Good Compromise for those who want digital quality and 8mm
Written: Aug 29 '01
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Pros: digital 8 format, 3.5 inch screen, Sony quality, reasonably priced
Cons: still pictures, a bit bulky
The Bottom Line: 8mm capability plus digital sound and picture and 3.5 inch screen at a reasonable price point make the 530 a great buy for the money;
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| donnyg's Full Review: Sony Handycam DCR-TRV530 Digital-8 Camcorder |
Sony's hybrid 8mm/digital camcorder line puzzled many experts when first released a few years ago. Why would consumers want to stick with the old 8mm format when they could simply convert to pure digital? But Sony recognized a large consumer market of frustrated 8mm and hi-8 users with dozens of old tapes no longer playable on disabled 8mm machines. The hybrid "digital 8" line represents a compromise that may be a perfect solution for former 8mm camcorder owners.
Having used a now inoperative Sony hi-8 machine for years, I was not prepared for the marked improvement in several features of the new digital 8 line. Chief among these is video quality, followed closely by audio quality. Both are clear enhancements over the old hi-8 line. Owning a camcorder that takes advantage of digital audio and video quality yet can play one's old hi-8 tapes is a match made in camcorder heaven. Nice job, Sony!
On the other hand, the new line feels positively fossile-like in its adherence to the boxy, bulky and weighty bodies of yesteryear. I did look longingly at some of the sleek, svelte pure digital models, the ones that fit in a shirt pocket with room to spare. If you want the slimmest, smallest, most anorexic looking camcorders then these digital 8 Sonys are not for you. But those cameras will not play your old 8 mm tapes. They'll also set you back considerably more dollars.
Other advantages? The low light capability using the infrared technology is astounding, not that this feature is unique to this line. Still, you won't find this ability in the previous generation 8mm models. I've found it to be a truly useful feature for capturing dimly lit evenings. Other pluses: fabulous picture and audible sound playback, less expensive than digital tape hi-8 tapes, capability of firewire computer connection as well as the usual analog connections to VCRs and tvs, image stabilization (works well on zoomed tight shots).
Still pictures? Forget it. Go with your digital still camera, or another camcorder, or 35mm or your old Kodak Brownie. This Sony has the ability to take em and download em via USB but you won't be very happy with the resolution. Those looking for a combination videocam and digital still cam should look elsewhere.
For my needs the 530 was the right choice not only for its 8mm capability but within the Sony digital 8 product line. The larger screen size (3.5 inches versus, say the 2.5 inches on the 730 or the 330) is a definite improvement. Screen size is important not only in viewing playback (great fun) but in turning the screen around so the little ones can see themselves while you are filming--sure to elicit some extra giggles and possibly some magical video moments. The marginally better still pictures in the 730 did not make up for the advantage of the bigger screen size in the 530 to me. The 530 also possesses a slightly bigger optical zoom (25x, hefty zoom power by any criteria) and a lower price point than the 730.
Overall, the 530 delivers digital quality sound and picture, superb playback on a 3.5 inch screen, firewire computer connectivity, nice assortment of usable up-to-date camcorder features and ability to play those old 8mm and hi-8 tapes. It's not the smallest nor sleekest and its still pics leave much to be desired. But if you've got a bunch of old 8mms sitting around you'd like to play and are seeking digital quality at a reasonable price point, this camera is a strong choice. Indeed, you could argue that it (along with a few of its Sony brethren) is the only choice.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 690
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Epinions.com ID:
donnyg
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Reviews written: 6
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