5 comments about Sony DCR-IP1 MicroMV Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom.

1. I love the unit, but the lack of NightShot and a flash limit low light shooting...In normal lighting, the resolution is excellent....

   The still-camera mode is more of a novelty given its relatively low resolution, but I have used it for e-mail and Ken Burns-style transitions in my home videos! Battery life is very good for a camcorder this size...

   The unit's ultimate feature is its incredibly small size...You can carry it on your belt with the available HandyCam case and its not much larger or heavier than a last-generation cellular phone. It even fits in a coat pocket!

   Some will argue that consumers should wait until next year when tapeless units this size will appear, but tape-based units have one significant advantage....When on vacation, one can always bring extra tapes. When your tapeless unit is out of memory, downloading to a laptop is less convenient and having spare memory is an expensive option!

   This is a perfect camcorder for the consumer looking to capture family moments and not wanting to feel encumbered carrying a camcorder. Given its small size, I find I am carrying it more frequently than I did my previous larger miniDV camcorder.




2. If you use iMovie your forced to use analog input. Why? Sony won't release the compression scheme to developers.

   If you have an Apple, skip MicroMV.




3. Video nuts may not like the artifacts that this unit produces. If you are outputing to VHS tapes, it won't matter, but if you are into capturing the highest fidelity possible for future generations, or for display on a large flatscreen TV, you should try this out in the store before buying. Just play the output hooked up to a large flatscreen. Now compare to another camcorder you are considering. I'll bet the DCRIP1 comes up short, but it is a judgement call if it is significant enough. The camera I use for family shots is a Triple CD Sony TRV950- and it produces near HDTV like quality, far outstripping the DCRIP1.

   Near HDTV quality means zipideydoodah if you miss the shot because the camcorder is not always available in your pocket. Because of this, 3 times as much video is being taken with the DCRIP1 in my house.

   I haven't had any problems converting the tapes to DVDs. I used the Sony provided MovieShaker app to rip them to disk, then MyDVD to shoot them to DVD. More hassle because this unit isn't automatically recognized by standard Video applications due to it's nonstandard driver. (Gee- what a shock that Sony often ignores standards). It is nice the MicroMv tapes have memory to store the stop points and recording date/time of the clips, but the feature is only a nice to have. If it was more taken advantage of my software programs I use, it would be a relevant feature.

   This extreme portability might not be worth the price premium. After all, there are some good Mini tape camcorders that though not pocketable, are very close to this unit in size, and probably have better video output quality.

   My unit quickly had a problem with lens cover not opening completely. It is an annoyance and probably coverred by warranty but I don't think I'll send it back, since it is easily slid open manually. This sort of think may be an inherent risk due to the hairy mechanics on minature cameras. Might be something to consider if you are in a more dusty or marine environment as I am.

   The integrated camera is what you'd expect for a 1Mpixel. I took some snapshots- but there are many very decent >4Mpixel pocketable cameras so don't rely on this one for being an all in one. Maybe in a few years we will get a true all in one camcorder/ digital camera. We aren't there yet.

   I'll echo what someone else said about low light. It is ok, but not like the ones that take shots in utter darkness.

   If you decide to buy- get some extra tapes off the net because the local stores charge a fortune for the MicroMVs- that is, if they even have them. I bought both tapes and camera from Amazon. Very fast delivery, no complaints or hassles as usual.

   One last thing- The battery life on these puppies is a lot better than the old days. My habit was to buy two extra batteries. I didn't for this unit and probably won't need an extra. If you are going to be shooting a lot before getting to another outlet, that's another thing but I shot for a full day at disneyland and still had plenty of juice.




4. I've owned an unit for 4 months now, and it's everything I expected it to be, plus a little bit more.

   What I loved:
   - Portability: if you aren't taking your camera with you, you aren't making those memories. I needed something that I would want to (or at least, not mind) carrying everywhere. And this one is perfect. Till the next 'world's smallest' camcorder comes along!
   - Image quality: I have a regular television and this has more than enough resolution for that. The DVD's do have lower resolution than you'd ideal want (especially if viewed on a laptop screen), but I found it easy to live with that flaw
   - Battery life: Pleasantly surprised. I'm getting a full day's output out of this on a single charge. Like another reviewer put it, you likely won't need another battery

