Sony DCR-TRV30 MiniDV Digital Camcorder / 1.5-Megapixel Still Camera With USB
Written: Jul 18 '01 (Updated Aug 30 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Stylish, excellent picture quality, features, still resolution, LCD size
Cons: Standard battery capacity
The Bottom Line: The TRV30 provides excellent picture quality and high still resolution.
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| dkozin's Full Review: Sony Handycam DCR-TRV30 (sntrv30) Battery |
The Sony DCR-TRV30 MiniDV digital camcorder features an impressive 1.5-megapixel CCD, which allows it, in addition to impressive video quality, take still pictures at resolution up to 1360x1020.
MiniDV vs. Digital8 vs. Analog
First, the digital video is better than analog video for several reasons:
1. Since the recording is digital, the quality will not decrease over time.
2. There is no noise introduced by the media
3. The horizontal resolution is higher than in analog standards, be it VHS, Super VHS, 8mm or Hi8.
4. The copies have the same quality as original (if the copy is made using digital connection – i.Link/FireWire/IEEE 1394)
Although Sony and Hitachi produce Digital8 camcorders in addition to MiniDV models, MiniDV is an industry standard and is the most commonly used digital video format. The Digital8 format may be viewed as means to decrease the costs (the tapes costs less) and provide backward compatibility (they usually play Hi8 and 8mm recordings, with the exception of Sony TRV130).
The MiniDV tapes can be used in the LP mode for increased capacity without compromising the picture quality – since the data is stored in the digital format. But you will not be able to use audio dubbing feature.
PICTURE
With impressive 1.5-megapixel CCD, the TRV30 offers excellent picture quality, with well-defined edges and great color reproduction. The resolution and picture quality in the digital camcorders are usually limited not by the medium, but the CCD, optics and electronics. Which is the reason that people buy more expensive models than sub-$1000 to get better picture quality.
The 1.5-megapixel CCD has resolution that several times more than the resolution of cheap digital camcorder models.
SOUND
As other digital camcorders, this one employs Digital Audio Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) - similar to CD recording technology, with (can be selected from the menu) 12-bit or 16-bit modes. Since audio is stored separately you can use Audio Dubbing that allows you to add a stereo track of music or narration, but only in 12-bit SP mode.
As with other digital audio formats, the sound quality does not deteriorate over time and there is no “background” noise introduced by the media itself.
ZOOM & OPTICS
The camcorder employs 10x optical/120x digital zoom and has Carl Zeiss lens for better 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 from getting recorded on tape.
ADC & ANALOG-DIGITAL PASSTHROUGH
The TRV30 features an analog-digital converter (ADC), which converts analog signal from the analog input, so you can either record it on the MiniDV tape in digital format or send it through the IEEE-1394 (FireWire, i.Link) interface to your computer, compatible VCR or another device. The analog sources you might want to convert include video you want to store for a long time or edit.
LCD
In addition to color viewfinder, the camcorder features a large 3.5” LCD. The LCD has excellent visibility in sunlight. You can use the viewfinder to conserve battery power.
INPUTS
The camcorder has analog A/V inputs and outs, including S-Video. The camcorder also has an i.Link® Digital Interface (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.
It features an L (LANC) Editing Interface that provides standardized connection for synchronized operation of camcorder, VCR, and edit controller. One of the ways to get into digital video editing is to get a computer equipped with an i.Link interface and software.
I bought Pinnacle Systems’ Studio DV (reviewed at http://dkozin.epinions.com/content_30718791300), which contains a 3-port FireWire PCI card, a cable and software. The software not only allows you to transfer your video form the camcorder to your computer and edit/convert, but also to control the camcorder’s playback from your computer.
The camcorder also features the Super Laser Link® Wireless Transmitter, which uses infrared light to make a wireless connection from the camcorder to your television up to 26 feet away. The transmitter is built-in, so you can buy a receiver and connect your camcorder wirelessly.
FEATURES
The camcorder features a 1.5-megapixel HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with low noise design. It has several modes of AE, manual focus and manual exposure in addition to automatic modes. The manual focus is controlled by the ring, which also looks cool.
You can switch between manual and automatic focus using a switch, which also has a position for “infinity” focus. The exposure can also be controlled manually when needed so you can avoid overexposure (and video noise in low-light scenes). The 2x playback zoom allows you to zoom in during the playback and enlarged pictures can be copied to MemoryStick.
The camcorder has 14 picture effects (6 digital effects), several digital A/V fader modes, 16:9 and LP mode recording. The digital and picture effects can be used independently (some of them can be combined). You can also manually adjust shutter speed when needed.
The Sony’s Super NightShot™ allows you to shoot in complete darkness up to 10 feet away. The system uses a built-in infrared light; the optional IR light can extend the range to up to 100 feet. There is also a built-in speaker (you can control the volume) and camcorder comes with a remote control and an intelligent accessory shoe (which accepts accessories ranging from lights, IR lights and photo printers to microphones that “zoom” with the camcorder).
The remote control is included and gives you access to advanced VCR functions as well as zoom, playback and shooting modes.
MEMORY STICK
The camcorder can be used as a digital still camera at up to 1360x1020 resolution, the images are stored on a supplied 4Mb Memory Stick. You can use the supplied USB cable and software to transfer images to your PC, edit and store/catalog them. The MemoryStick can also store short MPEG clips.
BATTERY
The TRV30 comes with an InfoLithium® battery, which lasts about 35 minutes if you use LCD. You can conserve the energy by using the color viewfinder, or you can get a battery of the larger capacity. You can always see the approximate remaining power: AccuPower™ meter shows you the remaining battery time in minutes on the camcorder's LCD or viewfinder.
BOTTOM LINE
The TRV30 provides excellent picture quality and high still resolution. With large LCD, USB, i.Link and other useful features, this model is a great digital camcorder.
Recommended:
Yes
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dkozin
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