Digital-Camcorder Reviews

This is a very nice camcorder with the best video imaging available in a single-chip camcorder. Video pictures are crystal clear, digital images are the best of any consumer level camcorder anywhere, and the manual switches on the camcorder put you in control of important functions. i must say this is better than any other camcorder. buying this camcorder is not overkilling. if you want good quality go for this. but if you think this is expensive then you have choice. you can go for trv27. but remember you cann't compare TRV50 with TRV27 becoz the features are different. TRV50 is latest....for this century.

Sony's MiniDV DCR-TRV50 is their upgrade to the popular DCR-TRV30. The camcorder is a standard form factor, with many neat features and good still quality. The DCR-TRV50 carries a street price around [$$$].

The Sony DCR-TRV50 has a 1/4 in. 1.5 Mega Pixel HAD CCD. The effective video pixels used is 970K while the still is 1,390K, but more about the still performance later. The DCR-TRV50 has a 10x optical, 120x digital zoom while the horizontal resolution is rated at 530 lines, the top for the MiniDV format.

An upgrade of the DCR-TRV50 over the DCR-TRV30 is the addition of a touch panel LCD screen. The LCD is 3.5 in. and 246K pixels. The camcorder also has a color viewfinder. When you first hear of the touch screen feature you?re likely to think it?s frivolous, but it?s actually quite useful. Using the touch screen LCD you can adjust the focus and the exposure. If you have an area that is under or over exposed or an area that you want to put in focus all you have to do is touch on it an the camcorder adjusts automatically. This is a great intermediate between automatic and manual control. It gives the inexperienced user a way of tackling the camcorder controls which can be very daunting. Sharp was the first company to add a touch screen LCD but I think Sony has really taken this option and flown with it. It?s a really great feature, especially for those less experienced camcorder users.

if you are planning to buy a good handycam go for trv50. if you are planning to buy trv950 or sony vx2000 please have a look this camera too. i bought this camera last month....it is really nice. picture quality is excellent. still mode is wondeful and touch screen is very useful. the only gimik is bluetooth technology, but other features are just fantastic...you cann compare trv50 with trv950 only.the difference is only 1ccd and 3 ccd. but otherwise you will not feel much difference. i recomend this handycam to semi professionls too.

We bought this camera in the summer of 2003 to replace our older video camera and have had a great experience. The video quality is excellent. The color is superb. Great audio quality. The video records at more lines of resolution than current televisions use, so I have no doubt that the quality will still look great after high definition televisions dominate the home television market.

Recently, my 4 megapixel digital camera needed to be sent in for repairs ... it is not a Sony :( ... We were upset as we did not think we would be able to print pictures until it returned...we decided to test printing out the Sony TRV950 digital pictures...we were amazed that we were able to print out wonderful quality pictures (3x5). So, we have been very impressed with a feature we never intended to use.

The features included on the camera are great...but two that stand out in my opinion are the super steady shot to help get rid of the "jiggle" and the auto white balance...the best I've seen.

This camera does cost more than other consumer level cameras, but the value is well worth it in my opinion. We bought it to take good video of our baby growing up...we are convinced that this is, by far, the best option and we will never regret spending the extra money.

We purchased a 3 Watt light attachment, a 256MB memory stick card, and an additional M71D battery (250 minutes). I would strongly recommend these accessories.

great camcorder. the 3CCDs really make a difference in video quality in my opinion. unfortunately, you pay for this quality!

pros:
- as expected from a 3CCD camcorder, the trv-950 delivers excellent video quality - colors are reproduced accurately.
- 1 megapixel still capability.
- miniDV media is widely supported.
- 12X optical zoom!
- steady shot optical stabilization system works well.
- ability to record mpeg videos directly to memory stick.
- progressive shutter system.
- offers color bars and zebra striping.
- the 3.5" LCD screen is great.
- built-in flash for stills.
- built-in mic does a good job picking up sound from the target, not the operator.
- great connectivity options: firewire, USB, S-video, headphone, mic input, etc.
- buttons along the left side and back of the camera body control essential camera functions (manual settings for focus, white balance, audio level, shutter speed, and special lighting situations) so you won't need to dive into menus for these commonly used capabilities.
- side-mounted cassette means you can change tapes while the camcorder is mounted on a tripod.
- low motor noise.
- intelligent accessory shoe - very useful if you use the appropriate accessories.
- allows a great deal of manual control.

