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Your Learning Zone - Sony HDR-TG1 4MP High Definition Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Super Steady Shot Zoom (4GB Memory Stick Included)
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List Price: $899.99
Our Price: Too low to display
Your Save: $ ( % )
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: Sony
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Average Customer Rating:  
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Binding: Electronics
Brand: Sony
Display Size: 2.7
EAN: 0027242729810
Feature: Features 1920 x 1080 full HD video resolution
Floppy Disk Drive Description: None
Is Autographed: 0
Label: Sony
Manufacturer: Sony
Maximum Focal Length: 32
Minimum Focal Length: 3.2
Model: HDR-TG1
Optical Zoom: 10
Publisher: Sony
Studio: Sony
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Features
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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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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: Very disapointing experiance with this product...
Comment: 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...
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great Device with one caveat
Comment: 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.
Customer Rating:
Summary: A stylish, convenient, full featured ultra compact HD cam
Comment: I've tried out a number of high definition camcorders in the last few years and so far this is my favorite, even compared to bigger, more robust models. That's not to say that the HDR-TG1 isn't full featured. It is. It's also one of the most elegant and easy-to-use HD camcorders on the market today. Admittedly, I like Sony products a great deal but they've raised the bar here and the HDR-TG1 looks good, feels great, and produces video of such startling clarity that it can take your breath away.
Here's how the HDR-TG1 breaks down:
PROS:
- Insanely high resolution 1920x1080i video that's super sharp.
- Audio picked from the top mounted mike is clear and loud. I was worried this was going to be the weak point of the design, but the sound is tremendous and can even focus on specific targets when using face recognition mode.
- The titanium body makes it light and doesn't dimple, which is what I was worried about when it's in my pocket for long periods of time. Since it's brushed, no fingerprints ever appear. Very slick.
- Fast startup. I can take it out of my pocket and start recording in 4-5 seconds if it's not in standby and in 1-2 seconds if it is. Never miss a shot again.
- Very well designed menus usable by touch screen. Auto-scene indexing is excellent and the options for most features are quickly found.
- LCD is amazingly sharp and bright, even outside.
- Zoom control is about the most ergonomic I've seen on a camera, though I've found it's also easy to forget which direction to go in.
- One handed operation for all major features while recording.
- The automated lens cap is extremely handy and tries hard to keep the lens covered at all times except when actually recording.
- Battery life is good, if not stellar. Have not run out of power yet, but you'll need to be good about keeping it on the charging stand.
- Nice heft and just about perfect size. Fits easily in a coat or pants pocket. This thing is slightly smaller than it even looks in the pictures.
- The steadyshot makes a big difference in video quality compared to other compact HD camcorders. I've tried a number of other compact camcorders and with the resolution of HD, image stabilization is a must. The HDR-TG1's steadyshot may not be the very best but it produces very decent results compared to other camcorders in the same category.
CONS
- The AVCHD format that the camera uses is not the most well supported HD video format out there. Many editing applications and video upload sites will not like the *.MTS files that the HDR-TG1 outputs. iMovie on the Mac is about the best for handling them though there are others. Bottom line: You will have to get used to some post processing of the files to use them elsewhere.
- The joint mount of the LCD display seems to be a design weak spot in an otherwise incredibly well built device. I'm having no problems right now but I can see how this might wear out in a year or two of regular use. I bought the extra warranty so I'm hoping Sony will just give me a new camcorder if this breaks.
- No audio input jack. Although it doesn't really seem to need it, but it's always a nice feature to have on a camcorder. But it would also make this little gem seem a little uglier.
- The still photos the HDR-TG1 takes are the typically awful ones you get from a camcorder CCD. No surprise here but it's definitely a downside; for good stills you'll still need to pack a dedicated digital camera.
- Connecting to USB on this device requires a special dongle or the base station. Not very convenient IMHO but they've tried very hard to make this iPod-like in terms of utter simplicity and understated elegance, meaning that there's really not much room to stick an ugly USB port on the body of this device without ruining the design. There is a dock connector at the bottom that turns into the USB port with dongle or dock (both included with the device.)
- Low light performance is not the strong point of this camcorder. The lens is just too small to gather enough light. That being said, its BIONZ processor does well compared to other compact HD cams. I just pack a portable light, though I wish the HDR-TG1's built-in flash was really a video light source since the still photo function isn't worth much anyway. Note: Well lit interiors record just fine, but candlelight and a little bit brighter do not come out as well.
All in all, the HDR-TG1 has become my new favorite camcorder since the size and features are just right and I end up having it with me for all occasions. I'd buy this again in a heartbeat and I'm using it almost every day now. Finally a compact HD camcorder with just about zero compromises.
Customer Rating:
Summary: High Def Camcorder
Comment: Excellent in day light and well lit places.
However not good at all in dim lights needs external light
Customer Rating:
Summary: HD Camcorder
Comment: A great little HD Camcorder that does a super job....very easy to use, small enough to take anywhere and everywhere.....great video at the press of a single button....all the features you could possibly desire...video and/or photos show up superbly on both a HD TV and a Computer....highly recommend this camera..you will love it just as I do.
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Editorial Reviews:
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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
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