Review of Sony Handycam DCR-TRV130 Digital-8 Camcorder

Strengths: Digital, Digital-8, 1 x CCD, 20x Optical Zoom, 2 lb.

Weaknesses: could be smaller; manual focus is inconvinient; viewfinder is not adjustable for short sighted,Eats tapes quickly, no macro, difficult manual focus, not backwards compatible w/ analog tapes.

Overall Evaluation: Digital 8 system offers high quality digital images with over 500 lines of horizontal resolution and records 12 bit / 16 bit PCM digital audio. The Digital 8 Handycam is the only kind of Digital Handycam that can play back Video 8 and Hi8 analog video. Besides, the new recording pattern allows digital recording on 8mm tape1, enabling users to keep their collection of analog recordings. With the A/D conversion function, it is possible to transfer analog recordings to digital format.
The TRV130 has an excellent high quality digital picture with many bells and whistles for a good price. Excellent track record expected due to previous Sony ownership.The camera has a black and white eyepiece viewfinder and a color fold-out screen that disables the eyepiece when in use. Resolution on either the fold-out screen and the eyepiece are not true representations of what you get on your television during playback. The picture quality is incredible! The tiny screens on the camera can not do it justice. If you are at a store "test driving" the camera, keep that in mind.
The optics of the camera appear to be quite clear and gather plenty of light. The optical zoom goes out to 20X and the digital zoom reaches an incredible 560X! The zoom deteriorates though the further you zoom it out. At 560X, the image is nothing more than colored boxes.The TRV130 also has an anti-roll called "Steady Shot" that works as well as other brands if not better.

Price Range of Sony Handycam DCR-TRV130 : $588 - $588

Sony Handycam DCR-VX1000 Mini DV Camcorder

Strengths: Digital, Mini DV, NTSC, 3 x CCD, 10x Optical Zoom, 3.25 lb. , Battery life: Up to 1.75 Hours.

Overall Evaluation: This camcorder offers unequaled picture clarity due to its digital video format. Videos recorded in DV can have up to two times the horizontal resolution of VHS and three times the component color sampling. This results in sharper, brighter colors. Your videos will look like a pro's, because the time base correction will eliminate the "jitters" encountered in some tapes. Adaptive Frame Interpolation interpolates both fields into one frame and smoothes out jagged, stair-step images. 4-capsule microphone provides crystal clear stereo separation and superior digital wind noise reduction. Each CCD of 3-CCD imaging system has 410, 000 pixels for brilliant digital picture quality. Dichroic Prism divides incoming light into red, green, and blue components for incredibly sharp and rich color.
This camcorder offers unequaled picture clarity due to its digital video format. Videos recorded in DV can have up to two times the horizontal resolution of VHS and three times the component color sampling. This results in sharper, brighter colors. Your videos will look like a pro's, because the time base correction will eliminate the "jitters" encountered in some... More tapes.Adaptive Frame Interpolation interpolates both fields into one frame and smoothes out jagged, stair-step images. 4-capsule microphone provides crystal clear stereos.

Sony Handycam DCR-TRV103 Digital-8 Camcorder

Strengths: Digital, Digital-8, 1 x CCD, 20x Optical Zoom, 2.1 lb. , Battery life: Up to 10 Hours.


Overall Evaluation: Sony digital camcorder lets you capture life's precious moments with quality and ease. New Sony DCR-TRV103 incorporates Digital8 Video Recording that records digital video and audio for outstanding digital quality with up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution. This Handycam camcorder has the ability to playback virtually any 8mm or Hi8 Tape. This camera is also capable of recording 12 Bit or 16 Bit PCM digital stereo audio. New 20x Optical/360x Digital Zoom brings the action up close from far away. 2.5" Active Matrix LCD Screen provides excellent viewing clarity, with improved resolution. Steadyshot Picture Stabilization is the image stabilization system using motion sensors that compensates for camera "shake". With Sony's NightShot system you can capture video even when shooting in total darkness (0 lux) up to 10 feet away using the built-in infrared system. By applying slow shutter in the NightShot mode picture quality is increased. LaserLink Wireless Transmitter with TV Control provides wireless connection.

Review of Sony Handycam® DCR-TRV70 Mini DV Camcorder

Strengths: Digital, Mini DV, NTSC, 1 x CCD, Up to 1.92 Megapixels Still Shots, 10x Optical Zoom, 1 lb. , Battery life: Up to 2.08 Hours.