cons:
- no built in video light but you can get a video light for less about fifty bucks.
- you could do better on the still photo department. for example, sony's trv80 and trv70 have 2 megapixel capability while panasonic's pv-dv953 delivers 3 megapixel stills.
- as with most sony products, you pay a premium, pushing up the price.
- don't expect miracles from 1 megapixel stills.
- not as compact as i would like. dimensions are 4"H x 3-3/4"W x 8"D, weighing 2.4 lbs.
- the included 8MB memory stick is unacceptable. be prepared to shell out more money for at least a 32MB or bigger memory stick.
- does not have a NightShot mode (although i'm not a big fan of this feature).
- MPEG movies saved to Memory Stick are much darker than the same scene recorded to a miniDV tape.
- noticeable shutter lag for still captures.
- bluetooth communication requires optional purchases = more $$.
- touchscreen menu system is not intuitive.

this is great camcorder if you are looking for a 3CCD system. it sits atop sony's prosumer line. the competition is catching up though so make sure you also consider the panasonic pv-dv953. peace.

Pros: Compact three-CCD camera; large, readable flip-out screen; one-megapixel still-image capture; clean, clear video images.

Cons: Poor low-light sensitivity; low-capacity Memory Stick supplied; stills require more light than video; Bluetooth communication requires optional purchases.

Summary: I bought the TRV50 2 weeks ago.I returned it for the TRV950 because zooming with the auto focus made video blurry.The TRV950 is instantaneously sharp.I also had made a tape just filming around the home with the TRV50.I compared that tape with the one I just made with the TRV950,just experimenting around the home.Now I see why 3ccd's are better than 1ccd.My best overall experiment was the digital alarm clock(with the big red LED numbers)in the bedroom.With the TRV50 the numbers always looked fuzzy.With the TRV950 those numbers looked crisp and sharp.Hence, I guess that where they get the term "color bleeding"from.I noticed that alot with the TRV50 while looking at bright objects.I even experimented with an UV and Polarizing filter on the TRV50 with no success.I know TRV950 is getting some bad press because it doesn't have Progessive scan,like the TRV50, but TRV950 has what's called Progessive shutter.Sony says it 's a step up and I believe it is too.I compared some of the stills I captured on tape and to me TRV950 comes out on top.I wonder if the number of ccd's has anything to do with this.If not then Sony needs to do more marketing in the Progessive shutter business.TRV50 has and TRV950 does not have infared.Does anybody out there ever really use the thing.Especially when it's only good for what 20 feet at most.Go to your local gun shop and get the real thing.I know the Carl Zeiss lens gets alot of publicity, but the TRV950 does not come with those lens. The less quality TRV50 does. What's the story with that?Logic only tells me that the higher end Sony lens must be better than the Carl Zeiss lens.Also TRV950 eats up more battery time than the cheaper TRV50.Be prepared to spring for a larger battery.I wonder if this has anything to do with the number of ccd's also.

My father bought this for me and it is a great game. Not only can the inexpensive camera be used for the great games, but if you have Microsoft Netmeeting, (available at Microsoft's website,) it works as a low picture-quality video conferencing camera. It is a great game for any kid between 6 and 12.

If you are like me you like things with great quality and a great price,this has a great price used or new .I would recomend this to anyone looking for this type of product.

this little game system is great for the road. little kids love it. it is so many games in one.

While not new to computers and electronics I was new to digital video and was looking for a top of the line product for hobby use. While not cheap, I believe this product lives up to the promises and is a great value. Some aspects are tricky (connecting to a vcr) but after you get the hang of it very easy to use. The microphone is very sensitive but in quiet areas picks up a lot of motor noise making a microphone necessary. Overall, a great product.

First off: this is a mini DV camcorder. This means it uses mini DV tapes. They are the size of an old answering machine tape. They come in three sizes: 30 min, 1 hour and 80 minute. The tapes cost slightly more than the normal 8mm tapes, but only by a few dollars. The problem is that you can't run into the local drug store and get these. You have to go to a local consumer electronics store or get them off the web. After buying those, you have to buy a new battery (1hr is simply not enough time for a major family outing). The prices are around $80 for an 1 hour battery, $100 for an 1 1/2 hour battery and $160.00 for the 2 1/2 hour battery. This unit comes with a ton of software, so most people won't have to buy any extra for editing your videos on the computer (or pictures).

