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The foundation of any camcorder is the imaging system: the lens and CCD. The lens is a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar. While less expensive models may have a larger zoom, the truth is that the larger the optical zoom, the larger the chance that any lens defects will show up in the video you are shooting. A 10x zoom is a good tradeoff in terms of image quality and zoom length. Additionally, Super SteadyShot technology helps keep your video from suffering from the common malady known as handshake, an unavoidable consequence of high zoom levels. Super SteadyShot essentially means image stabilization. There are varying types of image stabilization, but the Super SteadyShot variety moves the internal mechanisms of the camcorder to compensate for any camera movements. Finally, the lens on the TRV30 also has a manual focus ring--a step better and more immediate than the clunky interface most often used in digital camcorders
The CCD in the TRV30 is of enough resolution to capture 1,360 x 1,020 digital stills onto the included 4 MB Memory Stick--about a 1.38-megapixel image. That resolution is currently tops in the digital-camcorder world (the digital still resolution of camcorders hasn't risen nearly as fast as that of digital cameras), and is good for prints up to about 6 by 9 inches. As far as video is concerned, Sony claims the high-resolution CCD translates into a video resolution of around 530 horizontal lines, which is about 10 lines better than the MiniDV spec calls for (520 lines of resolution).
LCD's are probably the best way to frame your shots on a camcorder, and that usually means the larger the screen the better. At 3.5 inches, the argument could be made that the TRV30 offers the best, just based on size. The only downside? The larger the screen the larger the battery drain. This isn't that serious an issue, as there are many other factors in battery life besides LCD size.
Two items jump out as features that should be included on all camcorders: a headphone jack and 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. Additionally, a headphone jack takes some of the guesswork out of your audio sources. For example, if you're recording a child's presentation, you'd most likely want to make sure you can hear the child.
Finally, Sony added a couple of fun features that make the DCR-TRV30 a more interesting machine. First is the inclusion of an MPEG movie mode; essentially, this allows you to record short movie clips onto a Memory Stick. While the quality won't replace MiniDV anytime soon, it's easier to shoot short MPEG movies and e-mail them than it is to edit your DV footage to a manageable length, render it into a format that's easy on the bandwidth, and send it off. Second, Sony added pass-through analog to digital conversion. Let's say you have a stockpile of old VHS tapes that you'd like to convert to digital. Simply plug your VCR into the camcorder, and then plug your IEEE 1394 cable into your computer from the camcorder. That's it. Most other models require you to first dub your old footage to MiniDV tapes before sending it the computer.
Included with the DCR-TRV30 are a power adapter, InfoLithium battery, remote control, stereo A/V cable, lens cap, shoulder strap, 4 MB Memory Stick, USB cable, and a software CD-ROM.
- Did not come with a case.
- Did not come with a tape.
- Comes with one battery and no external charger i.e. you need to charge the battery in the camera so if you buy a second battery; you also need to get an external charger.
- MPEG movie mode to stick limits you to 15-second shots, even if you have enough memory to take more. Not sure why. Camera comes with 4mb, I bought an additional 128mb stick.
- USB functionality is for the stick only i.e. you can't use the USB port to pull from the tape. For that you need a Firewire card. This makes sense, from a speed perspective but is not evident from the technical documentation on Sony's site. It seems like an output port choice but there is none; it's either/or depending on what you want to move to PC. USB driver provided by Sony sets the stick up as a removable drive - you can copy the MPEG's and JPEG's right over.
- Firewire card I had was compatible with Windows ME but not with the software that came with the camera. The card does work with the native ME software (I think it's: "Windows Movie maker".)
- Again, card and camera will not work with Adobe Premiere 5.1c although the Adobe site says the most recent version will work with Card/Camera combinations recognized by Windows.
- Built in flash is adequate but if you need to take red-eye free shots consider the external flash - the red eye mode on the built in flash isn't always adequate.
Not a small camera but the size is well worth the trade off to get a two in one device i.e. camcorder that takes decent still shots. For those important moments you may fall back on your old 35mm or hi-res digital camera but the 1.5 mp images this camera provides should be acceptable for most occasions and not having to lug two cameras is great.
All-in-all, one of the best mid-level cameras out there - Sony just needs to charge $100 more and throw a few more accessories in the box.
- Did not come with a case.
- Did not come with a tape.
- Comes with one battery and no external charger i.e. you need to charge battery in the camera so if you buy a second battery; you also need to get an external charger.
- MPEG movie mode to stick limits you to 15-second shots, even if you have enough memory to take more. Not sure why. Camera comes with 4mb, I bought an additional 128mb stick.
- USB functionality is for the stick only i.e. you can't use the USB port to pull from the tape. For that you need a Firewire card. This makes sense, from a speed perspective but is not evident from the technical documentation on Sony's site. It seems like an output port choice but there is none; it's either/or depending on what you want to move to PC. USB driver provided by Sony sets the stick up as a removable drive - you can copy the MPEG's and JPEG's right over.
- Firewire card I had was compatible with Windows ME but not with the software that came with the camera. The card does work with the native ME software (I think it's: "Windows Movie maker".)