Overall Evaluation: The DCR-TRV70 MiniDV Handycam® Camcorder gives you a huge, easy-to-view color SwivelScreen? LCD and a massive 2.0 megapixel resolution, delivering exceptional-quality digital video, digital audio, and digital still images everytime you turn it on. It brings home the functionality of a digital still camera and digital camcorder all in one amazingly compact package. Sony ingenuity makes it ultra-functional, with convenient tools and powerful performance capabilities ranging from an advanced Carl Zeiss? T* Lens ? which makes it possible to shoot video in more natural and true-to-life conditions ? Memory Stick® Media storage, an intelligent pop-up flash and a new touch panel (with included stylus) that can be used to access the functions of the camcorder. This network-ready camcorder also features Hologram AF for sharper focus, while the Super NightShot® 0 Lux system allows you to take beautiful video images in the dark. Kit includes: DCR-TRV70 Camcorder and free carrying case.
The CCD produces wonderful looking video under good lighting conditions and the low light performance, although not as good as it could be - is certainly acceptable. The 2 Megapixel CCD produces really great looking stills, and if you are shopping for a still camera camcorder hybrid, the DCR-TRV70 is a great choice. However, if you're on a budget, I would recommend saving money and going with the DCR-TRV38 or the DCR-TRV39 - both of which are much better buys. The DCR-TRV70 offers really solid performance, however it's disappointing manual control and it's one CCD can't compete with the Panasonic PV-DV953, the clear leader in this price category. Although I would recommend the PV-DV953 over the DCR-TRV70 as an overall better camcorder, the DCR-TRV70 is still a good choice - especially if you are really into still photography in your camcorder.

Price Range: $938 - $938

Sony Handycam DCR-TRV38 Mini DV Camcorder

Strengths: Digital, Mini DV, NTSC, 1 x CCD, Up to 1 Megapixels Still Shots, 10x Optical Zoom, 1.44 lb. , Battery life: Up to 1.58 Hours.
Overall Evaluation: The DCR-TRV38 compact mini DV camcorder offers digital video and audio recording. The Digital technology delivers rich and accurate picture quality with up to 520 lines of resolution.
The DCR-TRV38 performs wonderfully in normal lighting conditions producing vivid colors. The camcorder does pretty well in low light conditions as well. The camcorder offers good control options with the manual focus ring, however I do wish that everything wasn't pushed back into the LCD. I like the DCR-TRV38 a lot and I think that it is the best buy in the under $1,500 Sony line right now, however the DCR-TRV38 is competing with the Canon Optura 20 a very solid model. The Optura 20 certainly offers better control options, but the DCR-TRV38's superior low light performance makes me choose it over the Optura 20.

Price Range: $528 - $639

Sony Handycam DCR-IP5 Micro MV Camcorder

Strengths: Digital, Micro MV, NTSC, 1 x CCD, 10x Optical Zoom, 0.63 lb. , Battery life: Up to 1.33 Hours.

Weaknesses: WILL NOT WORK WITH MACS!!! Noticable compression, Expensive Tapes, Zoom button is pretty touchy.

Overall Evaluation: DCR-IP5, the world's smallest handycam, features a revolutionary ultra-compact recording media. Also known as the "Network Handycam IP (Image Portal)", the basic concept for using "IP" is to stand for the new generation, MPEG-2 recording format and PC/network friendly format, which is different from the conventional video camera concept. The DCR-IP5 makes use of an innovative new storage medium to achieve its minute proportions. The MICROMV cassette is barely as large as a postage stamp, with a size that's 70% smaller than a MiniDV cassette.??In the search for a new format, Sony selected MPEG-2 compression due to the already widely accepted popularity of DVD players and software. MPEG-2 provides faithful compression of high-quality image data, encouraging the miniaturization of the recording media. Coupled with optical coating technology, Carl Zeiss lenses promise better contrast, color saturation and image brilliance. Only the world's best optical block complements Sony's advanced digital imaging know-how.

Price Range: $449 - $788

All New Sony Handycam DCR-TRV900 Mini DV Camcorder

Strengths: Digital, Mini DV, NTSC, 3 x CCD, Up to 0.31 Megapixels Still Shots, 12x Optical Zoom, 1.94 lb. , Battery life: Up to 1.25 Hours.

Weaknesses: No XLR mic inputs, key adustments via menus rather than physical dials, high price.

