My best purchase this year. Sony TRV67 Hi8 Camcorder
Dec 11 '00
I've had this camcorder for 9 months now. I've used it to film a wedding, several parties, and dozens of practical jokes. I have found that the sound, picture quality, stability, options, and special effects have met all of my needs. I shopped around for 2 weeks before purchasing the Sony camcorder, and I'm glad I purchased the camcorder in February instead of losing it in the stock market in March. I've suggested this model to all of my friends that were looking at camcorders in the $800 price range.
I know I had some questions when I was looking at camcorders, so lets look at yours.
Why didn't you get a digital camcorder?
The digital camcorders were $200-$400 more expensive when I purchased this one. Also, the digital tapes are about $25 and the Hi8 tapes are about $3.50. Furthermore, the picture and sound quality are excellent on the Hi8 tape, so I feel I made an excellent choice. If money is not an object, I would get a digital camcorder. Everything about them is less bulky.
How can I view the Hi8 tapes on my TV?
The last camcorder I had was a Panasonic camcorder which had the larger tapes that go in VHS tapes and you put them in the VCR. The Hi8 tapes do not have this functionality. You have to connect the cords directly to your television if you want to watch the tape. So, make sure you have accessible input/output/video connections (Those are the red, white, and yellow connectors).
Is Hi8 an accepted format?
Tough question to answer. You can buy the Hi8 tapes from several different tape manufacturers from any retail store (Staples, Best Buy, etc...) However, I went to Costa Rica this summer and I wanted to get the Hi8 tape put onto VHS and they needed my camcorder in order to do the editing. It was a slight nuisance, but I think as long as the camcorder works you will be able to edit the film easily.
How easy is it to cut film and send out clips in emails?
Several things are needed in order for this to work. You have to purchase a "Firewire" ($40.00) from a retail store. Then, you have to have the video software on your computer. I have a roommate who has a Macintosh G3 and he looked into buying the software. It would have been about $500 for video editing software. Luckily, his sister has an iMac which comes pre-loaded with the video software. Once I had the software, it was very easy to make a few clips that can be viewed by all of our friends. The Hi8 tapes even remembered the date and time when each clip was recorded. The iMac's start at about $700 and go up from there. If you are looking for a IBM compatible solution, you should look into the Sony Vaio.
How are the night shots?
This is the most impressive feature of the Sony Camcorder. Although everything is in a gray-green hue, the picture quality at night is excellent. I have great shots of body surfing at night and night sledding.
Should I get the warranty?
I spent $150 on a 3 year warranty and I haven't needed it in the last 9 months, but you never know. Usually, if the thing is going to break it will within the first 30 days.
How long does the battery last?
It comes with a battery that lasts only about an hour and a half. I went ahead and purchased one that adds a negligible about of weight and 7 hours of record/playback time. I think the $80 was worth it. Especially when I was walking through the rainforests of Costa Rica and had no way to recharge. I think having a second batter in the bag is always a good idea.
Is it durable?
I've done some heavy jostling and running, but never dropped it. So far, so good. I haven't experienced any awkward ejecting like I did with my panasonic camcorder.
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Epinions.com ID:
elastica
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Member: Eric Lastic
Location: Falls Church, VA
Reviews written: 46
Trusted by: 10 members
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