Sony DCR-TRV950

I think the TRV950 is a great camcorder, especially for the intermediate to pro user. I have found it is a great size for portability, nice 3.5" screen with touchpanel navigation and acurate manual focusing. Great for getting those "I don't want to be noticed as a professional" shots. I've used camcorders that are pro level, side by side there is little, (however noticeable) difference in quality of results.

Large LCD screen, audio capabilities, durability.

Pinkish-red skin tones noticed, still cam function unusable for printing purposes.

The TRV-950's predecessor, the TRV-900, has for many years been the low cost 3-CCD DV alternative to higher end cameras like the VX-2000/PD150, XL-1 and JVC DV-500/5000 and up. Anytime someone asked me for a recommendation for a high quality digital camera not able to afford a VX-1000/2000, I had no trouble recommending the TRV-900 based on my colleagues positive experience--not my first hand experience. So it was with great anticipation when I decided to buy a new DV camera to replace my aging VX-1000, and chose the TRV-950. Wow, forget what the reviewer above who obviously doesn't own one of these camera's said. This camera is fantastic. I'm super pleased. I've owned and operated quite a few cameras including an $18,000 JVC Pro D9 (digibeta equivalent) camera, and I'm very impressed with the quality of my 950. That's not to say the picture is without it's problems. At 7lux it's pretty sensitive in dimly lit areas, far superior to my old VX-1000, but not as clean or bright as my pro cameras that cost many times more. The digital still feature is nice, but not that useful for me. I still prefer the quality of my standalone 3.3 Megapixel Nikon Coolpix 880 over the still from the 950, but in a pinch, it's pretty darn good considering it's from a video camera. The selective focus is very cool--use your finger and point to the area on the screen you want to focus on. I wish it had a built in ND filter like my VX-1000. I bought a TecNec XLR mic adapter from Markertek so I could use balanced mics. The tape transport seems rock solid. If you are doing firewire editing and using your camera as a deck, it's worked flawlessly for me. Vegas 4.0 works beautifully with this camera as does Premiere 6. I like the sound of the transports during shuttling. It just feels solid. The flip out screen is fantastic, and the form factor is great. I really enjoy using this camera for documenting my travels as well as for more professional work. With careful lighting, white balance, and skill, it produces wonderful images. And for the price? It can't be beat.

Excellent picture Solid tape transport Good controls Excellent value

Still Images are nice, but not as good as a decent digital still camera.

VX-1000, JVC DY-90

Unknown. Past history with Sony products are a mixed bag. In warranty items are serviced promptly, but out of warranty items (usually 1 day after the warranty runs out!) are expensive and slow.

This camera is the best that I have ever used. Besides the outstanding picture, near-CD quality audio, and professional features, the camera is a privilege to use. I brought the camera on my trip to Alaska, and I couldn't have been happier. The built in still camera function takes pictures as clear as a stand-alone still camera. Also the stills are stored separately onto the memory stick. You can store hundreds of high-resolution images onto one 128MB memory stick. The touch-screen is great for playing back stills and controlling the camera's funtions, and a telescopic stylus is included.

Amazing picture and sound, built in flash, touch-screen with stylus, on-screen audio monitor, photo-function

No night-shot, possible tape damage

VX-1000, VX-2000, older Hi-8 cameras