Sony HDR PJ790 Unboxing Review

[@gregjohnmason]

Nice review thanks. I'm considering this, amongst others, as a purchase before I head off skiing with my family. Question I have is, would you consider this camera to be pocketable? As in, ski jacket pocketable? It's only a little larger than others I'm considering apart from the protruding mic, which would be a concern for me if taking in and out of a pocket. What do you think. I'm also considering the Panasonic HC-X920M and HC-720M and Sony HDR PJ430V - all smaller but not as good.

[@theophiluscarter3547]

Best video I've seen on the 790 so far....Someone who actually knows what they're talking about....Thank you so much

[@HasanAlhammami]

Congrats. It looks a good camera is it better than the 760?

[@Somecooltech1]

Great video. I have the PJ710 and I absolutely love it. The video quality is so good and the stabilization is really the best available. Which camera did you have before the PJ790? Is it worth the upgrade from the pj710? PS My channel is shot almost entirely on with the PJ710.

[@cristobalgomezgutierrez8546]

Thanks 4 dReview! I appreciate in advance your time. I kind of have the same concerns than Rory and Elenin. I'd like to know more about the MIC (almost nothing on Web). I want to become a low budget filmaker and experts advise not to trust in the incorporated mic of camcorders but in$tead to buy $pecial recording equipment ( = cable$, a$intant$ and editing time). Are that clean the conversations I can record whit this camcorder or should I still inve$t on mics? Also, what about live streaming?

[@darkworld5026]

I have that camera. It really is a great piece of technology, with super clear video and photos. I have purchased additional batteries too, and will be using the camera for an independent film next year.

[@carsandcamera]

Yes, you can use a Rode mic with an adapter. Have not used the WiFi yet. The top mounted mic is great. Sound is the same with lens hood on. The focus wheel is just right not to sensitive. You can control aperture and shutter speed with the focus wheel. Projecting form a laptop works great. The viewfinder is no good not as good as other consumer cameras. There is not much room there so they just put whatever would fit.

[@BrandonKrieger]

Hi Mark, Have you been able to find the shoe adapter for the Rode Mic to fit in the new Sony HDR connection? I have been calling Sony and a few other companies and so far I haven't been able to find the adaptor. Thanks

[@kenolsoncollin6941]

Hi I just purchased the Sony HDR pj650v over the the canon hf g20 and Panasonic hc-x900 do u think I made a good choice plz reply?

[@BrandonKrieger]

Hi Kenolson, I have the Sony HDR pj650V and I love it. I do see what Mark is saying and agree with him. I think it comes down to what are you going to be shooting. In this day in age of video, if you are doing KZbin video's and not full-length video's purchase a camera that you are going to use on a regular bases and it is easy to use. That is the more important in my opinion

[@10191927]

The wifi adapter is strictly for uploading .MP4 files either through a smart phone or tablet, or remotely controlling your camera. The wifi is pretty much optional and for mobile uploading in mind, it doesn't lend itself to instant streaming like you're saying.

[@Xps3ubox60wii]

just wondering, what do you use this camera for and what do you think its best a recording?

[@BrandonKrieger]

hmm, I tried using a shoe adapter that connects from my old JVC to any light/mic but it does not fit. The Sony I have the shoe connector is proprietary to Sony's devices from what the Sony Tech support has said. That is why I was wondering if you found an adapter that works, but it just might be my model HDR-PJ650V which seems to have this one flaw. At the moment until someone develops an adaptor

[@louielambretta389]

Which camera do you find has better video quality

[@carsandcamera]

Yes, this camera is better in many ways. The 760 is last years model. The sound capture is now mounted away from the camera. The projector system is much brighter and you can hook up a external device to it also. The color is better as well as the picture seems sharper. Much improved over the 760.

[@Khmer-England]

Thanks for the review, it’s nice to see you’ve managed to show some of shots here. I think the thumb wheel is a bit tight to get to when the screen is opened & lens hood is mounted on.The problem with view finder is the same as the HF-G25 or the HC-X920, you just can’t use it properly when using high capacity battery but at least you can tilt it up with Sony. I like it but I’ll wait a bit until more shots/reviews available. I think the lens hood is too bulky, even my FX7 doesn’t look this big.

[@TheGamersFriend]

have u had trouble with focus. do think this camera would be good for recording rollercoasters. thanks

[@urielalvarez1839]

I was able to get my hands on this camera a month before it came out and till this day I treat it like its a baby, this cam is just amazing the feayures it has makes it worth every penny and then some!..not to mention the wifi connection it has just makes it to me pretty much the best cam there is so far, 3 extra Fv100 batteries and let me tell you YOU WONT REGRET BUYING THIS CAM.

[@andrewjones-productions]

As this camera is capable of using the XLR box from Sony, I don't understand why they didn't include a cold shoe on the top of the internal mic in the same way they did with the NX30. That way, there would be no need for a flash bracket as you are using. It would also solve the issue of having a shoe adapter.