   Not-as-bad-as-I-thought:
   - Noise: A little whirring as you record, but isn't loud enough to be a problem
   - MicroMV compatibility: The supplied software (especially Movieshaker) is really good. Last I checked, two of the biggest software editors (Ulead and Pinnacle) supported this format. Sony's support for this format continues to be a little suspenseful - they've denied abandoning it, but haven't committed to supporting it in the future either

   the low points:
   - Still image resolution: Less than 1 MP! Why, god, why?
   - Low light photography: Doesn't really exist. Neither does a flash for the camera




5. I've had mine 3 yrs. No problemo. The still imaging is useless but the camera itself for video is great. You can only transfer movies to the computer if you've saved it on a memory card. If you record on a tape, you are out of luck.

5 comments about Sony DCRPC105 MiniDV 1.0 Mega Pixel Handycam Camcorder with 2.5" Swivel LCD.

1. The camera is not as good as specified. Still image quality is good when taken fron very short distance but not good for the outside natural scenes taken from far away. The video quality is not so good. In low light you can't get the real colour. Specially in night shot. During video recording its pick up nois from the outside, which is very bad when you play the video. I dont think the video image quality is better that the SONY Hi-8 camera (which has much less price and not Carl Zeiss lence.). The PIXELA software frovided with the camera is too bad. If you convert to MPEG-1 using USB cable vedio quality will be useless. I think they should mention in the manual about the quality of the video using USB cable and the provided software. If it is useless I cant understant why it is provided with the camera. The software is not also user friendly. There should be some sample video using that software, so the customers can understant bout the vedio quality before buying the camera. Most of the video options are not available in memorystick if somebody wants to record in memorystick as MPEG-1. Also the video size is very small.



2. After a long research of compact camcorders, I bought a PC105 last September to replace a bulkier Digital 8, also Sony, that in turn replaced a Sony Hi8, and I am quite happy with it. I got it for about $750 on IBuyDigital. The camera is really compact, though you need to get used to the PC format (vertical), as opposed to the TRV one. The image quality is superb, and with good illumination you get up to 500 lines horizontal resolution (I measured it, the D8 only went up to 380 and the Hi8 to 420). The image quality is much better than my old D8. The 1Mpix still images are reasonable but don't replace a dedicated still digicam, though for special cases when you need the 10x zoom, it is a good thing to have. The MPEG1 video clips that you can store on the Memory Stick look similar to what you get from video clips out of still digicams. I guess those are mostly gadgets, I mainly use it for DV video and I capture it to my PC for later transfer to DVD.

   The zoom lever is not particularly easy to use, but once you get used to it is not that bad. The focus ring is easy to use, though the autofocus is so good that I hardly use the manual focus (as compared to my old Hi8). Also, the image stabilization is way superior to the old D8 one, and does not seem to introduce extra noise as was the typical case. This is especially important on a small and light weight camcorder since it is harder to keep it still than with a heavier one.

   But, the main advantage of this camera, besides its compact size, is the hybrid LCD touchpanel. Forget about those bright days when you had to stick to the viewfinder because you could hardly see the LCD screen under the sunlight. With this one, you can see it perfectly, whether under the direct sun or on a dark place... You can even save some battery power by switching off the backlight when using it outdoors. The 2.5" is a bit small, but I don't believe you can put a bigger one without making the camcorder bigger too. The LCD is high resolution and looks very sharp. The color viewfinder is not tiltable and resolution is not as good as the LCD, but helps extending battery life, which BTW is accurately measured and displayed.

   I would have placed at least a scroll/select wheel for the menu system, though the touch panel is really easy to use. But the scroll wheel is faster to use for selecting things on a typical Sony menu. However, the most used functions have direct access from the LCD touch panel buttons, and the spot focus and spot metering, where you select the area of interest by touching it on the LCD, is a cool addition that you don't have in many cameras.

   Overall, I am happy with it, I can put it on the same bag together with my 5Mpix digicam and I just hope it works fine for many, many years.




3. Touch screen is unique. First model that I have seen with it. Sort of dummy proof. Good for your average home video shooter. However, if you are planning to shoot professional video, DO NOT use this camera. The 10X optical zoom is a joke. Sure the 120X digital zoom is decent, but unfortunately, you suffer in quality. If you want a combo digatal camera/camcorder, you could do better. But if all you want is a tiny camcorder that can take high quality home video, then this may do it.



