Sony Handycam HDR-TG1 Camcorder Review

Conclusion
Overall, the HDR-TG1 (Review, Specs, Recent News, ) impressed us with its video performance. While low light results were less than ideal, the resolution and color rendering were better than we could have expected from simply reading a specs sheet. Its video performance is clearly a step below the quality of the Sony HDR-CX12 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $625.00) and HDR-SR12 (Review, Specs, $844.00) and the other traditionally sized camcorders on the market. The fact that the HDR-TG1 even had the ability to compete against these camcorders is reason enough to consider its purchase.

Sony's Easy Mode makes the TG1 an excellent point-and-shoot device. The automatic features are up to par and the camcorder doesn't have any strange or confusing buttons on its body. However, while the camcorder is easy to use in auto modes, the LCD touchscreen is painstakingly annoying to deal with. If you feel like venturing even just slightly into the world of manual controls, the HDR-TG1 makes the transition difficult. Trying to change simple settings can be very difficult because of the embedded menus and confusing layout of the touchscreen interface. Experienced users and manual control aficionados be warned, the HDR-TG1 doesn't do much to accommodate your interests.

Video performance aside, the most important thing to consider with the HDR-TG1 is its shape and size. If you like the way it looks and feels in your hand, or if you're just downright frustrated with hand straps and traditional camcorders, the HDR-TG1 may be just what you've been looking for. Yes, its design is more prone to slips and drops, but that is something you have to worry about with every small piece of technology. Also, the fact that the HDR-TG1 has an extremely difficult time standing upright on its own is a huge drawback to the camcorder's handling. Setting up the camcorder on a chair or picnic table in an effort to capture a shot of the entire family will result in plenty of frustration. Make sure you're comfortable with these handling quirks and inadequacies before you purchase the Sony HDR-TG1.

If video performance is most important to you, there are far better camcorders on the market than the HDR-TG1. The Canon HF100 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $529.00) and the Sony HDR-CX12 both record to solid state memory and are exactly the same price as the HDR-TG1 ($899 MSRP). The Samsung SC-HMX20 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $774.95) is easier to use, has 8GB of internal memory, and has a remarkable picture quality for just $100 more. (If you're looking for a unique, stylish design, the Samsung also has you covered.)

Comparisons

	Sanyo VPC-HD1010 We haven't done testing with the latest model of Sanyo's yet, but it's clearly the most direct competitor to the HDR-TG1. The Sanyo VPC-HD1010 ($799 MSRP) may attract manual control enthusiasts with its ability to adjust aperture and shutter speed. It also offers an external microphone input, a headphone jack, records to SD/SDHC cards, and has a more ergonomic design in comparison to the TG1's sophisticated style. The two camcorders are nearly identical in size, but it would be tough for Sanyo to match the video quality Sony achieved with the HDR-TG1. Look for our review soon!
	Sony HDR-CX12 If you're set on going with Sony, the choice really comes down portability vs. performance. The Sony CX12 is similar in many ways to the HDR-TG1. They record to the same media, at the same maximum bitrate, and the manual and automatic features are nearly identical. The CX12 does come with a "Cam Control" dial to make manual adjustments easier, and it also has a larger CMOS sensor. With both camcorders being priced the same ($899 MSRP) it's really up to you—do you want the compact portability of the HDR-TG1, or the superior performance and control the CX12 brings? In this contest, we definitely have to give the overall edge to the HDR-CX12. While the HDR-TG1 performed well, it really couldn't stand up to its big brother in video quality. Also, the fact that the TG1 had so many handling issues (inability to stand upright on its own, difficulty to grip, touchscreen only interface) often made it a frustrating camcorder to work with.
	Canon HF100 The Canon HF100 has a better image and more control options than the HDR-TG1. They also both record to solid state memory cards (although the HF100 doesn't come with one in the box). Canon intrigues many because of its ability to record in 24P and 30P modes, something that Sony does not offer on their camcorders. Recording in these modes did wonders to the low light performance of the HF100. Canon also offers manual control of shutter speed and aperture. At the same price as the HDR-TG1 ($899 MSRP), the HF100 is an excellent choice if you want some of the best video performance for one of the lowest prices. Canon also makes the HF10 and HF11 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $839.95), which are nearly identical to the HF100. The HF10 costs $100 more, but offers 16GB of internal memory (compared to no internal memory on the HF10. The HF11 ($1199 MSRP) records at a higher bitrate (24Mbps) and contains 32GB of internal memory.
	Panasonic HDC-SD100 As far as quality goes, the Panasonic HDC-SD100 and the HDR-TG1 performed similarly. Both had problems in low light situations and both performed at a notch below the top-tier HD camcorders. The main difference between the HDR-TG1 and the HDC-SD100 is manual control. While setting manual focus on the TG1 feels like a chore, doing so on the Panasonic makes you feel like a pro. The HDC-SD100 offers a control ring around the lens that provides the best method for making manual adjustments. People interested in the HDR-TG1 may be more suited for the Panasonic HDC-SD9 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $479.95) ($699 MSRP), a lower-end model with similar performance as the HDC-SD100, but not geared towards experienced users or manual control freaks.
	Samsung SC-HMX20 The surprise camcorder this year is also a very interesting choice in comparison to the HDR-TG1. If you're looking at the HDR-TG1 because of its fashionable style, you may also want to check out the Samsung SC-HMX20 ($999 MSRP) just to see what it looks like. Both camcorders have sleek, original designs that set them apart from the crowd. Samsung also has a swiveling hand strap that may attract users who usually feel uncomfortable with traditionally side-gripped camcorders. The Samsung had the highest resolution and one of the sharpest images of anything we've tested this year—pitting its strengths directly opposite the weaknesses of the HDR-TG1. It also had some of the best handling and ease of use we've seen in a long time (another disappointment with the HDR-TG1), plus 8GB of internal memory. The Samsung SC-HMX20 beats out the TG1 in nearly every category—except portability.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
The Easy button makes casual videography with the HDR-TG1 painless. Also, the upright shape and design can be appealing to many point-and-shooters.

Budget Consumers
The HDR-TG1 isn't a cheap digital pocket camcorder like the Pure Digital Flip or the Creative Vado (Review, Specs, $79.99). Its MSRP ($899) is identical to the Sony HDR-CX12, while offering slightly less video quality and lacking in numerous features.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
Despite having a lower pixel count resolution than larger HD camcorders, the HDR-TG1 took decent still photos. The fact that it is smaller than many digital cameras makes it a good choice as a hybrid.

Gadget Freaks
Like nearly all compact technology, the HDR-TG1 definitely has some appeal here. Its unique design and stylish look will make both friends and enemies jealous.

Manual Control Freaks
The HDR-TG1 has basic manual controls, but the camcorder would be a nightmare for users looking to constantly adjust the settings.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists
The HDR-TG1 is a compact camcorder designed for travel and style. It's not for pros.