Sony HDR-TG7VE
The basics
The Sony HDR-TG7VE is a 16GB Flash memory Full-HD (1080i) camcorder with a 2.3-megapixel sensor, 10x zoom and optical stabilisation. It's controlled by a 2.7-inch touchscreen and includes GPS location for video geo-tagging. It measures 62x117x30mm and weighs 230g.
The good
Sony’s camcorders just keep getting better. The TG7 is smaller, lighter and more powerful than its 5-star TG3 predecessor, while sporting the same diamond-hard titanium shell. The 2.7-inch screen, metal controls and 10x Carl Zeiss lens are predictably effortless to use, while the addition of a Highlight Playback mode is like having a Hollywood film editor on tap, splicing your dodgy home movies into a stylish showreel. Geo-tagged clips might be a gimmick but we love being able to track our videos across the world, and HD video quality is smoother than ever, thanks to the new Exmor CMOS sensor. Dolby Digital sound, face detection and smile shutter are all present and correct.
The bad
There is literally nothing disappointing about this camcorder. Having to use the docking cradle for HDMI output means you can’t just plug in the TG7 to tellies when you’re out and about, and pro shooters might miss audio sockets and an accessory shoe, but everyday movie-makers will be too excited to notice these tiny omissions.
The bottom line
Is this the best consumer camcorder on the market? It’s hard to argue with generous Flash storage, stunning video, surround sound, finger-friendly control, designer build quality and playback that’s smarter and easier than a Flip. Full marks.
User comments (5)
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VENU19 September 2009
I got my SONY -HDR TG7VE last week, and I absolutely love it. Although I have got Sony CX -105, Nikon P80 - I am really impressed with the Pistol grip camera. Good : Ease of use, Fantastic video and 4million pixel photos. One of the best color combination in the pictures I have seen till date. Easily fits in the pocket, no need to carry digital camera along on any trip.You can get a wide angle lence, if you really need one. Best part is smile detection shutter, automatically shoots the photos while recording video. Geo tagging is another plus point. Bad : battery life only lasts 1.5 hours, needs extra battery. Guys watchout, you need to buy 16 Gig MS PRO DUO HG stick separately - costs you another £70/-, and no audio sockets. But who cares - GO FOR IT - I am sure this is going to be a super-hit.
Report as inappropriateBig Mick22 November 2009
The video quality of this camcorder is superb, played back on a high def TV the resulta are fantastic but there's more to this beast than that. I am sure the vast majority of HD camcorders produce similar high quality videos but this one can fit in your pocket!!! Also it has fantasic looks and build quality with its titanium shell. To cap it all Sony are offering £60 cash back off this model until the end of 2009 so you get one of these babies for £470-£480. Highly recommended
Report as inappropriatedave 23 December 2009
I wouldn't wast my money on any fony equipment , they configure there exuipment so you have to use only there batteries and there own softwares...and memory sticks. I spent £1000 on a camcorder and i can't even connect it to my Mac
Report as inappropriatencope710 January 2010
Hardware is great, software installation was very slow. Pity they don't include a memory stick but internal is good enough. Read the reviews and am very happy I took the advice. This is a great camcorder
Report as inappropriateGeraint Thomas26 April 2010
So the camera itself is pretty good. It does mainly what I want which is a pocket HD quality camera. There unfortunately the experience ends. If you buy the camera in a UK airport and take it home with you - in my case to Switzerland and then have a problem - the consumer support experience is dreadfull making a mockery of the SONY European Guarantee. Before I could use the devîce on first use I obvioulsy had to open the battrey cover and insert the battery for it's first charge. Be very carefull when you do this - on first use the battery cover gets stuck and is prone to breaking. SONY will then ask you for £176 - yes thats right - £176 on a £550 device !! for the fault to be fixed. I am then told to return the device to the retailer -SO DO NOT BUY ANY SONY DEVICES AT AIRPORTS. The device itself when it works is actually very good - picture quality is fine, sound could be better - but you pay a huge premium for the robustness of this product. DO NOT BUY- get a much cheaper equal quality Sanyo or Samsung. SONY pitch themselves as a quality company - unforntualtely their postsales customer service is not what you would expect.
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