Overall Evaluation: The Sony DCR-TRV900 can handle up to eight hours recording. The 12X Optical Zoom lets you move in or pull back for wide shots, while the Precision 48X Digital Zoom uses a Hyper-Precision CCD to maintain superior image detail. There's an Optical Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization System, a Memory Mode for Still Image Capture and even picture effects to help you get the look you want. You'll never run out of ways to use this Sony.
Sony's DCR-TRV900 (Epinions has left out the "V" in the product ID) has quite a few similarities to the VX1000. Like the VX1000, the TRV900 has been on the market for a few years (since around the beginning of 1998) and is a three-chip camcorder. With its body mainly consisting of metal, magnesium-alloy, the TRV900 is also fairly sturdy, though it's not quite as tough as the VX1000. Unlike the VX1000, the TRV900 has never been replaced. Sony has updated the models in their MiniDV line below the TRV900, the TRV07 and TRV10, replacing these recently with the TRV11 and TRV20, but the TRV900 still stands at the top of the consumer-level product line.

Price Range: $1288 - $1299

Review -Sony Handycam® DCR-HC20 Mini DV Camcorder

Strengths: Digital, Mini DV, 1 x CCD, 10x Optical Zoom, 0.84 lb. , Battery life: Up to 2.08 Hours.

Weaknesses: Software came with the camcorder (Picture Works) is useless. Video is good but not excellent. Cannot use USB port to capture video. Video capture works only with firewire.

Overall Evaluation: Though compact and easy to use, the Sony DCR-HC20 Handycam delivers subpar video and still-image quality and lacks some critical features. This makes it difficult to recommend for any class of user.
The Sony DCR-HC20 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder packs big features in a small package. It features a large 2.5" hybrid SwivelScreen LCD display with touch panel controls, a high-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, NightShot Plus infrared recording system and USB streaming capabilities, all in a case that is 25% smaller than last years model. It even includes the innovative Easy Handycam button, which automates most functions and makes recording a snap. battery power is good and life time is good. The clarity is very good. The otical zoom is good and another advantage is remote operation and touch panel screen.

Price Range: $373 - $373

Sony Handycam DCR-TRV80 Mini DV Camcorder Review

Strengths: Digital, Mini DV, NTSC, 1 x CCD, Up to 1.92 Megapixels Still Shots, 10x Optical Zoom, 1.56 lb. , Battery life: Up to 2 Hours.

Weaknesses: Bottom tape loading a bit fiddly. Zoom control requires a delicate touch, Lack of manual audio level control, must use menu for manual exposure and fader.
Overall Evaluation: The DCR-TRV80 MiniDV Handycam® Camcorder doesn't just deliver exceptional-quality digital video, digital audio, and 2.0 megapixel digital still images. This unit also features BIP (improved Bluetooth® capability, enabling peer-to-peer data transfers between Bluetooth® products) networking, USB streaming, the revolutionary Carl Zeiss Lens T* coating for a 70% improved reflection rate, and a sprawling list of powerful features and design elements. Kit includes: DCR-TRV80 camcorder and free carrying case. This camcorder is so easy to use. As 'point and shoot' all the automatic controls work effortlessly producing first class images under most conditions. The large viewing screen makes framing shots a doddle although it it somewhat easier to hold the camera steady when using the viewfinder Price Range: $766 - $1088

Sony Handycam DCR-HC30 Mini DV Camcorder - Price and Review

Strengths: Digital, Mini DV, NTSC, 1 x CCD, Up to 0.31 Megapixels Still Shots, 10x Optical Zoom, 0.81 lb. , Battery life: Up to 2 Hours.


Overall Evaluation: The Sony DCR-HC20 is the MiniDV Handycam Camcorder that doubles as a digital camera. It features a compact Memory Stick DUO slot which allows 640 x 480 resolution digital still image capture, which is perfect for e-mail or printing. It also includes a big 2.5" hybrid SwivelScreen touch panel LCD display, Super NightShot Plus infrared recording, USB streaming, and a professional Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens. It even includes a 3D menu system that makes adjusting the camcorder settings easier than even. Best of all, these big features come in a package thats 25% smaller than the previous years camcorders.
Automatic amenities on the DCR-HC30 include the aforementioned options of Spot Metering and Spot Focusing, allowing users to focus or adjust the exposure to a particular area of the image by touching the corresponding area on the camcorder's touch screen. The DCR-HC30 also includes an Easy mode function -- convenience is king.

Just as the touch screen menu on many of this year's Sony camcorders sometimes yields attractive and useful functions like spot metering and spot focusing, these menus also bury much of a camcorder's manual control within a Byzantine matrix of options both difficult and cumbersome to navigate, especially if your fingers are those giant stubby ones I keep seeing in strip malls and fast-food chains
Features of the DCR-HC30 include Super NightShot Plus, which is just super. It comes with Sony's proprietary editing software, and includes a digitally manipulated 16:9 "wide screen" mode.

The DCR-HC30 is a good camcorder for the point-and-shooter who wants to stay in a moderate price range. It includes some cool options like spot metering and spot focus and, if you can stand the touch screen, a few manual controls. The port selection is nice, and the body is a stylish Sony nugget, waiting to extract the beauty and grace of third-grader birthday parties.

