Features

• Sony's CCD-TRV138 Handycam camcorder offers outstanding Hi8 video and Hi-Fi sound recording at an affordable price
• 1/6-inch CCD imager with 200K effective pixels
• 2.5-inches SwivelScreen LCD display
• 20x optical zoom lens with 990x digital zoom
• NightShot Plus infrared system

Reviews (7)

No USB Port!
This camcorder can not be used to record direct to your computer or any of the new dvd recorders.You have to record first to video tape then be able to connect your VCR to a dvd recording device.Very disappointed.How hard can it be for Sony to add the USB port?Even my $100 digital camera has a USB port.
Good enough.
This is your basic video camera. I'd say it's good for those who just need a video camera for occassional video recording. It has the basic features, with NightShot as an additional bonus. The picture quality isn't as great as I thought it would be (it's a bit grainy on my 36" WEGA), it doesn't record in stereo, and I wish it could hook up on my computer, but there's no USB port. I guess for the price you pay, it's expected. I'd recommend it if you're not really looking for something too hi-tech. I wish I could've gone with something better, maybe the next model up, but hey, it gets the job done.

I want to marry this camcorder!
Everything about this camera is amazing to me. I originally read that there is a problem with this model of camcorder with the screen blanking out after 1 or 2 years of use. I haven't seen any signs of that happening so far. I love this. Being a college kid it gets banged up on occasion, but my Sony seems to have held up to the challenge.
Read more

Features

• Digital8 Handycam camcorder and digital still camera with 460,000-pixel CCD
• 20x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 990x) with Super SteadyShot image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch rotating LCD and black-and-white viewfinder
• Low-light recording settings, Memory Stick Pro slot, and analog-to-digital conversion ability
• NP-FM30 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery

Reviews (39)

Camera Died after light use under 2 years
We had a sony handycam 8 and was very pleased with it's 10 year+ longevity.This Digital 8 camera has turned out to fail rather quickly with much less use in a much shorter period of time.
cassette will not eject
Recording was jumpy. I inserted a cleaning tape.The cassette did not operate and now the door will not open and the tape will not eject.
great while it lasted (14 months)
Great images for 14 months.Then I got a dialog box that said the video heads were dirty and I need to run a cleaning tape - which I bought and ran per instructions.Didn't clear up.Went to Sony online help, was told to run it again.Didn't clear up.Tried a few more times, didn't clear up.Told it needs repair - $211.Guess maybe I should drop it in the water like the last guy whose TRV460 is indestructable.Sony should be ashamed for not backing these things up longer than a year. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The DCR-TRV330 is a great midlevel Digital8 camcorder. Digital8 utilizes the digital video format, but records onto Hi8 tapes, and can play your old Hi8 and 8mm movies. The 25x optical (28x digital) zoom is combined with image stabilization, a boon since high zooms can lead to increased shakiness. Additionally, the DCR-TRV330 features Sony's NightShot system for 0-lux shooting. An assortment of special effects and faders help give your footage a more professional feel. Also, a 16:9 widescreen shooting mode lets you shoot movies in the same aspect ratio as Hollywood films. Read more

Features

• Digital8 camcorder, uses Hi8 tapes
• 25x optical (28x digital) zoom with image stabilization
• 2.5 inch color LCD monitor with black and white EVF
• Records 640 x 480 digital stills onto included 4 MB Memory Stick media
• Uses Sony's NP-FM30 InfoLithium battery; features Sony's NightShot 0-Lux shooting capability

Reviews (25)

Problems -- do not buy!!!
Numerous reports of camera stopping (type DCR trv38 and problem in google and you'll see what I mean) .The screen goes blank and that's the end of your DCR.Costs about $300 to repair.Reports from 2 months to 2 years usage and not linked to how often used or how treated.It is a problem with the "board" and your camera WILL die it's just a matter of when.It happened to us and we are thinking it was just us.We're buying a new DCR and you can bet it won't be a SONY even if they gave us one--they are too unreliable.

Don't touch it with a bargepole
This Digicam sulks..I used it for < 2years and it has gone kaput. When I reported this to the Sony Service center they asked for $300 repair cost. They are living in anachronistic times when they quoted this sky high rate. You can get a new one (and that too the latest model ) for a little more than $300.

