What a fantastic product, easy to use, well made, great video quality, easy to connect to a mac and easy to edit with. I would certainly recommend it to anyone.
Now for the picky stuff. In order to make this a balanced review Ive tried my hardest to think of things that could have been improved with this camera. Firstly you cant get an underwater case for it (which is strange as you can for almost any other Sony). Its quite heavy but then there is a lot of equipment in a very small package. Still images could have been higher resolution (but can be taken during filming without issue). Lastly why Sony doesnt add a mini hdmi to hdmi cable in with the package I will never know, after all thats really what you need to plug the camera into your PS3 or Sony TV?!
Really there is nothing wrong with this product at all but in order to be perfect the above could have been different.
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating:  Date Reviewed: 23Jul2009 |
| |
This is probably one of the worst purchases Ive ever made.
The Camcorder is fine, easy to use, small, compact and does what it says on the tin. It plays fine on my flat screen TV and computers.
But unfortunately if you want to transfer files and edit them it seems that unless you throw a heck of a lot of money at the problem youre not going to be able to do it.
Though Im far from an expert Ive previously had several camcorders, imported video footage and edited it with no problem. I tried for hours to do it with this camera but I kept drawing a blank, I followed the tinterweb links that I was guided to but nothing ever worked.
I went back to the shop where I bought it (John Lewis) and spoke to the guys on the helpdesk, none had any idea of how to overcome the problem. I went to 2 Sony shops, no one there could help either. Therefore I contacted Sony via e-mail. This was when I was told that you need Sony software to import/edit. I tried to return the camcorder, no luck as Id opened it and it wasnt effectively faulty!
Anyone want to buy a cheap Sony camcorder?
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating:  Date Reviewed: 22Jun2009 |
| |
Make sure you read thoroughly before you purchase, the Camera does do 1920 x 1080, but it is interlaced and not porgressive (1080i, not 1080p) Which is something I missed but, it is not obviously advertised. Also the format is AVHCD, which will not play in most players. Does not come with a mini HDMI cable ,but otherwise and overall good product. I suggest also purchasing a USB sony memory sitck reader, helps alot with getting video data to your PC or MAC, Sony software is terrible though.
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 23May2009 |
| |
I have owned this camcorder for about 8 months now and it is the best investment i have purchased for some time.
It is small enough to fit in your pocket and take anywhere.
The HD footage is stunning and it also records in 5:1 surround sound.
The free editing software is rubbish, so after some time messing with various other free trial software, the best one that works for me is nero 8.
You can burn your film to standard dvds but in 1080i HD/5:1 sound in avchd format (cheaper than having to buy blank blu-ray disks and blu-ray burner),but you can only play these type of dvds on a blu-ray player (my PS3).
You will also need a powerful pc running vista to edit and burn HD film (I upgraded my cpu to a Intel Q6600 2.4GHz quad core to cope).
But once done you will be able to film and burn glorious HD film.
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating:  Date Reviewed: 06May2009 |
| |
The HD quality on an HD TV is excellent when played through the camera. But I want to edit the footage using Power Director 7 Ultra. It only allows the output to a DVD using MPEG compression at 720 X 576, and hence a loss in quality. If I purchased a blu-ray burner and a blu-ray DVD player would I get full 1920 X 1080 quality? It seems an awful lot of expense is involved in purchasing extra hardware and software. It does not seem possible to write back edited footage to the TG3. Its OK for standard definition but you need to create a blu-ray DVD for top performance.
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 04May2009 |
| |
Sony TG3 is a great product. Tiny size but fits well in the hand for filming as well as in the pocket (!) for storage though I would recommend the fitted case. The technology is all hidden in touch screen menus which I have not fully tapped into yet. Video play back is great and the facial recognition adjust very well to family type scenarios.
Thoroughly recommeded
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 28Apr2009 |
| |
Will try to keep it simple for potential buyers to understand:
1) I never owned a camcorder before this one. My thinking behind buying the Sony TG3 was to replace my Canon Ixus 800 for a camera that could record top quality video, take excellent still images (with flash) and still fit in the same pocket where I put my Canon.
