Sony Solid
Written: Dec 24 '01
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Pros: Good value, lightweight, middle range video reproduction
Cons: No remote control. No tape included
The Bottom Line: Full features at a good price, isn't that what we want?
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| wangofree's Full Review: Sony Handycam CCD-TRV68 Hi-8 Analog Camcorder |
My wife's tap dancing class is slated to perform a small review in the spring and she asked me to borrow a video camera. "Heck" I thought, "they're so cheap, why not just buy one?" And so the search was on. I don't know why, but I immediately narrowed my search to Sony. I guess because it's probably the leader, I mean all I ever heard was 'Sony Handycam' I'm sure JVC, Sharp, and others make a great product, but I wasn't interested in slogging through all the reviews, etc.
Was it worth buying the Sony CCD-TRV68? You bet. The Infolithium battery system is great, giving you a periodic reading of how much battery life is left. Very handy. The camera comes with the charger for this, and acts as an AC adapter. I will probably purchase a longer life spare battery for vacations, etc.
Sony writes excellent manuals, and this is no exception.
The camera picture quality is good to excellent, depending on whether you use Hi8 tape or plain 8. Although not digital, the Hi8 platform gives you a great recording spectrum and the quality is enhanced if you use the right Auto exposure program. And of course, the 'nightshot' is a fun feature that allows recording images using the builtin infrared light, giving you a greenish/BW image in total darkness. Just right for recording wildlife in your backyard, or your neighbor stealing your yardtools.
As with all technology nowdays, this camera has a beavy of features. 20x optical, 460x digital zoom. Zoom is smooth and speed sensitive to your touch, nice. Foldout LCD screen is bright, and has adjustable light level for daylight viewing. Physically, it can be rotated 270 degrees for every possible filming/viewing need. (Ex You can hold the camera over your head and film a parade, all the while watching the viewscreen action, etc). Steady shot works well, minimizing shaking. Built in halogen light gives minimal illumination, but works ok up close. Viewfinder is a BW image, but has adjustable eyepiece and saves batterylife over the flipout LCD screen. Auto and manual focus work well, it just takes getting use to for best application and result. Fader, title, custom title, manual exposure all allow you more control over your filming. End search automatically goes to last portion of the tape you've recorded. Makes it easy to replay tape and then quickly find the end so that you can begin recording and not erase your work. The view screen image will tell you everything that's going on. S-video out allows the maximum picture quality to be sent to your television or vcr for viewing. You will need to purchase an S-video cable for this.
All in all the TRV68 is a competent video tool that is fun to use, easy to carry, and has all the features you'll need for most situations. Is it a great camera? No. It is a good camera for the money. Plenty of features that more expensive models carry. A better analog choice, and as close to digital as you can get. Well worth the money.
The only drawbacks are, there is no remote control, which would be nice when you play your tape back, otherwise you are glued to the camera. Also, no tape is included in the box, so, be sure to get some Hi8 while making the purchase.
Bring on the tap dancers!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 379.00
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Epinions.com ID:
wangofree
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Member: Michael
Location: Midwest
Reviews written: 15
Trusted by: 3 members
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