Sony HDR-TG5V: Full HD Camcorder With GPS

Sony have announced a new ultra-compact camcorder, capable of not only capturing Full-HD 1080p AVCHD video but geo-tagging it via its integrated GPS receiver.  The Sony HDR-TG5V has the same upright styling as the TG1/TG3E, but packs 16GB of built-in storage, Navteq mapping data and a smaller, lighter chassis.

Other specs include a 2.7-inch touchscreen with newly reworked GUI, Memory Stick PRO Duo slot for augmenting the onboard storage, Smile Shutter and Face Detection.  There's also Sony's BIONZ Image Processor, Carl Zeiss Vaio-Tessar lens and 10x optical zoom, plus a flash.

The Sony HDR-TG5V will begin shipping in the US come May 2009.  As with its predecessor, it won't be a budget buy: you're looking at around $1,000, while an optional travel kit (battery, travel charger and pouch) comes in at $100, and a wide-angle lens for $100. 

Press Release:

SONY TAKES FLIGHT WITH HD CAMCORDER DESIGNED FOR SAVVY TRAVELERS  

New Model Offers Embedded GPS, Durable Titanium Body, and Sleek Design

SAN DIEGO, April 1, 2009 – Designed for travelers who pack lightly, Sony today unveiled a new high-definition camcorder that combines powerful performance and simple operation into a sleek, portable body.

The HDR-TG5V Handycam® camcorder captures 1920x1080 high-definition video and four-megapixel photos. With a compact design, the model includes 16GB of flash memory (a portion of which is used for data management), embedded GPS, minimal buttons and a new intuitive user interface for the touch-panel LCD.

"Travelers are looking for high-quality products that focus on performance and portability," said Kelly Davis, director of camcorder marketing at Sony Electronics. "This new model has a titanium body with a premium hard coating enhancing durability and it's packed with high-performance features—like GPS and Smile Shutter™ technology—that deliver the best combination for your travel experiences."

The camcorder's built-in GPS antenna and NAVTEQ® digital maps geo-tag your videos and photos so you can document your destinations on a map. Geo-tagged content is marked by a push pin at each shot location and can be played back on the camcorder map index display on the 2.7-inch (measured diagonally) wide LCD touch panel. You can also enjoy this feature on the PC using the included Picture Motion Browser software.

With 16GB of embedded memory, the HDR-TG5V camcorder holds more than six hours of high definition video footage (LP mode) so it is virtually ready for capture right out of the box. You can also capture content onto Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media (sold separately) for additional recording time.

Ideal for the active explorer, a new graphical user interface helps personalize menus for easy operation and quickly sort through captured content.

Smile Shutter technology automatically snaps quality photos of traveling companions when they smile, even while recording video at the same time. To make sure your subject stays in focus, Face Detection technology recognizes and enhances faces by automatically correcting focus, exposure and color control.

In addition to a BIONZ™ Image Processor that works with an Exmor™ CMOS sensor for pristine imaging, the camera features a professional-quality Carl Zeiss® Vaio-Tessar® lens with 10X optical zoom designed specifically for compact camcorders. For added clarity and detail, a built-in flash reduces shadows and improves still images in low-light situations.

Pricing and Availability

The HDR-TG5V camcorder will ship in May for about $1,000. An optional travel kit (Sony ACC-TCH5) with a battery, travel charger and pouch will be available for about $100. There is also a wide angle conversion lens (Sony VCL-HGE07TB) accessory for about $100.

All can be purchased at Sony Style® retail stores, direct at www.sonystyle.com, at authorized dealers and military exchange bases nationwide.