Digital-Camcorder Reviews

I had wanted the latest in didgital camcorder technology but the high cost of the Mini DV tapes made me consider SONY's Digital 8 format. I got my DCR TRV 510 shortly after becoming a new dad, after much debate between the 510 and the lower 310 which will save you $$ but the 310 lacks the color viewfinder, slightly bigger LCD monitor, 2MB of internal memory for digital stills, Sony's photo managing software for your PC and the serial port PC hookup. The 510 is my 1st camcorder so I don't have any prior camcorder experience to do any relative comparisons. This camcorder does a very decent job of making home videos and photo stills. The best results are from outdoors in good daylight, otherwise in other conditions such as lowlight indoors the video and stillshots can be slightly grainy. For some reason, SONY didn't include any titling function which they do for their Reg. 8 and Hi 8 models. Also didn't notice the difference between the reg. video and S video hookup to my TV nor between the cheaper reg. 8 and Hi 8 tape. The included battery is not sufficient for heavy duty use, the 4 hour one should be adequate, anything longer will just add to the weight. Very satisfied with my decision to get the 510, overall a very impressive handycam which I anticipate to take home videos and to capture meorable moments in my son's growth.

The best thing about this Camcorder is that it has a 4 inchesscreen! It's big enough that you can show your video to other peoplewithout connect the camcorder to the TV. It's really nice! I have seen other people's camcorders with a tiny 2 inches screen, and that's no good for your enjoyment at all.-------------The night vision is amazing too! After you turned the night vision on, you can take pictures in total darkest. And the picture is really good.------------ The picture quality is great too. Very clear! But it didn't come out too good after I converted the 8mm tape into VCR tape.------------Reviews on Amazon said that Digital Camcorders's audio has CD quality, but I really didn't notice anything. I mean you really don't care too much about the audio if you are just video taping a family vacation or something.----------Something bad about the Camcorder.----------Because of the big screen and it's not Mini-DV, so it's a bit heavy. You will probably get very tired after holding the Camcorder for more than a hour. So if you are a weak person, try a Mini-DV camcorder with a smaller screen so that you won't have any arm problems.------------Another thing was that I thought I was going to be able to connect my camcorder to my Dell computer, but it didn't work at all. Be sure that you have an interface card if you want to use it with a computer. But I really don't see any point to edit your films on the computer, I am too busy for that, and I am not trying to make a public film, my film doesn't need to be perfectly edited. And also, I also thought that when I zoom in the camcorder, it could reach 35mm or something, but that didn't happen. Beware! Camcorders do not have a wide-angle view! you won't be able to tape the whole view, only partly. I think the minimal range of this camcorder is only 50mm. Just be careful. Don't be disappointed. END

I've had the Sony DCR-TRV-510 for about three months now. It's been a lot of fun to use and learn. Straight out of the box, charge up the battery, slip in a tape and you're ready to record. With a little practice and skimming of the manual, you can create some perfectly acceptable and fun still (digital) pictures. On the video front, the camera is exceptionally easy to learn and use. It takes standard 8mm video tapes - cheaper and more readily available than mini-DV tapes. Zoom lens is excellent although once you pass the optical zoom range and go into the digital zoom, you will likely notice the "pixilation" (you can turn the digital zoom off.) Tapes can be viewed on the flip out screen - excellent image. One feature I especially like is the one that lets you find the end of the last video recording -- no matter where you stop on a tape, hit this button and it takes you to where you stopped recording. Low light capability is outstanding even without using the Night Light feature. Still pictures are fun. Easy to do once you've mastered the technique. The picture is only 640 x 480 so it is really only suitable for web stuff or 2 x 3 or 4 x 3 snap shots. Images may be downloaded to your computer using the enclosed serial link or a FireWire interface if you have one. Serial link may be slow but it works just fine for me. I took a couple hundred stills (and 2 hours of video) while on a 10 day cruise and they were fine. Camera can only hold about 20 still pixs internally (in the fine mode) so I would copy them from the internal memory to a separate video tape I decided to use for still pictures only. Once on your computer, you can play with them to your heart's content. Consider buying a second bigger battery. I bought the 8 hour battery - a little extra weight but lots of extra time. I also bought the IR link for the TV. Saves having to hook up wires to the back of the TV/-510 every time you want to view a tape. It works flawlessly. And get a good camera bag.