[@mikecartwrightbeach]

Thank you. Found this out quick once it arrived. Also got the extra batteries and charger at Amazon as well. Can't believe how well the image stabilization works on this camcorder!

[@Somecooltech1]

Really excellent review. i have the pj710 and yeah the steady shot is so awesome on these. I see so many people with a steady shot rig carrying around all that extra bulk.

[@carsandcamera]

Thank You,Yes, the steady shot on these cameras is very good and you can really do some fantastic shots with these cameras.

[@kenolsoncollin6941]

So is the image really going to be bad compared to the 710v or just a small improvement?

[@BrandonKrieger]

Hi Mark, isn't the PJ650v $300 cheaper then the PJ710V? I agree the sensor is better but the quality in the PJ650V is pretty good in my opinion. I am recording KZbin video's for clients and they love it.

[@carsandcamera]

Try bh photo for the underwater bag as that would be the best bet for your use. Also you would be safe If the camera hits the water.

[@buckscountyparanormal]

im interested inside handycam but i gotta wait for the used ones to drop in price or wait few years like i did with the hdr-sr11

[@louielambretta389]

thanks man for the awesome review!! what camera were you using to record the review

[@E-sk8Fr]

got the PJ790... wondering where I could find a waterproof bag for it.. I don't plan to use it underwater, I will be filming close to the sea (kitesurfing) and sometimes myself in water. I will need something that can protect it from sand, water.... no sure there's something available.

[@carsandcamera]

Here is a great camera to get and right now on a budget. It's the Sony hx20v you can find it on eBay for around $200.00 and it it sony's best kept secret. It's a fantastic pocket stills camera that shoots fantastic 1080p video. It video is rich and colorful like what you get with the pj790. It also has the best steady shot I have ever seen in a pocket camera. This camera is not to replace the pj790 but if you have very little to spend on a camera right now the hx20v would be the best for you.

[@carsandcamera]

I have been using a shoe adapter that mounts to the tripod socket on the bottom of the camera

[@carsandcamera]

No, you can transfer via the USB cable. The built in memory will be the best,do not use the sd card as the camera will record at the best quality from the internal built in memory.

[@andrewjones-productions]

Talking of shoe adapters...have you been able to find any for the new multi-interface shoe as I haven't found any yet. It is a major thing in putting me purchasing another Sony domestic video camera. I don't like brackets as they get cumbersome when walking around and when filming in vehicles. Would appreciate any good adapter name or site name if you know of any. B&H state that the Sony adapter works, but I am doubtful...

[@carsandcamera]

This review was shot with the fantastic Panasonic Lumix GH3 with the 14-140 zoom.

[@RobertoGodfrey]

It has a hot shoe, yes?

[@lindielee6322]

Lots of movement - getting motion sick great if you had you camera on a tri pod. Thank you for the review, very helpful! I need a video cam with a tripod for art painting tutorials. I have seen too many videos by other teachers where the camera focuses on their hand and every time the hand moves for painting strokes the whole picture rocks. I'm looking for something that will auto focus without jumping and be securely set on a tripod.

[@bossman3700]

What camera r u using in the video

[@carsandcamera]

The camera you got has 1/3" sensor and the picture quality is not as good as the PJ790 It has a 1/2" sensor this larger sensor makes for a much better picture. If you can return the PJ650 I would and buy the PJ710 as it has the same sensor as the PJ790 but it costs about the same as the camera you just bought.

[@aureliocerdaminyety14]

Hello, a question? you can put a lapel microphone ...

[@carsandcamera]

Yes

[@kjpickron]

So is the wifi adapter worth getting

[@MrZarcof]

Hi, I'm Hispanic and I want to know if you can set in the menu that is in Spanish and other languages ​​can be put? Thank you very much

[@carsandcamera]

I use the sony for handheld walk and talk shots as for this it is the best.

[@kalle0264]

How much is the optical zoom and what about optical stabilization and does it have night shot?

[@carsandcamera]

This is was a great camera for it’s time and it had a 10x optical zoom and a built in projector and balanced optical steady shot. If you need night shot I would recommend the Sony Ax53 as it’s 4K and has balanced optical steady shot and night shot. No projector but is a fantastic camera.

[@carsandcamera]

I just checked out your channel and it looks great keep up the good work.

[@fUjiMaNia]

I'm considering this camera. Is the USB port 2.0 or 3.0 for transferring data from the internal memory to a computer?

[@carsandcamera]

USB 2.0

[@DEREKBSHARP]

What's the difference between this camera and the Sony HXR-NX30U? Is there away to attach the Sony XLRK1M XLR-K1M to this camera? Thanks and much appreciation for this review.

