2000 Professional Service Pack4 (SP4), Windows XP Service Pack3 (SP3)(32bit) Windows Vista Service Pack1 (SP1)(32bit/64bit). Not supported by Mac OS.

Audio

  • Microphone : Built-in Zoom Microphone

Video

  • Format : HD: MPEG4 AVC/H.264 SD: MPEG2

Hardware

  • Light/Flash : Yes
  • Manual / Auto Lens Cover : Auto
  • Memory Stick slot : Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media slot

Convenience Features

  • BRAVIA® Sync™ : Yes
  • Easy Operation : Yes
  • Face Index : Yes
  • Fader Effect(s) : Black, White
  • Film Roll Index : Yes
  • Multiple Language Display : Yes
  • Photo Capture from Movie : Yes
  • Slide Show Mode : Yes
  • x.v.Color™ : Yes

Inputs and Outputs

  • Analog Audio/Video Output(s) : Included (via A/V Remote Terminal)
  • Audio/Video Remote Terminal : Yes
  • Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output(s) : Supplied (via A/V Remote jack)
  • Digital Audio/Video Output(s) : Yes (via USB)
  • HDMI™ Connection Output(s) : Yes (mini)
  • USB Port(s) : Hi-speed (2.0 compliant)

Weights and Measurements

  • Dimensions (Approx.) : 1 3/16 x 4 5/8 x 2 1/2 inch (30x117x62mm)
  • Weight (Approx.) : w/o battery: 8oz (290g), w battery: 90oz (280g)

Power

  • Battery Type : InfoLITHIUM® with AccuPower™ Meter System (NP-FH50)
  • Power Requirements : 7.2V (battery pack); 8.4V (AC Adaptor)

Optics/Lens

  • 35mm Equivalent : 53 - 621mm (4:3 Camera Mode), 43 - 507mm (16:9 Camera Mode)
  • Aperture : F 1.8-2.3
  • Digital Zoom : 20x
  • Exposure : Yes (Touch Panel)
  • Focal Distance : 3.2 - 32.0mm
  • Focus : Full range Auto / Manual (Touch Panel)
  • Lens Type : Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar®
  • Minimum Illumination : 5 lux (Auto Slow Shutter On, 1/30 Shutter Speed )
  • Optical Zoom : 10x
  • Progressive Shutter Mode : Yes (Still Image)
  • Resolution : 4 megapixel still
  • Shutter Speed : Auto (Slow Shutter ON), 1/30 - 1/1000; Auto (Slow Shutter OFF) 1/60 - 1/1000; Scene Selection, 1/2 - 1/1000

Display

  • LCD Screen : 2.7” (diag.) touch panel Clear Photo LCD Plus™ display

In the Box

  • DCRA-C250, Handycam Station® cradle
  • USB Cable (long)
  • PMB Application Software / USB Driver / (CD-ROM )
  • AC-L200, AC Adaptor
  • Component A/V Cable
  • USB Cable (short - travel)
  • Wrist Strap
  • NP-FH50, Rechargeable Battery Pack
  • Composite A/V Cable
  • USB Adaptor Cap