Good deal
I've been looking around at prices and i'de say this is the best price I've found. I was checking out other cameras and found one for $500.It was not as good as this one and cost more. Its worth your cash and the specs are nice! Like the 25x optical zoom is crazy. The digital zoom doesn't really make a difference after u get over 200x zoom on that. So dont think that 700x zoom makes much of a difference. I'de say buy it asap. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camcorder (Camcorders)   

Features

• Digital8 Handycam camcorder and digital still camera with 460,000-pixel CCD
• 20x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 990x) with Super SteadyShot image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch rotating LCD and black-and-white viewfinder
• Low-light recording settings, built-In white LED light, and manual focus
• NP-FM30 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery

Reviews (14)

BUZZING SOUND
When I tried this out there was a buzzing sound that was picked up by the microphone and therefore it would not playback withou a buzzing sound.I sent it off to Sony, as you said it had a 90 day warranty for labor and a one year warranty for parts.I need a copy of your original invoice when you purchased this to send them or the cost to fix it is $269.00.

Sony Handycam
I am happy with this camcorder. It is easy to use and the price was fair. Thank you.

Don't Buya Sony product
The camcorder was purchased as a Christmas present. We took it on a cruise in early January. After only a few days it gave us a moisture message and stopped working. Sony claims we dropped it in water and wants over three times what we paid for the camera to repair it. We did not drop the camera in the water, we do not have films of our vacation. We are just out our recorded memories and $300. We will never recommend a Sony product to anyone. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The value-priced Sony DCR-TRV250 camcorder delivers all the benefits of Digital8 recording quality in a smaller chassis. In addition to its crisp, clear digital video and stereo audio, the TRV250 can also stream live and recorded moving video to a PC via USB. Transfer video to your PC via iLink interface (also known as FireWire) to edit your masterpiece with the included software.Read more

Features

• NTSC
• Digital8 camcorder with 20x optical and 700x digital zoom
• SteadyShot picture stabilization system
• 2.5 inch color LCD and black and white EVF
• NightShot infrared mode for lowlight shooting; built-in light, easy dubbing features
• USB streaming feature, can turn camcorder into a video conferencing tool or webcam

Reviews (48)

Sony going to fix CCD Problems
I have not had any problems with my camera, but I have two family members who have the same camera and have had the really common LCD screen going blank.Someone has sued Sony and Sony is going to repair these cameras or reimburse you if you already had it fixed.Go to this link (http://www.sony.com/ccdservice)My faith is somewhat restored in Sony, but it is pretty bad it took a lawsuit for Sony to pony up the dough and correct their mistake.

SONY® DIGITAL8 CAMCORDER - DCR-TRV250
EXPERIENCE THE INCREDIBLE FEATURES OF THE SONY DIGITAL8� CAMCORDER!
Beware of Factory Defect
Sony camcorders have a factory defect that the ccd screen goes black when in record mode after a few tapes of use.I was asked to pay $270 to fix it. Beware.. there are thousands of such reported problems on this and other camcorder review sites. I would suggest that you read them before buying a Sony product. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Sony DCR-TRV730 is a full-featured Digital8 camcorder. Digital8 utilizes the digital video format, but records onto Hi8 tapes, and can play your old Hi8 and 8mm movies. The 18x optical (400x digital) zoom is combined with image stabilization, a boon since high zooms can lead to increased shakiness. Additionally, the DCR-TRV730 has a low-light shooting mode that allows for visibility in near darkness. An assortment of special effects and faders help give your footage a more professional feel. Also, a 16:9 widescreen-shooting mode lets you shoot movies in the same aspect ratio as Hollywood films. Read more

Features

• Digital8 camcorder
• 18x optical, 500x digital zoom with digital image stabilization
• 2.5-inch color LCD monitor and monochrome EVF
• Records 1152 x 864 digital stills onto included 4 MB Memory Stick media
• Uses an included InfoLithium battery; also includes AC adapter, remote control, A/V cable, USB cable, CD-ROM software

Reviews (16)

This Camcorder is the Fashizzle
I love this camcorder!I can get the close ups skinnaMAX can't touch.The zoom is top notch and the wide angle action catches the nips.I would recommend checking the manuel as it gives the down low you can't get just by trickin the gadget.The nightvision brings the dish to light and makes the digital quiver.I would encourage those who haven't to experience the Sony DCR-TRV730 for themselves.