- Again, card and camera will not work with Adobe Premiere 5.1c although the Adobe site says the most recent version will work with Card/Camera combinations recognized by Windows.
- Built in flash is adequate but if you need to take red-eye free shots consider the external flash - the red eye mode on the built in flash isn't always adequate.
Not a small camera but the size is well worth the trade off to get a two in one device i.e. camcorder that takes decent still shots. For those important moments you may fall back on your old 35mm or hi-res digital camera but the 1.5 mp images this camera provides should be acceptable for most occasions and not having to lug two cameras is great.
All-in-all, one of the best mid-level cameras out there - Sony just needs to charge $100 more and throw a few more accessories in the box.
- Did not come with a case.
- Did not come with a tape.
- Comes with one battery and no external charger i.e. you need to charge battery in the camera so if you buy a second battery; you also need to get an external charger.
- MPEG movie mode to stick limits you to 15-second shots, even if you have enough memory to take more. Not sure why. Camera comes with 4mb, I bought an additional 128mb stick.
- USB functionality is for the stick only i.e. you can't use the USB port to pull from the tape. For that you need a Firewire card. This makes sense, from a speed perspective but is not evident from the technical documentation on Sony's site. It seems like an output port choice but there is none; it's either/or depending on what you want to move to PC. USB driver provided by Sony sets the stick up as a removable drive - you can copy the MPEG's and JPEG's right over.
- Firewire card I had was compatible with Windows ME but not with the software that came with the camera. The card does work with the native ME software (I think it's: "Windows Movie maker".)
- Again, card and camera will not work with Adobe Premiere 5.1c although the Adobe site says the most recent version will work with Card/Camera combinations recognized by Windows.
- Built in flash is adequate but if you need to take red-eye free shots consider the external flash - the red eye mode on the built in flash isn't always adequate.
Not a small camera but the size is well worth the trade off to get a two in one device i.e. camcorder that takes decent still shots. For those important moments you may fall back on your old 35mm or hi-res digital camera but the 1.5 mp images this camera provides should be acceptable for most occasions and not having to lug two cameras is great.
All-in-all, one of the best mid-level cameras out there - Sony just needs to charge $100 more and throw a few more accessories in the box.
MiniDV vs. Digital8 vs. Analog
First, the digital video is better than analog video for several reasons:
1. Since the recording is digital, the quality will not decrease over time.
2. There is no noise introduced by the media
3. The horizontal resolution is higher than in analog standards, be it VHS, Super VHS, 8mm or Hi8.
4. The copies have the same quality as original (if the copy is made using digital connection – i.Link/FireWire/IEEE 1394)
Although Sony and Hitachi produce Digital8 camcorders in addition to MiniDV models, MiniDV is an industry standard and is the most commonly used digital video format. The Digital8 format may be viewed as means to decrease the costs (the tapes costs less) and provide backward compatibility (they usually play Hi8 and 8mm recordings, with the exception of Sony TRV130).
The MiniDV tapes can be used in the LP mode for increased capacity without compromising the picture quality – since the data is stored in the digital format. But you will not be able to use audio dubbing feature.
PICTURE
With impressive 1.5-megapixel CCD, the TRV30 offers excellent picture quality, with well-defined edges and great color reproduction. The resolution and picture quality in the digital camcorders are usually limited not by the medium, but the CCD, optics and electronics. Which is the reason that people buy more expensive models than sub-$1000 to get better picture quality.
The 1.5-megapixel CCD has resolution that several times more than the resolution of cheap digital camcorder models.
SOUND
As other digital camcorders, this one employs Digital Audio Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) - similar to CD recording technology, with (can be selected from the menu) 12-bit or 16-bit modes. Since audio is stored separately you can use Audio Dubbing that allows you to add a stereo track of music or narration, but only in 12-bit SP mode.
As with other digital audio formats, the sound quality does not deteriorate over time and there is no “background” noise introduced by the media itself.
ZOOM & OPTICS
The camcorder employs 10x optical/120x digital zoom and has Carl Zeiss lens for better picture quality. The special coating reduces glare and increases contrast. The Super SteadyShot system can be employed for image stabilization, which fights unwanted picture shake from getting recorded on tape.
ADC & ANALOG-DIGITAL PASSTHROUGH
The TRV30 features an analog-digital converter (ADC), which converts analog signal from the analog input, so you can either record it on the MiniDV tape in digital format or send it through the IEEE-1394 (FireWire, i.Link) interface to your computer, compatible VCR or another device. The analog sources you might want to convert include video you want to store for a long time or edit.
LCD
In addition to color viewfinder, the camcorder features a large 3.5” LCD. The LCD has excellent visibility in sunlight. You can use the viewfinder to conserve battery power.
INPUTS
The camcorder has analog A/V inputs and outs, including S-Video. The camcorder also has an i.Link¨ Digital Interface (FireWire, IEEE1394), which is a two-way input/output that carries digital audio, digital video and control signals to compatible digital VCRs, edit controllers and computers.