Price Range: $280 - $480

Sony Handycam DCR-TRV19 Mini DV Camcorder - Prcie and Review

Strengths: Digital, Mini DV, NTSC, 1 x CCD, 10x Optical Zoom, 1.13 lb. , Battery life: Up to 2.08 Hours.

Weaknesses: there is a limit to the amount of manual control that Sony allows operators. While you can access manual focus and exposure through a menu tree on the LCD, there is no manual shutter or gain control. The LCD menu is another draw back, for if you're using the viewfinder you need to flip the LCD and click it back into the body to engage the optical. It stands to reason that videographers framing a shot through the viewfinder, would like be the one's using the manual controls that they can feel.
The major disadvatage with this camera is that very little editing software is supplied as standard, but using a program such as Moviemaker, which is supplied with WIndows XP, provides good results for beginners.


Overall Evaluation: The subject here is the performance factor! The super compact DCR-TRV19 MiniDV Handycam camcorder offers a powerful combination of digital video, digital audio and USB Streaming at an amazing value. Features include 1/4" 680K pixel Advanced HAD CCD, Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar Lens and 10x Optical/120x Digital Zoom. Convenient on-screen Touch Panel helps you navigate through the menu system right on screen. With supplied PIXELA ImageMixer software, you can burn a Video CD on your PC from the recorded video and share it with your family and friends. Small, compact, lightweight with the latest in features and benefits. It doesn't get any better than this!
The SONY DCR-TRV 19 is an excellent camcorder for an amatuer.
It has a host of useful features including 10X optical zoom, Nightmode - which allows you to record pictures in total darkness with its in-built infrared sensor, and DV-in/out - which enables you to transfer your recordings onto PC for editing, and then back onto the camera again.
The built quality of this camera is superb, as is the case with other Sony products, and the Touchscreen LCD panel makes a welcome, and surprisingly user-friendly addition to the models in this range

Price Range: $398 - $600

Sony Handycam DCR-IP220 Micro MV Camcorder - Price and Review

Strengths: Digital, Micro MV, NTSC, 1 x CCD, Up to 1.92 Megapixels Still Shots, 10x Optical Zoom, 1.13 lb. , Battery life: Up to 2.17 Hours.

Weaknesses: Poorly placed zoom and photo shutter controls; touch-screen navigation poorly implemented; LCD can't tilt backwards; MicroMV not widely supported.


Overall Evaluation: The DCR-IP220 model is the world's first camcorder to offer 2.1-megapixels (1600 x 1200) resolution for digital still images, the highest available from a camcorder. It also offers 530 lines of horizontal video resolution to produce stunning video clarity and definition of the subtlest colours.There's a built-in flash with red-eye reduction mode, manual focus/zoom ring, night and low-light shooting modes and an innovative Hologram autofocus system which uses laser light to enable you to focus virtually in the dark when taking still pictures.

The IP220E uses Sony's proprietary MicroMV format, which records in mpeg-2 format onto tiny 60-minute tapes. The new model is Bluetooth enabled and is packed with networking features, including a built-in browser and email.

Still image focusing in low light is aided by new laser hologram technology. An emitter at the front of the camera shines a laser light pattern on the subject, and this is used to determine the focusing distance.Auto metering systems usually allocate a central part of the screen for spot metering; you point this at the area you want to meter, take the reading, then compose your shot.With the 220E you compose your shot, touch the spot meter menu button, then touch the screen area you want to take the meter reading from.

Price Range: $478 - $699

Sony Handycam HDR-UX1 DVD Camcorder - Price and Review

Strengths: DVD, NTSC / PAL, Up to 3.98 Megapixels Still Shots, 10x Optical Zoom, 1 lb. Sharp, saturated, low-noise video; excellent build quality; fast, smooth focus with effective image stabilization.

Weaknesses: Mediocre still photos; optical and occasional motion artifacts in video; discs unreadable by most devices; lame but necessary bundled software; no windscreen filter for microphone


Overall Evaluation: Experience the remarkable picture quality and convenience of the HDR-UX1 AVCHD DVD Handycam® Camcorder from Sony. Recording Full HD 1080 video on standard or dual-layer 8cm DVD media, the HDR-UX1 marks a revolution in high-definition. Its ClearVid™ CMOS Sensor produces dynamic, distortion-free moving images, while the precision-crafted Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* lens captures the scene with exceptional clarity. The extra-large 3.5” Touch Screen LCD brings added control right to your fingertips. This widescreen display also features anti-reflective Clear Photo LCD plus™ technology, providing enhanced resolution while shooting. Jump to your favourite scene with the Visual Index or enjoy the flexibility of simultaneous digital video and still image capturing. The Sony Handycam HDR-UX1 is a very nice camcorder; unfortunately, its myriad compatibility issues make it almost impossible to recommend over other similar models.