This is a great little camera. I wish this had come out 2 or three years ago, when I bought the first miniDV camera that came out.

I am currently in Kuwait. I brought my miniDV Video Camera with me to record my time here, but the dust contamination is so bad here, it is destroying my camera. I started looking for a video camera with no moving parts. Thank God for this Fisher. No moving parts, USB connection, 3.2 Mpixels resolution. Best thing, no rewind. It took forever to get to the front of the tape to see what the video looked like.

There are just a few bad points to this model. The cover to the memory card slot is fragile, so a lot of care needs to be taken to keep from breaking it off when opening the compartment. The view finder/screen is a bit small, so it is hard to see unless you hold the camera closer to your face.

Granted, a miniDV can record more info, but you just can't beat this little guy for versatility.

With a 2-year-old toddler and a new infant, and Grandma and Grandpa 1500 miles away, I needed a camera that could take reasonable movies and photos, could interface easily with my computer (for easy email to family) -- and most importantly, was FAST and EASY to use. My kids aren't super-cute for more than a few minutes at a time, and those moments are fleeting.

Not the best still camera (although quite good in sunlight) -- but the camera fits in my pocket, and I'm taking movies as fast as I can get the lens cap off. With this camera, I have movies and still photos I would never have captured otherwise!

I also purchased a Sony MiniDV and a "Panasonic SVAV100 D-Snap", but returned them. The Panasonic was Macintosh-hostile, the Sony was difficult to use with either Windows or Mac (but had the best picture quality). Fisher picture quality disappointed until I viewed the movies on the computer - WOW! Very nice.

i picked up both the fisher and the new sony T1. trying both then taking the one i dont like back. overall after using both for a week, im in love with the Fisher. it has great features, great video quality.. and so easy to make vcd's. the sony didnt like direct sunlight and the white balance was crap. the fisher didnt mind the sun one bit, and even though the sony has higher mega pixels.. the fisher is richer in color.

buy it at sears and return it if you dont like it. for me, it will be recording my whole summer vacation :)

I've been using TRV-10 for about 6 months now. I had taken it to most of the places I visited. No doubt, it has real good clarity both in Audio and Vedio. Its sleek and handy size is impressive. Photo quality is not at all good as noted by other reviewers. It is just OK to use for home purposes. Print (on 35mm film) sucks. The other thing that did not impress me is Memory stick. It has no use if you have an i-link feature in your computer. I recently got a SONY VAIO Laptop with I-link and after that I never used memory stick option. Now I realize memory stick is useless if you own or plan to own a computer with I-Link. This I did not know the time when I bought the camera. Sony DVGate Motion/Still software replaces the need of I-Link.

In my opinion, if is just enough to have TRV-8 unless you want to spend extra 200-300$ on just memory stick..

Regards Frank

I have just bought this camera and I just love it. First let me tell you that I disagree with the first review. This camera is **very** simple to use, including the memory stick and the software to grab the pictures from it (just click and chose save and voila !). I also like the photo mode even if the resolution is not so good (but that's enough for "fun" picture like family and friends, nothing really serious though... For video the image quality is great and is one of the best (if not the best) of digital camera in that price range. I still have to get an iLink card for my PC and then it will be digital video heaven for me ;)

Check the other cam for that price and choose the best one ... I am sure you will end up on this exact page pressing the "buy now" button !

I enjoy the features on the camera. The effects are done very easily and you can be very creative.

The camera is light and the screen is extremely viewable. Kids love it when I turn the screen around and they can see themselves being taped.

The connection via the I-Link to a computer is a piece of cake and the way the Firewire connection lets you take digital stills from the video tape picture itself totally nullifies the need for the memory stick. I cannot say enough about how cool video and picture editing is via the I-Link (firewire) connection. You can actually control the video camera from the computer screen (FF, Rewind and play without touching the camera, just click on the screen, and get digital still pictures straight from the tape). If you take a lot of closeups and nice shots on video you can save them as digital stills extremely easy after connecting to a PC. It is true that the picture quality is not 3 megapixel digital camera quality but the VGA pictures I capured are fine for full screen blow ups on a PC screen and everyone I showed them to loved the pictures as most PC pictures are not all that sharp unless they are like huge picture files anyway. You can always keep a regular camera (or buy a digital camera) if you want great stills, this is after all a MOVIE camera. And it takes great video and the image looks as good if not better than what you see on the attached video screen.