Great features, good quality, horrible light tolerance
This camera obviously has great features at its reasonable price.The night vision is a very creative (however unnecissary) feature that I found to be fun to show to your friends however not needed for filming very often.Unfortunatly, you may find yourself using nightvision often because as you take stills in lower light conditions the quality decreases.This decrease is only noticed when looking at the pictures on a computer or on paper (or when looking at movies on a TV screen).However, this camera tends to be cheaper than most others because it records in a Digital 8 format.In other words, it records digitally on to regular Hi8 tapes which are generally cheaper than most miniDV tapes.However, keep in mind if you buy a 120 minute Hi8 tape, this camera will only record 60 minutes on to it because the data takes more room.The camera, however, is very user friendly and can run almost completely automatically as well as manually.The autofocus is very efficient along with an excellent optical zoom and an oustanding digital zoom (although quality does decrease with digital zoom).The camera acts extremely well in brighter conditions and clearly out performs many other cameras, it's the indoor low light coniditions that still need plenty of work.

One of the best I have seen...
This is the first camcorder I have bought.I did a lot of research and finally decided to go with the Sony DCR-TRV730... and I am glad that I did.Read more

Subjects:  1. Camcorder (Camcorders)   

Editorial Review

The Sony DCR-TRV130 is an entry-level Digital8 camcorder with a lot of pop. Featuring a 20x optical zoom, with Sony's SteadyShot image stabilization for those with shaky hands, you should be able to get right into the action of whatever scene you want to shoot. Coming with all of Sony's standard features--including Super NightShot for 0-lux shooting, and analog audio and video inputs--the DCR-TRV130 is a great camcorder. And you get all the benefits of a digital camcorder: 500-line resolution and PCM digital audio. Read more

Features

• Digital8 camcorder, uses Hi8 tapes
• 20x optical (28x digital--560x total) zoom with SteadyShot image stabilization
• 2.5-inch color LCD monitor with black and white EVF
• Records still images onto tape
• Uses Sony NP-F330 InfoLithium battery, included; includes wireless remote control

Reviews (15)

Nice Camera
I've had this camera for almost a year now, and it's the first movie camera of any kind I've ever used. I have a digital still camera (an olympus 2100cz) so I'm not a neophyte. Excellent for starters
This camera was given to me for Christmas a couple of years ago.It has good video quality, and the ability to play back the tape using an S-video jack.The fade options are limited when compared to other Sony products, but for an entry level camera it is a good value.I recommend this camera to anyone who just wants to record special occasions and for playing around.If you are a serious shutterbug, I would recommend something with more bells and whistles. Digital revolution for computer owners who want versitility
Features of this compact camera holds the interest of all who enjoy movies to still pics importable to the internet. It has great resolution and 16 bit sound for real high quality out sourcing and zooms out 560x with super-night shoot for low level lighting sceenes. It can be used to stream videos over the net or dub movies to your vcr. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. CCDTRV67   

Editorial Review

You can find digital camcorders for slightly less than the Sony DCR-TRV140, but you won't get Sony's quality and extensive feature list. Captured video proved to be of high quality, whether we viewed it on our TV or transferred it to our PC via the speedy FireWire connection or USB. Read more

Features

• Digital8 camcorder
• 20x optical, 560x digital, zoom with image stabilization
• 2.5 inch color LCD and black and white EVF
• Features a digital photo mode
• Comes with NightShot mode and digital faders and effects

Reviews (36)

Poor IEEE-1394 support
I bought my camera over a year ago and I'm very please with all the options.Great zoom, great night shoot, take great quality movies and all.The only drawback I've found so far is the IEEE-1394 support.There's no way to sincronize it when capturing video using the firewire option.The sound is garbled when using with Vegas Foundry 4.0 and the capture run too fast out of sinc on windows movie maker 2.I tried everything including using my other computer which has a different type of IEEE-1394 card and the problem is the same.I tried getting some help from the people at Sony but all they say is they are not responsible with compatibility issues with third party firewire cards. It doesn't matter how many times you write them, that is the only answer you get. So, with that and all, is not a bad camera at all, just don't plan on using firewire for your movie capture, just be please with the usb or you can use the s-video option if you have a vide capture card.

