Bought the TRV80 the first week it was released. I have nothing but praise for it so far. Have been involved in "home" video since the late 1980's when the camera and recorder were separate units and weight was around 16 pounds total.The TRV80's 2.1 megapixel imager is supurb. I wish the image stabilizer was optical as were my last two (Sony and Canon)camcorders but SONY's super steadyshot is not bad for a digital stabilizer.
I find that the 1600 x 1200 pixel still picture capabiliy of this camera gives up to 8 x 10 inch pictures of really good quality and with the 10x optical zoom very often no picture cropping is needed, like for instance if you use a 4 megapixel digital still camera with a 3x or 4x optical zoom and you have to crop the picture to get the desired final image. You can also take on-the-fly digital snaps while the video is running (at only 640 x 480 resolution however.)
I also do computer digital video editing using Adobe Premiere 6.5 and using the SONY TRV 900 settings in Adobe (until TRV80 settings are released)the camcorder plugged-and-played first try with beautiful quality and color.
Just returned from two weeks of using it in Hawaii from sea level to 14,000 feet on Mauna Kea volcano and am super pleased with the results.
Yes there are weaknesses.
First the memory stick can be accidently bumped during use and the memory stick can fall out (happened to me twice) and be lost (did not lose mine). It needs a safety catch. I am using duct tape now on mine.(Not pretty, but very effective)
Second the manual focus button on the lower left side of the rear can also accidently be bumped and if you do not catch the manual focus indicater being "on" in the viewfinder; you may well take a series of shots which are all out of focus.
Third the plastic cover over the I/O plugs has a VERY THIN plastic retainer so it does not get lost. I expect it to break every time I open it; although so far to SONY's credit is has not broken.
All three items are to be watched by the camera operator and do not detract from the excellent camcorder performance.
Would I buy it again? You bet! Is the price difference over the TRV70 worth it. With most control items being via touch screen on the LCD screen the extra inch (3.5 inch for the 80 vs 2.5 inches for the 70) is worth every cent.
pros:
other than the sony trv70, this is the only miniDV camcorder that has a 2 megapixel still camera built in.
miniDV media is widely supported.
nice big LCD screen: 3.5"!
great connectivity options: firewire, USB, S-video, bluetooth, headphone, mic input, etc.
has a built in pop-up flash for taking stills.
carl zeiss lens.
steady shot and night shot.
ability to record mpeg videos directly to memory stick.
progressive shutter system.
cons:
this camcorder is bigger than i would like. you can get smaller camcorders like the trv33 or the pc105. granted, those have less features, mainly LCD size (3.5" vs 2.5") and still camera capability (2.0 megapixel vs 1.0 megapixel).
as with most sony products, you pay a premium, pushing up the price.
the included 8MB memory stick (for a 2 megapixel still camera!) is sony's idea of a joke. you'll need at least a 64MB memory stick with if you want to take full advantage of the higher resolution pics you'll be taking.
although bundling the camcorder and still camera together means you only have to carry one piece of equipment, it also means that if one breaks, you have to replace both.
as an alternate to this bundling strategy, you can get a trv33 or pc105 and get a 3 megapixel still camera for about the same price.
no built in video light but you can get one less than a hundred bucks.
nice work sony.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.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!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.
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