dkozin's Full Review: Sony Handycam DCR-TRV530 Digital-8 Camcorder
Modern digital camcorders divide into two categories: the ones that use MiniDV tape and Digital8 ones (Hitachi has a camcorder that uses DVD-RAM, but it’s an exception rather than the rule). The Sony DCR-TRV530 is a Digital 8™ camcorder with still camera mode, MemoryStick, USB interface and 3.5” LCD.
Is Digital8 Worse Than MiniDV?
Although digital camcorders usually use MiniDV tapes (which are small and specially designed for use with digital camcorders, but cost about twice the price of Hi8 tapes), Digital8 standard allows you to use Hi8 (or even cheap 8mm) tapes and still record in digital form at up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution.
In addition to being more expensive, MiniDV tapes are also incompatible with “regular” 8mm or Hi8 camcorders and VCRs. You cannot use blank Hi8/8mm tapes with MiniDV devices and cannot play back your Hi8/8mm recordings on MiniDV camcorder. The MiniDV tapes cannot be used in devices of other standards.
There are at least three advantages of Digital8 format over MiniDV:
1. Sony Digital8 camcorders are cheaper than their MiniDV models.
This should matter if you want to get a Sony camcorder for less money. In other words, Sony’s Digital8 models are “more bang for the buck” than their MiniDV models.
2. You save on tape costs, since Digital 8 camcorders use regular 8mm or Hi-8 tapes instead of more expensive MiniDV.
Sony says that both 8mm and Hi8 tapes can be used, but recommends using Hi8 tapes for Digital8 recording. D8 camcorders can record at SP speed (120-minute Hi8 tape holds 60 minutes of digital video) or LP speed (120-minute Hi8 tape holds 90 minutes). They recommend playing 8mm tapes on the same camcorder that was used to record them. Same with Hi8 tapes recorded in LP mode (you cannot record in LP on a 8mm tape – even if you select LP mode using the camcorder’s menu, the recording still will be in SP).
To be able to record in LP, you have to buy Hi8 tapes, which are more expensive (about $4.50 for 120-minute Hi8 tape, which holds 60 minutes in D8 SP mode or 90 in LP mode). The TRV530 allows you to use regular 8mm or Hi8 tapes, but performs digital recording with 500 lines of horizontal resolution, increasing the speed of tape travel twice compared to their analog counterparts.
3. You can play your existing 8mm or Hi8 recordings (something that the cheapest model in the range, TRV130, does not do)
It can play your existing 8mm or Hi-8 recordings (but cannot record in analog 8mm or Hi8 modes). A useful feature for owners of previously recorded Hi8 or 8mm tapes
Picture Quality
The camcorder produces picture of the excellent quality. The video noise appears in low-light scenes, but it can be “cured” by manually adjusting the exposure and the shutter speed.
Sound
The camcorder uses Digital Audio Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) - similar to CD recording technology, with 12-Bit or 16-Bit modes, for a dynamic range of more than 96dB. In 12-bit mode you can have two soundtracks, 16-bit mode provides better dynamic range. The built-in microphone is adequate, and you can get and connect a better one.
Image Stabilizer
The camcorder employs the SteadyShot® image stabilizer, which allows you to avoid the unwanted picture shake. It works great even at reasonably high magnification levels. You can disable it if you want (when using a tripod, for example) using camcorder’s menus.
Zoom
The TRV530 features 25x optical zoom. The digital 700x zoom is too powerful to use it to its full power, thus I consider it a marketing trick. The impressive 700x number is put in the ad and people think that this camcorder is “more powerful” than models from other manufacturers. Even though the image stabilizer works great, I would recommend to use a tripod when using high magnification levels. I got a decent tripod on Ebay for $20 + $5 shipping.
The variable-speed zoom allows you to zoom in and out very slowly, giving your video more professional look, especially if use a tripod and pan at the same time (to be even more professional, you can get an even better tripod with fluid motion).
