Sony Handycam HDR-TG7VE Review |

We were amazed by Sony’s HDR-TG3, which packed very capable 1080i HD video capture into an impossibly small package. Sony claimed it was the smallest on the market at the time. These days, tiny 1080 shooters aren’t that rare, and even pocket internet models like JVC’s PICSIO GC-FM1 are in the mix. But Sony’s HDR TG range is still the smallest to offer true camcorder capabilities, and the latest iteration is the TG7VE.

This model is practically the same size as the TG3, similar in size to a small electric shaver but with even more space. Not only does the TG7VE offer 16GB of onboard storage where the TG3 didn’t, but also onboard GPS. However, the basic specifications are the same as before. Both are built around a 1/5-inch ClearVid CMOS sensor using Sony’s Exmor technology. This places the sensor wiring behind each pixel, allowing in more light for improved low-light sensitivity. We have found this technology to be generally effective. The sensor is the same gross 2.36-megapixels and both use Sony’s BIONZ image processor. So overall image quality should be virtually identical between the two models.

The TG7VE can record videos with up to Full HD, with a data rate of 16 Mbit/s. This allows just over two hours of footage to be stored on the 16GB of internal storage, and you can expand this with removable flash media. Unsurprisingly, this comes in the form of Sony’s proprietary MemoryStick PRO Duo format, which is typically slightly more expensive than SDHC. The TG7VE can also capture still images at up to 2304 x 1728, which again is the same as the TG3 and requires some interpolation.

As already mentioned, the TG7VE (and TG3) stand out from pocket internet camcorders because they offer far more camcorder functions. The most immediate benefit of this is 10x true optical zoom, rather than relying on quality-diminishing digital variety. The zoom is operated via a ring on the back of the device, which is easy to operate with your thumb. A large button in the center of this ring controls starting and stopping recording. A smaller separate button captures still images, although these are capped at 2.3-megapixels if you’re already shooting video at the time and the flash isn’t enabled.

There are no other significant controls on the camcorder itself. The rest of the TG7VE’s features must be accessed through the 2.7-inch touchscreen LCD. The user interface has been redesigned compared to previous Sony camcorders and uses a simple scrolling list divided into categories. There are “fast forward” style double arrow buttons on the screen to skip categories and single arrow buttons to scroll through the options in each category.

Despite the new interface, however, the same healthy range of manual controls are available. You can use the touchscreen to specify a point within the frame to use as a reference for focus, exposure, or both. You can also configure focus and exposure using on-screen sliders, but there’s no way to directly access the aperture or shutter settings.

The TG7VE also features Sony’s Smooth Slow Record. This buffers high frame rate, lower resolution footage and then shoots it at the usual 25 frames/sec. recorded in memory at Full HD. The result is slow-motion video that’s clear and smooth, if not quite as high-quality as regular Full HD footage.

There are 10 scene modes to choose from, with most of the usual suspects like portrait, twilight, beach and landscape, but curiously no sports option. So if you want to capture fast motion without blurring, you’re out of luck.

The acclaimed GPS system lets you tag photos and videos with their location. You can then browse them by location or via the built-in map. However, it is a little gimmick. Although location tagging is now well established for photos, the same cannot be said for videos.

With identical optics to the TG3, the TG7VE delivers virtually the same image quality. But that’s not a bad thing, as the previous model was well above its size in this area. With good lighting, the picture is colorful and detailed. It’s a bit lacking in sharpness compared to the very best Full HD camcorders available today, but nothing too overpowering. Image stabilization is electronic in nature, but Sony’s version is relatively effective, if not on par with the optical systems found in high-end consumer camcorders.

Despite its small sensor, like Sony’s excellent HDR-CX105E, the TG7VE captures a surprisingly good image in low light thanks to its Exmor technology. The autofocus can be a little sluggish, the image is a bit noisy in low light, but it’s also surprisingly bright and colourful. So you should be able to capture viewable – or at least viewable – footage in most conditions.

Most of the TG7VE’s ports are on a separate docking station. This includes a proprietary A/V output that offers either composite or component video output in addition to RCA audio. There’s also mini-USB and even HDMI, as well as a power outlet. However, the camcorder itself has a few connectors on board. In addition to the indispensable power outlet – so you don’t have to take the docking station with you on vacation – there is another A/V output.

“‘Verdict”‘

Now that we have 1080p pocket internet camcorders priced under £200, the HDR-TG7VE’s £500+ price tag looks a bit high. However, it’s in a whole different league in terms of both image quality and features. You can also pick up similarly good camcorders for a lot less, notably Sony’s own HDR-CX105E or JVC’s Everio GZ-HD300. Still, both aren’t as small or sleek as the TG7VE. It might be a bit pricey, but this is a camcorder you could tuck in your breast pocket, but it offers very impressive video quality for its size.

points in detail

• picture quality 9

• functions 8

• value 7

image processor

lens functions

video recording

general characteristics