Three CCDs ARE better than one!
Written: Jun 19 '03
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Pros: Superb video quality, 3CCD sensors, 1MP stills, MPEG movies, Memorystick, iLink port, Bluetooth.
Cons: Larger size compared to PC series, awkward touch screen with stylus, optional Bluetooth adapter.
The Bottom Line: A terrific choice for consumers who insist on the best possible digital video quality for their home videos. The 3CCD megapixel sensors significantly improve the image clarity and color fidelity.
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| aashok's Full Review: Sony Handycam® DCR-TRV950 Mini DV Camcorder |
My quest for the best possible video quality.
A few years ago when I adopted MiniDV as my preferred medium for capturing personal video, I had no idea how quickly it would gain mass consumer appeal. It has become wildly popular because it uses a very small cassette and allows for capturing high quality high resolution digital video. The small size along with incredible advances in electronics manufacturing processes, allow for video cameras with a very small footprint but enormous capabilities. A few years back, digital video and 3CCD technology was considered only for professional use and priced out of reach of most consumers. However the contract electronics manufacturing companies such as Solectron, Sanmina and Flextronics have further reduced the manufacturing costs thus making quality products affordable to a bigger market segment. I purchased my first MiniDV video camera, the Sony DCR-PC7, almost 5 years ago. I liked the small size and the great digital video quality. Last year I replaced it with the Sony DCR-PC120BT which was smaller and had a few more features that I wanted to have. Both these cameras had a single CCD sensor for capturing video. However I had been hearing and reading the advantages of the more advanced 3-CCD models. So I am currently in the process of testing some models made by Canon, Panasonic and Sony. But since I have had so much enjoyment with my other Sony products, I decided to start with the Sony DCR-TRV950 video camera. The other models that I have on my radar screen for testing, are the Canon GL2, Sony DCR-VX2000 and the Panasonic AG-DVX100.
Design and Ergonomics.
I had gotten used to the ultra small size, dimensions and layout on the PC7 and the PC120, so I found the 950 a little bulky and awkward in the beginning. But after the first day I actually found the additional size to be convenient and useful in shooting from creative angles and perspectives. There are a myriad of buttons that the first time user might find daunting. But most are self explanatory and quick to access and adjust. The layout also allows for single handed operation using the LCD or the viewfinder. Most standard and advanced functions can be accessed and changed through the on screen menu. This display is well organized and intuitive. It took me some time to figure out how to get to all the functions quickly while shooting. New users might need to refer to the instructions often, so keep them handy. The camera features a swing out big bright 3.5” LCD panel. This is also a touch screen that can be used with the included stylus. However I found it awkward to use the stylus with my left hand while holding the camera with my right. It’s easier to just use your finger at times, but that leaves all kinds of fingerprints and smudges. Over time this will also lead to a scratched up screen unless you use screen protectors. This panel guzzles battery charge, so if you are used to constantly using the LCD as a viewfinder, I would suggest buying 1 or 2 additional batteries. You could save some money by buying generic brand batteries that function just as well. They sell for a fraction of the cost of original Sony batteries, on eBay. The camera also has a pop up light for recording in low light conditions. This also uses up additional battery charge.
What’s included in the box.
DCR-TRV950 video camera,
NPFM50 InfoLithium battery, lasted me well over 60 minutes under my (all-bells-ringing) rigorous test,
AC-L10 power adapter, charges the battery in-camera only,
RMT-811 remote control wireless AA batteries,
A/V cables, power cord, USB cable,
Lens cap, shoulder strap, stylus for touch screen,
Driver application CD-ROM,
8MB memory stick.
There are numerous compatible accessories available such as car adapters, wide-angle / telephoto lenses, filters, remote controlled tripods, camera cases, photo printer and Bluetooth modem. Most are sold directly through Sonystyle.com and major electronics retailers.
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WHAT’s HOT.
Three CCD sensors.
In a single CCD camera, approximately 50% of the pixels are dedicated to capture Green, 25% to capture Red and 25% to capture Blue. This technology does not produce life like color fidelity. The Sony TRV950 uses 3 advanced HAD CCD sensor arrays to capture video and still images. Each sensor has over 1MP resolution capture capacity. The advantage of three CCDs is that each CCD is designated to capture the image in one of the three primary colors namely Red, Green and Blue (RGB). This produces a significantly sharper image with true to life realistic colors. A side-by-side comparison on a high resolution monitor, can truly highlight the differences. The 3-CCD images are professional quality, extremely sharp and maintain realistic colors. In comparison the single CCD images looked paler and slightly washed out. The TRV950 captures video at 690K pixels per sensor array and digital stills at 1MP per sensor array. The HAD (hole accumulation diode) technology is designed to maximize the amount of light reaching the sensor arrays. This helps in reducing video noise, especially during low light conditions.
