Name: Sony HDR-TG5V High-Definition Memory Stick Handycam Camcorder, 10x Optical, 20x Digital Zoom, 2.7" LCD Plus Display
Brand: Sony
SKU: SOHDRTG5V
Price: 999.99 USD
Availability: Discontinued
Rating: 3.38 (8 reviews)

Sony HDR-TG5V High-Definition Memory Stick Handycam Camcorder, 10x Optical, 20x Digital Zoom, 2.7" LCD Plus Display

Sony HDR-TG5V HD Mem Stick Handycam Camcrd,10x Optical

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Buy: Sony HDR-TG5V High-Definition Memory Stick Handycam Camcorder, 10x Optical, 20x Digital Zoom, 2.7" LCD Plus Display

This review is aimed at Mac users who have the latest version of Adobe Premiere Elements 9 formulated especially for the Mac platform. Connecting the camera to a Mac is simple: 1. Turn on your Mac. 2. Switch on the camcorder. 3. Connect to computer USB port -camera screen will read: USB CONNECT 4. IPhoto (if installed) will display the Photos from the camera. (Close or ignore).
5. Open Premiere Elements 9 - New Project (name it) - Get Media (FlipVideo/AVCHD) - Select SOURCE (Name)
- Add to Timeline, and begin editing! IMOVIE also works well but I prefer PREMIERE ELEMENTS 9, that is faster than its PC version.

Edits easily on iMac and MacBook

I wanted a camcorder with a dual purpose: personal documentation and video taping mini documentaries. While the quality of this camcorder is good, I may have to upgrade to a more all around camcorder. For one, I need a remote control. And, a super sensitive sound pick up. Otherwise, the camera is very well constructed.

Great pocket camcorder!

I have read mixed reviews about users having issues with MAC OS, but I haven't had any of those issues. I had NO problem getting it to work with Final Cut Express, Final Cut Pro, and iMovie. In Final Cut I just chose capture and poof there it was. I also see some complaining about the MPEG-2 Plugin for Quicktime needed for SD footage, but why would you shoot any SD footage with this HD camcorder when Memory is so cheap these days? If you want to shoot SD buy a SD camcorder!

Works Great With Mac OSX 10.6 No Issues Yet!

My only complaint is that tech support, the box, the manual & sonystyle.com all said you need to use a mini-HDMI cable to hook up the camera to your TV. That is incorrect. There is no mini-HDMI port on the camera or the docking station. The docking station has an HDMI output. Just buy a regular HDMI cable to hook up the camera to your TV.

Great Camera, But .............

I bought this about 3 months ago, but only now am I editing the video on a computer. The HDV looks great when the camcorder is connected directly to a HDTV. The problem lies in getting the video transferred onto a MAC. I am using a 1 year old intel MacBook Pro, which I was told was compatible. However the video, when viewed on the MAC is grainy, and very poor quality. I tried every permutation in iMovie and Final Cut Express to try to improve the quality, but despite the large file size, the picture quality is of a broadband streaming quality. I have bought many Sony products in the past, and have been very happy with them, but this is a real disappointment. The fact that there is zero support on either MAC or Sony websites doesn't help.

A total waste of money for MAC user

So far so good.

I adore the size & HD quality. I just keep it in my purse. I'm a mom who wants to capture her kids without lugging around a large complicated camcorder. I bought an extra battery & memory stick just in case because recording in HD uses the battery & memory faster.

I need to get used to recording & zooming using my thumb. I'm used to using my pointer finger to record & press buttons. So a couple of times you see my finger in the videos because its looking for something to do. =) But I don't see that being a problem once I get used to it:

MAC users: You can't automatically view your videos. You need to buy ($20):
QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component for Mac OS X
just to view on your computer.

But then there's no sound! You can download a FREE program from the apple website: MPEG Streamclip
to get audio. Yes... There are extra steps for us MAC users & Sony support was little help. After 30 minutes with online Sony support their advice was talk to Apple support! Luckily I was able to find discussions on the apple website to explain what to do. Sony software is not compatible with MACs:
I like the idea of geotagging but the software doesn't work for us MAC users:

However, I do find the Smile Shutter extremely convenient. It takes still pictures while you're recording video!

Overall I am happy with my purchase. I just wished it was a bit cheaper & was more MAC friendly.

Overall Happy with Purchase

What file format is MTS? If you just plan on shooting mom and pops videos on Sony propriatary Memory sticks - you are in luck at $1,000

This camera is very dissapointing - not streaming options, no Mic or audio in options, touch screen still sucks, too big to grip like a gun, not quite small enough to fit comfortably in your pocket. At $400 - this camera would be good, but there are so many others (including Sony models) that you would be just better off getting.

Waste Of Money - Get another more compatible HDCAM

I recently purchased the HDR-TG1 and love it. When I saw this cam soon to be come available, I was going to return the 1 for the 5V, as the geo tagging, built in memory, easier UI and some of the other features are ones I would enjoy.

THEN after carefully reading the specs here, for some reason Sony TOOK AWAY the Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound which is in the TG1 and replaced it with standard Stereo. So this is now only HALF an HD camcorder, as it does not have the full HD surround.

Let me tell you, the 5.1 Surround on the TG1 is STUNNING. As the shooter, you can talk to your subject, Your voice comes from the rear while theirs comes from the front. That is one example... It just sounds GREAT with that 5.1 surround.

Sony, why did you take such an incredible and needed major feature away? HD means the picture and the sound... I am really surprised that adding the new features on this cam ment losing the 5.1 surround...

My suggestion is if you REALLY want a com to do its main job (Video and sound) stick with the TR1. You won't regret it.