Sony DCR-TRV730 Digital8 Handycam Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still Mode
By: Sony Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 16
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 On: 2003-12-29
I love this camcorder! I can get the close ups skinnaMAX cant touch. The zoom is top notch and the wide angle action catches the nips. I would recommend checking the manuel as it gives the down low you cant get just by trickin the gadget. The nightvision brings the dish to light and makes the digital quiver. I would encourage those who havent to experience the Sony DCR-TRV730 for themselves.
 On: 2002-04-22
This camera obviously has great features at its reasonable price. The night vision is a very creative (however unnecissary) feature that I found to be fun to show to your friends however not needed for filming very often. Unfortunatly, you may find yourself using nightvision often because as you take stills in lower light conditions the quality decreases. This decrease is only noticed when looking at the pictures on a computer or on paper (or when looking at movies on a TV screen). However, this camera tends to be cheaper than most others because it records in a Digital 8 format. In other words, it records digitally on to regular Hi8 tapes which are generally cheaper than most miniDV tapes. However, keep in mind if you buy a 120 minute Hi8 tape, this camera will only record 60 minutes on to it because the data takes more room. The camera, however, is very user friendly and can run almost completely automatically as well as manually. The autofocus is very efficient along with an excellent optical zoom and an oustanding digital zoom (although quality does decrease with digital zoom). The camera acts extremely well in brighter conditions and clearly out performs many other cameras, its the indoor low light coniditions that still need plenty of work.
by: Anonymous On: 2002-03-16
This is the first camcorder I have bought. I did a lot of research and finally decided to go with the Sony DCR-TRV730... and I am glad that I did.The picture is great!! Very crisp and clear DVD quality. It is very easy to use. Within 5 minutes, I had it setup and ready to use. The controls are intuitive and well placed. However I would suggest reading through the excellent manual when you have a chance to learn about all the features. The zoom is clear and the image stabilization works great. The night shot is really neat, but the "Super Night Shot" is only suitable for use with a tripod. There are many built in special effects, like faders, B&W, Old Time Movie, etc... The only thing to remember is that you will need IEEE 1394/FireWire ports and cable if you wish to copy/edit the video to your computer. The included USB connection is only for still images and MPEG movies on the memory card. Overall a great camera, with professional results.
 On: 2002-03-14
Used this for school and we are finding it works very well, so well, that our own high school is using this type of camera for all use of cameras for the school. Very reliable, high quality camera with easy to understand feautures and an easy way to film and to hold as well. Did have problem with lighting and trying to pick up sound at the same time but still very good.
On: 2002-02-25
My comments on this camcorder are to help those who are not into specs but just plain English about this product. First, my dislikes about this camera is 1. Black/White electric viewfinder - but the view is bright and clear
2. Dont expect to take great clear 35mm quality still pictures. The print quality is a bit grainy. You are better off buying a separate camera for still pictures; but at times, it adds excitement having a still shot here and there on your video recordings. *Now, the good stuff* this is why this camcorder is rated a 5 (Best) *PICTURE QUALITY This is the best video picture quality camcorder that I have owned. I previously owned a Canon UC20 with 410,000 pixels (great picture quality). This Sony DCR-TRV730 has at least 1,070,000 (according to the manual) pixels, which produces great color, clear and sharp video quality video recordings. *Minimum Illumination needed is seven Lux/ zero Lux NightShot modes* I was most impressed with the "Infra-Red NightShot" capability. Again, clear, sharp pictures. I put this camera through a test and I did not use my optional "HVL-IRH2 Video Light" - by recording in a room (with people inside the room) that was very dark - all lights were out and no sunlight. I was amazed with its quality and the clearness. The built-in infrared light was sufficient for a 20 X 30 size room. Note - NightShot will produce monochrome color. When I turn on my optional "HVL-IRH2 Video Light" (which has the capability of using its infrared or halogen lighting) the distance shooting was even greater and brighter, sharper picture quality. I advise purchasing an optional video light for inside recording, so you will get brighter, truer color and clarity. Even without the video light, normal room lighting still produced nice quality, clear video pictures. With the NightShot turned off and no optional video light, you will need sufficient room lighting in order to have excellent picture quality. *Built-in 18X Optical /500X Digital Lens* I also purchased the optional Sony .7x 37mm Digital Camcorder High Resolution Wide-Angle Conversion Lens (VCL-HG0737X). This added additional width and depth to my recording. The built-in lens did not have sufficient "width" for my recording in small close areas inside my home. The supplied Infolithium battery pack with the Accupower meter system is rated for approximately 2.5 hours of recording. I was only able to get approx. 