The memory stick is a nice feature but the quality of the pictures is just as good if not better straight from the digital tape.

I really enjoy using this camera, it is light, portable and well made.

Great Volume, FM is average but I've droped it many times and never had a problem. Very Great purchase!!

If you're buying an Intel Pocket Concert, save yourself some time and get the accessory kit right off the bat (or choose the package that includes it with the player). You'll want this kit...

For a start, it adds rechargeability to the Pocket Concert, sporting a pair of nickel metal hydride (NiMH) "memory free" AAA batteries. The docking station featured in this kit serves as your desktop charger... Just insert the Pocket Concert, and it'll begin refreshing your batteries.

The docking station doubles as a fancy (and more practical) USB connection to your PC for downloading your tunes into the player. And while I question the value of the feature, the docking station also has a pair of RCA connectors providing line-level output for your stereo system (or to the line inputs on your computer, presumably).

The carrying case is superb. According to the brand legend on the zipper pulls, this is a Case Logic case -- a fact that Intel doesn't bother to present. But typical of Case Logic products, it's a well made and useful way to carry around your Pocket Concert.

Finally, the standard issue cassette adapter provides you an easy way to play your Pocket Concert on the move in your car, or anywhere a standard cassette deck is available.

The reason I rate it 4 stars, not 5? Price... At late-2001 "ballpark" pricing, this kit boosts the overall price of the Pocket Concert ..., which is at the high-end for 128 Meg audio players. (By the time you read this, no doubt pricing and competitive issues will likely be different, so make your own assessment.)

But price aside, it's still an important thing for any Pocket Concert user to have.

The accessory kit is awesome!! I have the dock set up by my home stereo with a cord running to my computer. It is nice becasue you can send songs directly to it from your computer and then play them through your stereo. The only minor complaint is the rechargable batteries do not last as long as real batteries but I was able to go over six hours on a plane with them. I only wish it had a remote.

I bought one of these new. I have had nothing but problems with the tape mechanism. Put a new tape in and it stops half way during the cycle. The door is half open. So much for electronic transports. Don't buy one of these. Sony wants $269 to fix this, not worth it...

I got one of these used a few years ago after doing some research into the features and reputations of similar cameras. I've had no problems with it.

Video quality is excellent, and it works seamlessly with iMovie, which I use for editing.

I disabled the digital zoom (which degrades the picture quality); 25X optical zoom is already impressive, especially with the SteadyShot camera-shake compensation.

The camera operates surprisingly well with low light, even without engaging NightShot.

The "digital still photo" feature on any video camera is essentially a gimmick, so I'm not counting this camera's poor still-photo quality in my rating. Even the cheapest pocket digital camera will take a better still photo than a high-priced video camera -- so hey, buy a DV camera used and get yourself a cheap still camera to go with it.

I've found Digital-8 highly convenient, because I can get Hi-8 tapes in many stores that still don't carry MiniDV tapes.

I only wish the camera were super-tiny, but hey, it's not a cutting-edge supercamera -- it's a good, solid camcorder. Works for me!

Hi! I prefer in spanish. Compre la camcorder hace 2 años y ha sido la mejor inversion. Su calidad es tan comparable con la Xl1 s de canon que es profesional, que la gente no sabe cual de las dos fue la que use. Mi hijo que estudia cine en Venezuela la usa para sus ejercicios y claro el le saca provecho a todas las funcionas. Solo tengo una critica, costo mas barato cuando la compre en Marzo de 2000.

I purchased the camera as a gift for my husband in July of 2002. As new parents, we expected that we would want a camcorder to record important moments in our children's infancy and toddlerhood. We have not been able to do so, as the camera has been out of commission or in the repair shop for most of the time we've owned it.

