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| | Location: Home » Camcorder » All Digital Camcorders » Sony HDR-TG1 4MP High Definition Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Super Steady Shot Zoom (4GB Memory Stick Included) | January 7, 2009 |
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| Sony HDR-TG1 4MP High Definition Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Super Steady Shot Zoom (4GB Memory Stick Included) | 
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| Brand: Sony
Category: Photography
Buy New: Too low to display
Buy New/Used
Avg. Customer Rating:  (16 reviews)
Sales Rank: 203
Media: Electronics
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Optical Zoom: 10
Display Size: 2.7
Maximum Focal Length: 32
Minimum Focal Length: 3.2
Shipping Weight (lbs): 8
Dimensions (in): 11.3 x 8 x 2.8
MPN: HDR-TG1
Model: HDR-TG1
UPC: 027242729810
EAN: 0027242729810
ASIN: B0017008HC
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | Features 1920 x 1080 full HD video resolution | | • | A slim, lightweight pure titanium camcorder body | | • | 4.0 megapixel still image capture; Face Detection technology for video and still images | | • | Includes a 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus display | | • | Comes with Super SteadyShot image stabilization, plus a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Shoot amazingly crisp HD footage with an unbelievably small camcorder that lives up to the Sony name. The HDR-TG1 Handycam camcorder records Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution video from a lightweight, slim body crafted from pure titanium. It's tough enough for everyday HD video shooting and perfect for travel with its compact size that won't take up much room in your bag. The stylish design incorporates a Premium Hard Coating for superior resistance to even the smallest scratches. It records to convenient Memory Stick PRO Duo media, and Sony's ClearVid CMOS Sensor (with Exmor derived technology) and BIONZ image processor provide spectacular video and stunning 4.0 megapixel still images. Face Detection technology is also included, which automatically finds and enhances faces for beautiful results.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 11 more reviews...
Nice, but not earth shattering January 6, 2009
It seems that I'm a fan of the latest Sony releases, because I bought the HDR-SR1 when it first came out as well. With the HDR-SR1 I was transitioning from a tape to a HDD camera and I think that was a rather dramatic change. Now I am going from HDD to flash and the change doesn't feel so monumental.
The size of the camera is nice, it weighs virtually nothing and yet it is stable in my hand. I think this must have something to do with the stabilization feature, but I'm not an expert on the subject. The quality of the video is the same as with the SR1 or other HD cameras, so I wasn't as wowed as before, but considering the size of the camera I suppose I should be. The photos (as others have warned) do seem to be of a poorer quality, but it seems that if you switch it to camera mode they are better, so it's only the photos while in video mode that aren't top notch.
All in all, I think this is a good evolution, though not a revolution and something worth getting if you enjoy HD video. If I had one of the later Sony HDR-SR cameras, I might wait for the next iteration of the HDR-TG. However since my SR1 was getting long in the tooth, I have found it a good time to buy.
 Sony HDR-TG1 (Avoid) December 14, 2008
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
Product produces washed out grainy video at reset settings. Forcing twilight color balance will bring out some color, but accidentally pushing Easy button will put camera back to washed out mode and another hunt for color correction settings. Sound is faint and the grip is horrible. Because the grip is so poor, pushing the record button makes all video contain a horrible shake at the start and stop of every clip. Also there is no audio output jack for ear buds to hear audio while recording or playing back and there is no FireWire jack for transfer to existing Sony products. What's up with the last two? Avoid this product, this is something you would expect from China in the $250 range, not something from Sony in the $899 range.
 Now I take video everywhere - Excellent camera December 8, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
December 2008
I am writing this preliminary review after I saw all the negative ones here on Amazon. I am amazed on how people can differ so greatly on the exact same item. I think the negatives here are not fair for this nice little marvel of technology.
I bought this camera here on Amazon and have been playing with for about a week now. Let me start by saying that I take more video now than ever before, the key here is the size of the camera. I am an avid photographer & videographer and I usually go for high end equipment which also means large, heavy and complex controls. I already own 2 other Sony HD camcorders and I was looking for something I can keep in my pocket for those unexpected and spontaneous moments with the kids.
Let me tell you this is the perfect little camera for that purpose. If you are looking for a high end HD then you are looking at the wrong camera. Nothing on the market at this point will be comparable to the full size cameras and offer the size advantage of this little gem.
Now having said that, this statement applies to any camera that size, and that is true. However at this point there is only one other worthy competitor on the market and that is the Sanyo Xacti HD1010. I did very careful research for 3 weeks before I made my decision, I love Sanyo and had many good products by them. But there was one deal killer for me with the HD1010 and that was image stabilization. It is just terrible, really it should have went back to the design board. Shaky images is the Achilles heal of video. The Sony image stabilization on the other had is very impressive, Sony uses optical system vs. Sanyo which is electronic.
This Sony is not without criticism either, it records in AVCHD format which is really a pain in the butt to edit on windows or even to view right out of the camera. You must convert the file first to something Windows can understand, and unless you like to tinker with that stuff this becomes a headache. Windows just cannot handle AVCHD file without some conversion first.