The main thing about this digicam is the fact its basically for semi-pro video makers. It has super-high resolution (number of horizontal and vertical lines in the images). You can make work presentations. You can dub sound onto videos, splice and dice scenes, etc. What sold me was the fact that you can shoot in widescreen rather than just full screen to have the bars on a regular tv or to use on a widescreen tv (think of the future here). The weight is heavier than most of the digicams in its class. This one weighs in at a hefty 1.5 pounds, where others are 1 lb.

Some of the other kool features that I had to make sure it had: (1) you can take precious older video tapes and record them to a digital tape from your old VCR, for safekeeping. (2) you can take the digital movies you do and put them directly onto a VCR tape for other family members, or you can edit it on the computer (putting in songs if you want), and then transfer it onto a VCR tape.

(3)the LCD screen is BIG (the largest in this price range is 4 inch, the JVC is 3.8). Most of these high end pro jobs use the 2.5 thinking you will use the viewfinder mostly. I like the big screen and you might too. The screen is anti-glare, high res, and pivots and moves, including flipping.

(4) a function I wanted that you don't find on a lot of players that this has is the color viewfinder. Do you really want to see things in black and white?

(5) well, if you like B & W, you can choose that from the ton of recording options. It also has fading, swipes, and a lot of video effects I can't wait to play around with.

(6) Progressive scan: a lot of the best players have it, but the Sony's don't. What it does is stops jitter in images. The jvc adds to this a 2x recording feature. This allows for slow-mo playback of 10X. Here is an example of what this means: your kid is at t-ball or want to analyze your golf swing. With this, you can record it in the superfast mode (think EP vs. SP recording speeds on a VCR). Then you have some options, you can play it back, with a finer image produced or you can slow mo it. Progressive scan also allows you to extract a single image from your swing or son's swing. So if your desire a pic of you swinging, you can take a single image from the camcorder movie and download it to the computer and then save it to disc and have it developed at a local drugstore, email it, or save it as your desktop wallpaper. You are also supposed to be able to edit your pictures to add effects using the software (have not seen this yet).

(7)the zoom: this has the 200X digital zoom. The sony's are not as good in this price range. Although you can get a better zoom off some of the really highend Digital 8 camcorders.

(8) The camcorder also adds something called a high-band processor. What it is supposed to do is add the high-band part of the luminance (light) signal back in. Camcorders take away this when recording because it takes away from the crominance signal (color).

(9) another imporatant feature dealing with the snap shot ability of this digicam is the resolution you can get in pictures. On most camcorders with the picture capability, you can only get 600 X 480 images (lower res - VGA). The JVC can take pics up to 1024 X 768 (called XGA). This is nice for framable pics. You can fit about half as many of these nicer pics on the removable disc depending on the snapshot mode you are in. There are 3 modes: fine (less pics), standard, and economy. you can get 75 VGA pics on the 4mb card in economy mode (or 36 XGA). That goes to 25 (12 XGA) in fine mode). You get get the bigger card (8 mb) and swap them for more pictures if you go on a long vacation. I have not priced the bigger cards yet. Note though, you can take 5400 stills, if you put them onto the tape.

(10) speaking of the cards (which i have not explained), I chose this one because there are not many of these digicams that have the extra memory cards for picutures. In most camcorders with the picture taking option, you can only take the pictures onto the tape, whether its a digital 8 or mini DV. This one and the sony I liked (the TRV20 - sony's rival for about $150 more) have cards you can take out after putting pictures on it. The cards allow for easier and faster transfer of the pics to your computer. Getting pictures from a tape is supposed to be a major pain. Sony's memory stick (their memory card), though, can be put into a 3.5 converted floppy disc and slipped into any floppy drive for down load. Also this player has been knocked because pic downloading is slow even with the fire wire being used. (hooks the digicam to a card you put in your computer).

JVC GR-DVL9800U is the top of the line camcorder from JVC. This is an upgrade from the GR-DVL9500U. Essentially the difference is in the function as a digital camera.

