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Sony DCRTRV33 MiniDV 1megapixel Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Color Viewfinder & Memory Stick capabilities

Sony DCRTRV33 MiniDV 1megapixel Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Color Viewfinder & Memory Stick capabilities

List Price: $899.99
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Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Great camera, Just some things you should know
Review: I really havent seen this low light problem everyone speaks about. One thing That I TRIED to find an answer to(even read the maual on line and coudlent figgure it out) Is if you really want to download your videos to your pc you HAVE TO HAVE FIREWIRE!
You can download small mpeg files with the usb. But if you really want to do the full editing you have to have firewire on your pc. It's not that big a thing. About 50 bucks for a pci card for your machine. Just wish I could have found out that information a little easier.
The camera itself is Outstanding. The still shots are pretty bad. But the effects on this camera are amazeing. And when I hook it up to my WEGA TV svideo it looks like i'm watching a dvd. The size is great. And I think the touch screen works wonderfully, but be sure not to be eating anyting messy while your useing it.
I'm an amature with Digital video but this thing works so well I look like an expert. Down side is the software it comes with is extreamly lacking. So make the plunge and buy something like adobe video editor for your movie makeing needs.
All in all a great camera.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Wow! What a great camcorder!
Review: I recommend this camcorder. The picture quality is excellent. The still pictures are easy to take and easy to download to a computer. I wish it came with a better battery, a carying case, a larger capacity memory stick, and a seperate battery charger-so be prepared to spend a little more money to upgrade these. There are too many features on this camcorder to brag about- the user manual is quite large.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: worst than VHS_C
Review: I WANTED TO UPGRADE FROM MY PANASONIC VHS-C CAMCORDER TO SOMETHING DIGITAL SO AFTER READING ENDLESS REVIEWS I CHOSE THIS SONY TRV33, BIG MISTAKE. I BELEIVE SONY INTENTIONALLY MADE THESE MINI DV CAMCORDERS WITH AN INTENT ON FORCING PEOPLE TO BUY THE ENDLESS (EXPENSIVE) ACCESSORIES. AFTER OWNING MY VHS-C FOR YEARS I TOOK ALOT FOR GRANTED LIKE A BUILT-IN LIGHT, TRUE REAL LIFE COLOR, A LENSE THAT SHOWS THE SIZE OF A .7 WIDE ANGLE WITHOUT DISTORTION, SP LP EP(6HRS), WORKS WELL WITH REGULAR INDOOR LIGHTING, ALL AND MORE OF THE AFFORMENTIONED REQUIRE ACCESSORIES ON THIS MINI DV CAMCORDER. I ADJUSTED, WORKED ALL CONTROLS, READ THE MANUAL AN STILL DIDN'T GET WHAT I'VE BEEN USE TO WITH MY VHS-C.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Guess you can't believe what you read...
Review: I was afraid to buy a Sony DCR-TRV 33 camcorder based on some of the reviews that I got from this site.
But I bought it anyhow, based on my past history with Sony products.
They have always been "rock solid" and they have the highest "golly, gee whiz" technology.
So I buy this camcorder expecting to hear this great whirring or buzzing sound coming from the drive motors, like I have read in your reviews.
Sounds that are strong enough to motivate me to return it to the store (like some other critics say they have done).
Now - I have had my hearing checked recently, and it's at 100% of human capacity.
Do these reviewers have names that end in "Rover"?
In all normal functions - it worked fine. I could play/record and playback all without this excessive noise that these other people are whining about.
So - all I can assume is that some of the other "reviewers" are working for Toshiba, Canon, Panasonic or some other second rate company.
And to the reviewer that complained that the "zoom" function on the camcorder was too fast...
READ THE INSTRUCTIONS...
The faster your finger moves - the faster the camcorder zooms in.
If you start by moving your finger quickly - the camcorder will respond by zooming fast
If you start a little slower...
It's not rocket science.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: An excellent camcorder in a power packed package
Review: I would like to give my opinion and view on Sony TRV33 model. I know how important a review of a product

is. After a month of research on camcorders, I had two options Canon ZR70MC or a Sony TRV33. Both of these

models had their own good and bad points. But ultimately I bought the TRV33 because of the following

reasons which I think clearly surpassed Canon.

