Sony DCR-TRV17

I bought a simplified version of TRV17, i.e. TRV15. It does not support memory stick and have a smaller LCD screen (2.5" instead of 3.5" in TRV17). Otherwise, same as TRV17. I prefer this one as I don''t think I would use this camcorder to take digital photo. Actually, it only support 640x480 resolution.

Clear picture. Easy to use. On the fly conversion of AV-in to DV-out.

Good but not excellent in low-light. Not small enough. (I got a small hand) Tape load at the bottom. Need to flip the LCD to get the control of VCR.

Sony TRV30, JVC P3

Not yet use it....

This is not a high end mini digital camcorder. The video & sound are very good, but not excellent (comparing to Sony DCR-TRV30 or 3-CCDs Sony DCR-TRV900). I guess you get what you paid for. The higher ends costs more (DCR-TRV30 is $1200-1500; DCR-TRV900 is $1500-2000). Light weight, handy, good for family vacation. I like the ADC feature (Analog-Digital-Converter). You can convert your 8mm or VHS videos into digital format. I like the Firewire connection to PC; with video edit software and DVD/CD burner software and firewire card, you can edit your digital video and burn it to DVD or CD. You need PC and sofware to capture, edit, burn video into CDs: - 300-500 MHz processor PC. - Min of 20 gig hard drive. - Firewire card (I bought the Firewire card from CompUSA- &29.99; easy to install to PC, it takes 5 min to install) - Video Edit software; I have Ulead VideoStudio 5.0 (Ulead just starts selling 6.0 version that has more fancy titles and scene transitions - You can find v5.0 for $50-60; Ulead price V6.0 @ $99). - Movie making software (I bought Ulead DVD MovieFactory from CompUSA - only $30 after $20 instant rebate and it work great, easy to use software) - CD burner. I have convert 3-4 hours of my old 8mm video and burn them into SVCDs using my CD burner. I also records 3 hours of digital video in mini tape, and edit and burn them into SVCDs using my CD burner. I choose SVCD format because the video quality is very close to the digital (around 70-80% comparing to the digital video when I connect my digicam to TV and play). Only 30-32 min of movie can be stored in a CD using SVCD format (60-65 min movie in a CD using VCD format). I do not buy this digcam because of the still photo feature. I see it as a bonus for me to take still pix for my SVCD labels or sending still pix thru email to friends. You can register your digcam at sony.com to get bonuses: extended warranty to 1 year and $20 coupon.

ADC and Firewire connection to PC features; Good video and sound; light weight and handy to carry around on vacation; Very good Carl Zeiss len. InfoLithium battery; May not need video light if use indoor (turning on all lights in your house will be enough).

I am hoping that Sony will start include 2 blank tapes, and S-video cable when selling digcamcorder. The camcorder has an input/output S-video, but no cable provided. The bottom of 3.5in Color viewfinder get hot when playing in 10-15 min. The overall rating should be 4.5 out of 5 stars (but not 5 out of 5 stars).

Not yet.

This is a great camera with excellent video quality, the ability to import old analog video into it, USB & Firewire connections, and a nice clear LCD screen. Pricematch the camera for best deal and have fun!

LCD & video quality are the best.

Battery life from the included "thin" battery is low, but easily solved by buying a new larger battery. I went through two 60min. tapes using the LCD screen the enitre time using their larger batteries.

First, let me explain that the price I listed abovewas the price as sold by The Good Guys but they later matched the price I found at Canoga Camera (in Woodland Hills Ca.) of $899! It seems that so many manufacturers are emphasizing the miniaturization of their camcorders, and while I can see some point to this for a select few users (ie: those who don''t want to be seen filming their subjects)I find that I like a slightly larger, more stable platform for my film production, as steady camera control and movement yeild better images. This is a compact but fully ergonomic camera, with a Zeiss lens (but only 10x optical zoom), smooth and controllable zoom, a smooth manual focus ring (not a notchy dial), manual exposure control, night shooting cpability, large LCD display. . . and more that you can read off the manufacturer''s web site.

-Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens (but only 10X optical/120X digital zoom) -1/4" Advanced HAD CCD, 680K Pixels -Super LaserLink® wireless transmission system (which I have not used) -Night Shot (I have actually used it quite often, though many will find it little more than a novelty) -MiniDV quality is excellent (sharp and good color rendition) -Digital Still and MPEG Memory Mode with Memory Stick Media (not great as a digital still camera but useful for certain things that don''t require great photos) -USB, IEEE1394 Fire Wire/DV In-Out, LANC, S Video, and conventional Audio Video in/out of course. -Smooth, conventional focus ring -Manual Exposure capability -Good Auto Exposure (with multiple settings for particular scenarios) -The Steady shot feature works very well -Large, sharp, and very readable LCD -replaceable lenses -Sturdy build (for a plastic body) -quick captures into Adobe Premier and Ulead Video Studio -comes with MGI software (not great, but better than nothing) -The logical control placemement coupled with the conventional shape (ie, its not of the vertical design like the canon Elura etc.) helps to keep you from fumbling around while filming . . . lookin

well -the tape eject mechanism is through the bottom of the camera -nightshot has a bright hotspot in the center of the picture when zoomed out -the big LCD would make quick work of the included batery, though I use the NP-FM91 which has loads of power. (I doubt this is really a weakness as any camera with this size LCD would be the same) Lens only has 10x optical zoom. . . .18-20X would be nice. expensive wide angle/telephoto lenses NP-FM91 battery was $160. . .but will last for a (claimed) 11 hours if you don''t use the LCD screen. . .and quite a while if you do

Sony TRV 20 and 30, Canon: ZR30MC, Elura series, Canon XL1. . . .with some time using JVC and Panasonic camcorders

not needed (yet?)

I did a lot of research prior to purchasing this camera for personal use. I''ve used a number of camera''s over the years and found that this one, as compact as it is has many features. However, it does cater to the non professional''s needs and has a lot of features built in it that are fun and entertaining. If you want to use it for taking digital still photos, you have two means of doing that. You have a memory stick (there are several sizes to choose from outside of the standard one issued) that isn''t much bigger than a stick of gum. Or you can digitize them onto the video tape. It comes with the ability to make MPEG also. I guess in short, there are too many fun things that you can do with this camera. You won''t be disappointed.

It has the 3.5" flip out screen making it easier to see. Also the ability to flip the screen towards the lens end of the camera if you''d like to see how you square up in the screen before you capture the picture. Having the large screen aids in being able to see yourself better then the industry''s standard 2.5". Instruction manual is very detailed. Many choices in size of batteries and Memory sticks. Color View finder! Not absolutely necessary, but a nice perk. It''s small and easy to pack around. I do have large hands and it fit''s quite comfortably.

Instruction manual can seem overwhelming to someone who doesn''t understand the language of a camera of this caliber. This camera is a high end camera that has features that might intimidate someone who simply wants to capture still''s, or a video of family and friends. Because of the size of the flip out screen, it does eat up the battery life faster than if you simply used the view finder.

Canon, Samsung...

I've not had to use it yet...