Having just emerged from camcorder-purchasing hell, I will share my thoughts with my pals as Amazon. I may keep this one because it is a good compromise and has the best sound I've found, but I may take it back. Here's why: 1. Picture--not nearly as good as the Canon Elura, similarly priced, or even quite as good as the Canon Ultura, $300 less. The colors aren't as saturated, and the image isn't as natural (The Canons, however, have sound pickup problems, severe in the Elura, which make them unacceptable. What does Canon think? We don't want to hear the tapes we're recording?). 2. The battery charges inside the camcorder, a particularly dim idea since you can't charge and record at the same time. External battery charger is an extra $150 accessory. 3. How can a camcorder at the turn of the millenium not come supplied with an S-video cable? This one doesn't have one.4. The still photos aren't as good in quality as either of the Canons (with or without progressive scan) or nearly as good as the high-end JVC model (with progressive scan). 5. The digital image stabilization, crucial to non-annoying video playback, is better than any JVC, but not close to as good as the optical stabilization in the Canons (the only ones which do it optically).6. The zoom is only a measly 10:1 optically, the equivalent of high-end JVCs, but not as good as Canon's 12:1 and 16:1 optical zooms. And don't let anyone fool you about a zillion:one digital zoom. The quality of the picture deteriorates so rapidly that it's virtually useless. Frankly, our 5-year-old Ricoh 8mm has better, warmer microphone pickup--and hence audio playback--than any of the digitals I've tested, and its picture quality isn't that bad. I think I've just talked myself into saving a thousand dollars or so. Maybe in a year, the digital crop will be more promising.
Buy Sony DCRTRV8 Handycam Digital Camcorder Now
Great camera with large LCD screen. Takes great picturesin bright light. Not bad in low light with slow shutter.
Problems
No shutter speed control above 1/30.
No pass through of RCA/Svid to IEEE 1394 for capture use.
No line level audio input while taping.
Focus controls right next to microphone.
Zoom control fragile.
Camera forgets last mode when shut off.
No histogram of exposure.
Read Best Reviews of Sony DCRTRV8 Handycam Digital Camcorder Here
Great picture. Wonderful features. Easy to use. Terrific 3.5" LCD screen. Goes in my pocket. Firewire for my computer. I am very lucky to have it. A great investment! Can you see me smiling?Want Sony DCRTRV8 Handycam Digital Camcorder Discount?
I would actually give this camera a 4.5/5, but since there isn't the option, I will just round up. This camera is fantastic for what it does for its size and price. I couldn't decide whether to go for the PC-1 or the PC-100 (the little rectangular cams.) or this camera, which holds true to the "standard camcorder shape"; but, after trying out the alternative designs, I found them to cramp my hand and just be awkward to use with such tiny buttons and strange button/control placement. I am glad I went with this design instead. The quality of the picture and sound on this camcorder is simply great! The colors are well balanced and contrast is handled quite well. When watching what has been recorded with an S-Video cable (another review mentioned that one wasn't included in the box he's right, but I would recommend getting one if you're going to use this camera the way it was meant to be used a decent S-Video cable is only about $5-$10 anyway), you can really tell there are about 500(!) lines of resolution. The picture is almost DVD quality it seems. Also, the stereo mic does a great job in picking up voice or other ambient audio. For instance, during one filming session, we had a CD playing in the backgroud and the music ended up sounding as if it were dubbed onto the tape; it was not overpowering but actually added to the "atmosphere" of the recording. Very nice in my opinion, but it my be bothersome for some users that the mic can be a bit touchy sometimes. This camera is loaded with features and I would recommend it over the TRV10 with a savings of about $200. While this camera doesn't have the memory stick option [and a few other bells and whistles], you really won't need the TRV10 if you a) have a digital camera already or b)plan on connecting your MiniDV camera to a PC/Mac. However, I wouldn't really recommend using this camera for stills. While they are okay, an actual digital still camera would be better. It should also be noted that the build quality of this unit seems very good. This camera, while fantastic, is not without its subtle flaws. One small problem I have noticed is that when recording in low light conditions, the picture tends to be a bit "grainy" on playback. The picture is still good, just not exceptional like those taken with this camcorder outdoors or in well-lighted conditions/rooms. I haven't tried the "Low Lux" mode to see if this will compensate for or reduce the grainyness, but it will probably help a bit. Another problem with this camera and the MiniDV format in general is the price of the media. It can get a bit pricey if you don't plan on transfering recordings to VHS or SVHS tapes with your VCR. Sixty minute tapes can run you anywhere between $8 and $25 depending on what brand/quality you purchase. I usually use Sony tapes that end up costing about $11.50/hour. And the last problem I have is that the use of the 3.5" LCD screen can really eat up your battery charge (almost cuts it in half, it seems). The screen is great, but just expect to charge a bit more often if you use it regularly or buy a spare battery. So, to sum up: for the money, this camera is absolutely superb. It provides a *fantastic* picture outdoors or in well-ligthed areas, and a good picture in dimly lighted rooms. This camera is also LOADED with features that will make any user happy. I highly recommend this camera to anyone in the MiniDV Camcorder market.
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