It incorporates the function of both a digital camera and a digital camcorder. One of the best features is the ability to take photos or videos separately or together. Photos are stored on a proprietary multimedia card. The camera comes with one 4 MB multimedia card (an 8 MB card is optional). Photos are stored as VGA (800x600) or XGA (1024x768). The resolution is second only the to Sony PC-100.

The GR-DVL9800U has a menu system that is easy to use. Its compact size easily allows one hand operation. The 3.5 inch LCD monitor is large and the picture is crisp. The color viewfinder with adjustable diopters makes for a truly compact package. The flip out flash makes it useful take pictures with flash when you choose to use flash (some places do not allow flash photography). The interface for viewing the digital photos is comparable to high end digital cameras.

The accessories include an AC power adapter, a credit card sized remote control, a battery pack, AV cable, S video cable, JLIP cable, lens protector, and a PC connection cable. However, it doesn't include a DV cable for IEEE1394 cards, nor does it include a Mini DV tape along with the camera.

Ordered from Amazon in December - 2 months later they were out of stock. A month after that, the web site said 'available soon'. It's now mid-May, and they still can't tell when it will ship. So be prepared for a LONG wait!!!

If you own a DV500, DV800, or DV2000, or a JVC camcorder with the info-shoe mount, you need this flash. The camcorder takes excellent shots with the flash. I don't know how you could live without one.

When you switch to Memory Mode, notice how dark the image gets in the viewfinder. With the flash on, the pictures will be bright and colorful. If not, then the pictures will be dark, just like what you see in the viewfinder.

Worth the money.

Turn your JVC camcorder/digital camera into the first rate digital camera it is!

I own the JVC GR-DV2000U Camcorder (best I've ever owned). It is a dual camcorder/digital camera. I was disappointed with the Digital Camera functions until I got this flash, now it's the best digital camera I own!

I ordered a Dual Battery Charger but received a single batery charger. However the single battery charger had a plug in adapter for a car cigarette lighter. This pleased me. Since this extra compensated me for getting the wrong thing

We bought it so that we could charge 2 batteries at once for the holidays and vactions. We have no complaints and my wife is putting it to good use with the new camera.

Compact, small, super-easy to use; small enough footprint; efficient. In retrospect, something that should've been "standard" with any Sony Cybershot camera. Hooking up my camera to an AC charger is too cumbersome and a pain. This device is so straight forward, with two "pockets" to insert batteries, that having one go dead on you while you're on the road shouldn't happen.

Well worth the price and less cumbersome than the TWO power cords that come with your Sony digital camera (one from your wall to the the charger, the other from the charger to your camera).

With this gizmo, you have just ONE cord. It runs from the wall to the charger. That's it. I always worry about charging my camera from the wall because there isn't enough clearance for the wire and the back panel to your camera. The result is your camera, during charging, is pushed upward at a funny angle, on one edge because the flimsy door panel to access the input jacks is flush bottom. This door feels it could break at the slightest mis-directed touch.

No such worries anymore.

the last camera i had was pretty bad compared to this. it was a very old 8mm and it only had a b/w view finder. i got this camera from a relative and i think its great. Pros: Color LCD, Color Viewfinder, incredibly small, battery life isnt too bad (about 2 hours using the NP-FS21 battery with the lcd on), nightvision Cons: a built in flash or light would be nice, more digital effects, a better zoom. Overall i think its a pretty good camera. Its perfect for an average camera and the size is great so u can take it anywhere.

I ordered this camera...I took it with me on my trip to Europe last summer and it was absolutely phenomenal. I filmed during the day and at night and all of my footage was great. I will say that i wished that I would have had another battery, but i managed to film each day (for 18 days) and it worked out well.

You can review your footage by touching the screen lightly, it has a remote control, editing accessories and it weighs approximately a pound~! I walked all over Italy and it was really convenient to carry with me everywhere.

I really think that this is a great camera and I highly recommend it if you're able to find it for a great price like i did.

This camcorder by Sony is awesome. The color and sharpness is unbelievable. This camcorder is very easy to get up and running. I highly recommend this product to amateurs as well as professionals. Recommendation: Strong Buy

Works wonderfully...charges quicker than charging in the camera...a two-battery charger...charge batteries in the car or at home.