In September of 2003, after approximately 15 total hours of normal use, significant digital noise / pixel distortion and a "head cleaning required" message began to appear. We followed the prescribed procedure and cleaned the video heads with a MiniDV cleaning tape. The problem was not corrected, so we sought repair of the camcorder (to the tune of $240). A rebuild of the drum assembly, supply and takeup reels was performed by a JVC-authorized repair center.

Since then, we have recorded less than two hours of tape, and the digital noise problem has again reappeared. Some research suggests that we are not the only ones who have had this difficulty with our JVC camcorder. Since my difficulties, I have found hundreds of consumer comments that suggest that this and several other models of JVC digital camcorders and DV recorders are riddled with digital noise problems.

I have never been so dissatisfied with such a major purchase and am currently seeking a full refund from JVC. Wish me luck.

This is an excellent camcorder.

The 920U (this camcorder) is much better than the 720U/820U. The earlier versions had a constant buzz on the recorded audio that appeared to come from the DV tape motor. The 920U is very quiet and the audio is crystal clear.

Video quality was much better, too, with sharper colors probably due to the improved lens. (The colors on the 720U/820U were washed out and dull.) On the 920U, I couldn't tell much difference between real life and recorded video in well-lighted conditions. Also, the viewfinder is color whereas the 720U/820U have B&W viewfinders.

Zoom is smooth and well-positioned. The menu is easy to use. Overall the ergonomics of the camcorder are excellent.

The 3.5" LCD is VERY nice. I'm definitely hooked on that feature.

...

I used it for the first time during my vacation with my family to Southern California last December and it satisfied me very much. The manual is really easy to follow. It felt good in my palm during action. I took some pictures because the 920 is also equipped with memory card. I really proud of this camcorder...

I don't know why Amazon doesn't already have this information on the site, but I took the time to find it on the manufacturer's site.

I hope this helps everyone who is wondering whether it is compatible or not. By the way, this is a great price in comparison to the manufacturer's site.

Here is the compatibility list as of today:
Canon Elura 40MC , EOS-10D , Powershot A10 , Powershot A20 , PowerShot A300 Series , PowerShot A40 , PowerShot A60 , PowerShot A70 , PowerShot A75 , Powershot G1 , PowerShot G2 , PowerShot G3 , PowerShot G5 , PowerShot Pro1 , PowerShot S1 IS , Powershot S10 Zoom , Powershot S20 , PowerShot S200 , PowerShot S230 , PowerShot S30 , Powershot S300 , PowerShot S330 , PowerShot S40 , PowerShot S400 Series , PowerShot S45 , PowerShot S50 , PowerShot S500 , PowerShot S60 , PowerShot SD10 , PowerShot SD100 Series , ZR50MC

Casio EXILIM EX-M2 , EXILIM EX-P600 , EXILIM EX-S2 , EXILIM EX-S3 , EXILIM EX-Z3 , EXILIM EX-Z30 , Exilim EX-Z40 , Exilim EX-Z4U , QV-2300UX , QV-3000EX , QV-3000Plus , QV-5700 , QV-R3 , QV-R40 Series , QV-R51

Contax SL300R T , TVS

Epson PhotoPC 3000Z , PhotoPC 3100Z , R-D1

Fujifilm FinePix 1400 , FinePix 2300
FujiFilm FinePix 2600 Zoom
Fujifilm FinePix 2650 , FinePix 2800 Zoom , FinePix 3800 , FinePix 4700 , FinePix 4800Z , FinePix 6800Z , FinePix A120 , FinePix A200 , FinePix A203 , FinePix A205 Zoom , FinePix A210 Zoom , FinePix A303 , FinePix A330 , FinePix F400 , FinePix F402 , FinePix F410 , FinePix F420 Zoom , FinePix F610 , FinePix F700 , FinePix F710 , FinePix M603

Gateway DC-T23

HP Photosmart 320 , Photosmart 435 , Photosmart 620 , Photosmart 720 , PhotoSmart C215/C215xi , Photosmart R707
JVC GC-QX-3HD , GC-QX-5HD
Kodak CX7220 , CX7300 , CX7330 , CX7430 , CX7530 , DC 4800 , DC215 , DC215 Millenium , DC290 , DC3400 , DX7440 , DX7630 , EasyShare CX6330 , EasyShare DX3500 , EasyShare DX3600 Zoom , EasyShare DX3900 Zoom , EasyShare DX4900 , LS443 , LS743 , LS753