Eject tape broke and Sony won't fix it
We had been very happy with this camcorder - until we pulled it out to take Christmas pictures of our 15-month old son and the camcorder wouldn't record. It wouldn't eject the tape, and after repeated calls to customer service, we've been told that they'll pay for parts, but the labor to fix it is just over $200. Unfortunately even though we've only used the camcorder for under 15 hours, we're outside the 90 days for labor warranty (who'd have thought the camcorder would be unusable after under 15 hours of use?). Great starter digital camcorder
When I first started to look at camcorders I didn't know exactly what I wanted.The number of features was overwhelming and I wasn't sure which ones would prove valuable.I ended up decided on a set of core features: digital recording, reasonable size, good zoom and computer connectivity.Read more

Features

• 360x digital zoom
• High-quality Digital 8 format
• Infrared night video capability
• Stereo recording
• 2.5-inch swivel LCD screen

Reviews (23)

Excellent Camcorder
* * * * * I M P O R T A N T * * * * *
Another FORMER Sony customer...BLACK SCREEN of death
I bought Sony camcorder last year. It has stopped recording video. I can't see anything in the viewfinder or screen. Absolutely nothing.
7 Good Years
I purchases the Sony DCR-TRV103 Handycam just after my first son was born, and just after my VHS camcorder died.I have used this camera extensively over the last 7 years, never have had a problem, until recently.I have filmed several hundred hours worth of videos with great results.Excellent pictures and quality sound.Recently I have been getting an error message, telling me to eject the tape.I am looking into to repair, but maybe after all this time it is ready to replace, but I would recommend a new one of these to anyone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camcorders, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Screen    2. Video Cameras (Camera)    3. Still, Stereo recording (Audio)    4. Hi8 (Hi-8, Hi8MM, Hi-8MM), Infrared night video capability    5. DCRTRV103, TRV, 103   

Editorial Review

With all the features packed into the DCR-TRV350, you won’t believe how affordable Sony makes it to share your photos and videos with friends and family. In addition to its crisp, clear digital video and stereo audio, this Digital8 Handycam camcorder features digital still photo capability, MPEG movie mode, compatibility with Memory Sticks, and USB streaming. Transfer video to your PC via iLink interface (also known as FireWire) to edit your masterpiece with the included software.Read more

Features

• Digital8 camcorder with 20x optical and 700x digital zoom
• SteadyShot picture stabilization system; 2.5 inch color LCD and black and white EVF
• NightShot infrared mode for lowlight shooting; built-in light, easy dubbing features
• USB streaming feature, can turn camcorder into a video conferencing tool or webcam
• Record digital stills onto Memory Stick media (not included)

Reviews (24)

Decent Camera
Considering this camera is my first, I think it is a decent camera. I am a high school student who loves to make short films. Even though there are better cameras, I think this camera is very good considering it's price. You need, however, to have a decent amount of light in a room you want to film. Another flaw is the camera does not come with a firewire cable (iLINK). I had to go purchase my own which was about 30 dollars. The editing program that came with this camera is terrible. If you are going to purchase this camera, you should get another editing program as well.
Sony Camcorder
I would like to start of by stating its great film quality. Also with its perfect resolution and zooming, it makes this a bullzie for sony.On top of its great control, it has simple and easy to use and fun features.I was very suprisied when my parents bought this also and learned how to use this withen two days [a new world record ;)]THese features include fade, freeze frame (great for an intro) and many others.While the playback on the camera is OK, the sound isnt very good, but then again, you werent ment to watch the movie on the camera, watching it on the TV is what your supposed to do.Which brings me to uploading, The loading it onto the computer takes a longggggggggg time using a USB cable, but using the FireWire(which i am disappointed to say does not come with the package but is supplied at a low price on Ebay) takes a matter of a few minutes.Watching it on the TV is what it all comes down to, because, thats just what you want.To watch your Steven Speilberg movie on the big screen ;).Anyways...My friends and i have a blast fooling around with the features while making suprisingly excellent movies. Nice Camera, Good Luck Uploading to PC
The good:Read more