Price Range: $567 - $849

Sony DCR-PC55 Mini DV Camcorder Review

Strengths: Digital, Mini DV, PAL, 1 x CCD, Up to 0.31 Megapixels Still Shots, 10x Optical Zoom, 0.64 lb. , Battery life: Up to 2.08 Hours.

Overall Evaluation: Sleek, stylish and amazingly portable, the Sony DCR-PC55 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder provides excellent video recording quality in an ultra compact design. The Advanced HAD CCD imager provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video performance. Professional quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens capture vivid, life like images while minimizing distortion. Weighing at only 10 ounces, the camcorder's body measures only 4 inches tall and almost 3 inches wide - making it fit perfectly in the palm of your hand. The 3-inch Hybrid LCD display provides a clear, sharp monitor and rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles. Its metallic silver design makes it stand out wherever you go.
the image quality is quite good. Decent color reproduction and great details make this a strong camcorder for consumer needs. There is not much to complain about here. Bright colors look vivid with a healthy amount of light. You might run across problems indoors if you can't find enough light.
A still photo mode allows you to take snapshots and movies recorded to a Memory Stick Duo. This mode features a progressive shutter system to provide more crisp details in still photos. Included with the Handycam is Picture Package Software. The software allows you to burn VCDs, create music videos/slideshows, save to CDR and view content on your computer.

Price Range: $230 - $698

Sony Handycam HDR-HC3 HDV Camcorder Review

Strengths: Digital, HDV, NTSC / PAL, 10x Optical Zoom, 1.1 lb., Up to 1.92 Megapixels Still Shots, Battery life: Up to 1.75 Hours.

Weaknesses: No microphone jack; no 24p support; HDV editing and distribution options are limited.
Overall Evaluation: The HC3 sets the industry standard in resolution quality with its ClearVid CMOS image sensor™, capturing precise detail and superior color reproduction. Dual record Mode lets you capture 2.3 megapixel stills while shooting high definition video. Smooth slow recording captures fast movement with precise detail for slow motion playback.Though significantly cheaper than Sony's previous consumer HD camcorder, the Sony Handycam HDR-HC3 still offers superb HD video quality. The Sony Handycam HDR-HC3, on the other hand, resembles a typical high-end consumer DV camcorder. It's small enough to fit in a jacket pocket, though at 1 pound, 5 ounces with battery and tape, it's a bit on the hefty side for a camcorder so compact. It fits very comfortably in your right hand, with controls well placed for one-handed shooting. However, much of the HDR-HC3's weight falls on the left side, and the imbalance can make extended handheld shooting tiring. The stylish dark-gray brushed-metal and black-plastic case feels very solid, and it should hold up well to typical handling in the field. The lens incorporates an automatic cover to protect it when you're not shooting.

Sony HVR-V1U Mini DV Camcorder Review

Strengths: Digital, Mini DV, NTSC / PAL, 3 x CCD, 20x Optical Zoom, 3.38 lb.It adopts the world's first 2-3 pull-down HDV recording system for storage of 24p scanned images - keeping your existing gear in action. Battery life: Up to 7 Hours.

Overall Evaluation: The HVR-V1U is a professional camcorder for better and easier mobile filmmaking. Achieve breathtaking HD video and create unique visuals for video production that delivers an impact. In addition to typical 60i, the HVR-V1U offers 24p/30p progressive scan capture, enabling cinema and drama productions. Playback your 24p/30p scan footage using Sony HDV equipment, or feed it to a compatible Non-Linear Editing (NLE) system without changing your HDV deck or monitors.with this multiquality camcorder, Producing high-quality HDV is as simple as that.7 hrs.battery life is also appriciable.

Price Range: $3070 - $4290

Sony Handycam DCR-VX2100 Mini DV Camcorder Review

Strengths: Digital, Mini DV, PAL, 3 x CCD, Up to 0.31 Megapixels Still Shots, 12x Optical Zoom, 3.38 lb. , Battery life: Up to 1.33 Hours.

Overall Evaluation: Take control of sound and vision with the DCR-VX2100 3 CCD camcorder, with its Advanced HAD progressive scan CCD technology, By increasing the CCD's sensitivity to light, clearer video with more lifelike color can be captured.totally it is a complete worthy product with many good features.

Price range: $1600 - $3000