It features an L (LANC) Editing Interface that provides standardized connection for synchronized operation of camcorder, VCR, and edit controller...The camcorder also features the Super Laser Link¨ Wireless Transmitter, which uses infrared light to make a wireless connection from the camcorder to your television up to 26 feet away. The transmitter is built-in, so you can buy a receiver and connect your camcorder wirelessly.
FEATURES
The camcorder features a 1.5-megapixel HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with low noise design. It has several modes of AE, manual focus and manual exposure in addition to automatic modes. The manual focus is controlled by the ring, which also looks cool.
You can switch between manual and automatic focus using a switch, which also has a position for “infinity” focus. The exposure can also be controlled manually when needed so you can avoid overexposure (and video noise in low-light scenes). The 2x playback zoom allows you to zoom in during the playback and enlarged pictures can be copied to MemoryStick.
The camcorder has 14 picture effects (6 digital effects), several digital A/V fader modes, 16:9 and LP mode recording. The digital and picture effects can be used independently (some of them can be combined). You can also manually adjust shutter speed when needed.
The Sony’s Super NightShot™ allows you to shoot in complete darkness up to 10 feet away. The system uses a built-in infrared light; the optional IR light can extend the range to up to 100 feet. There is also a built-in speaker (you can control the volume) and camcorder comes with a remote control and an intelligent accessory shoe (which accepts accessories ranging from lights, IR lights and photo printers to microphones that “zoom” with the camcorder).
The remote control is included and gives you access to advanced VCR functions as well as zoom, playback and shooting modes.
MEMORY STICK
The camcorder can be used as a digital still camera at up to 1360x1020 resolution, the images are stored on a supplied 4Mb Memory Stick. You can use the supplied USB cable and software to transfer images to your PC, edit and store/catalog them. The MemoryStick can also store short MPEG clips.
BATTERY
The TRV30 comes with an InfoLithium¨ battery, which lasts about 35 minutes if you use LCD. You can conserve the energy by using the color viewfinder, or you can get a battery of the larger capacity. You can always see the approximate remaining power: AccuPower™ meter shows you the remaining battery time in minutes on the camcorder's LCD or viewfinder.
BOTTOM LINE
The TRV30 provides excellent picture quality and high still resolution. With large LCD, USB, i.Link and other useful features, this model is a great digital camcorder.
The most impressive ( and important ) feature of this camera is its visuals. I first took the camera out for a day shooting clouds, traffic, sunsets and various wildlife. When viewed on my TV I was floored at the quality. Absolutely lush, vibrant colours, amazing deatil - beautiful. Don't judge what you see on the LCD panel. The actual output imagery on tape is fantastic.
Still imagery is a wonderful boon. 1360x1020 gives you plenty of resolution to play with. Upgrade the memory stick to at least a 64 meg. You'll then be able to hold about 70-80 hires pictures. I did find that the stills produced were somewhat grainy when the light level was low - which is normally the case. However in bright conditions they are great. I have no need to carry a separate digital still camera with me.
Had great fun creating close up shots - you can bring the subject matter so close it'll touch the lens before it goes out of focus. Produced some great macro photography this way. Brilliant. The manual focus ring is wieghted and smooth for precise focus adjustment - auto focus a little slow - nothing to worry about. Manual Exposure control - excellent.
Many fun features which after playing with them I never really come back to. It's the quality of the visuals that'll impress you.
I purchased a firewire card and cable and have had no problems outputting the imagery to and from my PC. Made many a short film of friends and folks this way.
The charger is great in that you only need a plug adapter when traveling to another country ( eg. Europe ). It'll handle a broad range of voltages.
The TRV30 has every input / output you'll likely to need and even though the little cover seems like it's going to break mine is still on after months of use...
Don't be put off by the 10x zoom. It's plenty. Anything over that and you'll be needing a tripod to keep the image stable. I've gotten some huge shots of the setting sun with the 10x.
Plus with the 37mm lens you have plenty of opportunity to purchase add on filters and lens from a massive selection of great camera gear that's out there.
You can also shoot in 16:9 mode which will then play back correctly on a widescreen TV. However, the image is not anamorphic. The camera is basically resizing the image. Nice feature to have though.
Um...,
Also buy a quality tape and stick with it. Don't change brands. I use Fuji.
Enough rambling - if you're thinking of purchasing the Sony - go and try in a shop. Hold it, play with it and fall in love with it. Imagine what you will create. I did.
Before he became a hermit, Zarathud was a young Priest, and
took great delight in making fools of his opponents in front of
his followers.
One day Zarathud took his students to a pleasant pasture and
there he confronted The Sacred Chao while She was contentedly grazing.
"Tell me, you dumb beast," demanded the Priest in his
commanding voice, "why don't you do something worthwhile? What is your
Purpose in Life, anyway?"
Munching the tasty grass, The Sacred Chao replied "MU". (The
Chinese ideogram for NO-THING.)
Upon hearing this, absolutely nobody was enlightened.
Primarily because nobody understood Chinese.
-- Camden Benares, "Zen Without Zen Masters"
The key elements in human thinking are not numbers but labels of fuzzy sets.
-- L. Zadeh
