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Step-up Value
Here are two Sony features that adds value to this digital camcorder and differentiate it from other models in the Sony lineup.
 | 2.0 Megapixel Sensor: Of all the world's consumer camcorders, Sony was the first to break the megapixel barrier. Working with high-resolution recording and high-precision Sony custom optics, the benefits are dramatic. You'll see amazing detail on everything you shoot. Every blade of grass. Every strand of hair. The names on the back of player uniforms. And megapixel resolution is also a great benefit in Sony's Digital still camera function (Memory Mode). You'll be able to shoot images at 1600 x 1200 pixels, for prints up to 8 x 10nches. |
 | Digital Still Memory Mode: Capture digital still images directly onto Memory Stick media for easy transfer to e-mail, printing, or sharing with compatible Memory Stick devices. Digital still images can be captured while in Memory Mode, or images from the videotape can be captured onto Memory Stick media. This feature provides the Dual Function of having one camera for video and still images, and provides the user with a whole new world of imaging possibilities. |
Image Stabilization
Sony's SteadyShot picture stabilization keeps your images smooth and steady without degrading picture quality. The technology uses motion sensors, which tend to be more accurate than most other systems used in the camcorder market.
Optics
The multicoated Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens ensures balanced and clear contrast. The advanced HAD CCD sensor records images accurately in vibrant color and sharp resolution. The TRV70 has a robust 10x optical zoom that fits most purposes, but for extra distance the camera can reach 120x through the digital zoom. A hologram autofocus system and several autoexposure modes allow for automatic operation--while achieving ideal images for the situation.
More Features
You can record video in low- to no-light situations with Sony's NightShot system, which uses infrared light to capture images invisible to the human eye. With the function on, subjects up to 10 feet away can be seen in total darkness. You can also use the color slow shutter for color night shots instead of the regular green night-shot hue.
Sony's Stamina power management system and InfoLithium battery give the TRV70 a long operating time. To keep you informed of current battery life, Sony's AccuPower meter displays the number of minutes remaining right in the viewfinder.
You can take digital stills and record small MPEG EX movies using the included 8 MB Memory Stick. This is where the 2-megapixel resolution CCD really shines, creating images that can be printed at sizes of up to 1,600 x 1,200 pixels for prints up to 8 by 10 inches. The intelligent pop-up flash keeps your images well-lit and visible.
The TRV70 features a 2.5-inch color LCD and a color viewfinder. The menu is accessed via a touchscreen display on the LCD, reducing the clutter of buttons on the camera. A stylus is also included for ease of use.
The USB streaming feature can turn the TRV70 into a video-conferencing tool or a Webcam, and the standard IEEE 1394 connection can be used for digital video editing on a computer. The TRV70 is network-capable and can connect to the Internet with a USB-PSTN adapter.
MiniDV Format
MiniDV is the preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. With up to 540 lines of horizontal resolution and minimum color noise, MiniDV delivers a 20 percent clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of 2 full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD.
Contents
This package includes the TRV70 camcorder, power adaptor and in-camera charger, InfoLithium rechargeable battery, 8 MB Memory Stick, stylus, wireless remote, AV cable, lens cap, shoulder strap, USB cable, two AA batteries, and USB drivers.
It's unfortunate, Sony is discontinuing the product in 2004. It's a great product! I'm ready to buy a second one so I can get the same footage from another vantage point. Silly, two people using different cameras. :-)
I did comparison tests with this camera vs. Sony's other lower end camcorders. The color and resolution on this one if FAR superior and worth the extra money. I also compared it to the Canon GL2, a 3-CCD camera. The 3-CCD camera was far better in low light and color, but comes with a much heaftier price tag.
The good things about this camera have been mentioned by others. And while it may not fit in your palm exactly, it is really not very big. It looks good, and all the features are easy to find. Overall good design.
There are three things about this camcorder I don't like, but here's what I recommend to solve them:
The lens always looks like you can't zoom out enough. I'm sure there's a technical term for this, but even when you're zoomed out all the way it looks like your subject is too close. As soon as I realized this, I purchased a Sony wide angle lens, which made all the difference. Especially if you're indoors, you want to take in as much of the environment as possible. It does add size to the camera, and means you can't use the flash for still pictures without removing it. But it gives the camera a nice professional look and feel.
The second problem with this camera I've read about with other Sony camcorders: the "whirring" noise of the motor as it is taping. When I first got the camera I didn't notice it, but as time went on the whirr got worse. Also, there's a "hiss" that you get with any camcorder. I solved this by getting a Sony external microphone to attach to the "boot". ECM-MS5908C. It's a stereo microphone, and it's far enough from the motor that you hardly hear it, and also drowns out the hiss. I also got a shotgun mic, but that isn't stereo, so I wouldn't recommend it unless shooting subjects far away.