Pros:
1. Clear, crisp and detailed video.
2. Best Image quality when compared to Canon.
3. Excellent low-light performance when compared to Canon.
4. Mind blowing Nightshot in total darkness, though in Greenish tint.
5. Carl Zeiss Lens definitely has proved its name and quality.
6. Image quality when downloaded on PC using a USB 2.0 was "excellent" both indoors and outdoors.
7. The 1.0 MB still pictures are OK but not fair, best for sending an email.

Cons:
1. 10x Optical, but I did not get a chance to use beyond 10x. Technically anything beyond 15x Optical

would produce shaky video unless on a tripod.

... If price is a constraint, I would request my readers to also check the TRV22, but

purchase with a long term perspective and image quality and optics matter a lot when deciding on a

camcorder. Sony truly shines in that aspect.

Good camcorder hunting !

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Yet another excellent Sony digicam
Review: I've owned a number of Sony digicams (most recently the PC110) and decided to upgrade for some new features like analog pass-through (hook a VCR up to the camcorder to capture directly to your computer). I first tried the TRV70, but returned it and got this one instead. The 70 is a very different camera...considerably larger and with much better stills, but more expensive. I decided to go with the 33 because I wanted something smaller. The digital stills from most camcorders aren't going to be anywhere as good as from a halfway decent digital camera, so not a reason to pay a lot more. I got the same size LCD touch screen (a nice new feature!) and one thing I like about this model over the 70 is that the zoom is not so fast! The 70 has the same kind of zoom control, but it's very touchy and it's very hard to do a gradual zoom. The 33 allows much better control. Well, unless you have a need to do really fast zooms. I prefer to have one that does not. I find this is particularly important if you want other people to use the camera...anytime I gave someone the 110 to use, they had problems with that touchy zoom! This is an issue on a lot of Sony camcorders, I really wish they would correct it across the board.

Image quality is good and I personally don't have problems with motor noise, it's pretty typical for camcorders this size. The 10x zoom is decent, I looked at the Canons that were 20X zooms, but their image quality was not as good. The touch screen is great for features like spot focus and metering. I find it a lot easier to use than the myriad of buttons all over the camera that most models use.

Another new feature is the ability to quickly check the battery life on the camera without powering it up. I've sometimes thought it was charged when it was not and missed being able to film as a result, so this will be a lifesaver! The Sonys are great about telling you how much time is left on the battery and the tape.

Overall, an excellent camera I would highly recommend.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: What noise?
Review: I've owned the camera for awhile now, and the audio is crystal clear. The still images are great for 5X7 and 8X10 sized reprints. The video is also above average. The backlight and Nightshot options are great and come in handy. I believe the professional review was right on concerning this camera, and really beleive it was a great purchase at a little over $600.

I've owned and used a Canon E-08 for years and the video was great, 8mm was an obvious step up over VHS-C and the Mini-DV format is a huge step forward over 8mm.

Someone else was complaining about the tapes being an hour long, but an hour of video on a day trip will ussually be fine, and if you're worried about it carry a couple with you, I bought a 4 pack of JVC 60 minute tapes for $19.95 on sale.

Come on transferring video to VHS is simple, and doesn't require a computer, and simple editing is a snap. But if you have a computer with a DVD writer the resulting DVD's are great.

Maybe I'm lucky, no problems at all and I love the all in one feature of this camera.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Is the TRV33 worth the extra $$$?
Review: If you are reading this review and are shopping for a MiniDV camcorder you are in the learning mode for shopping. Isn't Amazon.com a great place to learn about electronics such as this. I will be happy to share my experience with this camcorder so far. This review is all about money and how I decided finally that with consumer level electronics you do usually get what you pay for. The camcorder that we origionally purchases when we were ready to buy a MiniDv camcorder was by Sharp. It was about half the cost of the Canon and Sony models that were being sold by its side. I took notice that there were often large rebates for Sharp camcorders that hammered the price down to a very low price that was just too good to pass up. Due to numerous unfortunate issues with this camera our memories that were recorded were trashed due to what I can say was just poor build quality. So the rule is don't buy a KIA and expect it to provide you with the memorable experience of a Honda/Toyota etc. Right???

