The Sony DCR-TRV19 is the Sony’s entry-level MiniDV digital camcorder. And entry-level does not mean “limited”. The camcorder has many advanced functions and solid performance.

MiniDV Format

MiniDV format is a digital format, which is better than analog video formats for several reasons, some of which are:

1. No video noise is introduced by the media (tape)
2. Since the recording is digital, the quality will not decrease over time.
3. The copies have the same quality as original (if the copy is made using digital connection – i.Link/FireWire/IEEE 1394).
4. The horizontal resolution is higher than in consumer-grade analog standards
5. Ease of computer transfer, converting and editing

MiniDV is the industry standard and is the most commonly used digital video format for camcorders. Sony also produces Digital8 camcorders in addition to MiniDV ones, but Digital8 may only be viewed as means to decrease the costs (the tapes cost less) and provide backward compatibility (they usually play Hi8 and 8mm recordings).

The Digital8 format did not gain much acceptance among manufacturers; the D8 camcorders are larger in size than MiniDV ones (and D8/Hi8 tapes are larger than MiniDV tapes). Given a choice between MiniDV and Digital8 formats, the choice of MiniDV over D8 is evident (unless you have older 8mm/Hi8 recordings you would want to watch from time to time without converting them to MiniDV).

Video Quality

The TRV19 offers digital recording with horizontal resolution of up to 500 lines (other digital video sources like DVD players and DBS offer similar resolution), higher color bandwidth (Sony claims three times higher than VHS) and virtually no video noise. The 500 lines is a spec from the MiniDV standard, so one should not assume that all digital camcorders will feature such a high resolution figure. And “no video noise” applies to the recording process, but not necessarily to the camcorder’s optics, CCD sensor and electronics.

In other words, the resolution and picture quality in the digital camcorders are usually limited not by the medium or recording format, but the CCD, optics and electronics of the particular camcorder. The TRV19 features high quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar optics and a 680,000-pixel CCD.

The camcorder produces very sharp and clear picture with vivid colors. The edges of objects are well-defined and small detail is visible. The use of the appropriate for the lighting conditions programmed auto exposure (AE) ensures that there is no video noise caused by overexposure.

Optics and Zoom

The TRV19 has 10x optical/120x digital zoom and features Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens for improved picture quality. The special coating reduces glare and increases contrast. The Super SteadyShot system can be employed for image stabilization, which fights unwanted picture shake.

It is worth mentioning that many camcorders on the market today tout large zoom numbers (e.g. 400x, 720x, etc.). However, those numbers represent digital zoom, which degrades picture quality to a point where it is absolutely impossible to use. What matters more is the optical zoom and the 10x optical zoom the TRV19 delivers is more than enough.

Sound

The TRV19 (as other digital camcorders) uses Digital Audio Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) – same basic technology that is used in CD recording. The PCM with 12-Bit or 16-Bit mode is used. Since audio is stored separately you can use Audio Dubbing that allows you to add a stereo track of music or narration.

But Audio Dubbing cannot be used with tapes recorded in LP mode or with tapes recorded in 16-bit audio mode! To be able to use the audio dubbing, you have to record in 12-bit SP. The built-in stereo microphone is adequate and you can connect an external microphone to the camcorder’s microphone input.

LCD Touch Panel Screen

The camcorder features a 2.5-inch LCD screen, which is touch-sensitive and allows you control the camcorder’s menus with a touch. The B&W viewfinder is also present. The LCD has good visibility in sunlight and the viewfinder can be used to conserve battery power when the LCD is not needed.

Connectivity

The camcorder has an A/V out (analog stereo audio, composite video and S-Video) as well as an L (LANC) Editing Interface (provides standardized connection for synchronized operation of camcorder, VCR, and edit controller).

More importantly, the camcorder also has an i.Link® Digital Interface (a.k.a. FireWire, IEEE1394), which is a two-way input/output that carries digital audio, digital video and control signals to compatible digital VCRs, edit controllers and computers.

You can get into digital video editing by getting a computer equipped with an i.Link interface and software. I got Pinnacle Systems’ Studio DV for less than $90 from Amazon.com, including a 3-port FireWire PCI card, a cable and editing software.

Video editing software not only allows you to transfer your video form the camcorder to your computer, but also edit it (add music/narration, scene transitions, titles, etc.) and output it back to the tape.

The camcorder also has USB jack, microphone input and a headphone out. In addition, it features an “Intelligent Accessory Shoe” on top, which accepts a range of different auxiliary devices: photo printer, microphone, video light...

The USB jack can be used to output digital still pictures to your computer as well as to use the camcorder for live or recorded MPEG streaming to your computer (only Windows-equipped computers).

Reduced Button Count

The camcorder looks quite sturdy and does not feature as many buttons as the previous models, thanks to the use of the touch panel LCD screen.

Digital Still Pictures

You can take digital still pictures and record them on tape. The pictures look only adequate enough for emailing and the TRV19 is not a replacement for a digital camera. There is no memory card to record pictures on. In any case, a good $200-300 digital camera will be better than any camcorder when it comes to taking digital still pictures.

Features

The camcorder employs a 680,000-pixel CCD (the high resolution increases the picture quality). It has 6 modes of programmed AE, manual and auto focus.

Once again, if the Program AE you selected is unsatisfactory, the exposure can also be controlled manually to avoid overexposure (and video noise in low-light scenes). The camcorder has picture effects and digital effects, several A/V fader modes, 16:9 recording.

You can also shoot in the dark with Sony’s NightShot. It works in complete darkness detecting infra-red light. The built-in Infrared light can be turned on for clearer picture up to 10 feet away. The picture will be monochrome.

Battery

The camcorder uses an InfoLithium® battery. The supplied NP-FM30 battery lasts about 40-50 minutes if you use the LCD. You can conserve the energy by using the viewfinder instead (this will give you about 20 extra minutes) or getting a battery of the larger capacity. Playback is less demanding and you can play your videos on the LCD screen for more than one hour.

The Stamina® Power Management lowers power consumption and extends battery life when camera is not in use. The approximate remaining power can be seen in minutes on the camcorder's LCD or viewfinder with AccuPower™ feature. It is indeed “Accu” – quite accurate.

Bottom Line

The Sony DCR-TRV19 is a good value and features very good picture quality and features for the price. It is a good choice, unless you need analog inputs or more convenient digital still picture functionality.


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 590