Sony Handycam HDR-TG1 Camcorder
The Sony HDR-TG1 ($899 MSRP) seeks to be the crowned prince of the ultra-compact camcorder universe. Sony’s Handycam camcorder, HDR-TG1, delivers Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution video recording in a small, light, and slim camcorder perfect for travel or everyday recording. The stylish model incorporates a pure titanium body and Premium Hard Coating for superior resistance to even the smallest scratches, giving you the confidence to take the HDR-TG1 wherever you go. Its slim design and unique look will surely attract many fans, regardless of the video quality the camcorder is capable of (which, it turned out, was rather good). While significantly larger and heavier than pocket-sized camcorders like the Creative Vado,Flip Mino,and Kodak Zi6, the HDR-TG1 records full 1920 x 1080 high definition video and has capabilities that few "pocket-sized" camcorders can claim to possess.
The HDR-TG1 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 MP still images. Additionally, Sony Face Detection technology automatically finds and enhances a face, beautifully recording your videos and photos.
Not just a joy to use, but a joy to look at. The slim, vertical form, the rounded contours and a subtle two-tone color scheme give the TG1 an air of quality and substance. And it's made of pure titanium—one of the lightest and strongest metals on the planet.
Small enough to fit in your pocket, it's amazing that the HDR-TG1 is capable of capturing Full HD video—that's six times the detail of standard definition. Don't feel like shooting video? The TG1 also takes crystal-clear 4-megapixel still photos.
Lightweight, Pure Titanium Body
Slim and lightweight--only 8oz without the battery--the HDR-TG1’s body is constructed of high-quality pure titanium. Additionally, a Premium Hard Coating is applied on the body surface (except for hinge and lens ring area), providing superior resistance to scratches and fingerprints.
Supremely Mobile Design
Sony has created a camcorder with the ability to fit in a shirt pocket, yet still capture stunning Full HD resolution video and 4.0 megapixel still images. Whether for personal or business use, around town or on vacation, the HDR-TG1 is the ideal travel companion for capturing those special memories.
2..3 Megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor
Sony's newly designed CMOS image sensor delivers bright, vivid, and spectacularly detailed 2.3 megapixel (effective) video footage, as well as 4.0 megapixel still images--all with prolonged battery life. Exmor technology captures images with high resolution and high sensitivity. In addition, the advanced Sony BIONZ image processor improves camera response time and screens out noise so the signal from each pixel is as pure as possible.
10x Optical/20x Digital Zoom
The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.
Dynamic Range Optimizer
Powered by Sony’s exclusive BIONZ high-speed processing engine, D-Range Optimization preserves image data in bright highlights, such as suppressing "whiteout" in skies. When shooting in backlit settings, D-Range Optimization reveals more detail in shadows, preventing "blackout." As a result, the captured image appears as natural as the original scene.
Re: Sony Handycam HDR-TG1 Camcorder
This innovative technology brings out impeccable details and ensures more natural-looking video in almost any lighting condition.
The Sony HDR-TG1 is a fairly unique-looking camcorder with a sleek, formal design that is very pleasing to the eye. The body is mostly devoid of bumps, ridges, and grips, although the camcorder is not completely streamlined. Other than the small Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens staring back at you, the front of the HDR-TG1 is just smooth titanium. The construction is much fancier than Sanyo's upright camcorders, the VPC-HD1010 and the VPC-HD700, which tend to resemble 1980s era flashlights. The HDR-TG1 is taller and thinner than other upright camcorders, giving it a more elegant look than the stout, boxy shape of the older Canon HV10.
Record HD video up to one hour, 25 minutes in the AVCHD 5M (LP) mode or approximately 25 minutes in the AVCHD 16M (FH) mode using the supplied 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ [Mark2] media.
2.7-inch Wide (16:9) Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus Display (211K Pixels)
The 2.7-inch Wide (16:9) LCD screen provides exceptional 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 widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.
Picture Motion Browser Software
Supplied software makes it easier to upload, organize, search, and edit video and still images on your PC. With the included Handycam®Station, Picture Motion Browser software also provides one-touch operation to create a disc of your video or digital photos.
Dolby Digital 5.1ch Recording
Record in Dolby Digital 5.1ch surround sound with the camcorder’s built-in microphone. Recording in 5.1 channel surround sound allows you to experience your home movies with active sounds coming from all directions, so you can enjoy your personal home movies the way you experienced them while recording.
Dual Record
While recording video in High Definition you have the ability to capture still images directly to Memory Stick Duo media (4GB3 Memory Stick PRO Duo media included).
Quick On
Missing an important scene can be frustrating, especially if the reason is because your camcorder is turned off. With the 'Quick On' feature, the touch of a single button places that camcorder in Sleep mode. Another push instantly wakes the camcorder, so you'll always be ready to capture special moments.
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.
InfoLITHIUM Battery with AccuPower Meter System
Unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony's rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening "Memory Effect," so you’re free to charge the battery at any time. Additionally, Sony's exclusive AccuPower meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.
At the top of the lens is a small flash with a reflective ring running its way around the entirety of the lens. A built-in motorized lens cover, which opens and closes automatically, protects the lens from the outside world. The built-in cover is a nice touch and maintains the camcorder's streamlined appearance. There is a small slit at the base of the front side that helps lock the camcorder into its provided docking station.
Re: Sony Handycam HDR-TG1 Camcorder
The back of the HDR-TG1 is again very different from what we're accustomed to seeing in a camcorder, but the features are mainly the same. The most important controls are all located here.The dead center of the ring is the Start/Stop record button, which is comfortably accessible with your thumb. Surrounding the Start/Stop button is a sliding zoom ring that is also meant to be manipulated with your thumb.
Unlike the flat edges of the rest of the camcorder, both the top and bottom of the HDR-TG1 are rounded arches (something that makes the camcorder difficult to stand upright on its own). The rounded top gives the camcorder a sleeker design and fits with the shape of the lens barrel in the front and the zoom ring on the back. The camcorder's microphone is also located on the top side.
At the touch of a button, battery information is displayed on the LCD screen when charging and when the camcorder is turned off. When using the LCD screen or viewfinder, the display will show how much the battery is charged--in 10% increments--and the recordable time left.
Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony's Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Monotone, Pastel and Sepia. Effects available in Playback mode: Monotone, Pastel and Sepia.:rolleyes:
