Sony HDR-TG3 review

This Sony is one of the most portable camcorders in our test, matching the HD700's dimensions on paper and weighing a pocket-friendly 298g. We found it could be carried in a jacket pocket conveniently and inconspicuously, which is a huge advantage over larger cameras such as the Canon HF10. It can be taken everywhere, so you never miss a moment you want to capture.

The camera is also extremely well-built, with a titanium case. This surely adds significantly to the cost, but it does add a reassuring resilient feel to a camera designed to be used on the move. It still contains fragile optics, but it feels as if it could survive rough treatment better than most.

Considering its small dimensions, the camcorder offers impressive features. Full HD resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 can be captured, and a 5.1-channel microphone is included to record clear audio to match the video, a feature that only the award-winning Panasonic is able to match.

Unfortunately, though, cramming these features into such a small package pushes the price up to £450, where it comes into direct competition with some of the best cameras in our test. Because of the small 1/5in sensor used, and the compact lens, it struggles to match the quality of camcorders like the HD1000 and HDC-HS9.

There's also no external microphone or headphone socket, no accessory shoe and no internal storage, all of which can be had on slightly larger models on test here for the same cost. As with most Sony products, the Memory Stick card format is used - another negative point. We would have preferred to see the ability to record to the cheaper SD card format used in the majority of the cameras here, but on the plus side, a 4GB card is included in the box.

Despite this, the HDR-TG3 is not a camera we're able to recommend. It can't match similarly priced competitors this month for quality or features, and it's considerably more expensive than the other pocketable cameras on test. Unfortunately that combination of failings just puts it out of the running.

Author: Matthew Sparkes