Editorial Review

The Digital8 line was conceived to provide a path to digital for current owners of 8mm or Hi8 camcorders. The DCR-TRV340 succeeds in that regard, playing back both 8mm and Hi8 tapes. Plus, you can use the camcorder as a digital still camera, recording 640 x 480 stills onto the included 8 MB Memory Stick. Read more

Features

• Digital8 camcorder with 25x optical, 700x digital, zoom, and Super SteadyShot image stabilization
• 2.5 inch color LCD monitor and black and white EVF
• Super NightShot Color Mode enables video taping in total darkness
• Includes 8 MB Memory Stick for still image (640 x 480) and MPEG1 capture
• Hi8 and 8mm playback capability; USB streaming capability

Reviews (19)

GREAT!!!!!
Thist is the best camera ive ever purchased and arguably the best Digital8 Camera ever.The TRV-340 has all the features u need. And it beats a MiniDV because it has a Super Night Shot Mode and 700 Zoom wich works great, 25 Optical Zoom too! Believe me u will not be dissapointed if u buy this camcorder!

Great Value For Money
After reading many specs and reviews for both MiniDV and Digital 8 cameras I settled on the 340.I have not been disappointed.This camera is feature rich and gives excellent quality video. As with any video camera the still picture quality is poor. If you want quality still pictures, the best way is to get a proper digital still camera.The menu system is very easy to use but some parts of the owners manual are not really very clear and skimps a bit on detail so there are one or two features I still haven't worked out. The built in microphone sensitivity is excellent and I have not noticed any real problem with drive motor noise pick up by the mike. The ergonomics of a couple of the controls could be improved. I have an average size hand and find my thumb needs to be almost double jointed to operate the on/off mode switch, especially to switch it on, if I want to use the camera with one hand only.The zoom control could also be improved. I think a two finger forward, aft operated zoom control would have been easier to use.These things I am willing to tolerate because of the excellent value for money this camera provides and I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting features and quality for a reasonable price.

This is a great video camera for the price!
This is a great video camera for the price.Read more

Editorial Review

The Sony TRV310 Handycam provides top-of-the-line digital recording with a host of advanced options, including a large 3.5-inch LCD screen. Its powerful 360x digital zoom, wide range of special effects, image stabilization, and Sony's unique infrared night recording capabilities make it a great choice for those needing high-end digital camcorder features. Sony's elongated Handycam design fits easily in one hand and is well-balanced. While not the lightest of camcorders, we found the Handycam line to be one of the most ergonomic and easy to use.Read more

Features

• 360x digital zoom
• High-quality Digital 8 format
• Infrared night video capability
• Stereo recording
• 3.5-inch swivel LCD screen

Reviews (44)

Excellent product after 4 years - only a few small gripes
I have had this camcorder for 4 years and I am still happy with the purchase.
TRV310 & Windows XP - A great combination!
The Sony DCR TRV310 works _very_ well as a Windows XP camcorder.Windows XP Professional include Windows Movie Maker.This el-cheapo free-bee isn't adequate.In 2002, Microsoft released a free upgrade:Windows Movie Maker 2.Version 2 ROCKS.With a whole host of new camera effects, a zoo of fades, excellent title and credit control, and very controllable multiple audio tracks, it's possible to do quite a bit of movie editing, without paying a dime more for software.Version 2 even allows you to re-record your finished video back onto the camera! B and W view finder
The B&W viewfinder is better than color for manual focus and contrast.Having both in the package is a plus and not a negative. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camcorders, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Screen    2. Video Cameras (Camera)    3. Hi8 (Hi-8, Hi8MM, Hi-8MM)    4. Still, Infrared night video capability, Stereo audio (recording)    5. DCRTRV310, TRV, 310   

Features

• 360x digital zoom
• High-quality Digital 8 format
• Stereo recording
• 3.5-inch swivel LCD screen
• Free carrying case included

Reviews (4)

Turned me into a videojunkie
We bought this camcorder to record our children.We went with it based on reviews we'd read here on Amazon.It has lived up to our expectations.It's easy to use and takes really nice shots.The best part is being ableto hook it up to our iMacDV with firewire and edit the footage.

