Great Investment
Written: Jan 27 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Useful features, Price
Cons: ??
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| gyamamoto's Full Review: Sony Handycam CCD-TRV87 Hi-8 Analog Camcorder |
I needed the camcorder for my baby boy who was born in last July.
So I looked all over, web sites and local stores, for the best possible camcorder without spending too much money. I needed money for diapers, formula, toys....
I picked TVR-43 for its features such as;
1) Hi8 camcorder - Meaning better resolution. 8mm cameras has better resolution than C-VHS (compact VHS) and Hi8 has the twice the resolution of 8mm. It just gives the better pictures.
2) LaserLink - This feature is as important as the above. If you have Sony's TV or VCR with LaserLink feature, you can playback what you have just recorded right from your camcorder on your TV without hooking any cables. This is a great feature. And don't worry, even if you don't have Sony's TV or VCR, which I don't, you can get LaserLink adapter to connect to your TV or VCR and there it is. The adapter is $50 and it is well worth the money.
3) SteadyShot - This feature give you a steady picture even if your hand was shaking.
4) Price - TVR-43 was the least expensive one with all of above features.
I strongly recommend getting 3 things in addition to good Hi8 tapes and long lasting extra batteries.
1) Lens filters: To protect your lenses. You can replace filters easily but lenses? Probably easier getting new VCR.
2) Tripod: SteadyShot is a good feature but you sacrifice on sharp pictures. By using a tripod, you can deactivate the SteadyShot feature and it gives you a very steady and sharp picture.
3) 2X wide angle lens adapter: The camcoder has a zoom which gives you a good wide angle shot as well. If you are shooting in your living room with roomful of people, chances are you have to swing camera side-to-side. With this adapter, you can put the camera on the tripod and forget it.
Of course, you need LaserLink adapter if you don't have Sony equipment.
But be careful. If you are trying to copy to VHS, it is better if you connect your camcorder and VCR. Since LaserLink uses infrared, you lose the connection if someone pass between your camcorder and VCR.
You should read a manual. There are a lot of features, some you probably never use. But they are not hard to learn at all.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID: gyamamoto
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Location: CA
Reviews written: 21
Trusted by: 0 members
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