[@carsandcamera]

Sony HXR-NX30U is same exact camera but is comes with XLR attachment. If you need the Sony XLRK1M XLR-K1M I would get the NX30u as it comes with the XLR adapter and right now the cost of the two cameras is very close. The projector output is a little stronger on PJ790 but i could not see it.

[@jennifer1ashley]

does the view finder swing all the way around?

[@carsandcamera]

Yes

[@rml695]

Congrats on the marriage. :) Many happy years to you both. :)

[@carsandcamera]

Well, as a camera with a built in zoom the Sony is great but the best picture quality is the GH3 but the Gh3 takes skill to master and you need lenses to go with it. The Sony is a great camera with the best image I have ever seen out of a camcorder. The image stabilizer is the best I have ever used on any camera.

[@alexanderrodriguez1536]

Hello my name is Alexander, and I love the Sony HDR PJ790V camera, and I would like to please you can sell it to me at a reasonable price, since I have been looking for a camera with these characteristics for a long time, please I hope you can read my request and I Grant favorably to my request, thank you, cordial greetings from El Salvador in Central America.

[@goudiejordan2]

can you livestream with this camera?

[@smartzpixel]

can this model do live streaming to youtube?

[@awesomo660]

How much does this cost because I really want one

[@munnabeg8703]

Just one lac I want to sale

[@lincolnking3339]

Nice camera from Sony. Thanks.

[@shady1468]

Pleasee help me out would u say this camera is worth the money!

[@carsandcamera]

Yes.

[@shady1468]

thank you

[@salmonella4u]

Yes. great video. excellent sound for recording concerts and events. buy a few 64gb sd cards and np-fv100 batteries, and you can record all day and all night with full resolutions and settings on high. Been using mine for about 2 years now. never a problem. It's a Sony of course.

[@kenolsoncollin6941]

Cuz it's going to be a long process to return it to amazon

[@EleninYu55]

Hey there... dows anyone know if the hot shoe wifi adapter that I would get separatly would allow for live streaming? Or is it just for simple tasks like remote, uploading to the web wirelessly, etc? I am looking at that or getting the new Panasonic HC-x920 which does have wifi built right in... but would prefer the Sony HDR-PJ790 instead if it would give me that ability... HELP?! :)

[@pierjade4792]

Very good review, thank you.

[@REMlNGTON]

I want this camera soooo bad, but I'm getting married and need to save money for starting a family. Someday I can buy it, hopefully.

[@aleckmaccarone5973]

Your wrong they done the charging of the battery like that on purpose so you can simultaneously charge the batteries faster eg if you have 2 batteries that take 2hours to charge instead if waiting 4 hours it is half that time and saves you from having to buy 2 external chargers as this is the same with my cybershot bridge camera

[@carsandcamera]

I think i understand what your saying but its better to have an external charger for many reasons. eg while you are using the camera you can be charging other batteries. The Sony external charger charges faster than the camcorder. You do not have to have your $1600.00 plugged in somewhere charging. The Sony chargers are cheap.

[@Xps3ubox60wii]

except in the optical zoom (Panasonic x920 - 12x; Sony hdr 790v - 10x) the 790v beats the x920 in every possible way. so yes its better than the x920

[@vaishakhgarg]

Damn you! You just made me spent 1600 bucks on a camcorder! Lol.... Perfect review man... Thanks a lot....

[@carsandcamera]

Yes I do.

[@Salem77k]

thanks that was great review .

[@carsandcamera]

It's very well made.

[@madxcollector]

I do youtube videos as well but I usually don't comment on other people reviews of anything but all I have to say is good job. Great video! Well detailed! Very informational! I own a low end Sony that I use but now I will be buying this one because of your review. If you could just send me the link for all the extra accessories via message that will be appreciated. Again keep up the good work. You can also checkout my channel. I'm sure you will like what I do ;)

[@carsandcamera]

I would get sony radio mic there about $399.00

[@MOHG7]

nice car

[@klesarhr-bz5of]

Cool review but camera is crap and has, as all SONY models which have LED FLASH built in bulbs as artificial light-serial error or failure. Be aware to pay for extra, prolonged warranty time because you'll have problem with this LIGHT function one day surely (camcorder stops and you can't turn it on no way-have to bring it to service). Service costs some 250-300 USD if out of warranty and most worse is-this failure happens again soon after.

[@kenolsoncollin6941]

Guys I brought the Sony HDR pj650v it's younger brother. I have video that shot with it called teleport effect search that up on my channel

[@kenolsoncollin6941]

Thnx

[@timjamiesauder9435]

I want this cam but i can foun it

[@munnabeg8703]

I have one pice I wat to sale..my number [phone] Bangladesh... just new condition

[@rml695]

Please check your email - what I wanted to say won't fit but I have some questions.

[@Slightlyevil]

I feel like I can see!

[@Uaegnome]

Made in china right?

[@DistrictDRIVE]

it's 1/2.88 not 1/2 lol

[@carsandcamera]

For me I would not need it.