Sony Handycam HDR-TG5V Camcorder Review

Sony HDR-TG5V versus Sanyo VPC-HD2000
• The Sanyo VPC -HD2000 features a stronger grip and more manual controls than the HDR-TG5V. • The Sony is sleeker, more portable, and has a more durable construction. • Performance-wise the Sanyo is the better camcorder, although the Sony did hold its own in most of our tests. • One of the Sony's biggest advantages is its better image stabilization system. • The Sanyo records video to SD/SDHC memory cards only—it has no internal memory.
	Audio & Other Features	(Page 12 of 17)	JVC GZ-X900 Comparison

The Sanyo VPC-HD2000 matches up with the Sony HDR-TG5V quite well. They both have an unusual, upright design and they put forth similar results in our video testing. The Sanyo has a better grip, superior low light performance, and more manual controls. The Sony, however, looks far more elegant, has a more durable body, and is more portable due to its rectangular design. Simply based on performance, we'd have to side with the Sanyo—it slightly edged out the HDR-TG5V in nearly every test. The Sony did kill the Sanyo when it came to image stabilization, however, while the Sanyo HD200 0 captured better still images.

Both camcorders have their issues when it comes to handling. The VPC-HD2000 features a terrible button design and a menu that is both confusing, outdated, and unattractive. If you like using touchscreens, the Sony's menu and navigation system aren't that bad. Yes, it has a long menu, but at least it isn't confusing—every option is located under one big menu, so things aren't hidden or tucked away. The Sony also has a much better customizable menu setup than the VPC-HD2000.

Another thing to note about the Sanyo is the fact that it uses the MPEG-4 codec to compress video. This compression system is less taxing on a computer than AVCHD, so it may be easier to work with for some people. Most editing software doe support AVCHD nowadays, however, so this is becoming less of an issue.

When looking at these two camcorders we definitely have to take cost into consideration. The Sanyo VPC-HD2000 isn't technically available in the US yet, but you can find it at some retailers for around $699. This is a good chunk less than the $999 price tag of the Sony HDR-TG5V. Of course, the Sony does come with 16GB of internal flash memory, which does even out the cost a little. Still, we think the Sanyo is the better buy. It has more features, better performance, and, if you can find it anywhere, it is much cheaper than the HDR-TG5V. If you don't mind its cheap construction and unusual form factor, the Sanyo VPC-HD2000 is actually a very good camcorder.

Update: The Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD2000 was ultimately selected as our 2009 Best Value of the Year. To see why we selected it and read about our other awards, check out the 2009 CamcorderInfo.com Select Awards.

	Comparison Specs
	Sony HDR-TG5V	Sanyo VPC-HD2000
Price	$999.99	$699.95
Primary Recording Media	16GB internal flash memory	SD/SDHC memory card
Secondary Recording Media	Memory Stick PRO Duo	None
Image Sensor	1/5-inch CMOS	1/2.5-inch CMOS
Effective Pixel Count	1.43 megapixels (video) 1.49 megapixels (stills)	5.31 megapixels (video) 8 megapixels (stills)
Mic Input	None	Yes, 3.5mm
LCD	2.7-inch with 211,200 pixels	2.7-inch with 230,000 pixels
Viewfinder	None	None
Weight	280g (9.9 ounces) with battery	311g (11 ounces) with battery
Dimensions	30 x 117x 62mm (1.18 x 4.6 x 2.44 inches)	90 x 113 x 55mm (3.5 x 4.4 x 2.2 inches)
HD	Yes	Yes
Frame Rates	1080/60i	HD: 1080/60p, 1080/60i, 1080/30p, 720/30p SD: 240fps (448 x 336), 600fps (192 x 108)
Compression	HD: AVCHD SD: MPEG-4	MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
Maximum Bitrate	16Mbps	24Mbps
Optical Zoom	10x	10x
Stabilization	SteadyShot (Digital)	Digital

Low Light Comparison
Sony HDR-TG5V	Sanyo VPC-HD2000

Stabilization Score Comparison