1.3 hours due to the way I take pictures - I work the camera - focusing in and out and using the fade mode, giving my video more of a professional appeal. I also make use of the Still Picture mode and use the Memory Stick to save those still pictures. I then transfer the pictures onto my computer. This battery communicates with the camcorder. It tells you how much remaining power in the viewfinder and on the back of the LCD display. Great tool and accessory. Super Steady Shot Picture Stabilization System allowed me to take smooth looking video even when I had the shakes. I put the camera through another test -- I recorded a picture while riding in an old vehicle with poor shocks absorbers - if it was the excellent sound quality, which allowed you to hear the bumps and dips while riding, but the picture was flawless. *8 Different Picture Effects* This camera also allow you to change the picture affects to Black and White, Sepia, Negative Art, Pastel, Solarization, Slim, Stretch and Mosaic. This just adds pure fun to the video recordings. This camera also allows me to still view my old 8mm tapes. I now record using Hi8 mm tapes. Overall, I would not trade in this camcorder for another brand. This camera produces crystal-clear Digital8 pictures and CD quality sound. This camera allows an amateur photographer to feel and produce professional quality pictures. You will also need to purchase another/stronger battery packs for those extended recordings. If you plan to record your Childs school program or take a family trip to Disney World/Land, you will definitely need a stronger battery. I suggest the "NP-FM70 or the NP-FM91 InfoLithium battery pack. Depending on your purchase they are rated between 5.5 hours to 10 hours estimated recording time. You should also purchase an optional video light, such as "HVL-IRH2" (approx [amt]) and an optional wide angle high grade lens, such as the Sony VCL-HG0737X. I paid [amt] including shipping for these lens. The price I paid for this camera was [amt] (new) including shipping and 8meg memory media stick. I got a Great Deal. This camera alone estimated US selling price is [amt] without shipping and only 4meg memory media stick (standard with this model). Be prepared to pay at least [amt] + shipping charges for this model without the optional accessories.
On: 2002-02-21
My comments on this camcorder are to help those who are not into specs but just plain English about this product. First, my dislikes about this camera is 1. Black/White electric viewfinder - but the view is bright and clear
2. Dont expect to take great clear 35mm quality still pictures. The print quality is a bit grainy. You are better off buying a separate camera for still pictures; but at times, it adds excitement having a still shot here and there on your video recordings. ****Now, the good stuff*** this is why this camcorder is rated a 5 (Best) ****PICTURE QUALITY This is the best video picture quality camcorder that I have owned. I previously owned a Canon UC20 with 410,000 pixels (great picture quality). This Sony DCR-TRV730 has at least 1,070,000 (according to the manual) pixels, which produces great color, clear and sharp video quality video recordings. ***Minimum Illumination needed is seven Lux/ zero Lux NightShot modes*** I was most impressed with the "Infra-Red NightShot" capability. Again, clear, sharp pictures. I put this camera through a test and I did not use my optional "HVL-IRH2 Video Light" - by recording in a room (with people inside the room) that was very dark - all lights were out and no sunlight. I was amazed with its quality and the clearness. The built-in infrared light was sufficient for a 20 X 30 size room. Note - NightShot will produce monochrome color. When I turn on my optional "HVL-IRH2 Video Light" (which has the capability of using its infrared or halogen lighting) the distance shooting was even greater and brighter, sharper picture quality. I advise purchasing an optional video light for inside recording, so you will get brighter, truer color and clarity. Even without the video light, normal room lighting still produced nice quality, clear video pictures. With the NightShot turned off and no optional video light, you will need sufficient room lighting in order to have excellent picture quality. ***Built-in 18X Optical /500X Digital Lens*** I also purchased the optional Sony .7x 37mm Digital Camcorder High Resolution Wide-Angle Conversion Lens (VCL-HG0737X). This added additional width and depth to my recording. The built-in lens did not have sufficient "width" for my recording in small close areas inside my home. The supplied Infolithium battery pack with the Accupower meter system is rated for approximately 2.5 hours of recording. I was only able to get approx. 1.3 hours due to the way I take pictures - I work the camera - focusing in and out and using the fade mode, giving my video more of a professional appeal. I also make use of the Still Picture mode and use the Memory Stick to save those still pictures. I then transfer the pictures onto my computer. This battery communicates with the camcorder. It tells you how much remaining power in the viewfinder and on the back of the LCD display. Great tool and accessory. Super Steady Shot Picture Stabilization System allowed me to take smooth looking video even when I had the shakes. I put the camera through another test -- I recorded a picture while riding in an old vehicle with poor shocks absorbers - if it was the excellent sound quality, which allowed you to hear the bumps and dips while riding, but the picture was flawless. ***8 Different Picture Effects*** This camera also allow you to change the picture affects to Black and White, Sepia, Negative Art, Pastel, Solarization, Slim, Stretch and Mosaic. This just adds pure fun to the video recordings. This camera also allows me to still view my old 8mm tapes. I now record using Hi8 mm tapes. Overall, I would not trade in this camcorder for another brand. This camera produces crystal-clear Digital8 pictures and CD quality sound. This camera allows an amateur photographer to feel and produce professional quality pictures. You will also need to purchase another/stronger battery packs for those extended recordings. If you plan to record your Childs school program or take a family trip to Disney World/Land, you will definitely need a stronger battery. I suggest the "NP-FM70 or the NP-FM91 InfoLithium battery pack. Depending on your purchase they are rated between 5.5 hours to 10 hours estimated recording time. You should also purchase an optional video light, such as "HVL-IRH2"...and an optional wide angle high grade lens, such as the Sony VCL-HG0737X...I got a Great Deal...