A great camcorder with a few extra bonuses
This camcorder is an excellent product, as are all of the Sony range. Basically, it offers easily accessible and professional features in the guise of a consumer Digital 8 camcorder. The Picture and Digital functionsare amazing and offer a discernable edge to home movie making. The Digital8 format is fantastic, as it allows you to utilise existing Hi-8 tapes, andreduces the cost of tape purchases, given that the new Mini DV tapes aresignificantly more expensive. My only criticism of the product is thataside from not being the current model, it seems that the primary extrafeature that this model offers over the lower models is that it has alarger sized LCD screen. Aside from that, this is an excellent product andquite possibly one of the best Digital camcorders on the market.

Well worth the money
This is the first camcorder I've ever owned, and I love it!I looked at camcorders in several price ranges, but this one had all the features I could want with a price tag less than $1,000.The LCD is crisp and brightand the picture quality is nearly flawless.I've taped two family weddingswith quality that is as good as professional work.Because it is a Sony, Ilook forward to many years of high-quality performance. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camcorders, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Screen    2. Video Cameras (Camera)    3. Hi8 (Hi-8, Hi8MM, Hi-8MM)    4. Still, Infrared night video capability, Stereo audio (recording)    5. DCRTRV310, TRV, 310    6. Camcorder (Camcorders)   

Editorial Review

The DCR-TRV530 is a full-featured Digital8 camcorder. Digital8 utilizes the digital video format, but records onto Hi8 tapes, and can play your old Hi8 and 8mm movies. The 25x optical (28x digital) zoom is combined with image stabilization, a boon since high zooms can lead to increased shakiness. Additionally, the DCR-TRV530 features Sony's NightShot system for 0-lux shooting. An assortment of special effects and faders help give your footage a more professional feel. Also, a 16:9 widescreen shooting mode lets you shoot movies in the same aspect ratio as Hollywood films. Read more

Features

• Digital8 camcorder
• 25x optical and 28x digital zoom with image stabilization
• 3.5 inch color LCD monitor with black and white EVF
• Records 640 x 480 digital stills onto included 4 MB Memory Stick media
• Uses Sony's NP-FM30 InfoLithium battery; features Sony's NightShot 0-Lux shooting capability

Reviews (26)

I've had this camcorder for over two years now and love it!
This camera is excellent for capturing videos, and the still picture quality is ok if you are outdoors. For shooting still pics indoors & especially during night-time, you must have a very bright light source or a brightly illuminated room. The optical zoom is great. The memory stick is a nice addition but Sony should have provided a 32 MB memory stick as a standard accessory. The software is good enough to get started but I recommend Adobe Premiere and an iLink (firewire) cable if you are serious about editing video. Battery Life is adequate but I recommend buying another battery. Overall I highly recommend it.
Excellent Digital Camera
Excellent, digital and optical zoom. Special efects wonderfull. I would be great better resolution for taking pictures.

VERY disapointing - this camcorder [is bad]!
I recently bought the 530 some time ago and let me tell you it was the biggest mistake of my life.Read more

Editorial Review

The Sony DCR-TRV520 uses the Digital 8 format, which digitally recordsimages onto standard Hi8 tapes. If you're upgrading from an 8mm or Hi8 camera,this format gives you the combined benefits of digital image quality andbackwards compatibility with your old tapes.Read more

Reviews (6)

I love my camera!
It is not perfect,but I have used it at least once a week for two and a half years now. The zoom is out of this world! I have taken photos as close as two feet and really far away and have gotten super clear shots. I have taken still, moving and portraits. I like it. My friends like it too. It has a lot of flexability for taking pictures. For example; I run the camera and then when I plug it into my firewall I am able to take out still shots,the ones I want.I can also put my film on a video cassette.Personally, I would have rathered gotten a full version of the MGI software for the price I had to pay for the camera though. But I do like the software. I also shoot a lot in the dark. I'm using the night shot & super night shot right now.Super night shot works well although if there is a lot of movement, the pics are distorted. I plan to buy a light soon. Bottom line, I don't regret my purchase.Mechanically, I have had absolutely no problems. I have an 8 hour battery and I use the lcd screen to film. It is sufficeint.