Konica KD-500 Zoom , KD-510 Zoom

Konica Minolta DiMAGE G600 , Dimage Xg

Kyocera Finecam L30 , Finecam M400R , Finecam S3L , Finecam S3R , Finecam S5R , Finecam SL300R , Finecam SL400R

Minolta Dimage 2300 , Dimage 2300 Zoom , DiMAGE E201 , DiMAGE E223 , DiMAGE E323 , Dimage F100 , DiMAGE F300 , DiMAGE G400 , DiMAGE G500 , Dimage S404 , DiMAGE S414 , Dimage X , DiMAGE X20 , DiMAGE Xi

Nikon Coolpix 2100 , Coolpix 2500 , Coolpix 3100 , Coolpix 3200 , Coolpix 3500 , Coolpix 3700 , Coolpix 4100 , Coolpix 4200 , Coolpix 4300 , Coolpix 4500 , Coolpix 5000 , Coolpix 5200 , Coolpix 5400 , Coolpix 5700 , Coolpix 775 , Coolpix 800 , Coolpix 885 , Coolpix 950 , Coolpix 990 , Coolpix 995 , Coolpix SQ

Olympus C-2040 , C-3000 Zoom , C-3030 Zoom , C-3040 Zoom , C-4000 Zoom , C-5000 Zoom , C-5060 Zoom , C-60 , C-765 , C-770 UZ , Camedia C-3020 , Camedia C-4040 Zoom , Camedia C-700 Ultra Zoom , Camedia C-720 Ultra Zoom , Camedia C-770 , Camedia D-550 Zoom , D-100 , D-150 Zoom , D-360L , D-395 , D-40 Zoom , D-510 Zoom , D-540 Zoom , D-580 Zoom , Ferrari Digital 2004 , Stylus 300 , Stylus 400 , Stylus 410 Digital

Panasonic DMC-FZ1 , DMC-FZ2 , DMC-LC33 , DMC-LC43 , DMC-LC50 , DMC-LC70 , Lumix DMC-LC33 , PV-DC 3000A , PV-DC 3010

Pentax Optio 330GS , Optio 33L , Optio 33LF , Optio 33WR ,

Optio 43WR , Optio 450 , Optio 550 , Optio 555 , Optio S , Optio S30 , Optio S4 , Optio S40 , Optio S4i

Richo Caplio G3 , Caplio RX
Samsung Digimax U-CA 3 , Digimax V4
Sanyo DSC-J1 , Xacti DSC-S Series

Sony Cyber Shot DSC-F88 , Cyber Shot DSC-P9 , Cyber Shot DSC-S75 , CyberShot DSC-F707 , CyberShot DSC-P71 , CyberShot DSC-S85 , CyberShot DSC-U10 , Cybershot DSC-V1 , DCR-PC101 , DCR-PC120BT , DCR-TRV18 , DCR-TRV27 , DSC-F717 , DSC-F88 , DSC-P10 , DSC-P100 , DSC-P32 , DSC-P41 , DSC-P52 , DSC-P72 , DSC-P73 , DSC-P8 , DSC-P92 , DSC-P93 , DSC-T1 , DSC-T11 , DSC-U10 , DSC-U20 , DSC-U40 , DSC-U50 , DSC-U60 , DSC-W1 , Mavica CD350

Toshiba PDR-5300 , PDR-M25 , PDR-M71

I am one of those people with several high tech small equipments who is always on the go.

This bag is great. I'm using it for my VAIO V505EC Sony laptop. It works wonders. hey, I dont normally write reviews bec. it takes most of my time, but I have to recommend this bag.

I am advising people to buy this if they want a backpack for their small equipment. Dont think about those bulky SLR cameras or 15-17 inches of laptop. Think portability. If you want to glide around the city withouth an aching back then I want you to buy this camera/laptop/ipod backpack.

Hey, you may be wondering how in the world am I going to fit my sony vaio laptop,eh? well, the dividers you see in the photo is quite deceiving. its just velcro divider- that means you can manipulate the end and stuff. Anyway, to hold my laptop, I use two velcro divider to strap ot. Truthfully, I end up using a longer velcro from another bag. It works well! my expensive laptop is held togther by the strap bec of the velcro.

