Best value for your video dollar!
Written: Jun 26 '02 (Updated Jun 26 '02)
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Pros: light weight, affordable, lot's of features for the money, easy to use.
Cons: None!
The Bottom Line: Dollar for Dollar no camera on the market delivers the features that are standard on this camera and makes it so easy to use!
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| libragirlsc's Full Review: Sony Handycam CCD-TRV308 Hi-8 Analog Camcorder |
FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:
We purchased this camera a few months ago prior to our wedding and honeymoon. We carried the camera with us on our cruise to Cozumel, Mexico and Grand Cayman. I was impressed with the ease of using this camera as I am not one to sit down and read detailed manuals. Second, I was impressed with the fact that we took this camera into some very moist and humid areas and the humidity did not interfere with the use of the camera at all. Another great benefit was that it is so light weight. We walked for miles on some of these islands with the camera, camera bag, extra battery, cords, extra tapes and it never got uncomfortable to have it with us.
CAMERA FEATURES:
Without sounding like a technical manual, I can tell you this camera has lot's of features for the money. For example, it has image stabilization which is well worth the extra $20.00 you pay above the next camera down from this one in the Sony line. Image stabilization means people like me can move around taking video shots and not feel "sea sick" when I'm watching it later. Some other features are a 2 1/2" swivel screen that pops out the side of the camera. You can use this for viewing recorded footage or in place of your viewfinder when recording. We had also looked at the Sharp cameras when buying this one, but opted for the Sony because it offered both the screen and a view finder, where the Sharp only had the LCD Screen for both recording and playback. This Sony camera has night recording, which allows you to record in total darkness, we tried this feature a few times, but really wasn't that impressed with it as it's not something I think we'd use a whole lot. There are also 8 picture effects such as sweeping from one scene to another, fade effects, one feature records the subject in pastel colors, one makes the subject look like a negative. We haven't used all of those features yet, the pastel feature I can say tends to do better with people than objects. There is a built in light on this camera also. This feature is different from using night shot. Night shot is for total darkness, the built in light is great for lighting your subject when the background is dark or if you are taping at sundown, etc... We found that Sony put's a built in light on most of it's models as where other brands made you purchase a much more expensive model to get the built in light. The camera also features a date/time stamp which is automatic. There are preset titles and custom titles you can add to your footage.
I FINISHED RECORDING NOW WHAT:
Once you finish taping your footage you get to see just how functional this camera is. Again, I was impressed with the ease of use. With just a few simple cable connections (one from the camera to the VCR, then the VCR to the T.V.) we were watching our footage. We then just popped a standard VHS tape into the VCR and was able to copy everything directly to the VHS tape. We set the record speed on the VCR to SP to get the best quality. It just doesn't get too much easier than that. You can also play the footage back on the built in LCD screen on the camera. One thing to remember is when you use the view finder you see the image you are recording in black and white, but playback on the screen and the actual footage is in color with full sound.
FOR THOSE WHO JUST NEED THOSE TECHNICAL MANUALS SPECS:
According to the Sony people this camera features:
Hi8mm format
2.5" swivel LCD screen
20x optical/460x digital zoom (all I know is it get's you in so close it'll make you jump back)
1/4" ccd, 320K pixels (again I am sure you technical people will understand all this)
SteadyShot picture stabilization
NightShot infrared system captures video in low light and total darkness.
8 picture effects
6 program auto exposure modes
easy dubbing to VHS (see I told you so)
Fader effects
End search and titling features
Full-range auto and manual focus
Info Lithium battery with Accu Power meter system and Stamina power management
Product height 4.1"
Product depth 3.6"
Product weight 1.9 lbs.
WHAT COMES WITH THE CAMERA:
Included with the camera at time of purchase is:
the camera
lens cover
1-Info Lithium rechargable battery (good for about 2 hours of continuous use...more if you don't keep it on. Don't be fooled by advertisements that say the battery for the camera will last 12+ hours, that is if you are running the camera using a different batter that can be purchased for about $60.00, but this is true for most models and brands...you can upgrade to a better battery with any of them).
1- power adapter/in camera battery charger
mono A/V cable
Shoulder strap
1 year warranty on parts
90 days warranty on labor
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED:
Hi 8 mm tapes (definitely)
Camera Bag (probably)
We went ahead and purchased a sony bag, but there are many bags you can use with the camera. We purchased a nice Sony bag that has a place for the camera that keeps it snug, padded and protected. It offers plenty of room for all the cables, battery, tapes, etc... and only cost about 29.95 at Wal-Mart.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 349.99
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Epinions.com ID:
libragirlsc
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Member: Lynn Galloway
Location: columbia, sc
Reviews written: 19
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
Mom of 5 (ages 2 to 20), wife, employee, student and smart consumer.
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