4. The technical reviews here are great, and very helpful. But maybe you're like me -- not a videographer, but just a parent who wants a compact, easy to use, high-quality camera. And this Sony is an excellent choice. Small enough that you don't mind lugging it along to school performances, or tucking it away -- because you never know when a memory will beg for capture. I love the touch screen menus. And it's typical Sony quality.
   
   Our family will record something silly, plug the USB cable right into the TV, and watch our instant movies. Fun times.



5. Well, I purchased this camera about a year ago for $600 on ebay and it does everything I want it to do. Great resolution, except with digital zoom, and ok stills. I took the pics displayed here with a sony dscw5 but the still quality you'll get with this camera on memory card are also displayed here.. As far as video quality, its still great for a 2-3 yrs old camera. I usually attach this camera via firewire to my pc and edit videos there. When i dont use a digital zoom thing look great! W/digital zoom not so well. I like the form factor and for the next 2-3 years I have no inclination to buy a new camcorder. Enjoy!

5 comments about Sony DCRTRV80 MiniDV 2Megapixel Camcorder with 3.5" LCD, Memory Stick, Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity, and Networking Capability.

1. Well it started out good... It was nice having high-quality Mini DV recordings, the wireless connectivity, firewire to my computer, and all the other bells and whistles. BUT... after having this Sony for a couple years, and the warranty is out, I am stuck with a dog! It worked fine until right before the warranty ran out. While it was still under warranty, it went in for repairs due to audio cutting out, and all they did was clean it. After a few weeks, it started happening again. TWICE they were unable to fix it! I gave up and just bought a Canon. If Sony can't even fix their own products, I don't think I want to buy them!



2. Buy another camcorder! This one will be a waste of your time and money. On paper this camcorder is great. However, not only is it overpriced and full of extraneous features. It is also difficult to use, has a poorly written manual and horrible support. I tried the SONY product support line at 888-449-7669 twice, but got little help.

   Additionally, writing to the memory stick produces poor quality images, and there is no built in video light. Finally, the PC software that comes with the camera leaves much to be desired.

   My excitement about buying this camera and all its accesories has been replaced with utter contempt for SONY. I now understand why the company has been having so many problems.




3. I am technically competent, but a novice at video photography. Therefore, I spent weeks reviewing a a number of various cameras. I ultimately decided on the TRV 80 because of: the HAD technology, the 3 1/2 touch screen, the digital still, the still pop-up flash, along with the features rich capabilities of this camera. I have used it for about a week and have found it to be very easy to use. The controls are intuitive and the manual has been very easy to navigate. You should also consider the need for various accessoriies. I purchased it with a bundled package which included: tripod, 2 additional batteries, wide and telephoto lenses, case, tapes, cleaning kit, USB card reader, and a four year MAC parts and labor warranty. Add on package was less about two hundred seventy dollars and well worth it. Also spent a long time looking for editing software with good reviews. Settled on PYRO Digital Video, which indluded a 1394 PCI card and software compatable with the Sony camera. They have beginner, intermediate and Pro versions available. So far I am extremely pleased with the camera, and accessory packages. I am able to take great videos now and when I master the advanced features I'm sure the quality of the movies produced will improve. Highly recommend this product and suggest you consider the add on packages, especially the 4 year warranty.



4. What a camera indeed. I just got it three days ago and after reading the manual I see there will be a lot of learning ahead for me. There are so many features this camera has I know I will not use most of them. The video is sharp and the photos are better then expected (acceptable but I will still use my digital camera when needed or preferred). The supplied 8 MB memory stick is only worth a tease, you will have to get at least a 128 MB or greater! Being in the Air Force and stationed in Germany this will be one treat to carry along on up coming trips!



5. The Best Camcorder i have ever had by far. Bluetooth is the coolest thing, and the picture quality is supurb. I would reccomend this to anybody who wants a high quality camera. Yes, you spend a few extra dollars, but in the long run it is worth it.

5 comments about Sony DCRTRV70 MiniDV 2MP Camcorder with 2.5"LCD, Memory Stick, and Networking Capability.