2) The video is second to none. I compared video taken with the Sanyo (the one that looks like a gun) and the Sony definitely aces it. I synchronize with iMovie 09 and it works seamlesly. Nothing to report on that side. The stabilization feature is a beast. Really... the videos look like a professional film !!
3) The size of the camera is great. I bought it to make videos on a 14 day holiday and it was just a bliss. It fits in your jeans pocket no hassle.
4) The features in the camera are very good. You have a very flexible access to the camcorder adjustments, including focus, lighting and effects.
5) The still images. In a scale from 0 to 10 Ill give them a 6 (and thats a push). Probably is because Im used to taking pictures with the Canons which (if youve had one you know) are hard to top. Anyway... the images are ok enough for viewing in a 1080 TV and for memories purposes... the images are perfect. We took a D60 in our trip and that was the one we used to take the important still images. Dont forget something though... Sony cameras CANNOT take pictures in dark or no light conditions. The images are just simply awful... and this TG3 has inherited that family feature.
6) Overall this is a great buy. It gives you full flexibility of all range of audiovisual recording all in a VERY small package. Expect excellent video and average pictures.
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 22Apr2009 |
| |
This is a very easy camcorder and camera to use. It gives photos and video of a very high quality.
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 17Apr2009 |
| |
This is my first Handycam and I have to say my expectations were high and was not disappointed. The construction of the device is second to none, the picture quality is also as high.
What really surprised me was the qaulity of the still pictures it takes. With 4 mega pixels it may not seem much, but the quality is outstanding. Video in full HD is absolutely awesome.
Highly recommended.
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 13Apr2009 |
| |
This camcorder takes very high quality video it is small,easy to use and got lots of useful features. you can carry it around and hardly know you have it with you. on the down side the pro duo memory is expensive. I love it
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 10Apr2009 |
| |
I have had 4 video cameras up to now and the Sony TG3 is the best.
Really compact, sturdy and a very good battery life.
Stills and video are excellent quality I would have preferred an SD card to suit my other equipment but that is a small price to pay.
I would buy the same camera again
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 07Apr2009 |
| |
The focus is very close to flash, hence there is a big problem of red-eye. But as a camcoder, its awesome. Go for it as a camcoder if you dont wanna use the camera.
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 27Mar2009 |
| |
Easy to use little camcorder spoiled by using a currently non universal HD format. Easy to shoot with, but a pain to edit footage. I couldnt get Sonys Vegas Movie Studio Platinum Edition on a Windows PC to recognise it, and I am not a novice. I should have taken heed of a previous reviewer who had warned that it was only any good for waving about. Sadly I have had to replace it with a Sanyo 1010 which has none of these problems. No doubt the Sony AVCHD format will come of age in years to come but its not there yet. (Incidentally the Sanyo 1010 is better in low light conditions, even if slightly bulkier).
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 08Mar2009 |
| |
I wanted a camera for my online buisness. I record guitar lessons and sell them online and I needed a good quality cameara.
I read many reviews as I dont want to be wasting my cash on somthing that isnt going to match my standards. (because its all about what the person wants) And I wanted to be ceratin that it was a good one.
It is in fact more than I expected. It turns on automatically the momment you open your lcd panel. You can intstantlybegin to record and one simple flick of a switch and it goes straight to picture taking mod.
Once you have recorded a video or picture. As the camrea is a touch screen also it will list you thumbnails of the videos you have recorded. No need to mess about with rewind and searching. Its their ready to be previewed.
So enjoy this camera. It features a list of effect like Black&white, Sepia ect.. and also contains a great old movie effect selection.
Dont hesatate to buy. Its got everything you need for fab movies, holidays, BUISNESS, recording events, concerts, sport. Enjoy it !
also recomend the handycam case which looks posh! awww and you can also used a tripod for this little gadget!