No more descriptiopn of the velcor. its boring me.

Bottom line---this bag is cheap and on SALE. You cant go wrong bec it is made from good material and it has pockets for batteries and films. Targus struck my heart with such ingenuity.

Im taking my time writing this review bec. i love this bag. backpacks and cases from sony will cost me 80 dollars (not including the hideous tax and repulsive shipping fee). Well, i got a free gigantic laptop bag from Sony..huhuhu.. I'm petite size 5'3 so I look pathetic with the gigantic bag over me. But with this bag, no body knows that I have a laptop in it. Its a humble bag. I am not scared to walk around New York with it.

There--i poured my heart. Just give me a call if you want to chat. :) Mwaa!

As usual from Targus, this is a great bag: well thought out and excellent sturdy construction. But, in spite of the Pro Series in the name, it is definitely not a Pro bag. The bag is not appropriate for SLR cameras or even Prosumer level video. It is great for consumer level products, with enough room for a point and shoot and handheld camcorder and accessories, and some other gadgets, like a separate pouch that attaches to the front strap for your cell phone.

I replaced a 7 year old Canon HI8 camcorder with this one. I've had the 109 for a couple of months now and here are my comments.

GOOD:
Size: It is really small and compact. Well built and solid.
Motor noise: My camera has no motor noise. Absolutely none. I have seen some reviews that say their camera has motor noise. My suggestion is, if you get one that does, replace it. Perhaps you got an early one or a gray market?
Battery life: I get about 2 hours with the standard, tiny battery. Interestingly, the same reviewer that said he had motor noise claimed to get less than an hour with his battery. There must be something wrong with his camera.
Low light: Seems to be pretty good and better than competition.
Simplicity: It is very easy to use as a point and shoot. There are only a few buttons. The LCD screen doubles as a touch screen for the menu.
Docking station: Makes it convenient to plug-in to the computer because the docking station is always connected to the computer, and to a wall outlet for charging.

BAD:
Small LCD screen: I guess this is a tradeoff with the small camera size (but if you have seen Sony's new T1 still camera, they know how to put a large LCD on a small camera). Also, the LCD can wash-out in sunlight, like most other cameras.
Docking station: Although convenient, the only way to recharge the battery is to plug the camera into the docking station. This means, for trips, you have to take the camera, the cord, and the docking station with you. This is inconvenient and bulky. Sony could have easily made the cord plug into both the camera and the docking station for recharge, but Sony instead has elected to release an optional "compact" battery charger for around $70. Typical Sony. Similarly, the camera itself has analog video outputs. To get digital outputs, you have to go through the docking station.
Microphone: It is placed on top of the camera, so it does pick up some non-directional noise (from places other than directly in front of the camera). It seems to be somewhat directional though because it doesn't really pick up noise from the shooter.

I just got this camcorder, and played with it about an hour, so it might be a bit premature for a detailed review. Yet, my first impression was "wow". It is slick, compact and good-looking.

That was until I inserted the tape. Someone said there is no motor noise. Not ture. This is really major drawback especially for me since one of the major reason I bought this was to replace my aged Samsung SD60, which had an excessive background noise. I compared these two side-by-side, and noise level is about the same to my surprise. I recorded video, and yes, there is white noise (from the motor) in the background when played back on my TV. This explains why the built-in microphone on Sony is located on top of the camcorder.

Still, this is an awesome camcorder. I do like the touch screen LCD, which will be taking some time to get used to, and mostly the compactness and slickness of it.

Things can add up to put this camcorder in good use. I already spent more than a few hundred bucks on accessaries; Polarized filter lense, portible tripod, extra battery (NP-FF71), matching carrying bag. And considering to buy the microphone to reduce the amount of the noise from the motor being recorded.

Lastly, the battery (NP-FF51) seems to drain quite fast. I would not last an hour in typical use. An extra battery seems to be a must.

