Sony Camera and Camcorder Review (page 2)
The Final Verdict
If you're looking for an answer to the Digital8 versus Mini DV question, it's still far too early to reach a solid conclusion. Mini DV is already firmly in place as the digital video format standard, but with Digital8, there's a good chance that you've already got a bunch of tape that you can use. With the availability of 8mm and Hi8 tapes, you don't have to mail order tape stock (something Mini DV users in remote areas are stuck doing).
As far as camcorders go though, the DCR-TRV510 is a solid camcorder. With a manual focus ring, the necessary audio ports, i.LINK, SteadyShot, NightShot and the rest of the features, this camcorder is packed with the power that more advanced Videomaker readers look for. With the exception of the lack of manual white balance, this camcorder has all the features you need.
TECH SPECS
Format: Digital8
Lens: 20:1 optical zoom, 360:1 digital zoom, 3.6-72mm focal length, f/1.4-2.9, 37mm filter diameter
Image Sensor: 1/4-inch CCD, 460,000 pixels
Viewfinder: 4-inch LCD monitor, color viewfinder
Focus: auto, manual
Maximum Shutter Speed: 1/4000 of a second
Exposure manual: , auto, 7AE modes
White Balance: auto
Digital Effects: Still, Flash Motion, Luminance Key, Slow Shutter, Trail, Old Movie, Slim, Stretch, Mosaic, Solarization, Monotone, Sepia, Neg. Art, Pastel
Audio: PCM stereo 12- or 16-bit
Inputs: S-video, composite video, composite audio, i.LINK, mini mike, digital mini plug(for still photos), LANC
Outputs: S-video, composite video, composite audio, i.LINK, headphone, digital mini plug (for still photos), LANC
Edit Interface: Control-L
Other Features : NightShot, LaserLink, InfoLithium Battery, Serial Cable for still photo transfer
Dimensions: 4 3/8 (width) x 4 5/8 (height) x 8 1/8 (depth) inches
Weight: (sans tape and battery) 2 pounds, 3 ounces
Video Performance (approx.)
Horizontal resolution: (camera) 380 lines
Horizontal resolution: (playback) 380 lines
Performance Times
Pause to Record: 0.5 seconds
Power-up to Record: 7 seconds
Fast-forward/Rewind: (60 min. tape) 7 minutes 27 seconds
Strengths
- mike and headphone jacks
- i.LINK
- manual focus ring
- tapes easy-to-find and inexpensive
Weaknesses
- difficult i.LINK transfers for older 8mm and Hi8 tapes
- too much digital zoom
- no manual white balance
SUMMARY
The DCR-TRV510 is a great camcorder, paving the way for more Digital8 camcorders.
Sony Electronics
Sony Drive
Park Ridge, NJ 07656-8003
(888) 531-SONY
www.sel.sony.com
$1399