You can use Sony Vegas, Pinnacle Studio 12 and a few other on the market and you must have a newer computer with lots of horsepower to keep up with this format. For Macs, all the newer Mac/Intel machines can handle AVCHD, older ones need some software additions. This is a limitation of all AVCHD at this point, so not unique to this camera. Sony, Canon, JVC and Panasonic all moved to this format now. The only way to avoid it at this point is to use tape based camcorders using HDV.
This Sony has fair low light performance compared to the full size HD cams, but the way I look at it is this, I have the fair image now to look at, when I had nothing before because I never carried the bigger camcorder everywhere. The kids have fun instantly watching to footage on the camera screen & I caught priceless moments that I would have otherwise never had. Not to mention that I can download the files in seconds on to hard drive and I view & edit using Sony Vegas, the freebie software that Sony send with the camera is lacking. If you own a PlayStation (PS3) you're in luck, you can view the video directly from the memory card or you can dump it on a regular DVD and view it in HD on the PS3.
If you want the ultimate video quality, then tape is still the way to go today using HDV. Even the top of the line AVCHD today the Sony HDR-SR12 is not capable of delivering the quality of the HDV & tape like Sony HDR-HC9. So it is all a matter of perspective.
The digital photo function on the TG1 is average, only 4mp, consider this part a bonus feature. If you are looking for a real high quality digital camera, the HDR-TG1 is not going to provide it for you.
The Sanyo on other hand uses an easier file format that works with most existing software and is readily recognized by Windows. That could be a big advantage for someone who has no interest in dealing with editing and software ..etc. To me that was never an issue though, I already do a lot of editing with my other HDV footage. Another plus for me was the compatibility of batteries, chargers & other accessories from the other Sonys I already own. I just could not deal with the very visible jittery video that the Sanyo produced.
All in all, I think this is an excellent buy, not perfect but I now have the memories when before I did not, how much is that worth? I don't think the kids will complain much when they grow up that the video was not shot on the top of the line camera of it's time !!
If you are buying this camera, it is strictly for the size and portability,and it does make a big difference between getting it on video or nothing at all. If this the only video camera you plan on buying then I recommend the HDR-SR12 if you don't mind the size. This HDR-TG1 on the other hand is truly a joy to hold and play with. It is very well made has a lot of heft to it, and feels solid.
What I like:
1. Size: extremely portable, shirt pocket size & can take it everywhere.
2. HD video: smallest on the market, very high quality in good light.
3. Exquisite finish & attention to details and truly a joy to hold.
4. Very fast video file transfer from card to computer.
5. Has tripod thread at bottom.
6. Superb optics with Carl Zeiss lens.
7. True 5.1 sound, very impressive audio in optimal conditions.
What I don't like:
1. Mediocre low light performance.
2. Sound recording poor in windy conditions.
3. AVCHD format hard to edit.
4. Photo function not impressive.
5. Battery life somewhat short (less than 1 hour record, 2 hour playback)
6. Accepts only 1 size battery NP-FH50 nothing bigger (must fit inside cam)
7. Cannot stand on bottom (has rounded finish)
8. No NightShot function like all other Sony videocams.
9. No camera case provided by Sony! (They'll sell you one for $39 !!)
Very disapointing experiance with this product... December 4, 2008
1 out of 6 found this review helpful
I was waiting for this camcorder for a long time... and I have to say I am very disappointed... the main issue is the unique format Sony is using that makes it extremely difficult to play, send or edit... it is so bad that once you download the files to your computer, you cannot play them unless you buy a Sony Vegas... or special player or file convertors....this methods really belong to the last century...and Sony should be punished for that... I highly recommend going with the SANYO product that record on MP4 format...I can write more about this product... but really for me this is a show stopper...the whole idea of moving away for tapes and DVD is the easiness of moving it to the compare for edit and sharing...and with their special format it completely misses its propose...
Great Device with one caveat December 2, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This truly is an excellent small footprint video device. The image quality is spectacular; the SD HQ picture quality was well beyond my expectations as well...(better than my DV tape based Sony PC-350). I bought this strictly for it's small form factor. For that alone, it is a great device. AVCHD is a pain to work with, but for time being, I am getting better video on this little camera's SD setting than on my older Sony. AVCHD compatibility will only improve with time. The only negative is the inability to attach a wide angle lens. The competing Sanyo Xacti has that ability (but lack of adequate image stabilization is a nonstarter for that camera), as does my older Sony; which really makes a world of difference when shooting in tight places. Sony should have scrapped the flash ring around the lens (as stills stink from this camera) and equipped it with threads to accept a lense. For that I would knock of 1/2 star......otherwise a great device.
**UDATE**
After extensive testing, I reluctantly returned the device to Amazon. With the small form factor, image stabilization becomes critical. Unfortunately, in my opinion, the stabilzer in this camera is not up to snuff. I was constantly seeing every minute movement due to the lenses' lack of wide angle. The lens angle is supposedly 47 degrees, but it seems narrower than that. Couple that with the fact that there is really no way to attach an aftermarket lense, I couldn't justify the cost. The images this camera produces are great. If you are complaining about AVCHD compatiblity, get toast 9 for mac, or vegas studio for PC. I made AWESOME resolution blu-ray DVD's on regular DVD-R media in no time at all. If Sony can improve on the next generation palm recorder with the above improvements......I will not hesitate to get one.
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