On: 2001-12-05
I tried posting a review for this TRV707 last week, but apparently it did not show up. I will try again... I had mentioned my concern of what I thought was poor low light performance of this cam. It also takes poor still photos but I dont care for using it as a photo camera (I have dedicated Sony digital cameras for that purpose). Nevertheless I gave it 4 stars since everything else about it is excellent. Actually the low light video performance while dark is very amazingly noise free! There are hardly any snowy digital grainy pixel specs or noise in the dark scenes as compared to my 8mm! So I guess that is what folks mean when they are saying this cam has excellent low light performance. If that is what they mean, then yes it does have very low noise. But the scenes can be very dark in 100 watt light bulb lit rooms.
I bought the sony 3 watt flash/video light and it helps to brighten up the dark room scenes so that videos come out brighter. With this, I can highly recommend this Digital8 format camcorder. It probably is the best one out there right now and it is as good in video quality as the PC110 miniDV camcorder. Just dont get it for still pictures! For Videos it is very good to excellent. I do think that the colors are a bit washed out looking and not at all like I expected the vivid Sony saturated colors to be. But it is acceptable to me.
Battery life is about 55 to 60 mins recording time on and off using the color LCD. I dont mind the sharper looking black and white viewfinder, it saves on battery juice too.
Cameras tape transport does make some motor whining noise in operation but never is heard in my videos so not a problem. I do notice that the built-in stereo mics are not balance too good on my unit though... If I speak into the right mic, sound comes out correctly on the far right channel. BUT, if I speak into the left side mic, the sound comes out as if it is in the middle of the scene and not to the far left side. Seems the directional mixer of the mic is not working correctly. I have not tried external mics to see if this bug goes away. So am concerned if I can get accurate stereo panaroma sound recordings from my TRV730. Also flash still pictures come out with a "Blue Cast" or "Blue Tint" to them. Seems someone at Sony these days has a bad eye for color WB adjustments, since all of the high end Sony digital cameras (F505V and F707) have these "Blue Flash Syndrome" defects in them also and had to be sent back for a firmware fix. Other than these quirks, this camera really is one neat piece of engineering marvel. If you can live with the quirks I mentioned above, this camera will not disappoint you!
I love the ability to play my old 8mm tapes and to now archive them to digital realm in my spare time! Love it!
On: 2001-11-29
Well, after buying this TRV730 based on all the rave reviews from everyone (mostly) I am a bit disappointed to find out that no one was keen enough to accurately tell prospective buyers about the very POOR low light capability of this model. For the sake of me, I cannot make decent videos using my normal indoor lighting (100 watts or more incandescent lamps) in the room(s).
The LCD screen shows the pictures much brighter than they really are when I upload them to the PC via the i-link (firewire) digital port into Adobe Primier or Uleads VideoStudio software.
Sony seems to have turned up the video gamma, brightness and contrast inside the camera for playback, because the videos look brighter when I play the tapes through the TRV730 itself connected to my Sony TV via the composite video output of the camera. Digital upload to PC do not look anything near what shows up on the TV composite output, so Digitial copies will be very poor and DARK because of this! My older Sony 8mm analog cams do much better than this in low light and the colors look better too. The Colors on the TRV-730 look pale and washed out. Not at all like the vibrant "Sony colors" I have come to expect from Sony cameras in general. What happened Sony?
The good points people have raved about are true... I just had to enter my experiences to tell the bad points that most people are not telling (or they are beginners and just dont know [...]) Sorry. Doesnt anyone else see this problem or is it just my camera that may be defective? Those are my only gripes (bad faded colors, bad low light sensitivity). Low light pics are not noisey, but just very dark, too dark to see!) ... Oh one more thing, yeah the lense is not so "wide angle", it is like it is always zoomed up on the scene. So beware wide angle lense freaks. This is not good either.
On: 2001-11-11
What makes this camcorder nice is the fact that it is very easy to use. You can keep this as simple as you like, or you can spend some time and learn the more advanced features -- but they are optional and learning them will not get in your way of making great home movies.With no knowledge of camcorders and a basic understanding of how to connect the power to the cam so that you can charge the battery, you can start making movies. Video quality is superb and the sound recording works very good. When compared to my old analog tapes the quality of a digital recording is amazing. Once you master the basics (which is all you ever actually need to know) you can advance at your own pace and learn how to fade in and out and add great titles. Sony provides a number of easy to use titles that overlay on your recordings, or you can make your own. The instruction booklet is thick with detailed explanations of what, why and when - but the first few pages use pictures and simplicity to explain how to use this unit right out of the box. One great new feature: Sony has made it easy with scroll wheel that also depresses and allows you to navigate many menus with only your thumb. I connected my TRV730 directly to my new desktop using the Firewire cable (included with your camcorder!) and loaded the software (Studio DV) that came with my computer (HP Digital Video Desktop System) and within minutes I was controlling my camera from the computer. There is also a USB port if you do not have Firewire capabilites. I was able to upload several hours of old movies up and into the computer with no problems at all. This unit is backwards compatible (the TRV130 and TRV830 are NOT!) so you can view all of your old analog based recordings. These new Lithium ION based batteries are great because you can charge them anytime you like without affecting the "memory" and you can charge the unit without ever removing the battery. I have other cameras that use the first generation lithium-ions and found them to be great batteries that lasted and lasted. These next generation ones are simply smaller with the same amount of power. Nightshot works great in low light conditions and SUPERnightshot makes it possible to record in virtual darkness. I walked outside on a pitch black night and zoomed in on the license plate of a car across the street and it read perfectly. No way could I read that plate with my own eyes and I have great vision. The Steadyshot is seamless and works well. My last camcorder (the analog one) did not have this feature and you can tell the difference in my recordings. When you are zooming in, the effect of Steadyshot is increased. The bottom line is that this camera has a lot of nice features that make it worth the price. The most important feature is that it is easy to use and the controls are intuitive so you can start using your camera as soon as it is charged. I am a pro-Sony consumer and have spent thousands of dollars on various Sony items. I do this because they WORK and when they dont, Sony stands behind their products with a warranty. You REALLY dont need those expensive in-house warranties sold at Circuit City and Best Buy, despite what you may read in other reviews. The only decision you should be making is where to save the most money.
On: 2001-11-07
I bought this camcorder 10 days before.
Earlier I had Panasonic PV DV800. I returned that one because I wasnt happy about video quality.
I liked TRV 730.
Pros :
Day light video quality is superb. Except night time it is not quite good. Mega Pixel digital photo is quite satisfactory.
USB support is very useful. You can just connect to computer and your camcorder will become virtual disk. It is pretty sleek and data transfer is fast.Cons.
Memory is just 4 MB. I could hardly take 5 photos with high resolution. Separate Battery charger could be better. At night time even there is plenty of light, picture seems little dark. Final Word:
There are many DV camcorder cheaper than this one. I will still recommend this based on quality. I found this digital 8 better than other DVs. Overall this is best bet.
