Sony HDR TG1 4MP High Definition Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Super Steady Shot Zoom 4GB Memory Stick Included
Sony’s Handycam(R) camcorder, HDR-TG1, records Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution video from a small, light, and slim body crafted from pure titanium that’s tough enough for travel or everyday HD video shooting. The stylish model incorporates a Premium Hard Coating for superior resistance to even the smallest scratches. The HDR-TG1 records to convenient Memory Stick(R) PRO Duo media, and Sony’s ClearVid CMOS Sensor (with Exmor derived technology) and BIONZ image processor provide spectacular video and stunning 4.0 MP still images. Additionally, Sony Face Detection technology automatically finds and enhances a face, to help capture faces beautifully. Dynamic Range Optimizer enhances exposure and Contrast Smooth Slow Record (240fps) with Audio Recording x.v.Color technology captures lifelike color Bionz Image Processor PictBridge Compatible Face Detection technology controls focus, exposure, and color for both video and still images, so faces are captured more clearly and skin tones look more natural Dual record capability lets you capture precious still shots while simultaneously shooting HD or Standard Definition video 1920 x 1080 Full HD video Resolution 10x Optical Zoom and 20x Digital Zoom 1/5 ClearVid CMOS sensor (with Exmor technology) 2360K Pixel Gross 2.7 wide touch panel Clear Photo LCD Plus Display 4.0 megapixel JPEG still image capture Video Formats – High Definition – MPEG4, AVC/H.264; Standard – MPEG2 Recording Time with supplied 4GB Memory Stick(R) PRO Duo (We recommend purchasing an optional 8GB Memory Card for optimal usage)High Definition – FH = up to 25 min., HQ = up to 55 min. SP = up to 65 min., LP = up to 85 min.Standard Definition – HQ = up to 55 min., SP = up to 80 min., LP = up to 160 min. Connections on Handycam(R) A/V Remote Station – Analog A/V Outputs, Component Video Output, S-Video Output, Audio Connections on Handycam – USB 2.0, HDMI (mini) 1-Year Pa
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Awsome Small 1080p HD Camcorder
This is the HD camcorder I’ve been waiting for. Great Color and Detail are what you get with this take anywhere camcorder from Sony! I would have bought it sooner, but decided to wait till pri ces dropped. My first recording was shot on my Disney Bday trip. Watching it on my 50″ plasma is like looking through a window into the past! Sony does have a newer version, the TG5, but the only difference is a GPS Tracker. Which I dont really want or need, save yourself about $300 to $400 and buy the TG1 before they run out!
5 Stars Only had this a week, but am loving it so far!
Had this a week, and have nearly filled the included 4gb memory stick with test footage, shot in all sorts of situations.
I’ve seen complaints that it doesn’t do well in low light. Haven’t found that to be a problem yet, even shooting in a dim hallway with half the light fixtures out.
Also have seen that the still pictures don’t come out well. The ones I’ve shot seem perfectly fine to me, no complaints there either, they’re coming out nice and sharp.
And so far as the AVCHD footage issues, well, given that I’ve got a 6+ year old Sony Vaio that has been upgraded as much as it can handle, I sort of expected my PC to choke on the HD footage. And it did. Would play the first frame, and then would get stuck there while the audio played on. Solution? Well, there were several: convert the footage into something that my PC CAN handle, burn it directly to DVD without trying to edit it, or just shoot in SD mode, which my PC could handle just fine. Most likely I’ll just burn the footage directly to DVD most times and not worry about it.
Complaints? That I can’t use the included software to burn an HD disc that will play on my standalone player. I’ve got a Toshiba HD player, and I’m fairly certain that the included software will only burn a disc that will play back on a Blu-Ray player, which I don’t have, but I’m sure I’ll get eventually, so not a big deal. Plus I have other software that will burn HD footage to an HD DVD on standard DVD-R discs that IS compatible with my Toshiba, so that should take care of the problem until then.
Also that it treats HD and SD footage completely separately; while the camera is in HD mode, it won’t play back SD footage, and vice versa. Will probably shoot mostly in HD anyway, so also not a big deal.
It SAYS that I can hook up the camera via USB cable and record the HD footage to a DVR, but I tried that tonight, and it didn’t seem to work. It recognized the camera, and would play the stills, but didn’t find the videos. I still have more manual to read, so I’m not worrying about that too much yet either, I’m fairly sure that the problem is just a user error not a hardware error. 
All in all, very happy with this little camcorder so far. It’s got all the features I wanted (some sort of optical zoom, rotating LCD display, anti-shake feature, in a “flip” body type) packed into a very small unit.
5 Stars Great and BETTER THAN New Model HDR-TG5V Due to 5.1 Sound!
This camera has been replaced in the Sony lineup by the HDR-TG5V. I bought this a few weeks before this stopped showing up on Sony’s website and boy I am glad I did.
For one thing (besides the much cheaper price), THIS CAM HAS AMAZING 5.1 DOLBY SURROUND. I had mine outside at a festival and wow.. it sounds amazing.. you hear voices from the rear and front and sides like you do with any surround broadcast…. If you are filming and talk to your subject, the sound actually comes from rear…. I was skeptical about this feature originally since the mic is top mounted and one piece but boy.. it is great.
Now.. the NEW HDR-TG5V does NOT HAVE 5.1 SURROUND! All of the new Sony cams DO.. but for some reason it seems they took a step back here… it is just standard STEREO 2 channel sound…. I don’t feel the true HD experience is complete without Surround… Sony talks this up on EVERY HD cam.. and now in the newer model it is removed.
The only things different with the newer one are GPS location, cool but not easy to use nor necessary and 16 GB built in memory.. which a stick can be used all the same on this one… and it is slightly smaller
I HIGHLY recommend getting this over the newer HDR-TG5V as long as it is available…. The main thing you buy these for is picture and sound and let me tell you.. the 5.1 Dolby Surround is incredible… don’t give it up for the other “features” on the newer unit…
3 Stars Problems with cards over 4GB
I bought the product about 2 months ago and have had serious problems with memory cards over 4GB. It also exhibits low battery when you charge the battery using external sources and then put it into the camera. The pictures are good in daylight and grainy in low light.
5 Stars Excellent compact HD digital video camcorder
Sony HDR-TG1 4MP High Definition Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Super Steady Shot Zoom (4GB Memory Stick Included)
This is an outstanding compact HD camcorder.
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