I bought this in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during a camera fair. I guess the most important thing to me was size, as I wanted to make sure the camera was with me as often as possible. Having a small camcorder REALLY increases its utilisation, as it's not much of a bother to bring it with you to most places. I felt it would have been a pity to spend all that cash on something and yet not fully utilise it. I have had it for 2 months and have since used up 6 miniDV tapes. It helps also that it is simple to use. Good for the point-and-shoot users as well as the slightly more technically inclined.

I've only really used the video function as I have a Canon Ixus400 which takes care of my still-shot needs. But the still pictures taken with the PC109 are not bad for those rushed moments. You can even snap a still pic while recording video, but only to 640x480.

Outside and in bright conditions, the picture quality is excellent. In dark situations, of course the image quality suffers. This is the case with any camcorder, and I feel the PC109 does better than other compact camcorders. I have purchased a light (HVL S3D) which helps a little. Also has some features like "twilight mode" and "backlight" for subjects lit from behind which also help.

The mic is placed on top of the camera. Not the ideal place, as it picks up noise not from the front of the camera. It sounds okay when played back on TV, but could be better. I will probably purchase a mic for the hotshoe.

The LCD Screen is ok for a camera this size. Very clear in most situations. Direct sunlight makes it a little harder to see, though.

This camera handles Analog input AND output as well as Digital Input AND Output. I have hooked it up to an older camcorder to convert to miniDV. I have hooked it up to TVs (A/V) and computers(iLink and USB). I've made VCDs with the supplied cables and software. I've recorded video from computer to tape. No problems.

Extra:
1) Touch Screen - Very stylish. Also lessens the clutter of buttons found on most cammcorders. You can also customise the menu with features you use most often. Some labels on the menu are not self evident though.

2) Hot-shoe - definitely welcome. For using a light, mic etc. Canon Elura models are otherwise comparable but lack a hot-shoe. This is why i bought the PC109.

3) No discernable motor noise.

4) Placement of buttons is quite logical. I have had no trouble pushing the wrong buttons. After some practice, very easy to operate.

5) Cradle - quite useful as you dont have to keep plugging cables into the camcorder itself. Just drop it into the cradle.

6) Battery life of included battery is okay. enough for a 60 minute tape and a bit more.

7) Super Steady Shot seems to do the job.

Could improve:
1) Doesnt have a focus ring. You have to use the touch Screen.

2) No built in light. The PC105 at least had a built in flash for still shots.

3) Mic Placement on top. Not the ideal location but practically all the vertical cameras do this. Most of my shooting is done at close quarters so not a big deal. I will eventually get a zoom mic though.

4) Tape door is on the bottom. A minor issue for me as i rarely have time to set it up on a tripod.

5) The Software provided is quite basic. And its weird that when i convert to VCD, it handles the data in 10 minute pieces.

This camera is great while recording in bright light scence. The video quality is amazing. When I play it on my Sony WEGA TV, the color blue, green and red is so vivid. It looks just like DVD at all!! I am really satisfied about this. But unfortually when you use it in a low light condition, indeed, like previous reviews said, the color just washed out, the forcus can't stop changing. I really don't get it why a bright len like this (F1.8) has such poor performance in low light.
There are several more constraints I want to mention. The email (mpeg4) quality is really .... Even in a bright daylight outdoor condition, the email clip looks almost black and white. It's totally unacceptable. Further more, if you want to use its still image funtion. You had better buy another one. The still image quality is so poor. It looks like the camcorder just capture it from its video mode. I hope that you can understand what I said. I believe it just a function to "simulate" the digital still camera. I guess this is why its shutter speed is only available in 1/250, 1/60, 1/30. I am so glad that I didn't buy another bigger memory card, because I will never use it from now on. Turely, the still image function is really nothing but junk at all. As for battery, 700 mah is just not enough, you can use it to record around 40 mins with LCD on. Another backup battery is necessary or you can buy the car charger. It will take about half hour to fully recharge it. Or you can buy the 1400mah one but it's too expensive. (Other third party battery is much cheaper but poor quality)
Conclusion:
Best "video" camcorder I have ever seen. Execellent video quality in bright light. It is so small, campact and light weight. I can even put it in my canon powershot s30 digital camera carrying case. If you don't plan to use it as digital still camera, then go for it. Definitely worth it. Right now I am quite happy with the combination with JVC DVP7U and Canon S30. I can get great video and photo picture from them