1. I have had this Camera for over a year now and found it to be reliable and its pictures of high quality. The Steady shot is rock solid and only jitters when you attempt >20 Zoom. The 120 zoom is grainy so I hardly use it. The memory stick for mpeg and still photos is very handy. The 2 megapixel resolution on the still photos is sufficient for computer display and small photo prints. It makes it convenient not to have to carry a second digital photo camera. I have not tried the Firewire link yet but the USB for memory stick operations works well.

   Overall I am happy with the camera and recommend it for purchase.




2. I did a lot of research before purchasing this camera a year ago. But I've used it A LOT since then and figured I would write a review.

   I did comparison tests with this camera vs. Sony's other lower end camcorders. The color and resolution on this one if FAR superior and worth the extra money. I also compared it to the Canon GL2, a 3-CCD camera. The 3-CCD camera was far better in low light and color, but comes with a much heaftier price tag.

   The good things about this camera have been mentioned by others. And while it may not fit in your palm exactly, it is really not very big. It looks good, and all the features are easy to find. Overall good design.

   There are three things about this camcorder I don't like, but here's what I recommend to solve them:

   The lens always looks like you can't zoom out enough. I'm sure there's a technical term for this, but even when you're zoomed out all the way it looks like your subject is too close. As soon as I realized this, I purchased a Sony wide angle lens, which made all the difference. Especially if you're indoors, you want to take in as much of the environment as possible. It does add size to the camera, and means you can't use the flash for still pictures without removing it. But it gives the camera a nice professional look and feel.

   The second problem with this camera I've read about with other Sony camcorders: the "whirring" noise of the motor as it is taping. When I first got the camera I didn't notice it, but as time went on the whirr got worse. Also, there's a "hiss" that you get with any camcorder. I solved this by getting a Sony external microphone to attach to the "boot". ECM-MS5908C. It's a stereo microphone, and it's far enough from the motor that you hardly hear it, and also drowns out the hiss. I also got a shotgun mic, but that isn't stereo, so I wouldn't recommend it unless shooting subjects far away.

   The other issue is unsolvable, and that's the "slider" zoom in. Instead of moving front to back with two fingers to zoom in, you slide left to right with one finger. It's hard to use, and over-sensitive. I do not understand why Sony sticks with that technology on their consumer models, but not with their 3-CCD professional models.

   Overall, a great camera. I do not use the still camera function very often, so I can't comment on that. I use Final Cut Express for the Macintosh to edit, and everything works smoothly with this camera. (Also, if you plan to do any editting, you get a HIGH recommendation from me for Apple computers. Each Apple computer comes with iMovie, a free program that is SO EASY to use to edit video.)

   You're obviously reading this because you want to know if this camera is right for you. Here's what I say: if you want better picture quality than other home videos you've seen, and are willing to pay for it, this camera is ideal. I highly recommend the wide angle lens and external stereo microphone, which help you make better videos but also add size to the machine. If you want to spend more to get an amazing, broadcast-quality picture, there's a big leap in cost for a 3-CCD camera. But the Sony DCRTRV70 is right in the middle, and is really a good choice.




3. Spend a lot, get a lot more. Although it was a tough choice to spend the money when I purchased my TRV70, I have no regrets. My camera is DA BEST!. After I figured out the Still Picture recording is best taken when not recording video simultaneously, I never looked back. There are so many features to mention but I don't use. The key things to consider:
   - Bigger lens, means better image
   - Good size CCD is a treasure; otherwise 3 CCD is next option
   - Manual focus override; in photography, this is VERY important
   - Backlight control; it's a great override in low light conditions like opening up your camera aperature
   - Manual disable of on-board flash; continue taking pictures when flash is not allowed
   - Touch screen LCD is sweet, don't listen to button fanatics
   - Steady Shot works.... when camera is light, more chances of jarring movements, so here its really important.
   - Memory stick convenience ... buy larger capacity, more over time.
   - Battery Status; Info-lithium means no guessing game. By several small batteries, charge them, and carry them a-l-a Rambo.
   - Don't install Imagemixer software. Instead, use Sony's Screenblast Movie Studio 3.0. You'll be happier.
   - Don't skimp on footage. Take lots of footage. It's easier to edit, than to say... I don't have enough!