Hope reveiw helps.
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 02Mar2009 |
| |
Sony dit the right thing when they went for Carl Zeis optik.
that alone is worth many pixels.
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 23Feb2009 |
| |
My wife and I wanted a camcorder that would take photos as well as our 4Mp digital camera and this was the one we kept coming back to. Got it on January 30th and I have to say its a brilliant piece of kit. I was struck by how compact it was when I first got it out of the box. We have been blown away by the picture quality of both the photos (as good as our old digital camera, especially in daylight) and video (a massive jump from our old Panasonic Mini-DV camera). The standard HD shooting mode is more than enough for ordinary shooting, which allows for over an hour of footage to be recorded on the supplied 4Gb Memory Stick Pro Duo card. The inclusion of Component cables is welcome, meaning you can connect to a HDTV without resorting to scart leads (although these are also included for older tellies). My only concern is that in the dark I might try and shave with it, thinking its my Braun shaver!
It connects easily to my iMac- iPhoto started automatically when the `USB connect` was selected and iMovie brought up the import screen as soon as I opened it.
Overall, very pleased.
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 02Feb2009 |
| |
Fancy the latest Camcorder for pennies?
Simply sign up to: freegadgets (.) Zu5 (.) net take off the brackets ( )
And complete ONE offër; there are plenty to choose from like a FREE_Lovefilm dvd rental trial or wager £ 5 on Gala Bïngo.
I received mine within a week of completing my offër and highly recommend it!!
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 02Feb2009 |
| |
I bought two well reviewed Panasonic cameras last year and was disappointed with the performance of both.
So, I thought Id take a chance with this one as it ticked all the boxes for my purposes.
Well, I can recommend this camera 100%,the auto focusing system is so much better and quicker at reacting than either of the Panasonic cameras even in low light.
Even though it only takes 4 megapixel stills they have a vibrancy to them, and colour is spot on.
Due to the size of this camera, I can take it everywhere, although please do be aware that the custom case for this camera does make it quite bulky, its a shame there isnt a case like a Krussell phone case that hugs the camera to protect it.
Video quality is all you will ever need unless you go professional, and the excellent 5.1 sound is the icing on the cake.
Ive seen a few people moan about the software that comes with this, but I have had no problems whatsoever.
I wholeheartedly recommend this camcorder.
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 31Jan2009 |
| |
I brought this to replace both my digital camcorder and camera, It does well in both cases and if I want better pics to print I use my other camera which has more 8 million pixels. The great thing is not haveing to carry both when you just walking about.Very Easy to download to PC,the only downsdie being the fact you have buy a Blue ray player to play DVD.
S.Baker
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 31Jan2009 |
| |
Fancy the latest Camcorder for pennies?
Simply sign up to: freegadgets (.) Zu5 (.) net take off the brackets ( )
And complete ONE offër; there are plenty to choose from like a FREE_Lovefilm dvd rental trial or wager £ 5 on Gala Bïngo.
I received mine within a week of completing my offër and highly recommend it!!
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 29Jan2009 |
| |
Fancy the latest Camcorder for pennies?
Simply sign up to: thisforfree(.)321(.)cn take off the brackets ( )
And complete ONE offër; there are plenty to choose from like a FREE_Lovefilm dvd rental trial or wager £ 5 on Gala Bïngo.
I received mine within a week of completing my offër and highly recommend it!!
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 28Jan2009 |
| |
Fancy the latest Camcorder for pennies?
Simply sign up to: ThisForFree .(visit).(ws) take off the brackets ( )
And complete ONE offër; there are plenty to choose from like a FREE_Lovefilm dvd rental trial or wager £ 5 on Gala Bïngo.
I received mine within a week of completing my offër and highly recommend it!!
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 23Jan2009 |
| |
My first delve into non-tape recording. Always stuck by DV before as the quality is so good, but now editing software can cope well with non-tape data I decided to take the plunge. Even recording with standard definition I am delighted with the results. I get 60 mins worth of recording time on the supplied 4GB card which is generally ample (not for long trips, but then I usually take my laptop with me anyway) and transfer and viewing on the PC is so simple.