A good camera indeed
I've had my TRV520 for a little over a year now and I'm very pleased with it.The quality of the video when transferred to VHS is very high.The camera is implicitly easy to use and handle.But to be honest there were one or two things that I found disappointing:The quality of the stills taken are not that great.Unless the light on the subject is very good I find that the images are quite grainy.Do not buy this camera for excellent digital photos.You won't get um.The images are just okay.I'm in the market for a digital camera now.Another thing I find annoying is that the camera shuts off if there no activity for 3 mins.This is a 'battery saving mechanism' but I have not found a way to disable it if the the camera is plug into the AC outlet.Other than that, I think it's a very good buy and I won't be changing it anytime soon.

Great Camera
I've owned camcorders before but never digital. Before I made my choice, I did a lot of research on the net. The Sony products always seemed to show up on the recommended lists. I have a friend who owns the DCR-TRV320 and decided to check it out. I was very impressed with the camera. The features of the 320 and the 520 are basically the same. I like the bigger LCD screen on the 520 though and went for that instead. I Nightshot feature is GREAT on these cameras. You can shoot virtually anything up to 10 feet away in TOTAL darkness. I recommend this camera to anyone looking for a high quality, fully featured digital camera. But note that you can always save some bucksn if you opt for the DCR-TRV320. One extra note though. Get yourself a longer lasting battery with your new camera. Or at least a spare one. Anyone who's owned a camcorder will tell you the same! ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Sony DCR-TRV320 records video in the Digital 8 format, and iscapable of recording in the 16:9 widescreen format common to movies. A 25xoptical zoom and 18x digital zoom will bring you closer to the action, whileSony's SteadyShot digital image stabilization technology helps prevent shakyrecordings. The DCR-TRV320 offers a 16-bit PCM digital stereo with 12-bitdubbing. The camcorder is equipped with Sony's LaserLink feature, meaning youcan aim the DCR-TRV320 at the LaserLink receiver on select Sony TVs from up to16 feet away, press "play," and enjoy your videos directly on your TV--withoutwires or cassette adapters.Read more

Features

• Uses Digital 8 format for movies and Memory Stick for stills
• 25x optical, 18x digital, 450x total zoom
• IEEE 1394 interface
• SteadyShot digital image stabilization
• NightShot infrared system

Reviews (16)

Great, But......
I found this camcorder perfect for a 12 yr old, but I do belive the memory stick and still photos are a bit much. It has some way cool picture effects (negative, mosiac) and some great features (nightshot, 450x zoom) An excellent buy!
For the price, this is the best buy for the money....it takes excellent video footage...the only drawback is the battery life is short..need to purchase at least the 8 hour capacity (very expensive)...

Tons of features....and really a good buy
My first handycam was an F series bought 8 years ago.After 5 years it was broken beyond repair.I was itching to get one and finally did about a week ago.Read more

Editorial Review

The Sony DCR-TRV240 Digital8 camcorder is a well-specified model with both DV in and out connections, making it ideal for those wishing to edit digital footage on a PC. Sony's new Digital8 cameras are more compact than previous models. The TRV240 sits neatly in the hand and is light enough to use without effort. Digital8 has the added advantage of being able to play your old analog Hi8 tapes. It's also a less expensive way into digital video than MiniDV camcorders, both in respect of the cameras themselves and tapes. Read more

Features

• Digital8 camcorder
• 25x optical, 700x digital, zoom with Super SteadyShot image stabilization
• 2.5 inch color LCD monitor and black and white EVF
• Records digital stills onto tape
• Features pass-through analog inputs, and mic input

Reviews (9)

very nice!
I bought this camcorder about a year ago & have been very pleased with it. It's a good size, easy to use, & has lots of cool components, especially for the price. I wouldn't buy anything other than a Sony!

