popsrocks's Full Review: Sony Handycam CCD-TRV68 Hi-8 Analog Camcorder
First thing, I am not easy on my possessions. I swing them, drop them, leave them in hot cars, pack them in carry on luggage, and have them on tables with the strap hanging over where young ones can reach them. I own the video camera over a year now and it's still working well. This camera takes it all.
Last year before a trip to Italy, my wife went out and purchased this camera. The other one we had just died. Maybe it was killed. As I said I am a bit rough on these products. Not being experimental we did not opt for the new digital cameras. We are slowly getting pushed into the computer age, but not on this purchase.
When I opened it up it looked small and compact compared to my old video camera. My first thought was I would probably break this little toy fairly quickly. It is very lightweight and has all kinds of built in toys and effects.
First thing is I had never used a camera with the built in LCD screen. Wow! It made my videoing so much easier. I no longer had to keep my eye attached to the camera. One of the reasons I never liked to video is because I would have to experience everything through a view finder. This LCD screen feature is great. I could hold the camera and take some quick glimpses and see all was going well. Over the head shots were now possible with certainty that I got what I wanted. It is very bright and I could see it even in bright sunlight. It twists around easily and is tough enough not to break off.
The zoom that goes up to 460x is a pleasure to use. It moves very smoothly and I can use it effectively in my shooting. I was amazed as to how close it could bring an object. It is better than any binoculars I ever used. The fact is though that when you bring something from so far away the shaking does get to be too much.
I liked the fade also. I do some editing of one scene to another using this. I like it.
I did have a problem trying to figure out the different other effect in the camera. I have not used the search for editing yet. Still have to figure that one out. I do use the titler.
The NPF-F330 battery that came with the camera lasts well. I did purchase a F550 as a backup. I never am out of charge with these two going. The camera came with a charger and it acts as an AC adapter also. I don't like the adapter it has so you can charge different shaped batteries. It has too many parts that can be easily lost.
The batteries snap in and out of the camera effortlessly and are well secured with a firm snap when you put it in.
The quality of the picture is excellent. Very bright and clear. You can also record in very dim light and dark areas with truly excellent results! I record in SP mode only. If I'm going to spend the time videoing I may as well have the best quality I can have.
The sound quality is good. Unfortunately, I have to remember not to sing along with any songs that may be playing while I am taping. I'm not sure if it's my voice or the camera that is recording the sound badly. My wife tells me it's my voice.
The grip and feel of the camera is very good. I have big hands and it easily adjusted to them. The power button and all responded well and are easy to find in the blind. Same again with the zoom. It's right there at your finger tip and nicely responsive.
I also like the back light feature. It certainly helps eliminate those dark pictures when you have very bright light coming into the lens from somewhere else.
The camera came with a S video out wire so I get great quality on my TV when I plug it in. I don't like the fact that there is no remote control. I have to be glued to the camera when showing a video that I want to edit as we show it.
I do like the way the tape goes in and out of the camera. You flip the lid and press a button. The carriage then lifts up the tape so you can easily grab it. With my big hands that's a plus.
This is a high 8 format. While in Canada this summer I had trouble finding extra tapes. I suggest you bring plenty of extras while traveling.
The camera has some of the usual features most cameras have, a screw hole for a shoe or tripod, a movable lens finder, a play tape mode for viewing, fast forward, pause, and rewind. It has a lens cover cap and rubber eye piece over the view finder. The strap is adjustable and I try not to let it hang off tables and shelves now. I am really liking this camera!
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