The other issue is unsolvable, and that's the "slider" zoom in. Instead of moving front to back with two fingers to zoom in, you slide left to right with one finger. It's hard to use, and over-sensitive. I do not understand why Sony sticks with that technology on their consumer models, but not with their 3-CCD professional models.
Overall, a great camera. I do not use the still camera function very often, so I can't comment on that. I use Final Cut Express for the Macintosh to edit, and everything works smoothly with this camera. (Also, if you plan to do any editting, you get a HIGH recommendation from me for Apple computers. Each Apple computer comes with iMovie, a free program that is SO EASY to use to edit video.)
You're obviously reading this because you want to know if this camera is right for you. Here's what I say: if you want better picture quality than other home videos you've seen, and are willing to pay for it, this camera is ideal. I highly recommend the wide angle lens and external stereo microphone, which help you make better videos but also add size to the machine. If you want to spend more to get an amazing, broadcast-quality picture, there's a big leap in cost for a 3-CCD camera. But the Sony DCRTRV70 is right in the middle, and is really a good choice.
Overall I am happy with the camera and recommend it for purchase.
-you will need a better battery if you plan on using this camera for longer periods of time. The sony web site has plenty of batteries and has the camera accessory compatibility guide so you don't buy the wrong things.
-the software bundled with this camera is a throw away. If you want to edit and create great family video you will want to go with better software. There are so many software titles. You may want to research a few, to tailor to you editing needs.
-many people complain about the included memory stick. They are right it's crap you will need at least 32mb and above to take advantage of the still camera capability of this camera.
-this camera as with any camera functions best with a clean lens. Be sure to cover your lens at all times when not in use. And clean it with the recommended lens cloth.
-the camera dose not come with a protective bag you will need to get one. The bag you get should reflect what you will use this camera for. If your just going to shoot vacation and family video you will need a lighter bag. If you take it hiking and mountain climbing you will need a more heavy duty bag. Make sure to take note of the camera's width, height, and depth to make sure you get the right sized bag.
-always use the included neck strap when ever possible. It will prevent the camera from falling on the ground and breaking should you happen to slip.
-as with all electronics keep this away from liquids they don't mix well.
some features:
-this camcorder has a 2.5inch lcd screen. for some bigger is better, if you want bigger go with the TRV-80 which has a 3.5inch lcd screen.
-this camera comes with video out ports, a headphone jack for private listening. It also features an s-video port for connecting to newer TV's and VCR/DVD players (s-video provides better viewing quality) You will have to buy an s-video cable.It comes with the standard USB port and wire. It also has a firewire port (you will have to buy the firewire separate).
It has a 10x zoom, touch screen display (which I think is neat).It has a 2mp digital still camera function as well. So you can take digital still pictures.
I'm sure i'm missing some features. Read some other reviews to get some more professional views.
4 Stars
Hope you enjoy your new camcorder.
This camcorder is equiped with almost all of Sony's technology in the making of camcorders. I'm pretty sure you have seen all of its features on the official Sony website, so I'll not mention its functions and specifications here. But just to name a few of the major advantages of this camcorder: 2 megapixels; integrated network function; super nightshot; automatic pop-up flash for still pictures; and manual focus ring.
I've purchased this product and I have been having a lot of fun with it! It's great for the people who just want to point and shoot, but at the same time, it's also great for those who would like to play around with its enormous functions and features.
The only cons about this product, like many people mentioned, it only comes with a 8mb memory stick. However, there are compensations for that: First (the obvious one), buy a larger memory stick! Second, you can change the size of your capturing pics- from 1600x1200 FINE to 640x480 FINE. These pictures' qualities will stay the same, it is their sizes that are changed. By doing this, you can take about 50 pictures comparing to the 8 in 1600x1200 size setting.
Many people often complained about the filming picture quality in low light settings, but I disagree. This camcorder is almost second to none in low ight performance. Comparing to JVC's products, it performs much better. What would you expect a camcorder to do without light? So far, I havent seen a camcorder that does a better job than the TRV70 in either low light performace or complete darkness!
Many pictures of the TRV70 on the internet often give viewers the impression of a much larger size than many other sony camcorders, such as the PC-330 (shown no larger than the size of a hand) and the PC-120 (shown with a tennis ball). But dont let this fool you. Go to your local retailers that actually have the TRV70 on display. Trust me, when you see it, you'll be shocked. You'll feel like that you've been fooled. I did the comparison, the TRV70 is not much larger than the PC330, a lot of people say it's even smaller! Nevertheless, its weight can be stressful for some people if holding it for too long.
Why not get the Sony DCR-TRV80 for $200 more? The TRV80 has a bigger screen => 3.5!
