Sony Handycam DCR-TRV33 Mini DV Camcorder

Pros: Excellent picture and sound, analog inputs, 1-Megapixel CCD, photo mode, features
Cons: Supplied battery capacity is low

The So ny DCR-TRV33 improves on the So ny DCR-TRV22 by upgrading to a 1-Megapixel CCD. With the 1-Megapixel CCD, the digital still photos can be taken at up to 1152x864 ...

Pros: Great lens; ergonomically comfortable to use; wonderful sound and picture quality
Cons: Cassette loads from camera bottom; mediocre image stabilization; lens has narrow angle of coverage

Sony DCR-TRV33 Review December 29, 2006 It may seem strange to be reviewing this mini dv camera 3 years after I bought it (2003), but I wanted to give others a sense of this piece of equipment so that they might have a bit of an informed opinion if ...

Pros: MegaPixel still pictures, Sony Brand, Size and Style, Ergonomics
Cons: Poor battery life, No separate battery charger, No in-built flash

Not too long ago, I did little research on camcorders for a friend. It was pretty obvious back then ...

Pros: Great video, good stills, super small, fits all my needs
Cons: manual controls are not practical, user's manual is TOO simple

The other reviews seem very comprehensive, so I will try to add only what they left out.

The basic controls are intuitive and easy to understand. But as soon as you try to do something as tricky as a video transfer you need the manual to see...

Pros: Great video quality, ease of use, good low light performance
Cons: low supplied batter capacity, difficult zoom controls

To me, the two most important features in choosing a digital camcorder are the ease of use and quali ...

Pros: Memory stick Well laid out menus Good automatic functionality (focus/exposure)
Cons: must remove tripod base to change tape

This camera is a rare instance where the product
exceeded my expectations. It works well as a 1Megapixel
still camera, camcorder, and A/D unit to digitize analog
video.

I was leery about the touch screen, but it works quite...

Pros: Feature packed. Easy to use.
Cons: Not everyone can afford such a nice camera.

Well I have had this camera since last December and let me tell you that I enjoy every bit of this well-designed camera.The reason I went with Sony is becasue I had their Sony HI 8 camera that I got back in 1998. I was going on an oversea trip so I ...

Pros: Size, weight, simplicity, video quality, still picture capable
Cons: Optical zoom is super fast, and needs a light touch.

Purchased from Usavegelt.com for $726.16 in May 03 with shipping, handling, & insurance. I am planning a Italy and Switzerland backpacking trip in June and wanted a small, high quality camcorder that I could easily learn and rely on. The...

Pros: Crystal clear, sharp video. Great sound. Touch pad LCD. Intuitive menus.
Cons: The remote control could have more uses.

I recently was in the market for a new MiniDV camcorder. I have a JVC GrDvp-3u that I bought just over 2 years ago. The JVC has had MORE than it's share of problems, and never really gave a clean indoor picture. Most of my filming is done indoors, ...

Pros: Great picture,sound,options, etc.. and touch screen!!!
Cons: A little expensive

When I was presented with the choice of which camera to get for my birthday at my local Best Buy, there were a lot of options. I wanted something small, versatile, and packed with features. The Sony Handycam DCR-TRV33 NTSC hit it on the spot. This camera ...

Pros: Small size, night vision, accessory hot shoe, touch screen, color view finder
Cons: Small size

This light weight digital camcorder is a must buy. If you are looking for a MiniDV camcorder with get focus and extraordinary zoom, the TRV33 is the right choice. This camera is filled with many great features. Touch screen control, night vision and ...

Pros: Touch Screen good, LCD screen very clear, good clear pictures (video & still)
Cons: Focus button hard to gauge, manual exposure hidden away on menu, tape hatch at bottom

This is my first camera buy ever. I did a lot of research and decided to go with the Sony after seeing the positive reviews on the general brand on web sites. Had it for a week and am enjoying it so far. The picture is very good, although I haven't...

Pros: Good,Clarity Picture and video
Cons: Blank Recording video ....only audio recording and service is really ridiculous

My DCR-TRV33 just stopped recording video. audio only, with a black picture. I only recorded 6 tapes since then. The playback works normally but you can't see any video on the screen or the viewfinder. It does record the audio. I spoke with Sony and was told that the cost to repair was $269 plus shipping and handling just for parts! The parts are only 90 day warranty. The camera labor is just within the one year warranty period. Its not only this model,all the models are showing the same issue after 2 yrs of use.
I had always been skeptical that SONY was only a well marketed brand but they almost had me starting to believe that their products really were better - now it's clear that it's only marketing. Last SONY product for me.

Pros: Size, Picture quality, features, LCD touchscreen, Steadyshot technology, lens
Cons: Size and recording format (these days things are smaller and record in DVD)

I'll make this one quick because this is an older camera and more people are moving to the DVD recording cameras now. I bought this camera when my son was about to be born. I keep it on our main floor and it's always ready to go. I can grab it and be recording in 5 seconds. The zoom on it is very good and it takes great video. Tapes are cheap enough where I can designate different tapes for each of my kids etc. It is very easy to use and the LCD viewfinder/touchscreen is excellent. It makes recording easy so you don't have to futz around looking for a function and missing your shot. I would definitely recommend this camera, especially because you can now get it for under $250 on Ebay. It records well in all conditions (low light is a little grainy). If you have any questions, just email me directly (gravy1199@hotmail.com)

Pros: None
Cons: Stops working all of a sudden, complete waste

Had this camera for 14 months, used it 8-10 times. One fine day, the camera stopped functioning, no picture in the viewfinder or in the LCD. Anything i click is black. Sony suggests i pay 250 USD for repairs(design fault of theirs). And its not sure if it will get corrected after that too.

This is when I hadnt dropped it, I hadnt damaged it, I had kept it in a Sony handbag, used Sony batteries and tapes.

Sony used to be a reputed brand, but I dont think I or anybody I know will ever buy anything from them, EVER!

Seems common problem across a lot of their HANDYCAM models. And they do not plan to do anything about it, just keep asking the customer for more and more money!!