On: 2001-10-27
I purchased this camera over a week ago and have time to thoroughly test this camera. I have tested every feature and am ready to review. I took this camcorder on a ride to Daytona Beach for Biketoberfest and didnt miss a single item that I wanted to film thanks to this camera and the accessories I purchased. If I could give this camera 4.5 stars I would. Video Quality: 4.5 Stars
The video quality is great -- good light or bad. There is a slight delay in the auto-focus if lighting fluctuates or if there are items close and distant from the camera. This is especially noticeable immediately after you turn the camera on. Once the camera has done its initial focus it is pretty quick. Of course, you are welcome to try to use manual focusing but it too would take you that long to switch to manual focus and then adjust the display. Night Shot: 4.0 Stars
Night shot is better than most cameras. However, it appears as if you are shining a green flashlight into the dark. The "Super Night Shot" feature is worthless to me. The sample rate is slow and the video unfocused 75% of the time. This feature could have been exchanged for something else useful. I will say that the regular night shot is crisp and clear as opposed to snowy / grainy like other digital camcorders. Zoom: 4.0 Stars
The zoom is steady and crisp. Sound Pickup / Microphone: 4.0 Stars
The microphone picks up the zoom button if you "flick" it on and off rather than "ease" it. Play with it for a while and practice before you start taking video that has important audio with it. The microphone is otherwise good. It picks up all the sound you want and keeps the unwanted background sound to a minimum. If you think it needs improvement you can purchase the external microphone kit or use your own mic plugged into the external mic port. In-Camera Video Editing: 3.5 Stars
The in-camera video editing options are nice to have if you blew all your money on the camera and dont have the $$ to spend on the firewire card to do your editing on the computer. Included Software: 3.0 Stars
The software does the work easily but lacks some features. I recommend trying a few other shareware versions of other products before you settle into the provided software. Recommended Updates:
Sony Handycam Camcorder Value Kit ($80) -
Includes Sony Carrying Case and an Extra Battery
The case will keep your investment protected. The extra battery allows you to keep filming while your other battery charges. Ambico Lithium-Ion Battery Charger ($49) -
This kit allows you to plug the battery in the car charger or at home in a standard outlet. If you are going to be filming for an extended period of time, consider purchasing at least one extra battery and the charger. The Sony Kit provides the extra battery. Sony DV Editing Kit ($89) -
This kit is called EZ Editor. The kit gives you an internal PCI two-port firewire card, a firewire cable, and Pinnacle Studio 7 SE. The software is very easy to use, and very effective. You can upgrade the software to a more professional feel for about $49 online. The installation of the card is easy, the software is simple and has a multitude of features and is 100% compatible with the camera. Summary:
This camera is great all around. It has every port for input and output that you would want (under current standards). The instructions are GREAT. Thank goodness they finally developed a manual written in English -- and English only! Now you dont have to flip around trying to find the portions that you understand. I know I have pushed a few accessories here. Im not a salesman or a Sony representative. My feeling, however, is that accessorizing makes the camera. This camera is nice by itself but is much more convenient once you add the things that make your life easier. Each person may need different accessories (which is why they arent included in the camera package) so use the information provided here to help you decide if you need these accessories or not. I would recommend that you take the time to step through the owners manual and test each feature that they walk you through. It will prevent you from introducing yourself to the feature at a time when youd rather be filming. If you purchase the carrying case, the manual fits snug into the front pocket. Keep it there and reference it. Lastly, I recommend buying a warranty with your camera. Cleanings are recommended every 6 months, this is still a new technology and the warranty doesnt cost that much. I purchased my camera at Best Buy with the warranty. I can bring my camera into Best Buy for a free cleaning as often as I like. I have unlimited repair or replacement of my product should it need replaced. I dont usually buy these warranties, but when you spend this much on a camera, consider this insurance!