This is why this $200 is NOT worth it: Bigger screen means bigger power consumption! Bigger power consumption means batteries with bigger capacities! Bigger capacity batteries mean MORE MONEY!!! And besides, The TRV80 only comes with a 120 minutes battery, the same with the TRV70. Moreover, many times you can't even use your LCD screen in outside because of its over brightness.
The sad news about the TRV70 is that it has been discontinued in 2004. But I'm pretty sure you can still buy it from many online
stores for many of them (most of them) still have it in stock!
The bottom line is choose the right camcorder. If you want to capture precious memories and moments, then capture them with one that can captures the best-- the Sony DCR-TRV70. Its compact features and excellent lens are second to none in the field of consumer camcorders. The best thing is that right now, its price is dropping everywhere, yes, even in retailer stores!
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 still camera capability (2.0 megapixel vs 1.0 megapixel).
- bright 2.5" LCD screen: but i definitely prefer the 3.5" in the trv80.
- 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 unacceptable. 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.
all in all, a very nice camcorder. nice work sony.
WARNING: this review will NOT give you a run-down of all the camera's specs and features. That information is easily found elsewhere and is probably better summarized by "experts."
What this review WILL provide is the perspective of a mom who needs a camera for home and family use (I have a four year-old and another child due in a few weeks). I should also mention that I have a lot of experience with SLR film cameras and have a particular interest in avoiding flash and using natural light. So when I went looking for a video camera my priorities were:
(1) excellent image quality (color, resolution)
(2) ability to record good images indoors in natural or low light
(3) compactness (I didn't want anything so big that I wouldn't want to bring it along on trips and outings)
I don't have a digital still camera, so although I still prefer using my film cameras for still pictures, the idea of being able to use the camcorder for stills was also a factor.
The brands I considered were Panasonic, Canon and Sony because I felt that they had the best reputation for optics and overall quality. I ruled out the Canons when they seemed to be getting mixed reviews. I was initially interested in a Panasonic PV-DC 352, but by the time I got around to purchasing, the camera had been discontinued and was not available anywhere. I was less impressed by the newer Pansonics because they had reduced the size of the CCD, and I had heard that a larger CCD meant better image quality in low light.
I narrowed it down to the Sony DCR-TRV 70 and the Sony PC-105. The optics on the TRV 70 seemed better, but I thought that I might prefer the PC-105 for its compactness. (I should mention that at this point I was basing my opinions on specs and information about the cameras given online.) At this point I decided to see the cameras in a store to see and feel what they were like. Once I saw them, I realized that the TRV 70 is not really that much bigger than the "supercompact" PC-105 -- certainly it was not so much bigger that I would be less likely to bring it with me somewhere. However, the lens is considerably bigger (which means better optical quality), and I preferred the traditional elongated shape to the boxy 105 -- it seemed easier to handle and keep steady. (Also I have heard that an advantage of this shape is that the microphone is closer to the subject and further away from the camera operator.)
I decided to get the TRV 70. It was easy to start using right away, and it was easy to hook up to the TV. Some people have complained about the new touch LCD screens that Sony provides now instead of buttons, but I don't have any problem with this feature. The 2.5 inch LCD might be small for those who like a big one, but I prefer this size because it uses up less battery power and is perfectly adequate. Outdoors in bright light I prefer to use the viewfinder.
I haven't tried to take any still pictures yet, so I'm afraid I can't report on that feature. But at 2 megapixels I'm sure that these will turn out fine.
I also haven't tried to hook the camera up to a computer yet.
A common complaint heard about Sonys is that the zoom control is too fast/sensitive. While it is true that it is fast, it can be controlled by using a very light touch. Also, I can see that the advantage of a fast zoom is the ability to zoom quickly in order to set up a shot while still in standby mode (it looks more professional not to be constantly zooming in and out while recording anyway).
In terms of my initial priorities, this camera performs beautifully. Video quality is really excellent. And low light quality is really impressive (better I would say than what I can achieve with my manual-control SLR cameras). Colors are a little more washed out in very low light, but this doesn't bother me -- the color that IS there still seems true.
And the camera is compact and solid -- doesn't feel plastic-y.
Okay, here's an update:
I finally got around to taking still pictures with this camera and I'm addicted! I haven't used a digital camera before but have taken plenty of pictures with film cameras, and I have to say I'm impressed with the quality of the stills I can take with this camera. (The setting I use most often is "fine" and 640x480, which produces images with good resolution that are only about 100-150 kb and so easily sendable via email). The still camera feature is not as good in low light, but the pop-up flash compensates for that. I've also tried capturing stills from video, and that works moderately well, though it is obviously not going to produce as good an image.
One feature I really like in the still camera is the "bracketing" feature which takes 3 shots in quick succession at different exposures -- this is great for trying to capture expressions on quick-moving babies/children's faces!
The questions remain the same. The answers are eternally variable.
It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations.
