Sony HDR-TG5V is a new compact full HD camcorder with built in 16 GB of flash memory with very solid look and unusual handling. The camcorder is very sleek and has an automatic lens cover which combined with its small size make is extraordinarily portable.
Sony HDR-TG5V pros:
+ 16 GB of built-in flash memory
+ Sleek and durable design allowing for unusual handling
+ Low noise levels in bright light
+ Good color performance
+ Touchscreen works well
+ GPS
+ Slow motion recording
Sony HDR-TG5V cons:
- No 24p or 30p record mode
- No shutter speed, or aperture control
- 2 megapixel still photos
- Slightly bland colors
- No color adjustment tools
The design:
Sony HDR-TG5V measures 30x117x62mm and weighs 290 grams with the battery. On the front of this small camcorder you can see the built-in flash for still photographs along with the 10x optical zoom lens. At the bottom of the right side of the camcorder you can see the DC-in and AV/Component output ports hidden under a door. The back of the Sony HDR-TG5V features access lamps, circular ring controlling zoom, start/stop record button, photo shutter button. Also at the back is the panel housing the memory card slot, battery, and GPS on/off switch. The left side of the Sony HDR-TG5V houses the 2.7-inch LCD chamber. On the top of the camcorder is only the Dolby Digital 2-channel microphone. The bottom houses the tripod mount along with the dock connector.
Performance:
The Sony HDR-TG5V has no manual image adjustment tools or manual control over color. Yet, the camcorder can record videos both in standard and high definition up to 1920 x 1080 at 16Mbps using the AVCHD coded. The built-in memory suffices for recording about 1 hour and 50 minutes of videos in the best quality. Features such as face detection or smile shutter work very well not only for videos, but also for still images. Unfortunately, using the 2.7 touchscreen flash is rather uncomfortable and there are no manual settings of aperture, shutter speed, gain or color adjustments.
Image quality:
The Sony HDR-TG5V produces quite accurate colors with good saturation. The noise levels is low and comparing to the competitions it is above average (in this class of camcorders). Although the camcorder can record only in one frame rate: 60l the motion captured by the Sony HDR-TG5V is actually quite good. Both the motion and sharpness are good for this class of camcorders. The low light performance is also quite good with decent noise and color performance which is not bad for such a small camcorder.
Still features:
The Sony HDR-TG5V can shoot still photos in about 2 megapixels and although the photos might seem a bit small their quality is in fact quite good. And it’s a good thing that the Sony camcorder can take still photos while recording videos.
Selected Sony HDR-TG5V features and specifications:
- Recording Format:
Flash card
- LCD Screen Size:
2.7 in.
- Digital Still Camera:
Yes
Focus and Zoom
- Optical Zoom:
10 X
- Digital Zoom :
120 X
- Focus:
Automatic, Manual
- Image Stabalization:
Digital
Connectors
- RCA Connectors:
1 x composite video/audio output
- USB Connectors:
1 x USB
- Other Connectors:
1 x HDMI output, 1 x component video output, 1 x DC power input
- Connector Types:
HDMI output, USB, Composite video/audio output, DC power input, Component video output
Image Quality
- CCD Size:
0.2 in
Accessories & Components
- Included Software:
Drivers & Utilities, Sony Picture Motion Browser
- Included Components:
Docking station, Wrist strap
Other recently reviewed camcorders:
JVC Everio GZ-HM400, Canon Vixia HF S11, Panasonic HDC-TM300
