First off, I'm going to start out saying that there are other models out there that do have better quality than the TRV 730, but they sure aren't less than $1,000.
This camcorder does everything you want it to do. I tried out most of the common features for you, regular taping, still pics, mpegs and they work well under specific circumstances.
I probably tested this camera in every environment imaginable. i have to caution you that when there's low light in the rooms the still pics do not come out well. Make sure you have normal lighting when you're using it and you will get excellent still pics. These aren't digital camera quality, but surely good enough to send on the internet or use for most other things. There are programs that you can use to clean them up with if they aren't crystal clear. although I can't think of one right now, i can tell you that it's basically the same programs and techniques that are used to clean up digital photography. The nightshot feature also works great. After viewing my tape, everyone commented how much they actually like that particular feature.
The sound was great and the picture quality on the tape was also good. I'll tell you this though, all pictures have a blue tint to them, but then ALL Sony camcorders have this thing with them. Some have told me that if you want to watch the tape on your TV, use the A/V connector AND the S-Video Output on the back of your VCR. They say it gives it a sharper, clearer pic, but I think that that's only the A/V working there. You can certainly try it, but i stick just with the A/V. The other thing I can tell you is that those who criticize it are either professional photographers, who are cheap and bought this one instead of spending a good deal of money for a perfect one, people who have faulty camcorders, or "black market" camcorders, so what I would recommend is don't buy from the internet, especially if the price difference is only $50. I would risk the cash to have a warranty and a legal camcorder at a store I can take it back to.
I certainly recommend this camera, since it's got many features, some that the average users won't use but don't hurt to have, the pic quality is great, the still quality in good lighting conditions are good, and the nightshot feature is excellent.
I do notice that the built-in stereo mics aren't balanced all that great. If you speak into the right mic, sound comes out correctly on the far right channel, but if you speak into the left side mic, the sound comes out as if it is in the middle of the scene and not the far left side. Seems the directional mixer of the mic is not working that great, most don't notice anyway.
If you didn't know this already, you can go to Sears and buy it for about $780-850, then print out an internet ad for the lowest price you could find and they will match that price for you, no questions asked. So basically, you could get a camera right from the factory at a store near you for around $600-700. I tell ya, there's always a way to beat the price.
I have had no problems uploading my pics from the camcorder to my PC, which is an HP, but I have heard that there are problems transferring them to Compaqs, I have no idea why. Probably it's just a faulty camera or bad plug. I have personally tried it on old and new Compaqs (with USB) and it works just fine. Addressing the Macintosh users, it's got great compatibility with iMovie for the Mac, no problems at all on the G4 macs. The USB Cable that is supplied is easy to use and takes a couple seconds to transfer pics with, in other words: very easy, fun, and no problem.
I would also recommend buying a longer life battery (NP-FM70) and the VF-R37K filter kit with this camera, it gives you a little bit of a better performance.
I'm not going to give an overview of the features you can find in the product overview, but here's something else.
This is a top class Digital8 camcorder. Digital8 utilizes the digital video format, but records onto Hi8 tapes, and can play your old Hi8 and 8mm movies. The 18x optical (400x digital) zoom is combined with image stabilization, because high zoom leads to a shaky image. Also, a 16:9 widescreen-shooting mode lets you shoot movies in the same aspect ratio as Hollywood films. MPEG movies and digital stills can be recorded onto the 4 MB Memory Stick (included), which can then be downloaded to your computer through a USB connection. Like all DV camcorders, the audio is recorded at CD quality levels (PCM digital stereo). If you need more professional sound than the built-in mic can provide, a mic input jack is located on the camcorder.
Also included with the camera are a shoulder strap, lens cap, battery, AC adapter, and remote control.
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