USB connection total garbage
whoefully disapointed with the quality of the video coming from the usb connection.the analogue outs are much much better.so here we have a situation where the analogue is better than the digital out. USB streaming /Firewire
This camera works just fine; and despite having a few too many bells and whistles for my taste, the picture is as good as my trusty eight year old Sony camcorder that died last summer. BUT!!!...Be aware that the USB streaming capability that is touted as a selling point is absolutely useless. The USB's connection is slow enough that it's impossible to get anything other than jerky, dark, over-compressed video with tons of dropped frames and terrible sound. Read more

Editorial Review

The Sony DCR-TRV120 uses the Digital 8 format, which digitally recordsimages onto standard Hi8 tapes. If you're upgrading from an 8mm or Hi8 camera,this format gives you the combined benefits of digital image quality andbackwards compatibility with your old tapes.Read more

Features

• Digital 8 format
• 25x optical zoom and 450x total zoom
• IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface
• SteadyShot electronic image stabilization
• NightShot infrared system

Reviews (13)

Reliable Digital Camcorder had Good Features for the Price
We got this camcorder back in 2000 and it is still serving us reliably.This has captured hundreds of hours worth of tape over the past 6 and a half years and it is still going strong.
Great Camera, not Good Exposure Control
I am 12 years old. I got this camera for my birthday, it's a really good camera, great quality, great effects, the only problem is that it dosen't have good exposure control. When ever i put the exposure setting on automatic, and put the camera in a kind of sunny spot, the camera dosen't control the exposure. The picture looks a little to bright when you plug it in. Otherwise, its a great camera because its got a great zoom distance, its big, so you can't shake it as much, and it's great for kids who want to make movies, like me.
mine jams too!
I have had the same problem another reviewer mentioned.The tape will stop moving and the indicator flashes the icon for 'tape end' even though it's not at the end.This has happened to me both in recording and in playback.Then, when you try to eject it, it doesn't open all the way - it gets stuck midway so that you can't get the tape out, and you can't push the thing closed.The only way I've figured out how to move beyond this is to unplug and plug in the AC cord while you've got the camera turned on - sometimes SOMETIMES this works, until the next time it does it.Curiously, another camera I use at work, the TRV 58 (which is the same body but only HI 8, not digital) - has done the same thing to me.
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Reviews (7)

Aversatile Beauty
I am working with one of these 720's every day since 2.5 years and I think based on my experience that the 720 is one of the most beautiful and versatile camcorders ever built by Sony

Great Digital Camcorder
I actually borrowed a DCR-TRV720 from a friend to shoot my kid's school play. Then purchased a DCR-TRV330 which is smaller with a smaller LCD. The DCR-TRV720 was so much better I took the 330 back and purchased the older 720 model! The large LCD is great and I find the color viewfinder helpful. It could always be better....
Great camera, video recording is phenomanal and the 450x zoom is a fun feature not to mention all the cool filter options for recording and editing (solarized, B&W, etc.)...One thing though - it only records photo images resolution with 0.3 megapixels (640 x 480) that's a snapshot and can not really be manipulated on a computer(enlarged) with out revieling excessive pixelation. I reccommend 2.0 megapixel (1600 x 1200)at a minimum, it offers much more room for enlargement and manipulation of the photograph. ... Read more

Features

• Digital8 recording format
• 25x optical (18x digital) zoom lens with digital image stabilization
• Digital camera capability, 4 MB MemoryStick media included
• Super NightShot infared system illuminates down to 0 lux
• Integrated printer makes wallet sized prints

Reviews (6)

Owned it for 6 months....
Good things about this camcorder: worth every penny
great overall camcorder. you have to love the 25x zoom. easy to use. i've gone through just about all the features with only two trips to the manual. the grandparents loved being able to get print out pictures of their new grandson instantly during our last visit.

I love my new Sony TRV820 camcorder, but.....
Accessories for the printer are VERY hard to find. No one I have checked with carries the paper or cartridge in stock - all of them say they can order the supplies, but every store, especially specialty camera shops, wants way too much money for the order. I have found that buying supplies from Sony is less expensive, but does take some time (so if you need it NOW you better start looking...yesterday!).Read more