Sony DCR-TRV11 MiniDV Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still Mode

I have never had my own camcorder before, so I spent days looking at all makes and models trying to learn as much as I could. I even read several reviews here and after having held each one, trying out the features and driving salesmen crazy I finally got the Sony DCR-TRV11.

First, the display screen seems better. I looked at JVC and Panasonic and the Sony screen just looked better defined. Also, when panning, the autofocus reacted faster to my movements. My wife has small hands and this was one of the smallest ones out there so remember to consider size and weight. The resolution is very clean and the controls are all well placed. I didn't use the software that came with it, opting for Pinnacle's StudioDV. It comes with the Firewire card, software and cables. It's works great and is easy.

The Sony has a few key features like a mic input, which is important. If you are getting better picture your going to want better sound. The built in mic works good, but if you zoom on something distant, you're going to want an external mic. The hotshoe takes intelligent accesories, like a zoom mic or a flash that syncs with the still pics. It takes both DV tapes with and without chips in them. Be sure to get the tapes with the chip in them. You need the chip to index your pictures. This is important when connecting to your PC. The included 4MB memory stick holds about 30 pics at 640x480 (60 at lower resolution) and allows you to mix stills with your video for some nice effects. In addition to the night shot feature, the stabilization is far superior than any others I tried. Some only worked until you zoomed, others said they had it, but I couldn't tell. All the Sony's seemed best here. The battery life was about 50 min using zoom and the flip out display. The display tells you how much time in minutes you have left to record. Much longer lasting batteries are available, but there is no memory effect so you can charge at any time.

The camera is great for quality, feel and ease of use. I did have to download a driver to use the camera as a netcam and it would have been nice if it came with the Firewire cable in addition to the serial cable. We restled over the price and, while you can get a very good camcorder for less, we just couldn't pass up the Sony after holding it and comparing the features and quality. My wife and I are very happy with it and, if you can afford it, this ones the one to get.

This is a very good mid-entry Camcorder with the more than the standard features. This extremely compact unit nails the basic necessities (LCD screen, LCD swivel, steady-shot, 2-nightshots, and excellent output options IEEE, S-video, RCA). You get all the Sony amenities of scroll-select dial and a slew of A/V rec/playback options. Sony pushes the value-added package with the tight Carl Zeiss lens; the true optical zoom capabilities has something to be desired with the 1.7-3.3-33 ratio. However, you can't complain too much with the 20x and 120x digital option that performs quite decently. The color view finder can extend and pivot quite a nice mechanical option while having the ability to save battery life or if you're doing fixed-position video taping.

The digital photo on Memory Stick is a thing of beauty (transfer to tape and vice versa also an option). The TRV11's size is comparable to a digital camera. This allows me to just carry the TRV11 around having the option of motion or still capture forget the digital camera (as long as you've got good lighting).

My only complaint is a Catch22 the MV tapes can only be inserted from the bottom of the unit. This creates a problem for tripod mounted shooting. Sony organizes all this technology into such a small package it's hard to complain. 4 stars for the standard Sony-pricing premium though.

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I was looking for a camcorder that would provide me with excellent video recordings and the ability to transfer the recordings to the PC for editing and then sharing them with my friends and relatives.

The Sony TRV11 has an excellent imager and the Carl Zeiss Lens is the best available. I am completely satisfied with video recordings. The color viewfinder and a 3.5" display that can be rotated to face the subject are really worthwhile. I have found that kids are better on camera when they can see themselves. The instant replay on the LCD is also a very good feature. As a novice getting used to STBY and REC, I have used this feature a lot to record over bad shoots. Also, if you plan on shooting still images on tape or memory stick, this feature allows you to instantly determine whether you need more shoots to get the best pose. I strongly recommend a color enhancement light if you are doing indoor recordings, which is available as an accessory. I didn't want to spend on that right now so I move my halogen torch lights into the rooms that I wish to record. It is inconvenient but works great. TRV11 offers a 3 way PC link by means of an adapter for the memory stick, a serial port or a firewire port. If you have an ancient computer like I do and do not want to spend on a new computer, you will appreciate this.

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This is a great camera and they've packed a lot into this tiny unit, but for Mac users, beware: the PictureLite software that comes with the camera is for Windows users only. Be prepared to plunk down another $60+ for an adaptor in order to access jpgs on the Sony memory stick in the camera. Don't bother looking on Sony's website for answers to why there is no Mac version existing or coming...the issue simply isn't addressed anywhere and related Belkin products that promise to transfer still images do not transfer jpgs; only still video frames.

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I bought the Sony DCR-TRV11 specifically for an African Safari, and am extremely pleased with the performance. I filmed through drenching rain, low-light conditions, over horribly bouncy roads, and the results are amazing. It is easy to learn to use the basic functions (I only had it for a week before departure, and didn't have much time to practice filming), and the quality makes even the most novice film-maker look good. Battery life is great (I took two with me and never ran out of power--even on days when the Safari Lodge generator failed and I couldn't recharge), and while the outside casing is a little worse for the wear, the camcorder performance is undiminished.