[Ahmed]

Can anyone explain or point me in the right direction for a brief appraisal of all the specs of the dcr-trv range of camcorders please?
I basically want to buy a used camcorder off ebay or amazon, but am overwhelmed by the huge models in the dcr-trv range.
Being a technical novice in camcorders, one spec I've latched onto, for no real reason, is the ccd resolution (540k pixels, 800kp etc.,).
So, I am setting my make or break parameter as the ccd pixel resolution - whatever is the highest resolution is the one I think I should go for, as I want the best quality pictures in the digital8 format. I suppose good low light performance is am important factor too..so I guess I am asking if anyone out there, knows of a link to a quick discussion of the models and a side by side comparison of all the specs.

Any thoughts gents?

[M Stewart]

I have two TRV camcorders, a TRV22 and a TRV60. Both these use MiniDV tapes which I think may be a little easier to find that digital8 which is an older format. I use the TRV22 primarily in 4:3 format, and the TRV60 is normally in 16:9. Otherwise they're both pretty similar with near identical menu systems etc. and use the same batteries. The 22 is slightly smaller than the 60.

Both cameras suffer from not having any form of exposure bias, so whilst it's possible to lock the exposure, and/or adjust it manually, it's not possible to dial in under- or over- exposure of say 1 stop wrt the norm set by the camcorder. BUT, I've had some good stuff out of both models, and have made several DVDs.

Can't say I've noticed any difference between them wrt to bright or low light quality. (The pixel figures quoted in camcorder specs normally refer to just the still picture feature. Video resolution is standardised.)

[senu]

Unless you actually have Hi8 tapes you need to convert to Digital, and soon, I would give Digital8 a miss
Why?
Some of the models are quite well featured ( I have the 620) but it is such a unique format that if you end up with a collection of tapes with footage in that format, only a Digital8 camcorder will be able to read them. To rely on a Sony only long discontinued product in this manner is ( to me) not worth the savings
I bought into MiniDV even when it was working well becuse I felt it would last longer ( was arguable better quality) and as it was not a one make format I would be assured of a longer lifespan.
I was proved right..
AS explained above the CCD resolution is less important than its size. 3ccd vs 1 CCD , low light performance ect.
Ive just seen your other thread you do need D8 but you may find that playing tapes recorded as LP may be .. Fun!

[Ahmed]

Senu, I've looked up a few threads on the discussion digital8 vs miniDV, and you have said in some of these threads that it's basically "more of the same" - ie there's very little difference between the formats - so I'm a bit confused when you said, in the post above, I need to change to digital and soon : I thought (as the name implies) digital8 was digital?

Are you saying this because it's an older format and the availability of digital8 machines will become scarce or for some other reason? (also, I am using Hi8 tapes to record digital8 footage).
Sorry if I seem to not be grasping your much appreciated advice!!

[senu]

Originally Posted by Ahmed

Senu, I've looked up a few threads on the discussion digital8 vs miniDV, and you have said in some of these threads that it's basically "more of the same" - ie there's very little difference between the formats - so I'm a bit confused when you said, in the post above, I need to change to digital and soon : I thought (as the name implies) digital8 was digital?

Apologies, digital 8 is digital ( recorded on hi8 tape) and as implemented on some of the better D8 camcorders virtually identical to MiniDV
However some latter MiniDV models are so much better that they made D8 look a tad less great, This is also partly because many of the latter D8 models were not of sterling quality.

Are you saying this because it's an older format and the availability of digital8 machines will become scarce or for some other reason? (also, I am using Hi8 tapes to record digital8 footage).

I have one myself and if I use it I tend to transfer the footage fairly quickly just in case it malfunctions
The problem is that they are no longer in production and any models you buy now will be second hand. This means that if you do get a good one, and accumulate a collection of D8 footage, should yours malfunction , break be stolen ect. You may well have no means of playing them again.
Although even MiniDV models are far fewer now . I imagine it will still be around for a little while yet as it has been a longer lasting and multi brand format ( not Sony only)
If you have any D8 footage, or even Hi8 , now would be a good time to get them onto a HDD say as mpeg2.. before you are no longer able to play them due to the simple fact of absolutely nothing to play them with

[MUZZA1]

Hi
Senu
you seem very knoledgeable with reguards to digital 8, hi8.
would you believe that sony tell me that the DCR TRV110E model camera is unique in so much that anything you record with it is only viewable via DCR TRV 110E and no other camera will allow you to view footage.
How stupid is that, If your camera is stollen or fails to work you are left with years of footage that you can never see again.
My thoughts on that are that the camera that i purchased was faulty (out of alignment)from new and they are covering thier back with that statement.
Sony have also said they would not 100% state it would play in another of the same model? DCR TRV110E
Any help would be welcome!

[senu]

Somebody in Sony is being really stupid, there is nothing that unique about the 110
What is however true is that digital 8 is a format best avoided now because only D8 camcorders can play them back and are gettiing scrce.
I would convert any D8 footage to miniDV or DVD nowTBH
I suspect Someone in Sony is trying to put you off. They havent made one for 3 years and are probably hoping not to have to repair one