Sony HDR-PJ790V 96GB Handycam HD Camcorder

Rated 4 1/2 Stars (Click for Reviews)

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The HDR-PJ790V is Sony’s high end HD camcorder with a huge internal 96GB flash drive and 10x optical zoom. SmartReview previewed this model at CES in Las Vegas. This model includes the groundbreaking image stabilization 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 SteadyShot 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. Sony improved the brightness of the video projector (located on the outside of the LCD door). Sony’s Projector Light Output has almost doubled to 35 lumens. This will allow you to project your videos on a wall up to a 100 inch picture (This requires a darkened room to view). Also new is a Projector-In HDMI Input which will allow you to plug in your tablet, camera, laptop, or smartphone and project content, and movies directly from the camcorder. The projector’s resolution in pixels has improved by 50% over the PJ760V.

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More Features: As with last year’s model, the HDR-PJ790V 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-PJ790V Features a Carl Zeiss Wide Angle Vario Sonnar T-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-PJ790V 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-PJ790V 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. 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 and Headphone Jack. The memory slot can take either Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media or SDHC flash memory cards. Electronic Viewfinder (EVF). Includes a lens hood.

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New Upgrades: The HDR-PJ790 has a new 5.1 channel built-in microphone which is elevated above the body. Isolating the mic from the camcorder minimizes extraneous sounds from the camcorder. An excellent Furry Windscreen is included which slips over the microphone, eliminating wind sounds when outdoors by up to 90%. New 31 step manual audio gain control. Built-in Projector brightness has increased from 20 to 35 lumens, projector resolution is up over 50%, and a new projector input projects content from your tablet, laptop or smartphone. A new multi-interface shoe can now support lights, monitors, a WIFI accessory, and even an XLR microphone.

Lens Specifications: 26.3mm – 263mm (10x optical zoom; 17x extended 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. 31 step Mic level control.
Dimensions: 4.25″ x 3.5″ x 6.62″ (19 ounces)

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Smart-Review Commentary: Sony’s HDR-PJ790V 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 Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ will help eliminate image blur that can occur in low light and camera shake. 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 24.1 megapixels for still images. It is loaded with manual features as well. The Infrared NightShot® feature allows you to shoot in total darkness. One big new feature is a new 5.1 channel surround sound microphone. Unlike most built-in microphones, this one is mounted above the body, giving it superior sound, and allowing you to put a Furry Windscreen (included) over the mic for outdoor shots to prevent wind noise. You can now save in either AVCHD or MP4 file format (MP4 allows smaller files that you can share online).

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 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 Built-in Projector 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. It now is brighter, with much higher resolution, with the new Projector-In HDMI Input allows you to plug in your tablet, laptop or smartphone to project your videos, pictures, documents, games. The PJ790V also has an electronic viewfinder with 201,600 pixels, useful when shooting outdoors. This camcorder is fully loaded with every conceivable feature, and has received excellent reviews. The Balanced Optical Steadyshot feature is the best image stabilization available (see our video). The HDR-PJ790V is a Smart-Review top pick.

Sony HDR-PJ790V	Sony HDR-PJ790V 96GB	Sony HDR-PJ790V Accessory Kit	Sony HDR-PJ790V Battery
Camcorder Features Full HD Recording Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ 10x Optical Zoom 96GB Memory GPS to Geotag Built-in Projector Manual Controls 60p HD Mode 3.0 inch Touch-Screen HDMI projector input 24.1 megapixel pics 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?




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