MPEG video, digital stills and memory stick.
The camera has a built in Memorystick slot. This can be used to either store still images or MPEG video clips. The included 8MB Memory stick is pretty much useless. I don’t know why Sony even bothers to include it in the box. I would suggest buying at least a 128MB Memorystick which can be purchased for $55 and up. This will allow you to record and store:
20 minutes of MPEG video at 320x240 resolution,
80 minutes of MPEG video at 160x112 resolution,
205 SuperFine still shots at 1152x864 resolution and
650 SuperFine still shots at 640x480 resolution.
You could store more still shots at higher compression ratios but the image quality will not be as good.
I-Link port, PC connectivity, USB capability and Bluetooth.
There are numerous ways to connect this camera to your PC. The fastest and most convenient option however, is the firewire connector. The biggest advantage of recording your video in a digital format is to be able to edit and add special effects / titles to your video on a PC. Without significant resolution loss caused by analog to digital conversion and back, the end result is a fully customized high quality home video. This also allows you to author and burn your own DVDs and VCDs with a DVD burner drive on your PC. The TRV950 has a I-Link port, also known as ieee1394 or firewire. This allows for real-time transfer of video to your PC. However you will need a firewire port on your PC. If you don’t have one, you can add this capability with an inexpensive firewire card for the PCI slot of your desktop, or a PCMCIA firewire adapter for your notebook. Many video capture application such as the Pinnacle Systems Studio version 8, allow for control of the camcorder through the software. They also have many advanced functions for editing, titles, special effects, chapters and conversion / authoring of personalized DVD and VCD formats. The included USB cable allows you to broadcast your video directly over the Internet, or use the video camera as a webcam. I already have a dedicated webcam so I have not tested this feature as yet. Bluetooth is a technology that is very slowly gaining mass appeal because it is supposed to be convenient. However it is severely bogged down by various manufacturers, adamantly refusing to make their hardware compatible to a universal standard. However since I have other Sony products that are Bluetooth capable, I was able to successfully pair most of them together. The TRV950 does not come with the BTA-NW1 Bluetooth modem adapter. However I had one from my older PC120 that I used with this camera. Also I was able to download still images from the TRV950 to my Sony Ericsson P800 cell phone, and emailed it via MMS. That will surely impress any fellow gadget connoisseur.
Other Notable Features.
Pop up light, with hot shoe. The pop up lamp enables you to take fairly good video in low light conditions. This however drains the battery. I suggest an external light mounted on the shoe, for better evening and indoor shooting.
12X optical zoom. I found this very helpful to take candid close up still shots. The focal distance is 3.6-43.2mm. This equates to about 50-580mm when compared to standard 35mm.
Spot focusing with the LCD touch panel. This allows you to touch select a specific area on the frame for focusing.
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WHAT’s NOT.
Slightly larger than the PC120.
This camera measures approximately 4x4x8 inches, and weighs about 1 lb 11oz. This is slightly larger than my trusty old PC120. Initially I found it a little awkward to get used to but after a day or so, I actually appreciated the handling characteristics. The larger size feels like a serious piece of equipment in your hand. Also I found it easier to wield with my larger hands. My wife who rarely records videos, (I think it is a man thing) still prefers the size and feel of the PC120. I understand the size requirements for including 3CCD capability, but wish they could make it smaller.
Awkward to use touch screen with stylus.
Although I like the idea of having a touch sensitive screen, I found it very awkward to use it with the stylus with my left hand. The touch screen does add some convenience but there is always the risk of scratching the gorgeous display. However you can avoid possible damage by always using a screen protector. This reduces the sensitivity just a little, but it works. If you are left-handed, you will not have any problems what so ever. Incidentally the touch panel can also be used for spot focusing.
Bluetooth modem adapter NOT included.
Sony continues to amaze me with their nickel-n-dime cost cutting methods. I had spent significantly less money on the PC120, which included the Bluetooth modem adapter. So why did Sony not include it with the TRV950? Are they trying to make more money by forcing customers to buy it separately, or are they just trying to cut their own costs! In my humble opinion, I feel that Sony has some really bad marketing managers that refuse to realize, that such underhanded methods, really turn-off their loyal customer. It saves a few YEN in the short term, but reduces consumer brand loyalty in the long term.
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The BOTTOM LINE.
This is a terrific choice for consumers who insist on the best possible digital video quality for their home videos. The 3-CCD megapixel sensors significantly add to the clarity and color fidelity. Some other impressive models to consider are the Canon GL2, Sony DCR-VX2000 and the Panasonic AG-DVX100.
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Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): $0
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