VCR Mode
To review your material, search or record from analog sources, you switch to VCR mode, at which time the VCR buttons appear on the upper black panel, backlit by the amber light (they are invisible in other modes). Looks very cool. You can also transfer your recordings to a VCR or other devices using i.Link, A/V out or S-Video. And you can use the analog to digital passthrough – converting the analog signal from analog inputs into digital form and passing it through i.Link.
Inputs
The TRV530 has USB, A/V in/out, S-Video in/out, i.Link in/out (FireWire, IEEE 1394), headphone out, microphone input, LANC input. The i.Link® Digital Interface (IEEE1394, FireWire) is a two-way input/output that carries digital audio, digital video and control signals to compatible digital VCRs, edit controllers and computers. And USB allows you transfer your still pictures (640x480) to your computer for editing, emailing or storing.
Features
The camcorder has picture effects and digital effects that can be used independently (some of them can be combined). The shutter speed and exposure, which are usually automatic, can be adjusted manually, which might be helpful in low light conditions (to combat video noise) and to avoid overexposure. There are several A/V fader modes.
Both a 3.5" LCD and a B&W viewfinder are present. LCD has good visibility in sunlight and the brightness is controlled by the rocker switch on the edge. The use of a viewfinder instead of the LCD conserves the battery life.
The TRV530 has manual focus in addition to automatic focus. The manual focus is controlled by the ring. You can enlarge images during playback by 2x, but the process is somewhat cumbersome to be useful. There are edit search and TBC (Time Base Correction), seven program AE, 16:9 mode and LP recording capability (on Hi8 tape only). The camcorder also features an intelligent accessory shoe, which accepts accessories: lights, IR lights and photo printers, microphones that “zoom” with the camcorder.
Sony’s Super NightShot™ allows you to shoot in total darkness. It allows you to shoot subjects up to 10 feet away (without color) using a built-in infrared light (can be switched on and off using the menu); the optional IR light can extend the range to up to 100 feet. The NightShot™ System provides better overall picture quality by automatically selecting from two shutter speeds. The color will not be reproduced though.
The TRV530 also allows you to shoot still pictures at 640x480 and store them on either on the tape (with 7 seconds of audio) or on the MemoryStick (with an option to transfer them to your computer using USB interface).
One tape holds hundreds of pictures and you can later find the pictures among the video segments using “Photo Search” mode from the supplied remote. The remote also allows you to search by date, suing data code (below).
Search Modes
You can use “Edit Search” while in “camera” mode to look through the material to find the insertion point, or use “End Search” button, located under the LCD to find the end of your last recording. You can also use the supplied remote for advanced search, using data code.
The Almighty Data Code
The “Data Code” gets recorded on the tape in digital form separately from the picture. Data includes the date, time and recording parameters. This leads to the ability to search for recording by date (you have to use the supplied remote control). You can also see the information about the recording conditions as well as date/time by pushing the “Data Code” under the LCD.
Super Laser Link
The camcorder has a built-in Super Laser Link® Wireless Transmitter, which uses IR waves to make a wireless connection from the camcorder to your television. You can buy a receiver (IFT-R20) and connect your camcorder wirelessly – the transmission range is up to 26 feet. The transmitter is activated by the button on the camcorder.
Remote Control
The remote control is included. It features rocker switch to control zoom (one slow speed only), record/stop button, playback functions as well as some advanced functions that are unavailable without it (slow motion playback, frame-by-frame, date search, photo search, photo scan).
Battery
The supplied battery is good for 40-50 minutes (a lot depends on your use of the LCD). Stamina® Power Management cuts power consumption and extended battery life when camera is not in use. InfoLithium feature allows you to see the approximate remaining power at any time with AccuPower™ meter showing you the accurate remaining battery time in minutes on the camcorder's LCD or viewfinder.
Bottom Line
This model is a good choice for those who want Digital8 compatibility and value and prefer large LCDs. You can save money, however, by getting a model with less features or a smaller LCD.
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
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