Smart-Review is supported by our readers. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission... Learn more

SmartReview.com Top Rated Products

Sony HDR-PJ760V High Definition 96GB Handycam Projector Camcorder

April 10, 2012 by  
Filed under Digital Camcorders

Sony HDR-PJ760V High Definition 96GB Handycam Camcorder

Sony HDR-PJ760V High Definition 96GB Handycam Camcorder with Projector

Rated 4 1/2 Stars

SmartReview.com Product Rating
(Click for Reviews)


Is this the best price?

**New for 2012** Sony’s top of the line dual flash memory based high definition camcorder with a huge internal 96GB flash drive and 10x optical zoom. SmartReview previewed this model at CES 2012 in Las Vegas. New for 2012 is the introduction of a groundbreaking technology, Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ (which claims to be 13x better than regular Steadyshot) delivers smoother video in low light, and long telephoto shots. This feature was demonstrated to us (and it does work extremely well). Sony told us that the new steady shot runs the entire length of the optical system, from the lens to the imager. This is like having a Steadicam built-in to the camera. Also new for 2012 is an improved video projector (located on the outside of the LCD door). Sony has doubled the projector’s light output to 20 lumens. This will allow you to project your videos on a wall up to a 100 inch picture (This requires a dark room to view). We were quite impressed by this little projector (see our video at the bottom of the page).

Balanced SteadyShot

Sony's Balanced SteadyShot™ (Lens assembly compensates for shaking to reduce image blur)

More Features: As with last year’s model, the HDR-PJ760V features an ultra-smooth 60 progressive frames/second (1080p @ 60fps), it can also record at 24p (1080p @24fps), the same frame rate as movie film. The HDR-PJ760V Features a Carl Zeiss wide angle G-Lens (26.3mm) with 10x Optical zoom. Other features: 24.1 megapixel still images, Large 3.0 inch Xtra Fine LCD touch-screen (921K pixels), built-in GPS to geotag your video or pictures or view your current location on the LCD map display. The HDR-PJ760V has a new Large 1/2.88-inch back-illuminated “Exmor R” CMOS sensor for better low light performance. Bionz image processor improves the speed and quality, as well as improving battery life. Full HD (1920 x 1080) video capture. Infrared NightShot® for night shooting.

Compression and Recording: The HDR-PJ760V uses the AVCHD compression format (up to 24Mbps) to record high definition video. The 60p mode records at an even higher 28Mbps using STD: MPEG2-PS compression. Tracking Focus follows selected subjects. Hookup to an HDTV through Component or HDMI. Dolby Digital 5.1 capable. Built-in Flash. USB 2.0 interface. Dedicated microphone and headphone inputs. Active interface accessory shoe for external microphones and lights. The built-in 96GB memory will record approximately 7 hours 45 minutes of video at maximum HD 60p quality. Also includes Face Detection, wind noise reduction, Smile Shutter, manual shutter control, External Microphone Jack. The memory slot can take either Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media or SDHC flash memory cards. Electronic Viewfinder.

PJ760v Sample Video

Sony HDR-PJ760v Sample Video (Click to Start)


New Upgrades for 2012: Sony Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ (13x more stable than regular SteadyShot), a new back illuminated Exmor R” CMOS sensor (better for low light), an upgrade from 12 to 24.1 megapixel still shots, a wider 26.3mm lens, and output of the projector brightness has doubled from 10 to 20 lumens for brighter video presentations on your wall.


Lens Specifications: 26.3mm – 263mm (10x optical zoom) F1.8-3.4
Manual Features: Assignable dial provides control of the focus, exposure, white balance, iris, and shutter speed. Advanced controls with expanded focus, zebra, and peaking.
Dimensions: 4.25″ x 3.5″ x 6.62″ (19 ounces)

Smart-Review Commentary: For 2012, Sony’s HDR-PJ760V is fully loaded with features that most serious camcorder users will appreciate. The camcorder is designed for low light in three ways. First, it has a large 1/2.88 inch Exmor CMOS imager, for better detail and less noise in low light. Second, the camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens that has an F1.8 aperature which will help in low light situations. Third, the new for 2012 Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ will help eliminate image blur that can occur in low light and camera shake. The Steadyshot upgrade is the biggest new feature for Sony camcorders, and we believe this will be essential for getting exceptional handheld video. In addition, you get 60p, 60i, and 24p framerates to choose from, CinemaTone Presets for film-like appearance, a high resolution LCD touch-screen, and an upgrade to 24.1 megapixels for still images (up from 12 last year). It is loaded with manual features as well. The Infrared NightShot® feature allows you to shoot in total darkness.

Balanced Optical Steadyshot™

Balanced Optical Steadyshot™ Demonstration (Click to Start)

Advanced Features: The built-in external microphone jack and headphone jacks will allow you to use external microphones for better sound, or you can use the Surround Sound 5.1 built-in microphone. GPS can tag your video so you know where you were (exactly) when it was shot. The memory card slot can now accomodate SDHC cards as well as Memory Stick Pro Duo cards. The Tracking Focus feature follows your subject and keeps it in focus. This camcorder also uses the highest possible AVCHD compression quality (24Mbps) when recording regular HD, and 28Mbps for the 60p mode. A feature important to camcorder users is a wide angle lens which this camcorder has, at 26.3mm, useful for taking group shots, panoramas, and indoor shots. And lastly, a neat feature which we got to view is the projector feature. The LCD door has a projector built-in which you can project your video on walls or other flat surfaces, up to a 100-inch size. We were very impressed with this feature. The PJ760V also has an electronic viewfinder with 201,600 pixels. This camcorder is fully loaded with every conceivable feature, and we believe it compares very favorably to the best camcorders from Panasonic and Canon coming in 2012. The Balanced Optical Steadyshot feature is amazing (see video). The HDR-PJ760V is a Smart-Review top pick.

Sony HDR-PJ760V Sony HDR-PJ760V
96GB
Sony HDR-PJ710V
32GB
Sony HDR-PJ760V Battery
    Camcorder Features

  • *New 2012 Model
  • Full HD Recording
  • 10x Optical Zoom
  • 96GB Memory
  • GPS to Geotag
  • Built-in Projector
  • Manual Controls
  • 60p HD Mode
  • 3.0 inch Touch-Screen
  • HDMI Terminal for HDTV
  • 24.1 megapixel pics
  • Balanced Optical SteadyShot™
  • Large 1/2.88 inch imager
  • 26mm Wide Angle Lens

Is this the best price?

Is this the best price?

Is this the best price?


Related Article: 2014 Sony Handycam Camcorder Model Lineup

Related Article: Best Low Light Camcorders – Comparision and Reviews

Related Article: Flash Memory Camcorder Roundup and Comparison


Shop All Sony Camcorders
(Clicking on shop buttons will open a new window)

Camcorders at Amazon.com Shop
Camcorders at Adorama.com Shop
Camcorders at Best Buy Shop
Camcorders at JandR.com Shop
Camcorders at TigerDirect.com Shop