Title : Sony DCRTRV240 Digital8 Camcorder 2.5" LCD with USB Streaming
Author : Sony Digital Imaging
Release Date : 20020401
Binding : Electronics
Regular Price : $699.99
Amazon.com Price : $
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Editorial Reviews : The Digital8 line was conceived to provide a path to digital for current owners of 8mm or Hi8 camcorders. The DCR-TRV240 succeeds in that regard, playing back both 8mm and Hi8 tapes. Sony put in a 25x optical zoom and paired it with Super SteadyShot image stabilization. Image stabilization is a handy technology that helps to eliminate the shakiness associated with high zoom levels. The only way to avoid shakiness completely is to utilize a tripod, table, or other stable surface. The 2.5-inch LCD is the best way to frame your shots, although you can use the black-and-white EVF to preserve battery life.
In addition to the normal slew of ports (IEEE 1394, S-video, Mini AV) that have made their way onto the TRV240, there's also a USB port, which, with some included software, offers some interesting functions. Specifically, it allows you to use the camcorder to capture stills, or 'broadcast live video with audio,' according to Sony, which seems to indicate you can use the TRV240 as a Webcam. There is also one very important port on the TRV240: a mic input. Not only do most camcorders have poor built-in microphones, but also they are often situated too near the tape mechanism, meaning you get the annoying throbbing sound of the tape pulled through the heads.
The DCR-TRV240 comes with a power adapter, InfoLithium battery, remote control, two AA batteries, AV cable, lens cap, shoulder strap, USB cable, and software CD-ROM.
Buyer Reviews : From first impressions....this is a great camera, although it does not have a memory stick capability - like the picture here indicates. It is rich in features and well priced for the consumer market, particularly for those folks with a lot of old 8mm tapes that you haven't yet converted to VHS or digital.
PROS: - Digital 8 with backwards compatibility (reads all analog 8 tapes) and can still record in digital. - Electronic Image stabilization (Called Super-Steady Shot) - Excellent 25x optical and 700x digital zoom (very nice). - Camera controls and data connectors are laid out quite nicely. - Solid audio capability (records nice 16-bit stereo sound). - Intelligent hot shoe: for adding accessories like a brighter light or bigger microphone (few other cameras in this price range have this expandability). - Nice remote control and video playback features. - Both an auto and manual focus capability - Comes with an 'infoLITHIUM' battery, good for about 60 minutes and which indicates the precise time left on the battery. - Both USB and 1394 (fire wire) data transfer. - Video/Audio in jacks: very nice for converting non-digital formats to digital (i.e. VHS)
*Note: Up to this point, this is a 5 star product...but read on, for my biggest complaints with this camera.
CONS: - Tapes feed from the bottom, which is not a big deal UNLESS you use a tripod. When using a tripod, to change a tape you must remove it from the tripod AND unscrew the tripod mount to get the tape bay open. A call to Sony and every camera/tripod place in town resulted in the same answer...you are out of luck, there is no adaptor made that will address this problem :(MAJOR bummer to me). - The camera records poorly in lowlight. Even though it is considered 0 flux (able to record in color one foot away), it desperately needs light or the quality takes a dramatic dive. The advertised super night shot turns everything green; which is good if you are a sniper, bad if you are a video enthusiast.
*Note: You can add a bright light accessory using the aforementioned hot shoe, to help address the lighting issue.
- The battery ratings from Sony are very misleading. For example: you can buy the 'ultra battery' (NP-FM91) which is rated at 10 hours-which seems quite impressive... The problem is most folks will never use the battery the way they achieved those 10 hours.
Here's the 'real' breakdown of estimated battery time with actual use: * 10 hours - in standby mode (no LCD and no Super-Steady Shot) * 6 hours - recording/ playback (no LCD and no Super-Steady Shot) *3-4 hours - recording/playback (with LCD & Super-Steady Shot on)
So what LOOKS like a clear Sony advantage re: battery life is really not, when you consider other brands can also achieve 3-4 hours of battery life with their 'ultra battery' and the same manner of usage.
Summary: In my estimation, this camera could be a good or bad buy depending on what your needs are.
* This camera might be a good buy IF you use 8mm, record in adequate light, need a strong zoom function and don't use a tripod for more than 1-2 hours at a time or would like to convert older video formats to digital.
* It is not such a good buy IF you don't need 8mm backwards capability, use a tripod for an extended period of time (2+ hours), need a memory stick function, are choosing Sony based upon it's 'clear advantage' in battery life or consistently do recording in lowlight
For me however, the tripod fiasco and the poor lowlight recording was enough of an issue for me to knock it down a bit and return it to the place of purchase.
*Note: in all fairness to Sony, every bottom feed camera available will have a similar tripod/tape issue, and many low-end digital camcorders perform poorly in lowlight.
(by tallison1965)
Features/Technical Specs : * Digital8 camcorder * 25x optical, 700x digital, zoom with Super SteadyShot image stabilization * 2.5 inch color LCD monitor and black and white EVF * Records digital stills onto tape * Features pass-through analog inputs, and mic input
