Sony Handycam HDR-TG1 Camcorder Reviewby Jeremy StamasPublished on Oct 3, 2008 4:45 PM
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The Sony HDR-TG1 ($899 MSRP) seeks to be the crowned prince of the ultra-compact camcorder universe. 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 (Review, Specs, $71.99), Flip Mino (Specs, Recent News, $155.99), 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. Unfortunately, much like the Sony HDR-CX12 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $677.00), the TG1 records exclusively to solid state MemoryStick Pro Duo cards and contains no internal memory—something that must be taken into consideration when determining the camcorder's usefulness for vacations and other events that require a lot of recording space. While definitely not the smallest camcorder on the market, the HDR-TG1 is one third the weight and half the width of its big brother,the Sony HDR-CX12. The real question on everyone's mind is how much did Sony have to skimp on video performance to produce such a compact camcorder. According to our extensive testing, it may be less than you think.
The Front (7.5)
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 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $814) and Sony DCR-PC1000 (Review, Specs, $699.97).
The HDR-TG1 lens features a 10x optical zoom, an aperture range of f/1.8-2.3, and a focal length of 3.2-32.0mm. The 35mm equivalent focal length is different depending on what mode you're shooting in. In 4:3 Camera Mode, the 35mm focal length equivalent is 53-621mm. In 16:9 Camera Mode, it's 43-507mm. There is no filter thread on the HDR-TG1.
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.
The sleek front of the Sony HDR-TG1
The Right Side (4.0)
The right side of the camcorder is sparse, but it shows off the sophisticated two-tone color scheme of the Sony HDR-TG1. The camcorder's body is coated in a chic dark brown, which contrasts well with the soft, chrome color of the lens barrel and the back of the LCD. A small power button is located in the left corner. On the right edge, a flip-down door houses the mini HDMI output. At the bottom is another door that pops out to reveal the camcorder's DC input and AV port. Both port covers are built right into the camcorder's body and create only the slightest of protrusions. The HDMI port door does not have a spring-loaded hinge, giving it a flimsier feel than the rest of the port covers on the camcorder.
Possibly the most unique feature of the HDR-TG1 is its lack of a hand strap. A large, clunky hand strap clearly wouldn't meld with the refined elegance this camcorder brings to the table. However, something like the thin, suede strap found on the Samsung SC-HMX20 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $745.25) could have been an option here. No hand strap means more difficulty getting a good grip on the body, thus making the HDR-TG1 prone to accidental drops and slips. It does come with an attachable wrist strap, but its benefits are marginal.
From the right side you also notice the HDR-TG1 is essentially two rectangles stacked on top of each other. The base of the camcorder connects to the lens barrel at a 90-degree angle, thereby making the HDR-TG1 look less like a pistol handle or hose nozzle than the Sanyo VPC series. Also, the lens barely extends out from the base, which gives the camcorder an incredibly sharp design. Unfortunately, this stylish look does make the HDR-TG1 more difficult to grip than a traditional hand-strapped camcorder.
The right side of the HDR-TG1
The Back (6.0)
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. Everything can be found in the circular rings that are placed in a line directly opposite the lens on the front. 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. The left section of the ring has small ridges that allow you to get a good grip on the zoom control. The positioning of these ridges feels awkward and may be better suited on the right side of the zoom ring where the shooter's thumb falls at a more direct angle. This might sound nit-picky, but for a feature like zoom (by far the most used manual control on camcorders) placement and access is very important.
Surrounding the zoom ring is another chrome ring with a small bump on its right side. Flipping the bump down toggles the camera between Video and Still Mode. Underneath this ring and nestled inside the LCD door hinge is a photo shutter button.
Traditionally, on longer, horizontal-shaped camcorders, the bottom area of the back side houses the battery. But, wait, where's the battery located on the HDR-TG1? Well, it's in the same place, just hidden behind another devilishly camouflaged port covering. With an easy sliding motion, nearly the entirety of the back side of the camcorder pops open to reveal both the battery and MemoryStick slots. Having the battery tucked away inside the body of the camcorder gives the HDR-TG1 even more style points, but it brings up a clear drawback. Only one size of battery can fit in the enclosed compartment, thereby eliminating the option of upgrading to a larger battery pack.
The back of the HDR-TG1
The Left Side (5.5)
The left side houses the camcorder's LCD panel, which, like all Sonys, features touch screen control. The 2.7-inch screen is positioned well and can rotate significantly without getting in the way of your hand's grip on the camcorder. On the body of the TG1 inside the LCD cavity are two round buttons labeled "Disp/Batt Info" and "Easy." Pushing the Disp/Batt Info button controls the information that appears on the LCD screen while recording or playing back footage. The Easy button will turn out to be many user's best friend. It puts the HDR-TG1 into an entirely automatic control mode, allowing the user to simply point, shoot, and zoom. A reset button is located here as well, but it is embedded beneath the camcorder's body and requires a finely tipped instrument (like a paper clip) to access. The camcorder's small audio output speaker is also located here.
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| The left side of the HDR-TG1 |
The LCD cavity |
The Top (4.5)
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.
The top of the HDR-TG1
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