   It's unfortunate, Sony is discontinuing the product in 2004. It's a great product! I'm ready to buy a second one so I can get the same footage from another vantage point. Silly, two people using different cameras. :-)




4. This is my fourth camcorder, and first digital camcorder. I bought it to record my child's soccer games to make a DVD to send to college coaches. It recorded steady sharp video in all lighting conditions, including heavy overcast, light fog, and night games under stadium lights. I also bought the remote controll tripod, which makes it much easier to start/stop recording and adjust the zoom (the remote control zoom buttons have the correct sensitivity, as opposed to the camera zoom control as noted in a review below). The only problem I had that caused the loss of a few minutes of video was that the camcorder started displaying "Cleaning Tape". I packed the tape (fast forward to the end and rewound) and recorded over the bad section. I now pack the tape again whenever I insert a new one in the camcorder



5. I searched and searched for the best quality camcorder for the best price. If you find a good deal on it, this is it. Great quality, easy to use, great manual controls, as well as an easy to use touch screen (I was unsure about the touch screen for a while until I bought it, and it's really not too bad if you don't mind having to deal with using the stylus instead of just pushing a button). It is bigger than the newer camcorders, but that can be a good thing - more stability, less shaking. One thing about it that I searched for but rarely found in other camcorders is that you can input from a tv or vcr (with the proper outputs) to record tv and old vhs onto dv tape, then you can use a firewire (or usb) to put it onto your computer and burn it onto dvd. It is kind of a hassle to do, and it takes forever if you use the highest quality on your computer, but it's worth it to preserve your old tapes. So here's all the good things this camera has:
   
   intelligent shoe
   manual focus ring
   manual exposure (touch screen)
   widescreen recording
   12 and 16 bit sound recording (sounds great, but may need an external mic for more professional audio)
   AV in (one mini input, need to find a cord like that)
   mic in (mini)
   headphones out(mini)
   touch sensitive zoom (great for slow zooming)
   lots of settings for different lighting
   backlight control
   nighttime shooting (green, but great distance and detail)
   cool effects
   great quality video

No comments about Sony VCLTW25 Camcorder Twin Conversion Lens for DCRDVD201/301, DCRHC20/30/40, DCRPC109.

No comments about Sony VCLHG2025 Telescopic Conversion Lens for DCR-DVD101, 201, 301, 105, 205, 305, DCR-HC21, 32, 43, 26, 36 & 46 Camcorders.

No comments about Sony DCRTRV830 Digital Camcorders.

5 comments about Sony DCRTRV25 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/ 2.5" LCD, MPEG EX, Memory Stick & Mega Pixel Video/ Still.

1. Sony brand name so no problem with quality. We went to Las Vegas & night shooting was too good. This has everything for indoor and outdoor shooting. It has good digital camera buit-in but you have to add memory stick (comes with 8MB). Only downturn is you have to use Sony's memory stick (money making tricks) We have Canon S30 digital camera in which you can use any memory stick.
   But performance wise & features are too good. We LOVE it.



2. I now have 3 Sony camcorders, this being my third. I bought a VHSC a long time ago, moved on up to Hi-8 in 1999, and just got this mini DV in December. I could not ask for more! This camera has it all. The features are remarkable and the quality is like no other.

   I began getting into video editing and saw the real need for a mini DV to produce more quality in my work. I actually first bought a Canon mini DV for its size and price. That went right back to the store! Its quality was worse than my VHSC, really it was. If you are serious about quality and durability go with Sony. I have never been displeased with any Sony I have owned and still retain all 3 camcorders!

   On a side note, if you are just looking for a camera to tape your kids sporting events, family functions, etc...you may not want to go as far as this mini DV only because there are so many features and things to learn it may take quite a bit of practice before it is ready to use. For those uses I would definitely recommend one of the Sony Digital-8 cams. Also note that the still picture quality is not what you would get with a digital camera, not even close. But that is not what this mini DV is for, so I totally dismiss that and consider it another cool feature to play with! One great thing also about this camera is that it will record MPEGS!

   All in all, an excellent buy!




3. This is a great camera to have if you just want to have fun with making movies with a small budget. I have had this camera since Christmas and it has never been a dissapointment. My buddies and I make movies a lot, and we all agree that it is great. There are many features that they dont tell you about in the editorial review like frame recording for animation.(eg. toy soldiers, cartoons, etc.)If you do get this camera and want a good professional look to your movies, I recommend also getting the Pinnacle Studio Version 7 editing software. With it you can capture movies on your computer, edit them, add sound and picture effects, and transitions. Then it is recorded back onto your camera.



