The best features of this camcorder, and that things that make it worth [the extra money] over the TRV250, are its backwards compatibility and its analog to digital converter. Now that my trusty Sony Hi8 camcorder has died after 12 years of service, I not only will still have access to all the tapes, but the bulit in A/D converter will let me burn them to disc with no other hardware except a firewire port and a big hard disk. In addition, it has analog A/V inputs which will allow VHS, TV or other signals to pass through and be digitized. Bulk and the 1:20 recording time of the supplied battery are issues, as is the fact that batteries must be charged on the unit, unless you plan on buying ... stand alone chargers. The info-lithium battery system is quite nice, however, telling exactly how much time is remaining. The memory stick is OK for email or web sites, not for serious photography.Bottom line: if you have an extensive library of Hi-8 tapes that you want to play or burn, then this is the ideal unit. If you are starting fresh in digital videography, then the mini-DV units offer significant advantages in size and features.
While my husband was anxious to get a digital video camera, I was reluctant to spend the money, even though our analog videocam is three years old -a dinosaur by today's standards -heavy and clunky with few features. But now I'm the one who is always grabbing the camera to film and to take pictures. I love it. Using a memory stick that can be purchased in several capacities, you can take still pictures even as you're filming; the memory stick we got holds approximately 400 pictures. You can find your shot using the viewfinder (in b&w) or the LCD screen (in color). We had no trouble at all, using the included cable and software, transferring images and movies to our Macintosh computer; it will work for an Intel machine too. A recharge takes us about 80 minutes and is then good for 90 minutes of recording time using the LCD screen or 110 minutes using the viewfinder.
Problematic are the LCD screen which, even when adjusted, is difficult to view in high light conditions, and the steep learning curve on the many functions and buttons. On the other hand, there are so many buttons and functions because this camera DOES so many things. There are lots of special effects too. The buttons are very small but that also helps keep the size of the camera down. Some frequently used functions, like backlight and fade, need only a single button to activate.
Bottom line: It will take you a while to learn everythng that this Sony can do -the manual is nearly 270 pages!! - but your effort will be greatly rewarded. Also, this camera is terrific if you have tapes in the older Hi8 format. Great camera.
Buy Sony DCRTRV350 Digital8 Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Memory Stick capabilities & Remote Now
I just sent back my Canon ZR50 for poor indoor video quality and high motor noise(which can be reduced by applying filters in CoolEdit, which is too time consuming). I replaced it with the Sony DCR-TRV350 and so far it has been performing fairly well. Overall it has comparative specs including almost the same optical zoom level, and the A/D conversion feature (really nice if you want to capture video to a PC from an old camcorder or VCR). On the plus side, it has good indoor video quality including low light situations and very low motor noise compared to the Canon ZR50. On the downside, it is a little more bulky (uses 8mm tapes instead of mini-DV), and has a black and white eyepiece viewfinder. Overall I would recommend this camcorder over the Canon ZR50.Well, this is the model one level higher than 250, and more expensive. Is it worth? My answer is, definitely YES. I don't want to repeat what the manufacturer review and others said. Here is the usage summary from my experience (I used both camcoders and returned 250).Pros compared to 250:
1) Analog to digital conversion feature. You can record directly from your VCR and convert the analog signal into digital one. Either with USB or Firewire, you can make your own VCD or DVD. With XP, windows movie maker can be the capture software and it does a better job than the ImageMixer came with the camcoder.
2) Super Night Vision. 16 times brighter than Night shot (250 has). You can record Save Private Lynch in complete darkness with this camcoder (either in color or green).
3) Downward compatability. This camera can play hi8, 8mm tapes while 250 can not play hi8 tapes.
Cons:
1) You need to buy a Firewire cable (6 pin to 4 pin if you connect to your PC), maybe a PCMCIA or PC adaptor for Firewire as well. It's OK even you don't have them but the USB is 1.0 version so it won't be as fast as firewire (depending on how big you want the video to be).
2) Memory stick. Considering the cost of purchasing a separate memory stick this camera can be more expensive than a Canon or JVC mini-DV one.
3) Extra battery. Same thing. Japs are smart. SO you need to spend more on accessories.
For all the 3 cons, you can get around without purchasing anything. E.g., use USB intead of Firewire; do not take still images (therefore not using memory stick) or use Start/Stop to record picture and use software to capture later on; use direct power instead of battery if possible. Accessories are 50%cheaper on ebay.
All in all, from big 20x optical zoom to super night shot, A/D conversion to downward compatibility with hi8, 8mm, USB steaming as a web camera, you name it. The features of this camcoder are very complete. But nothing is perfect and everything is tradeoff, don't you agree?
Want Sony DCRTRV350 Digital8 Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Memory Stick capabilities & Remote Discount?
First off, while I don't have much experience with camcorders, I found this relatively easy to get started on. The zoom, night vision, menu, and VCR functions are intuitive, so anyone with a little patience will get rolling fast. The video looks great to this newbie when piped through a TV, too.But....it doesn't work as advertised. One of the major reasons I bought a camcorder was to upload video to a PC, burn it as a VCD, and send video of my kid to far-off family members. So I plug in the USB cable, start uploading, everything looks great...but no audio's coming through. I figure I've goofed up the USB driver installation, which is pretty complicated, so I back out and reinstall. No dice. I check online forums and Sony's troubleshooting website, both of which recommend I change my audio driver in the provided software from the Sony driver to standard USB audio. Still nothing. I read more forums and find this is a pretty common complaint, and Sony tech support apparently blows people off when they bring it up. The most reliable solution? Upgrading to Firewire.
So that's what I'm doing. Another 35 bucks. Hey, I know Firewire's generally better for A/V anyway, but I just want this thing to work the way Sony told me it would.
Bottom line: You're probably interested in this model because it's cheaper than Mini-DV. I'd recommend this if you're already using Firewire or don't plan on uploading video to a PC. Otherwise, think twice, because you'll spend extra cash adding Firewire to your PC--cash that you could have used to get Mini-DV in the first place.
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