Too bulky to use!
Written: Mar 10 '01
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Pros: good picture quality, sharp contrast
Cons: durability, reliability, ease of use, price
The Bottom Line: I do not recommend the Sony DCR-TRV8 for a variety of reasons, ranging from ease of use, durability, reliability, and performance
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| maddieslyo's Full Review: Sony Handycam DCR-TRV8 Mini DV Camcorder |
I think that the Sony DCR-TRV8 must have been tested on another primate besides humans before they put this one on the market. As far as I can tell, no human can manage to handle this unwieldy camcorder with any type of ease, let alone use it for more advanced functions. As such, I do not recommend this camcorder for a variety of reasons, as delineated below:
Hard to carry
The foremost use of a modern camcorder should be its ease of use. I remember back in the 1980's when the camcorders were 2 feet long, and you had to carry them on your shoulder to support their immense weight. This is exactly what the new Sony camcorder feels like. By carrying the camcorder on my wrist, I felt like I needed to go to the gym to build up my muscles for a few months just to be able to lift it up and shoot pictures! It is my belief that a camcorder should not be as heavy or unwieldy to operate.
Durability
The Sony camcorder does not seem to be durable, in my limited use of the product (I returned it after a month). I used the camera to shoot video at some minor family events, like birthday parties and such. I figured that by merely using the camera for a few hours a time, I could save it over a period of about 5 years before the wear and tear would force me to buy a new one. Not so with this Sony. By the 2nd week, I was already noticing some scratching of the enamel, the lens was partially scratched, the swivel was starting to congeal, and the LCD display had some minor inconsistencies in it.
Usage
Another qualm I have with this camera is its inability to shoot in low light. When I was watching the videotape from my cousin's birthday party that I shot, which was held in a bowling alley, I could not recognize half of the shadows that were filmed. It seemed as though the Sony "shut off" when it did not get the perfect lighting conditions it needed. This is unacceptable. I wish Sony had put in a light adapter feature (like in some Panasonic models) so the camera can recognize when it needs more light.
Conclusions
As such, in conclusion, I do not recommend the Sony DCR-TRV8 for a variety of reasons, ranging from ease of use, durability, reliability, and performance. I think people would be better off saving their $1500 and waiting for a better camcorder to come out from Panasonic.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 1450
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Epinions.com ID:
maddieslyo
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Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 26 members
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