On: 2001-10-25
I purchased this camera over a week ago and have time to thoroughly test this camera. I have tested every feature and am ready to review. I took this camcorder on a ride to Daytona Beach for Biketoberfest and didnt miss a single item that I wanted to film thanks to this camera and the accessories I purchased.If I could give this camera 4.5 stars I would. The video quality is great in good and poor light. The only complaint I have is a minor problem with the initial auto-focus time taken IF lighting isnt steady. If you turn the camera on in an area where light may fluctuate (night time on a busy street, clouds rolling away from a bright sunset etc) it can take up to 5 to 7 seconds to start clearing up with auto-focus. Of course, you are welcome to try to use manual focusing but it too would take you that long to switch to manual focus and then adjust the display. This is not a huge problem and extreme circumstances are necessary to duplicate the issue. Night shot is good. The only issue I have with it is the same issue I have with most dark-shooting cameras -- it "centers" the light. It almost appears as if you are shining a green flashlight into the dark. You then get a circular fade off into the corners where the intended film target cannot be seen. The "Super Night Shot" feature is worthless. The sample rate is so slow and the video so unfocused 75% of the time that this feature could have been left away. I will say that the regular night shot is crisp and clear as opposed to snowy / grainy like other digital camcorders. The zoom is steady and crisp. The microphone does, however, pick up the zoom button if you "flick" it on and off rather than "ease" it. Play with it for a while and practice before you start taking video that has important audio with it. The microphone is good on this. It picks up all the sound you want and keeps the unwanted background sound to a minimum. If you think it needs work you can purchase the external microphone kit or use your own mic plugged into the external mic port. I also purchased the Sony starter kit that included an extra battery and a very nice Sony carying case. The extra battery is nice as it is with almost any device. You can charge one battery while using the other. I recommend purchasing this accessory kit to keep your camera nice and protected, as well as giving you the extra battery. I also recommend that you purchase an external charger for your battery. I purchased a battery kit that allows me to plug the battery in the car charger or at home in a standard outlet. Its a wonderful option to have. If you are going to be filming for an extended period of time, consider purchasing at least one extra battery and the charger. The in-camera video editing options are nice to have if you blew all your money on the camera and dont have the $$ to spend on the firewire card to do your editing on the computer. This brings up my next point. If you want to do good video editing I recommend the low-priced Sony DV Editing Kit that can be bought online or at any electronics store. The kit is called EZ Editor. At the time of this writing, I was able to purchase my kit at a local store for $89 (MSRP: $99). The kit gives you an interal PCI two-port firewire card, a firewire cable, and Pinnacle Studio 7 SE. The software is excellent (much better than the MGI software provided with the camera itself). The installation of the card is easy, the software is simple and has a multitude of features and is 100% compatible with the camera. This camera is great all around. It has every port for input and output that you would want (under current standards). The instructions are GREAT. Thank goodness they finally developed a manual written in English.. and English only! Now you dont have to flip around trying to find the portions that you understand. I know I have pushed a few accessories here. Im not a salesman or a Sony representative. My feeling, however, is that accessorizing makes the camera. This camera is nice by itself but is much more convenient once you add the things that make your life easier. In summary, I think the camera is great. I think you should purchase the following accessories: - Battery Charger
- EZ Editor DV Editing Kit
- Carying Case * Can be purchased in a kit
- Additional Battery * Can be purchased in a kit Each person may need different accessories (which is why they arent included in the camera package) so use the information provided here to help you decide if you need these accessories or not. I would recommend that you take the time to step through the owners manual and test each feature that they walk you through. It will prevent you from introducing yourself to the feature at a time when youd rather be filming. If you purchase the carying case, the manual fits snug into the front pocket. Keep it there and reference it. Lastly, I recommend buying this somewhere that you can get a warranty. Cleanings are recommended every 6 months, this is still a new technology and the warranty doesnt cost that much. I purchased my camera at Best Buy with the warranty. I can bring my camera into Best Buy for a free cleaning as often as I like. I have unlimited repair or replacement of my product should it need replaced. I dont usually buy these warranties, but when you spend this much on a camera, consider this insurance!
 On: 2001-10-04
I bought this machine and returned it. Why? Although this machine has many fancy features, it has problem with the most basic function: voice recording.When recording on 8mm tape with cables (battery was not charged yet) as power source, the recorded audio had very noisy static, a little like the siren in the ambulance. Totally unacceptable. Sony, why not make sure that your products can do some basic things correctly before spend so much efforts to build those mostly useless fancy features.
by: Anonymous On: 2001-10-04
There are camcorders and there are digital cameras. This product provides you with a great combination of both at a reasonable price. (Got it for 899 from Circuit City, though - sorry amazon) The digital pictures you get are grainy, but great enough for posting on the web as well as making small prints on a simple inkjet printer for fun. Just dont expect to win any photo contests with it. Memory stick is great. you can probably fit about six super fine pictures on the included 4Mb, better get more if you are trigger happy like me. The best part of owning a digital camcorder is that now you can take videos which are so much more sharper and professional looking compared to the old 8mms and vhs-cs. Grains are barely noticeable unless you are shooting in low light. The stabilizer is so good, unless you are really drunk, you get very little shake on the videos. Night shot is great, its like shining a gray torch in the night. Funny, but with it, your videos come out looking like the "Blair witch Project". Battery lasts at least an hour with the lcd on, so no need for a long life batt unless you are going into the jungle. I wish Sony would position the telephoto switch to rock forward-back rather that right-left, such a pain figuring out all the time which way is tele. Overall, great product. Still have to explore more.
On: 2001-08-14
This is a great buy because it is like having a Digital still camera and a video camera in one. It is very small and light too and looks good to I love this camera.
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