Sony DCRTRV33 MiniDV 1megapixel Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Color Viewfinder & Memory Stick capabiliti

I would like to give my opinion and view on Sony TRV33 model. I know how important a review of a product

is. After a month of research on camcorders, I had two options Canon ZR70MC or a Sony TRV33. Both of these

models had their own good and bad points. But ultimately I bought the TRV33 because of the following

reasons which I think clearly surpassed Canon.

Pros:

1. Clear, crisp and detailed video.

2. Best Image quality when compared to Canon.

3. Excellent low-light performance when compared to Canon.

4. Mind blowing Nightshot in total darkness, though in Greenish tint.

5. Carl Zeiss Lens definitely has proved its name and quality.

6. Image quality when downloaded on PC using a USB 2.0 was "excellent" both indoors and outdoors.

7. The 1.0 MB still pictures are OK but not fair, best for sending an email.

Cons:

1. 10x Optical, but I did not get a chance to use beyond 10x. Technically anything beyond 15x Optical

would produce shaky video unless on a tripod.

... If price is a constraint, I would request my readers to also check the TRV22, but

purchase with a long term perspective and image quality and optics matter a lot when deciding on a

camcorder. Sony truly shines in that aspect.

Good camcorder hunting !

I've owned a number of Sony digicams (most recently the PC110) and decided to upgrade for some new features like analog pass-through (hook a VCR up to the camcorder to capture directly to your computer). I first tried the TRV70, but returned it and got this one instead. The 70 is a very different camera...considerably larger and with much better stills, but more expensive. I decided to go with the 33 because I wanted something smaller. The digital stills from most camcorders aren't going to be anywhere as good as from a halfway decent digital camera, so not a reason to pay a lot more. I got the same size LCD touch screen (a nice new feature!) and one thing I like about this model over the 70 is that the zoom is not so fast! The 70 has the same kind of zoom control, but it's very touchy and it's very hard to do a gradual zoom. The 33 allows much better control. Well, unless you have a need to do really fast zooms. I prefer to have one that does not. I find this is particularly important if you want other people to use the camera...anytime I gave someone the 110 to use, they had problems with that touchy zoom! This is an issue on a lot of Sony camcorders, I really wish they would correct it across the board.

Image quality is good and I personally don't have problems with motor noise, it's pretty typical for camcorders this size. The 10x zoom is decent, I looked at the Canons that were 20X zooms, but their image quality was not as good. The touch screen is great for features like spot focus and metering. I find it a lot easier to use than the myriad of buttons all over the camera that most models use.

Another new feature is the ability to quickly check the battery life on the camera without powering it up. I've sometimes thought it was charged when it was not and missed being able to film as a result, so this will be a lifesaver! The Sonys are great about telling you how much time is left on the battery and the tape.

Overall, an excellent camera I would highly recommend.

Buy Sony DCRTRV33 MiniDV 1megapixel Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Color Viewfinder & Memory Stick capabiliti Now

I read all of the reviews here and went through exhaustive research before I purchased the TRV33.

First, the infamous buzzing noise. This had me very nervous since it appeared to be the one constant complaint in these reviews. Yes when you operate the camera there is camera noise. There also has been camera operating noise on every other camcorder I have owned over 15 years. It is no different from any other camcorder. As far as recording noise goes, if your footage is in a dead silent environment, then yes, the noise is slightly audible. Not annoying, not a "loud buzzing", just slight mechanical noise. If there is any amount of background noise in your footage, the "buzzing" is not noticeable at all. As a matter of fact, I edit footage in Final Cut Express on a Mac, and the noise in so slight that it doesn't even register on the audio meter.

Having said that, I will let you know that the features are fantastic, the camera is easy to use (I shot footage and transferred to my Mac through Firewire without even reading the directions) and the video footage is great. The LCD Touch Screen is fantastic as well.

The only negative thing I noticed so far is that when the footage was captured to the Mac it seemed to lose some of its clarity. When I hooked it up to my TV via composite video and played directly from the camera it rivaled DVD quality. But when I captured it to the Mac it seemed to be more jaggy and the colors we darker. I haven't burned a DVD yet to see how the final product looks, and there may be some settings I can change as well but other than that this is one fantastic camera!

Read Best Reviews of Sony DCRTRV33 MiniDV 1megapixel Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Color Viewfinder & Memory Stick capabiliti Here

If you are reading this review and are shopping for a MiniDV camcorder you are in the learning mode for shopping. Isn't Amazon.com a great place to learn about electronics such as this. I will be happy to share my experience with this camcorder so far. This review is all about money and how I decided finally that with consumer level electronics you do usually get what you pay for. The camcorder that we origionally purchases when we were ready to buy a MiniDv camcorder was by Sharp. It was about half the cost of the Canon and Sony models that were being sold by its side. I took notice that there were often large rebates for Sharp camcorders that hammered the price down to a very low price that was just too good to pass up. Due to numerous unfortunate issues with this camera our memories that were recorded were trashed due to what I can say was just poor build quality. So the rule is don't buy a KIA and expect it to provide you with the memorable experience of a Honda/Toyota etc. Right???

Here is the good stuff. This camera is worth every dime that Sony is asking for it. After reading some reviews the only negative thing that you may read is that you can hear the motor working when recording or playing back a tape. I say that but you really would have to be listening for this to hear it. My DVD player makes more noise than this unit. So some folks really need to get a grip. More sound insulation in the area that houses the motor for the camcorder would cure this but there is really no room for anything else to be stuffed in there. This in NO WAY means that this noise is at all recorded on your tape. Anything that Sony makes in Japan seems to keep with the origional high standards that this company is known for. This camera is made in Japan and everything from the quality of construction to the quality of the images that you will see on the TV screen will just amaze you. The colors are just perfect and the sound is more than what I expected from a compact recorder. Enjoy the TRV33 if it is the final choice that you make in this search for a good camcorder. If it is a bit high for your budget then check out the TRV19 and the TRV22. The TRV19 may be the best buy that I have seen in the MiniDV world yet.

All in all this camera is compact, efficient and it is ergonimically perfect when it is held in your hand. After you purchase the Camcorder register it with Sony online. After you have done so they will most likely send you a 20% off coupon in your email to buy upgrades for the new product that you have purchased. WIth this cupon go ahead and upgrade the battery for the camcorder to at least the FM50. The FM30 that is included is just not sufficient to be the main battery. It will be a nice backup for you in a pinch but should not be relied on. The FM50 should have been standard issue IMO. Happy shopping!

Want Sony DCRTRV33 MiniDV 1megapixel Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Color Viewfinder & Memory Stick capabiliti Discount?

One of the major considerations for me in buying a camcorder was the size. My family has owned several camcorders and they've been bulky enough that after a few months when the "new electronics" glow has worn off, nobody wants to lug it around on vacations, to amusement parks, camping, etc. It's just too much of a hassle.

I've purchased a DCRTRV33 and LOVE this thing! The PC interface through firewire (IEEE 1394) is flawless--I just plugged it in and it worked beautifully with Pinnacle Studio 8. It's packed with features, has a great picture and sound.

I've read other comments about the noisy motor and it's true that the motor is a little louder than I thought it would be. However, after indoor recording in quiet rooms for testing, I haven't been able to hear the motor during playback on my computer or TV. I think it's a negligible problem that wouldn't deter me from a purchase of this otherwise amazing piece of technology.