The camera itself is stunning and turns more than a few heads, and although small, it feels very solid. My one worry was that it would be too small and therefore make recording very shaky, but this isnt an issue at all (maybe something to do with the great Image Stabilisation that Sony use). Also, the 4.0 megapixel still camera produces decent enough images in good light - fine for snapshots if you have left your point and shoot at home.
One thing to correct from a previous review - you DONT need to take the dock with you to charge battery/transfer data. Both relevant cables can be plugged directly into the camera.
All in all a great bit of kit, and at under £400, a great deal too!
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 05Jan2009 |
| |
What a great piece of engineering from Sony. This HD camcorder is so small yet feels very sturdy and has is built to a high standard. The basic manual is pretty concise, yet covers nearly all you need to know to operate it (the full manual is supplied on a CD). It took me about 5 mins to get up to speed and its very simple and intuitive to use.
The 4Gb memory card supplied with it holds over an hour of standard HD video or 30 minutes of full HD. To be honest, the quality between standard (1440x1080) and full HD (1920x1080) is hardly noticable - so if you dont have much spare memory space or dont want to buy large memory sticks, standard HD should be good enough.
I have a PS3 and it makes viewing recorded video so easy. Simply take the memory stick out of the camcorder, stick it in the PS3 and watch it on your TV.
I also have a memory stick slot on my PC which makes accessing my recorded videos just as easy as the PS3. If you dont have a memory stick slot on your PC, you can still access the contents of the memory stick without relying on the Sony software by connecting the camcorder to the PC via the supplied USB cable (it appears as a new drive on your PC). Even though some reviews moan about proprietary software, if you dont want to install the Sony software just download Videolan VLC player to watch your videos. Its free, works on PC and Mac and plays AVCHD files.
The video quality is very impressive. The only criticism is that its a bit grainy in low light, but still not bad. In normal light it cannot be faulted. The still images (in photo mode) are also impressive. Only 4MP but the Carl Zeiss lens makes a difference.
This is a definite 5-star product. Brilliant quality and so easy to carry around to capture some great video.
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 04Jan2009 |
| |
I read the reviews and looked at the product spec before buying and I am delighted to say that the Sony TG3 handycam does exactly what I want. I have never owned a camcorder before but am comfortable with gadgets. It took me about 5 minutes to become comfortable with all the main features and take some pretty good footage. I read about the fact that some DVD players dont like HD vidoes but soon found how to record in either SD or HD format.
The video editing software provided doesnt work with Vista and clashes with some disc burning software so I followed the advice on another review and have bought Power Director Ultra 7. This isnt a great loss becuase I have a feeling most people would want more than the software provided with the camera.
The product itself is compact, light, easy to use, intuitive and ideal if you have always wanted to have a camcorder without the hassle, weight and tonnes of tapes or discs.
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 04Jan2009 |
| |
Always been a Sony videocam addict but this beats all of the others Ive owned by a long way. Picture and sound quality are excellent and it is so easy to use its unbelievable! Bundled software is a doddle to use and transferred my first recordings to Blu Ray Disc effortlessly albeit at more cost than to standard DVD - but I was testing its capability - and no really noticable difference to the DVD record when viewed on my PC - maybe quality difference will be seen more on HDTV/BluRay set up. If youre in the market for a quality HD digicam, dont pass this one by
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 26Dec2008 |
| |
This is just a great bit of kit ordered it on the 19th got it on the 20th i think the sony software is fine, and the picture is brilliant looks amazing on my 1080p samsung tv. The avchd can take a fair bit of time to burn but looks great on the blu-ray player. The extras will cost you as there is no case and only a 4gig memory card included, But all in all if you want the best this is it.
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating: Date Reviewed: 21Dec2008 |
| |
Vouchers Feed
More Sony Camcorders