The perfect intuitive camcorder.. if you can find it
Written: Jun 16 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Ease of use, large LCD display, comfortable and sturdy
Cons: Hard to find, discontinued and out of stock in most stores
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| QueenLyssa's Full Review: Sony Handycam DCR-TRV310E Digital-8 Camcorder |
When I set out to find our family's first camcorder, I had a set of features in mind. I wanted a HI8 removable media camcorder that was under $1000, was firewire compatible so I could edit my movies on my iMac, felt comfortable in my hand, and had a large display screen. I found all these and more in the Sony DCR-TRV310, although it was difficult to find it in stock in most places. Still, a search online connected me with a dealer who had one and on May 5th it arrived. I've been in love ever since.
This camcorder is intuitive in its interface, loaded with special effects features, and with an easily manipulated zoom control that allows even a novice like me to manage some very spiffy looking shots. It even has night vision, a feature which appeals to my husband and every other male who has played with it in some sort of GI Joe fantasy. With a sturdy feeling yet light casing it feels secure and comfortable in any size hand and the 2.5 inch LCD display is a dream for those of us who get headaches trying to see the world through a tiny black and white viewfinder, although the viewfinder on this one is also fairly comfortable.
The VTR is easy to operate and the buttons are large enough and spaced far enough apart to prevent hitting the wrong one by mistake. With the additional purchase of a laser link (about $50 and available in most electronic stores) there's no more need to hook the camera up to your tv. Just point it at the laser link and turn it on.
The still shots are not as perfectly clear as on a digital camera, but it's a handy feature for getting quick shots for internet use. Again, there are several fun special effects features for stills so it's entertaining to use.
If you also have the Apple software iMovie you'll be able to edit your shots into great movies you can record back onto 8mm in full digital quality or convert to Quicktime for use on the internet.
With a major purchase like a camcorder you want to make sure you search for the perfect camera at the perfect price to handle all of your needs. The Sony DCR-TRV310 may be a bit harder to locate than the newer models, but it's well worth the extra effort if you're looking for a camcorder that will be easy to use and help you create home movies other people will actually want to watch.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
QueenLyssa
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Member: Lyssa Jaraba
Location: Riverside, CA
Reviews written: 64
Trusted by: 19 members
About Me:
It's good to be queen.
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