4. Great camcorder. Excelent outdoor pictures and sound! Easy to use. Still indoor pictures somewhat grainy though.



5. I have been using this camcorder for some time now; I'm really impressed by this great camera.
   
   Its features are remarkable and the quality is amazing. It is also the best priced camcorder for its features and quality.
   The color and sharpness of this camera is fantastic, but the video and still photos are grainy with low light. So either you buy a light for the camera or make sure to have a good indoor light source.
   Video Editing with this camcorder is really an easy enjoyable experience,
   To get the best out of your camcorder, you will definitely need to add few accessories:
   1 - One or two memory stick.
   2 - One or two Extra batteries.
   3 - A wide angle lens, which is very essential in some situations indoors as well as outdoors.
   And, that is all what you need to enjoy you memories with your family and friends.

5 comments about Sony DCRPC330 MiniDV 3.3-Megapixel Handycam Camcorder.

1. This was my first-ever camcorder purchase, so I wanted to make sure the camera was a solid performer.

   The other two candidates were the Panasonic DV953 and the Sony TRV950.

   To help me choose, I took a crash-course in MiniDV cams (by reading the reviews) and found that most of them kept harping on things that I didn't care about. Things like bottom-loading the tapes vs top-loading; Single CCD vs 3 CCD; the number of shutter speeds. Jeez, 99.9% of people aren't going to pass up a good camera because they need to remove it from the tripod to change a tape, but these folks make it sound like a show-stopper.

   I bought the PC330 over the other two for simple reasons:

   1) My wife wants very few buttons to have to worry abouy. With this camera, you point and shoot; most of the functions are hidden in the touch screen menus that you rarely have to use.

   2) The stills are actually better than my 3.2 megapixel Fuji A303.

   3) It felt comfortable to use - much smaller than the other two cameras.

   I believe the cons to this camera that will affect most users are:

   1) The akward placement of the still button. You really have to bend your index finger into a strange position to use it. The zoom control is placed as the natural landing spot for your index finger.

   2) The microphone is located behind the hot-shoe. This is only a problem if you plug something into the shoe - the mic is essentially blocked from your subject.

   3) The flash doesn't pop out far enough to clear most add-on lenses. If you attach a wide-angle or zoom lens, you will see a significant shadow of it in still pictures that use the flash. This is certainly not a critical flaw, but annoying.

   4) This is probably only a problem for newbies to Sony camcorders, but the zoom control at your index finger is just about the same size as the mode/power switch at your thumb. I don't know how many times I've intended on zooming by moving my thumb -- which causes the camera to switch modes. I chalk this one up to user unfamiliarity; all of my friends with Sony's had the same problem at first.

   I bought some nice accessories and found one very valuable. The HVL-IRH2 IR/Video light. This plugs into the hot shoe and provides a 3 Watt video light AND a great IR light for shooting in total darkness in a small all-in-one unit. It uses the battery power from the camera, which drains it FAST, but it also means it doesn't need its own heavy battery. We use this to record our kids sleeping; the IR produces no visible light in the room. Keep in mind, the video will look like a nighttime Baghdad bombing (green), but it's not very grainy at all.




