Sony Handycam HDR-TG1 Camcorder Review

by Jeremy Stamas
Published on Oct 3, 2008 4:45 PM

Intro Performance
Format Auto / Manual Controls
Still Features Handling and Use
Audio / Playback / Connectivity
 Other Features
Conclusion & Comparisons
  • Photo Gallery
    		•
    Specs and Ratings  


    Audio (4.0)
    Being an ultra-compact camcorder, the Sony HDR-TG1 has understandably limited audio features. The built-in microphone takes up half of the camcorder's top side. Placing the microphone here puts it out of the way from noisy, rubbing fingers, but makes it somewhat prone to picking up overhead sounds—not to mention the shooter's own voice and breathing. The microphone recording level can be set to normal or low in the Camera menu. Also, there is a built-in Zoom Mic feature that Sony claims will focus audio recording on your subject in conjunction with the camera's zoom lens.

    There is no headphone jack or mic jack on the HDR-TG1—both features that are offered on the Sanyo VPC-HD1010. There is also no accessory shoe on the HDR-TG1, as can be found on the Sony HDR-CX12 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $625.00) and HDR-SR12 (Review, Specs, $844.00).

    Playback (5.0)
    Playback on the HDR-TG1 is accessed via the touch screen interface. The bottom left corner has a little button with a "play" icon, which takes you to the various clips you have shot and images you have taken. Each clip appears on the screen as a thumbnail and clicking on them begins their playback. After opening a clip, all the playback control options appear on the screen (stop, rewind, play/pause, fast forward, slow motion, etc.). Volume control does not appear on the screen, but instead must be accessed by going through the camera options menu. The touch screen VCR controls fill almost a quarter of the small LCD screen, definitely obstructing the playback image. Pressing the Display button on the left side of the camcorder wipes the screen free of the informative clutter, while tapping the screen or hitting the Display button again brings back the controls. Unfortunately, if the LCD is folded in for viewing convenience the Display button is no longer accessible, leaving the screen impossible to clear.


    The Playback Menu on the HDR-TG1

    The playback menu contains the following options:

    Menu Name
    Page 1
    		 Add, Add by date
    Page 2
    		 Delete, Delete by Date, Delete All
    Page 3
    		 Divide


    The Sony HDR-TG1,
    sitting in the docking station.

    Connectivity (6.0)
    The HDR-TG1 has all the basic connectivity options, but some of them are minor difficulties to deal with. A mini-HDMI port is located on the camcorder behind a flip down door that feels flimsy enough to snap off at any moment. Also located on the camcorder is another hinged door that covers the DC input and AV port. The AV port is not a universal connector and can only be connected with the RCA and component cables shipped with the camcorder (or purchased from Sony).

    MemorySick Slot Mini-HDMI Port DC input and AV output
                          

    A small docking station ships with the HDR-TG1 and provides the camcorder with extra ports. The docking station, which connects to the bottom of the camcorder, fits snugly and has an extra DC input and AV port as well as a mini-USB connector. Sony also ships the camcorder with a small, Dedicated USB Terminal Adapter, which allows you to connect the camcorder directly to a computer without using the docking station. The adapter allows any mini-USB cable to connect to the camcorder via the docking station port on the bottom of the HDR-TG1. This is an improvement over previous Sonys like the HDR-CX12, which required the camcorder to be docked in order to connect it to a computer. The methodology, however, is far from perfect. The USB Terminal Adapter is small, cheap, and easy to lose. Plus, since it's Sony's own peripheral adapter, it would be nearly impossible to replace. While it is still a step below actually having a USB port right on the camcorder, it's a move in the right direction for Sony, as it enhances the portability of the HDR-TG1 immensely.


    Docking station ports: DC input, AV output, mini-USB
    		Bottom of the HDR-TG1 with the docking station input
    		  USB adapter, connected via the docking station input

     




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