This ain't yo Daddy's camcorder...
Written: Oct 14 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Affordable Sony Craftsmanship
Cons: lacking some features
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| superkrank's Full Review: Sony Handycam DCR-TRV110 Digital-8, DV Camcorder |
The Sony DCR-TRV110 is one of Sony’s most affordable
digital camcorder offering. It is a “base” model, meaning
that it offers only the most basic features. This allows
consumers who do not need extra features to save money.
It also opens the digital camcorder market to those who
may be on a limited budget.
If you look at all of the digital camcorders on the market
today it appears that, while there are many small
distinctions, most digital camcorders resemble a similar
base model. This generic base digital camcorder has the
following features: digital photo mode, viewfinder/LCD
screen combination, powerful digital zoom, digital image
stabilizer, as well as numerous digital “special effects”
settings. Upon this base model, each camcorder company
has added its own unique set of features.
The TRV110 is the perfect “base” model. It incorporates
all of the above features, without going overboard with
unnecessary ones. The base features that I believe make
buying a digital camcorder rather than an analog camcorder
worth while are: Digital Photo Mode and the digital special
effects options. In addition, date stamping, digital zoom
and the use of a Lithium Ion battery are a bonus.
Digital Photo Mode
This perk of digital recording allows people to save a good
deal of money by performing the same task as a digital still
camera (albeit at a reduced resolution).
While some may initially argue that you could just freeze
frame a traditional camcorder for the same effect, this is not
entirely true. The digital photo mode offers a couple of
advantages. First, it will automatically “mark” the spot on
the tape where the photo is stored, allowing for quick
retrieval. Also, the digital format allows for transfer to a
computer.
Lithium Ion Battery
Remembering back to my childhood days once again, I can
remember vividly my father’s frustration at the limited
battery-life of his video-dinosaur. It always seemed that no
matter what he tried he would always run out of battery just
as my basketball team was mounting another 4th quarter
comeback.
The TRV-110 makes use of the Lithium Ion battery system,
which with an investment in an upgraded battery (NP-
F960) can offer recording power for up to 12 hours, long
enough to satisfy just about anyone’s recording needs.
Digital Zoom
Consistent with most of Sony’s latest camcorders the
TRV-110 comes equipped with a powerful digital zoom.
While the resolution drops rather dramatically the digital
zoom does come in handy up to around 250X.
Date Stamp
It is no longer necessary to remember to hit the date button
while recording. The date/time function can be activated
during PLAYBACK on the TRV-110. This comes in
extremely handy because you will never again have to ask,
“when was that again???” Nor will the date stamp get
annoying if you accidentally leave it on while recording.
Final Verdict
The TRV110 is a fabulously priced entry-level digital
camera which I would recommend for anyone who is
interested in entering the digital camcorder market but
doesn’t have a huge budget to work with. It is also a good
choice for those who will be using their camcorder for basic
recording and don’t want to waste money on options that
they won’t utilize.
Internet Deals (“Superkrank Specials”)
There are some good deals available for the TRV110 that
can be yours with a little online research. One site that I
found with an especially good deal was
www.beststopdigital.com which offers the TRV110 for
under $700. This is a savings of over 20% off of the
Epinions list price of $900.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
superkrank
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Location: Pensacola, FL
Reviews written: 33
Trusted by: 11 members
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