2. I WANTED TO HAVE IT ALL. A CAMCORDER THAT TOOK EXCELLENT VIDEO AND GOOD STILLS. THIS PRODUCT DISSAPOINTS IN THE LATTER. HOWEVER, MANY PEOPLE SAY THAT THE STILL PICTURE QUALITY THAT THIS CAMCORDER TAKES ARE ALREADY BETTER THAN ANY CAMCORDER OUT THERE. WHILE THIS MAY BE TRUE, I MUST WARN THE PEOPLE OUT THERE THINKING THAT THIS CAN REPLACE YOU 2 OR 3 MEGAPIXEL CAMCORDER....IT WONT.
   THE STILL PICTURES, ALTHOUGH 3 MEGAPIXEL CAPACITY HAVE JUST WAY TO MUCH NOISE INTEREFERENCE (THATS MY BEST GUESS) FOR THE PICTURES TO BE SHARP. THE PICTURES COME OUT SOMEWHAT FUZZY RATHER THAN SMOOTH. WHEN VIEWED AT 2016 x 1512 YOU CAN CLEARLY NOTICE AN UNEVENESS IN THE COLORS. THE PICTURES ARE JUST PLAIN BELOW AVERAGE COMPARED TO WHAT YOU CAN GET FROM EVEN A 2 MEGAPIXEL CAMERA.
   WITH THAT SAID, THE STRONG POINTS OF THIS CAMERA IS IN ITS VIDEO. THE VIDEO IS REALLY CLEAR AND SHARP. ALTHOUGH THIS IS MY FIRST CAMCORDER AND I DONT HAVE ANYTHING ELSE TO COMPARE TO, BUT I AM PRETTY SURE THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST VIDEO QUALITY CAMCORDERS OUT THERE.
   HAVING BEEN LET DOWN BY THE POOR STILLS, BRINGS ME TO GRIPE ABOUT THIS CAMCORDER BEING SLIGHTLY LARGER THAN PREVIOUS SONY HANDYCAMS LIKE THE PC105 AND ALSO LARGER THAN SOME OF SONY'S NEWER MODELS. ALTHOUGH THESE SMALLER HANDYCAMS DONT HAVE 3 MEGA PIXELS LIKE THE PC330, BUT I HAVE COME TO THE CONCULSION THAT MAYBE 3 MEGAPIXELS AREN'T NECCESARY, WHAT THE POINT IF THE THE STILLS ARE GOING TO BE SUBPAR ANYWAYS. I PROBABLY WOULDVE HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO BUY THIS HIGHLY EXPENSIVE CAMCORDER, AND INSTEAD GONE WITH A CANON OPTURA 300, WHICH IS MUCH LESS EXPENSIVE, BUT WITH THE MONEY LEFT OVER, I COULD BUY ME A NICE 3 MEGAPIXEL CAMERA THAT TAKES DIGITAL PICTURES THE WAY THERE SUPPOSED TO LOOK.



3. A palm-sized camera that almost shoots as well as the low-end 3-CCD cameras, made by a reputable name (Sony), and a price under $1400? Yes, Sony has done it.

   Exterior - With the vertical orientation of the body and the smaller thickness, this camera will fit well in your palm. The main controls are positioned comfortably where your fingers will most naturally fall. The design allows for basic operation without jostling the camera. As I primarily work in filming live band performances in local clubs, this unit allows me to shoot a high-quality product and not disturb those around me, as most are never aware that I am recording. The only drawback is that the infra-red controls are a switch on the case, as opposed to an internal menu. On more than one occasion I have accidentally turned on the night mode.

   Lens - The lens is very sharp and distortion-free. Its size of 37mm is a standard size, and I have been able to purchase several lenses and filters without requiring any adapters or step-up/down rings.

   Lighting - As per Sony's reputation for low-light shooting, this camera does not disappoint. Besides requiring only 7 lux for standard shooting, it offers a NightShot (infra red) and a Color Slow Shutter, which preserves bright colors in super-low lighting.

   Auto-Features - The auto-exposure and auto-focus are very responsive, except in cases of two rapid changes in light, like a camera flash, for instance. This is where I find the only weakness in this unit. The manual focus ring, while great in concept, does not actually operate on a wide range, so it is only for fine tuning, not necessarily artistic alterations. However, the touch-panel screen does have a Spot-Focus feature, which when used correctly can simulate camera movement.

   LCD Screen - The image produced on the LCD screen is quite sharp and a very accurate representation of what is being recorded. It also has a switch for the backlight to save battery power when it is not required while viewing the LCD undera a bright sun. A characteristic that sets this camera apart from most is that the LCD Screen is also a touch-panel for access to the options menus. At first I was hesiatant about this feature, but I have found it to be a favorite part of mine. In low lighting situations, I no longer have to remember where specific buttons are, as the menus are well-illuminated. The panel requires very little pressure, so I can operate it without shaking the camera. And, to top it off, it allows custom menus, so that I set up my most-used options on the first screen. Generally I can change the settings to what I want with only two quick taps on the screen.

   Accessory Shoe - The Intelligent Accessory show can connect to and electronically control, and supply power to flashes and micrphones.

   Power - The supplied battery will run for 2 to 2 1/2 hours at maximum consumption, the long life will generally provide 7-8 hours.

   Progressive Recording - This feature is designed for those who wish to extract still images from video. It records at half the frame rate, but produces a clearer image, without the herring-bone effect of motion in the normal digital frames.