Camcorder Cable

  • 1.4 Meter Mini Plug to USB Cable

    1.4 Meter Mini Plug to USB Cable

    $19.99

  • 5' HDMI™ Mini Cable

    5' HDMI™ Mini Cable

    $49.99

  • High Grade Multi-connect A/V Cable

    High Grade Multi-connect A/V Cable

    $39.99

  • 10' HDMI™ Mini Cable

    10' HDMI™ Mini Cable

    $69.99

  • 10' Component AV Cable

    10' Component AV Cable

    $59.99

  • Handycam® Audio Video Cable

    Handycam® Audio Video Cable

    $19.99

Camcorder Case

  • Semi Soft Carrying Case

    Semi Soft Carrying Case

    $59.99

  • Semi Soft Carrying Case

    Semi Soft Carrying Case

    $59.99

  • Semi Soft Carrying Case

    Semi Soft Carrying Case

    $59.99

  • Semi-Soft Carrying Case

    Semi-Soft Carrying Case

    $49.99

Camcorder Kit

  • Accessory Kit

    Accessory Kit

    $99.99

Camcorder Power

  • DC Car Battery Adapter

    DC Car Battery Adapter

    $69.99

  • BC-TRP InfoLithium® H and P Series Portable Battery Charger

    BC-TRP InfoLithium® H and P Series Portable Battery Charger

    $59.99

  • Portable Handycam® AC Adaptor

    Portable Handycam® AC Adaptor

    $49.99

Camcorder Battery

  • InfoLithium® H Series Battery Pack

    InfoLithium® H Series Battery Pack

    $59.99

Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media

  • 8GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media

    8GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media

    $49.99

  • 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media

    2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media

    $19.99

  • 16GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media

    16GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media

    $89.99

  • 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media

    4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media

    $34.99

Camcorder Wide Angle Lens

  • 0.7x Wide Angle Conversion Lens for TG5

    0.7x Wide Angle Conversion Lens for TG5

    $99.99

Accessories Outlet

  • REFURBISHED - Camcorder Accessory Kit

    REFURBISHED - Camcorder Accessory Kit

    $59.99

  • REFURBISHED - NP-FH50 InfoLITHIUM® H Series Standard Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-FH50

    REFURBISHED - NP-FH50 InfoLITHIUM® H Series Standard Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-FH50

    $29.95

Tripod/Remote Control

  • Remote Commander for Camcorder

    Remote Commander for Camcorder

    $49.99

  • Portable Tripod Kit

    Portable Tripod Kit

    $19.99

  • Shooting Grip with Mini Tripod

    Shooting Grip with Mini Tripod

    $99.99

  • Tripod with Remote

    Tripod with Remote

    $99.99

  • Tripod

    Tripod

    $179.99

  • Tripod

    Tripod

    $79.99

Product Reviews

Write a review

( Rated 3.2 out of 5 Stars AVERAGE RATING | 6 REVIEWS Ratings Snapshot)

Ratings Snapshot
5 star:
33%
(2)
4 star:
16%
(1)
3 star:
16%
(1)
2 star:
0%
(0)
1 star:
33%
(2)

3 of 6 (50%) customers would recommend this product to a friend

Rated 1.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot

Ratings Snapshot
Design
60%
Value
20%
Reliability
20%

Reviewer: (Edmonton, Canada)

Date: Nov 16, 2009

I've had this product for 3-6 months

A total waste of money for MAC user

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

Ratings Snapshot
Performance
80%
Design
80%
Reliability
80%
Value
60%

Reviewer: Renopz (Walnut Creek, CA)

Date: Oct 15, 2009

I've had this product for 1-3 months

5of 5 people found this helpful

Overall Happy with Purchase

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.

Response from Sony Style

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

Ratings Snapshot
Design
100%
Performance
100%
Reliability
100%
Value
80%

Reviewer: scruffy (North Carolina)

Date: Aug 28, 2009

I've had this product for 1-3 months

6of 6 people found this helpful

Worth the price

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

Ratings Snapshot
Design
20%
Value
20%
Performance
20%
Reliability
20%

Reviewer: wolfeman (Los Angeles)

Date: Aug 16, 2009

I've had this product for 1-3 months

5of 11 people found this helpful

Waste Of Money - Get another more compatible HDCAM

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

Ratings Snapshot
Performance
100%
Reliability
100%
Design
100%
Value
80%

Reviewer: judy (Southwest Louisiana)

Date: Jun 16, 2009

I've had this product for less than a month

9of 10 people found this helpful

LOVE IT!!!

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

Ratings Snapshot
Reliability
60%
Value
60%
Performance
60%
Design
60%

Reviewer: MikeRadio (Maryland)

Date: Apr 3, 2009

I've had this product for less than a month

287of 312 people found this helpful

Why did Sony take away 5.1 Dolby Surround?

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.

VIEW FOOTNOTES

  1. When measuring media capacity, 16GB equals 16 billion bytes, a portion of which is used for system management and/or application files. The capacity that a user can use is approximately 14.7GB.
  2. This camcorder captures high definition footage in the AVCHD format. DVD media containing AVCHD footage should not be used with DVD based players or recorders, as the DVD player/recorder may fail to eject the media and may erase its contents without warning. DVD media containing AVCHD footage must only be played back on a compatible Blu-ray Disc devices, PC with supplied software or PLAYSTATION®3 devices.
  3. Requires BRAVIA Sync feature in each product, including a compatible BRAVIA® HDTV. Please refer to owner’s manual to determine compatibility.
  4. NAVTEQ map detail on the camcorder is limited in some areas. By using a compatible PC, a broadband Internet connection, and supplied Picture Motion Browser software, your photos and videos can be shown on an online map service. The online map service is currently provided courtesy of Google, and is subject to change or termination without notice.
  5. Requires Windows® 2000 Professional SP4, Windows XP SP2, or Windows Vista®. Not supported by Mac OS.
  6. Smooth Slow Record captures 3 seconds of video, which play back over 12 seconds.

© 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

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