Here is the good stuff. This camera is worth every dime that Sony is asking for it. After reading some reviews the only negative thing that you may read is that you can hear the motor working when recording or playing back a tape. I say that but you really would have to be listening for this to hear it. My DVD player makes more noise than this unit. So some folks really need to get a grip. More sound insulation in the area that houses the motor for the camcorder would cure this but there is really no room for anything else to be stuffed in there. This in NO WAY means that this noise is at all recorded on your tape. Anything that Sony makes in Japan seems to keep with the origional high standards that this company is known for. This camera is made in Japan and everything from the quality of construction to the quality of the images that you will see on the TV screen will just amaze you. The colors are just perfect and the sound is more than what I expected from a compact recorder. Enjoy the TRV33 if it is the final choice that you make in this search for a good camcorder. If it is a bit high for your budget then check out the TRV19 and the TRV22. The TRV19 may be the best buy that I have seen in the MiniDV world yet.

All in all this camera is compact, efficient and it is ergonimically perfect when it is held in your hand. After you purchase the Camcorder register it with Sony online. After you have done so they will most likely send you a 20% off coupon in your email to buy upgrades for the new product that you have purchased. WIth this cupon go ahead and upgrade the battery for the camcorder to at least the FM50. The FM30 that is included is just not sufficient to be the main battery. It will be a nice backup for you in a pinch but should not be relied on. The FM50 should have been standard issue IMO. Happy shopping!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Is the TRV33 worth the extra $$$?
Review: If you are reading this review and are shopping for a MiniDV camcorder you are in the learning mode for shopping. Isn't Amazon.com a great place to learn about electronics such as this. I will be happy to share my experience with this camcorder so far. This review is all about money and how I decided finally that with consumer level electronics you do usually get what you pay for. The camcorder that we origionally purchases when we were ready to buy a MiniDv camcorder was by Sharp. It was about half the cost of the Canon and Sony models that were being sold by its side. I took notice that there were often large rebates for Sharp camcorders that hammered the price down to a very low price that was just too good to pass up. Due to numerous unfortunate issues with this camera our memories that were recorded were trashed due to what I can say was just poor build quality. So the rule is don't buy a KIA and expect it to provide you with the memorable experience of a Honda/Toyota etc. Right???

Here is the good stuff. This camera is worth every dime that Sony is asking for it. After reading some reviews the only negative thing that you may read is that you can hear the motor working when recording or playing back a tape. I say that but you really would have to be listening for this to hear it. My DVD player makes more noise than this unit. So some folks really need to get a grip. More sound insulation in the area that houses the motor for the camcorder would cure this but there is really no room for anything else to be stuffed in there. This in NO WAY means that this noise is at all recorded on your tape. Anything that Sony makes in Japan seems to keep with the origional high standards that this company is known for. This camera is made in Japan and everything from the quality of construction to the quality of the images that you will see on the TV screen will just amaze you. The colors are just perfect and the sound is more than what I expected from a compact recorder. Enjoy the TRV33 if it is the final choice that you make in this search for a good camcorder. If it is a bit high for your budget then check out the TRV19 and the TRV22. The TRV19 may be the best buy that I have seen in the MiniDV world yet.

All in all this camera is compact, efficient and it is ergonimically perfect when it is held in your hand. After you purchase the Camcorder register it with Sony online. After you have done so they will most likely send you a 20% off coupon in your email to buy upgrades for the new product that you have purchased. WIth this cupon go ahead and upgrade the battery for the camcorder to at least the FM50. The FM30 that is included is just not sufficient to be the main battery. It will be a nice backup for you in a pinch but should not be relied on. The FM50 should have been standard issue IMO. Happy shopping!

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Motor noise
Review: It is a good Camera, have a lot of cool stuff. Touch screen is easy to operate. Still images shoot in memery card are very poor. Don't bother to use it. Fixture very much the same as DCR TRV22, why pay more for DCR TRV33? Both use the same menue book.


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