   I have had this camera for four months now, and have found only a couple of minor imperfections which do not amount to much when compared to the rest of the DCR-PC330. I highly recommend this unit to anyone and everyone who can afford it. You will not be disappointed.




4. It's slim, compact, looks great, great zooming, and it delivers more than you can expect from a regular camcorder. It is definitely in the "professional" range of camcorders.
   I have used the DCR-PC330 in different occasions varying from soccer and basketball games to family reunions and birthdays. This camcorder has always delivered above my expectations. Yes, the software that comes with it is not great, but windows movie maker would work just fine if you're not looking for extra professional quality and you have a few hours to spend.
   
   However, the battery life is short, the stills are to be trashed, and the memory stick that comes with the camera is a joke. I would recommend you buy a cheap camera if you want stills. I bought one for 80 bucks which delivers better quality pictures than the DCR-PC330



5. We got this camcorder shortly after it came out (and paid a pretty penny for it). They hyped up the 3.0MP at the time which wasn't suitable for decent photos even then. We never used the still photo capability so in retrospect we paid for some features we didn't need.
   
   Over the last 5 years it's given us some great video memories (I still need to get them off the tapes into a computer for permanent storage) and I have no issues with the video quality. My primary gripe is that it has broken three times now. It gives an error code of E:61:10 and can no longer autofocus or zoom in/out. We've had it repaired twice now, at over $200 a shot. So not only does it break, they make you pay such exorbitant repair fees. Now it's broken for the third time after having just been repaired 14 months ago. It has reached the ridiculous stage. Three breakdowns in 5 years for the same problem.
   
   So while I'm here shopping for a non-Sony camcorder (planning on going back to Canon), I thought I'd leave this review here for posterity.

5 comments about Sony DCRTRV17 MiniDV Camcorder.

1. Got this camcorder (my first camcorder ever) about three weeks ago. Overall great and I've been nothing but impressed. If you are looking to shoot some video of the kids and play it back to family and friends on the home TV then get a less expensive camcorder. I think that if you are going to digital it's because you plan to download and manipulate the video on your home computer to get a semi-profession video. This camera lets you download the 30-minutes (of usually boring) video of the kids playing Little League onto your home computer and turn it into a really cool 5-minute baseball video with a soundtrack, still shoots (saved on the built in still camera) and titles that you can record back onto the camcorder. Lightweight and compact, it's easy to carry and the large (3.5 inch) LCD screen is a lot easier to view then the typical tiny 2.5 inch screen. The built in USB port and cable (included) is for the saved JPG still shots on the memory stick. To download the video to your computer you need a firewire card and a firewire cable (not included) plus the video software for your computer. The Sony included software is for the JPG still shots only. The camera also does not come with any MinDV tapes so order some when you order the camera. If you plan on shooting a lot of video without a battery recharge you might want to think of getting another battery. The LCD screen sucks up battery power like crazy so plan on 30 minutes of shooting before you are looking for a recharge. All in all a great camera that is easy to use and has enough options and bells-and-whistles to keep anyone occupied.



2. Bought the beast in preparation to a one-month trip to Vietnam and quickly mastered its use. The standard features bundled with the package are impressive. It is forgiving and the playback on a tv set is quite remarquable. I think the beast will do a fine job on the road.



3. REALMENTE LA CAMARA ESTA EXCELENTE, ES MUY PEQUENA, Y DE MUY BUENA CALIDAD DE IMAGEN, COMODA CON MIL FUNCIONES, EL UNICO INCONVENIENTE ES ESE, QUE TIENE MIL FUNCIONES Y CASI NO LAS USO, REALMENTE CREO QUE SI NO SON EXPERTOS EN CAMARAS PODRIAN COMPRAR UNA MAS BARATA. PERO SI LES GUSTA Y TIENEN TIEMPO, DEFINITIVAMENTE ESTA ES LA CAMARA.



4. I've had a great experience with my camcorder. It has everything an amature needs, being very easy to operate and also sofisticated enough to satisfy a profesional.

   Size is great, not too big, and not a tiny dificult to handle camera.

   Highly Recomended, high quality camcorder, worth the price.




5. This is a great camera, I work in film production and this camera is able to capture things that not even a real film camera can. If you were to buy a camera, I would buy this one. It is GREAT value for it's price.