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(More customer reviews)I hesitate to write a review when I haven't even had the chance to test many of the features of this camera (and it's the first video camera I've ever owned, so my ability to make comparisons is limited), but I noticed that there weren't any reviews of this camera yet, and I thought I could contribute some thoughts.
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!
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Sony DCRTRV70 MiniDV 2MP Camcorder with 2.5"LCD, Memory Stick, and Networking CapabilityNow that MiniDV has become a mainstream product, users demand extra features in addition to regular digital video performance. The Sony DCR-TRV70 is well equipped with technological additions, such as a 2-megapixel digital camera and networking capabilities. The camcorder also features a 10x optical zoom, 16:9 widescreen mode, a 2.5-inch LCD with touchscreen control, and a color viewfinder.
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.
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.
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