Excellent charger for the Canon BP-511 batteries I use for my Canon G1 digital camera. The Canon CR-560 charging light shows single flashes when the battery is less than 50% charged...double flashes when 50-75% charged...triple flashes when more than 75% charged...a continuous light when it is 100% charged. Also, when two batteries are placed in the charger, the first one inserted will begin charging and the second one will sequentially begin charging when the first one is fully charged and its charging light glows steadily. It takes approximately 3 hours for both batteries to charge...each taking approximately 1 1/2 hours to charge; charging times will vary from one user to another. You can charge batteries in your car...or...you can charge batteries at home with the inclusion of the AC cord that already comes with the Canon G1. You can also check the charge of a battery at any time by inserting the battery and checking the charging light/flashes. The battery can be charged at any time when it's not fully discharged, but I prefer to wait until my Canon Powershot G1 shows the flashing low battery indicator before charging my battery. You can also charge one battery at a time if you wish.

When I bought this bag, I wasn't sure if it would be just what I was looking for. Believe me, it really does the job! I keep my Digtal Camcorder, (JVC GR-DVL300U) my Digital Camera, (RCA CDS- 4100) my Qualcomm Cell Phone, batteries for both camera, extra tape and disks for each camera, all the attachments, and still have room for more stuff. It is the best bag I've ever seen and sure does all I expected of it. If anyone is looking for a bag for their cameras, I would really give this one a hard look. Stan

This bag is perfect for the Sony TRV series of digital camcorders. I was able to fit all accessories plus two spare tapes in the very convenient lid compartment. This includes the ac/dc power cord and charger, the remote control, the a-v cable and the documentation that came with the camera. This bag is rugged, good looking, and provides excellent padded protection in the camera compartment. A must have!

I don't want to repeat what the other reviewers have said, I agree with everything. Small buttons? Sure, but the unit itself is small - you can't fit buttons that are any larger on this sucker.

I've used the professional Cannon broadcast quality camcorders, and if I had the means, I would certainly own one. I'm fanatical about picture quality and being able to transfer the video to PC and play with it - you know, the modern day necessities when living in the digital age. This unit is the highest quality sub $1,000 camera I've found. I did quite the Pepsi Challenge too (the folks at Circut City and I are all on a first name basis now).

This is THE BEST camcorder I've ever owned. I love the fact that I can shoot video and take a snapshot without changing modes. It also doubles as an awesome digital camera. The info shoe makes the accessories the most functional of any other unit I've used.

I first bought the Video Light because the unit slightly underperforms in low light. The second was the flash unit for taking awesome digital pics. The third (and the coolest, but not necessary) is the directional microphone for zeroing in on a single person's voice from a distance. When you zoom in on their face, it 'zeroes' in on their voice, canceling out the ambient noise. Is that cool or what!

If it sounds like I'm gushing, I am. This camcorder, feature by feature, it cannot be beat!

The Part numbers listed below are the accessories I recommend all of which are currently sold on Amazon.com:
Description - Part# - AISN#
---------------------------
Video Flash - VLF3U - ASIN: B00006HTJO
Video Light - VLV3U - ASIN: B00006HTH7
Directional Microphone - MZV3U - AISN: B00006HTJN

I have owned this camera for about 7 months and I must say I an impressed.
The quality is outstanding!!
It has every feature you could hope for (except a built in flash).
The thumb buttons are a little hard to get use to but that is a small flaw.
This thing has soooo many features that I have not even got to use them all.
The best in my opinion, is the ability to take pictures without interrupting the Video!!
You push the button half way down while you are shooting video and you get a preview of the still then push all the way down and it snaps the photo while the video rolls along uninterrupted!!
I highly recommed this DV cam.
PS. I would recommend you buy the external flash.It is great.

After looking over the vast range of camcorders available, we selected this model and could not be happier!! We have used it for app. 3 hours so far and the picture and sound is sensational. It was a bit hard to get used to the features at first (there are so many) but it is second nature now. My only suggestion is, get a Tripod. When you use the zoom, it is impossible to stay steady without it. I would buy this camcorder again and highly suggest it. I saw this camcorder cheaper at many different locations on the internet but opted to pay more at Circuit City and have not regreted it. Their policy gives you PEACE OF MIND, and can you really put a price on that?