After a week of heavy use while travelling in difficult lighting conditions and varied temps (0 - 40 deg C), indoors and out, shooting action, I still love this camera. Great pictures with honest color and no jaggies, fast reaction to subject moving in and out of shadow/sunlight, good sound, and easy to use even with gloves on. Battery life is short from monitor but recharges fast/easily with inverter in car and changes fast on fly. Spares are lightweight and fit handily in tiny belt-sized camera bag, so I still vote for convenience factor (I carried 2 spares). Downloads to hard-drive a snap. Menus easy to work and intuitive, and the blank search feature a plus to prevent broken timecode. Major improvements from previous top-of-line Sony. Purse-size will make it a constant companion, so no photo-ops missed. Highly recommended.

This camcorder has passed my test, very successfully. I give it very high marks and is well worth the price! I brought it for my Philppine vacation and...boy, did I make the best of it!

I played around with all the feautes, ended up using what suited me best, e.g., widescreen format (awesome), night owl (so,so, need to keep camera still), framed photo capturing, fade to black inbetween shots (great feature-makes your shots seem professionally filmed), and wind reduction, are along the others I learned to use and have adapted. Being able to switch from video mode to memory mode (for taking digital stills) has never been easier. It takes a few seconds to adjust but its quick enough. What I would do is capture some events in video and wish to also capture it in digital stills so that I can develop it. Just a small switch allows me to do this.

The functions/features may seem complicated at first, but like anything else, you got to "grind" the info at hand and get use to it. Hey, its the only camcorder on my trip, so I had to make the best of it! The only disadvantages it has that I found, but easily tolerated, is the image focusing. The camcorder sometimes has trouble auto-focusing when it can't seem to find its target or focal point. Its also hard to take sharp dark video and image shots when the "Night Owl" is set. Its required that you keep the camcorder still as best possible, or else it will come out blurry. As you'll find out, its hard to keep a camera very still! But in the brightest of days, especially found in the Philippines, the outcome of pictures and video, is impressively sharp. Outstanding, digital quality video!

Overall, the advantages very much outweigh the disadvantages unanimously! Its very stylish, would just place it in my pocket and ready to shoot whenever. Its got a full load of features that are very much necessary and impressive, allowing a professional outcome. Most important of all, the camcorder produces great quality digital video!! Can't say much about the digital 1.02 Mpx, but its good enough for a camcorder. The emphasis of this review is pretty much its digital quality video, it is quite impressive!

I've personlly returned to this site to make this review because I feel that I owe it to other fellow customers of how much I appreciated this camcorder. I do own one and will not return it, unless in need of repair, of course.

We received this camera as a Christmas present last year, and we loved it at first. Loads of features and easy to use. However, the camera died after 6 hours of use. We took the camera into an authorized repair shop, and it has been there for the past 4 months!!! The RCA Customer service department is HORRIBLE!!...So now we have a camera sitting in a repair shop, and a manufacturer that won't return our calls or stand behind their product.

This video camera is the best camera I have used in a price range of under one-thousand dollars. I work with Canon GL1's, GL 2's, and XL 1's and I like this camera the most, when considering price and ease of use. Anyone considering buying a camcorder should look no further!

I just got this camera. I am a novice at digital video, so I am reading Rubin's "little digital video book", and as per his tutilage, I made my first video of my bedroom using this gem of a camera. The 3.5 inch LCD screen was large, looked like a little TV set, and doing the shooting was a pleasure. When I played it back, low and behold, the shakies had disappeared -- the built in digital image stabilization. What fun! So now to try to make a real video out of that. So I bought a firewire card, plugged it into my PIII (850mhz) pc with 390 RAM, and installed adobe premiere. Would it work with the RCA? Well, setting the software to "generic" camera, it worked!!! I could control the camera from the software and capture the clips. Now for the editing. I was able to make a little video along with a disolve transition between clips. Eureka!!! double fun.

This camera is lovely. I debated whether or not to get a Canon or a Sony, but the Amazon price on this was hmmmmmmm most compelling compared to the prices on similarly equiped cameras of these other mainstream brands. I'm not sure it will be available again on Amazon because it was a closeout, but if it does, it's recommended.