Sony released HDR-TG5V as a new model to the HDR-TG1 in US. Sony Handycam HDR-TG5V records 1920x1080 HD videos with 16GB embedded Flash memory, and audio with Dolby Digital 2ch. You may notice that the recording storage is larger than HDR-TG1, but the audio recording is not like the 5.1 channels for HDR-TG1.
The good:
Beautiful titanium casing, highly compact, intelligent Easy mode, inbuilt GPS.
The bad:
Below average low-light performance, too similar to HDR-TG1, unconventional shape won't please everyone.
Sony HDR-TG5 includes Face Detection technology Smile Shutter technology for video footage and digital still photos. With the Smile Shutter technology, it is easy to let the camcorder take still photo automatically when the on screen subject smiles. This also works when shooting high definition video.
The video is excellent in HD with MPEG4 AVC/H.264 as video codec. However, the low light performance is not the camera's forte. Just make sure the light is good in room, and the video will be no problem. Batteries last only about 90 min so you'll want a spare. You can also choose to record videos to 16GB embedded flash memory or removable Memory Stick PRO Duo media.
To transfer videos to computer:
If you are running Windows computer, just install the Picture Motion Browser (PMB) before connecting your camcorder to a computer. Turn on your camcorder, and then connect the camcorder to the computer using the supplied USB Cable.
If you are running Apple iMac/MacBook Pro, you can connect Sony HDR-TG5 to computer with USB. Run iMovie to download the videos. You may also copy the AVCHD videos to Apple hard drive.
To edit Sony HDR-TG5 AVCHD videos:
You may look into Adobe Premiere, Sony Vegas for editing Sony HDR-TG5 .mts videos. However, you may face problem when importing .mts videos. You can try Aunsoft MTS/M2TS Converter as the Sony HDR-TG5 MTS converter to convert AVCHD videos to commonly supported formats like .mov, .wmv. If you are using Final Cut Pro (FCP), Final Cut Express (FCE), or Avid Media Composer, just try the Mac Sony MTS converter.
Tips: TG7VE is the European model, and it is the new model for HDR-TG3.
