Best in Class Optical Image Stabilization
ring Sony HDR PJ790V Definition Handycam Camcorder
The PJ790V camera I'm testing is an update to the older PJ760V of the Sony's top of the consumer line. While it is an incremental update, it bring s a very good package of features, and if you're planning to use a single camcorder on different occasions, this might be a very good choice.
The main differences with the previous model are the external surround microphone (which reduces internal noise in recordings), and a better projector system (including a brighter light, and an HDMI input). However it still shares familiar the optics of the previous gen, and it is not a bad thing.
I tested it in both outdoor, and indoor conditions. At all occasions it produced great quality results. Even when it had difficulty indoors, the camera offered sufficient manual controls for compensating with worse lighting. And of course for very low to no light situations, there is night vision (infrared) recording, at the cost of losing color, and a big drain on the battery.
The image stabilizer handled vertical shakes very well. Sony has designed the entire optical system (including the sensor) with movable parts, and it easily compensates for regular shake of the hand. While it would not be perfect, you can actually use the camera while walking -- this should be the one of the first things you try with the camera, and it is very satisfying to see the anti-shake mechanism in action
The additional features, like the GPS tagging, a large storage (96G), external USB and SD card support (for quick backups) will help with longer trips. The projector, while sounding like a questionable addon, is actually very good for quickly showing something to friends or family. And smile detection shoots automatic pictures while recording a crowd, which is very handy.
The product comes as an almost complete package. The Carl-Ziess lens, 10-17x optical zoom, built in usb cable, bundled wind screen, HD lcd touchscreen, lower powered viewfinder, leaves almost nothing to be desired. But there is always a but...
I had two issues with it that I should tell. First of all the bundled battery has a very low capacity. Sony's own NP-FV100 is a must for extended use without power, and a charger will help keeping spare batteries charged while the main one is in use. Of course, it's also possible to buy them much cheaply from 3rd party manufacturers (for example, I had good experience with Wasabi Power products). The second thing lacking is the internal WiFi module. It already has an antenna for GPS, and most radio chips can handle both of them at the same time. However Sony will require buying a separate Wi-Fi adapter.
But except for these issues, I found everything I could look for in a camera (at least consumer ones). It's a very good recommendation, if you need to shoot high quality videos, in many different occasions (events, trips, picnics, talks, and even safaris).
Get your Sony HDR PJ790V Definition Handycam Camcorder Now!
Category Article silver heels
Pros: Fantastic Quality, Anti-Shake Technology, Great Sound Quality, Projector on camera
Cons: Touch Screen
I've only had this camera for a day or two but so far I just love it. The quality is the best I've seen in a while, really easy to use too. The projector is great and one of the best qualitys is the anti-shake feature in the camera. The camera basically floats inside of it and makes for a much smoother filming experience. The only problem I have is that it has a touch screen. Not that big of a deal but it often takes multiple taps for it to actually register.(hide)
Sonys HDR-PJ790v is an update to 2012's HDR-PJ760v(which is an updated version of the CX560v) and comes with the most substantial upgrades and sports new changes for this years 2013 Handycam line up, as well as future models to come.
The PJ790v still features a Carl Zeiss lens with improved low light performance, improved balanced optical steady shot that seems to be Sonys best yet, still features a 96GB internal flash memory, an improved Projector putting out 35 lumens(although nowhere near a home projector which is 700 lumens), and the 5.1 channel microphone has been isolated from the camcorder to deliver the best possible life like audio with no distortion from the camcorder functions. The microphone is also telescopic, it can be raised further above the camcorder to improve isolation and improve sound recording which there might not be a camcorder on the market to match Sony on this model.
It features 24.1 MP still images, Night Shot, and features the Multi-Interface terminal which has been changed from the previous Active Shoe interface on the PJ760v. Plus, this camcorder features the wifi function via the optional Wireless Adapter(Sold Seperately) to manually control your camera via a tablet or smartphone, as well as upload footage directly from your camera via a tablet or a smartphone. So you can record in either AVCHD format or MP4 format for Internet.
You can also stream content from your tablet or smartphone via the projector input on the camera. Although the USB plug-in port has been removed to put in the projector input, it's a small complaint unless you really want to store your content on an external HDD.
Overall, this is one packed out camera with loads of improvements over the previous models. The only thing is the price, I have seen this camera for at least $1400.00, which isn't bad considering the 2012 models still sell for around $1200-$1300. But this camera will retail between $1500-$1600. So, my advice would be to compare the other Sony models before you take the plunge and buy it. But overall, if you're looking for one serious investment in your camera, look no further.