Sony Handycam HDR-TG1 Camcorder Reviewby Jeremy StamasPublished on Oct 3, 2008 4:45 PM
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Compression (7.25)
The Sony HDR-TGI records high definition footage in AVCHD format, which has become the standard method of compression amongst HD camcorders. The camcorder can record high definition footage in four quality settings: HD FH (16Mbps), HD HQ (9Mbps), HD SP (7Mbps), and HD LP (5Mbps). The HDR-TG1 can also record in three standard definition settings: SD HQ (9Mbps), SD SP (6Mbps), and SD LP (3mbps). The compression options on the HDR-TG1 are identical to those found on its big brother, the Sony HDR-CX12.
Sony is behind the competition when it comes to maximum bitrates, trailing both JVC and Panasonic (who offer 17Mbps), as well as Canon (who is topping the competition with 24Mbps, the maximum bitrate of AVCHD). The HDR-TG1 does, however, have the highest bitrate amongst ultra-compact camcorders—beating out Sanyo's HD1010 which has a 14Mbps bitrate in its highest quality.
The MemoryStick slot on the Sony HDR-TG1
Media (7.0)
The HDR-TG1 records solely to solid state MemoryStick Pro Duo cards, just like the Sony HDR-CX12. Having no internal memory, it's good that Sony ships the HDR-TG1 with a 4GB MemoryStick included (something the Canon doesn't do with the HF100). If you want to maximize the portability of your camcorder, it would be a wise decision to purchase more or higher capacity MemoryStick Pro Duo cards—otherwise you'll need to have a computer, DVD burner, or storage device handy to constantly dump your footage.
The MemoryStick compartment is behind the same flip door as the battery on the camcorder's back side. One unfortunate condition with this placement is that the card cannot be removed or replaced while the camcorder rests in its docking station as the design of the dock doesn't give room for the door to flip open.
The approximate recording and playback times when using the supplied 4GB Memory Stick Pro Duo card:
| HD FH (16Mbps) | HD HQ (9Mbps | HD SP (7Mbps) | SD SP (6Mbps) | SD LP (3Mbps) | |
| 4GB Memory Stick | 25 min | 30 min | 65 min | 55 min | 160 min |
Editing (4.0)
More pieces of consumer editing software are beginning to work smoothly with AVCHD footage, but it isn't compatible with everything. Check the specs of your editing software before you purchase any camcorder that uses AVCHD compression.
Even if you have compatible software, editing with AVCHD can be a difficult, power-hungry process for many computers. With older computers or those with insufficient hardware, editing may quickly go from being an enjoyable hobby to an aggravating, time-consuming chore.
The HDR-TG1 comes packaged with Picture Motion Browser software—a little program that assists with importing footage and allows for some basic editing. The software is not supported on Mac OS.
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