Sony CCDTRV308 Hi8 Camcorder with 2.5"LCD and Video Light
With features like 2.5" Swivelscreen LCD, SteadyShot picture stabilization, NightShot 0 lux rating, titling, and fader effects, this Hi8 camcorder will become your new best friend. SteadyShot picture stabilization eliminates shaky recording during zoom usage or throughout recording, and the NightShot feature lets you record in low- or even no- light conditions. Zoom into the action with the 20x Optical/460x Digital zoom. Add to the fun with 8 picture effects and 6 program auto exposure modes!
In a world increasingly dominated by digital, Hi8 offers a refreshingly good format to shoot in. Despite the big press that MiniDV, Digital8, and the new MicroMV have been getting, many people still prefer the tried and true Hi8. Hi8 offers the highest quality outside of digital and is a good choice for everyday shooting. As long as you just want to document your family's life, and send videos to grandma, you aren't really giving anything up. The CCD-TRV308 is Sony's midrange Hi8 camcorder, and it offers an assortment of features that make it great for the average home videographer. Sporting a 2.5-inch color LCD and 20x optical zoom, there's really no situation that the TRV308 won't shoot well. Especially when you add in the NightShot mode, which switches the camera to an infrared shooting mode, and SteadyShot image stabilization, which helps eliminate those annoying shakes that accompany high zoom levels. In addition the CCD-TRV308 offers a few fader and picture effects, as well as some titling options.
Sony CCDTRV308 Hi8 Camcorder with 2.5"LCD and Video Light Accessories
Sony CCDTRV308 Hi8 Camcorder with 2.5"LCD and Video Light Reviews
I just got the CCD-TRV-308 camcorder and it is awesome!! The only thing is is that you cant edit your film on your computer you can just play it back. I give 4 - 4 1/2 stars
I've been trying to buy a video camera for the past 6 years (ever since my first monster bought in 1990 died). I finally bit the bullet since this camera seemed so reasonable and so highly-rated. I'm happy with every aspect of this camcorder. The bells and whistles are surprisingly complete, and it's so lightweight that I can (and do) spend the entire day with it in my hand.One caveat...a wide angle lens would be a smart purchase. It's difficult to get far enough away from the action and still hear what is going on.
We purchased this camcorder for the holidays, selecting the CCDTRV308 over the CCDTRV108 due to it's added features such as image stability and auto-light. It arrived within three days - amazing! With my son's birthday coming up at the weekend, and the speedy delivery, it was a real test as to whether I could read the manual and become comfortable in the camcorder's use before the big day. The instructions are clear, concise and easily referenced. We chose official Sony cassettes for this first run to ensure optimal picture quality and compatibility. Image quality is excellent, but we did notice that it performs better after it has 'warmed up'. This might be due to cassette stability or electronics temperature, but in no way detracts from this product's quality. Fade in/out options are excellent and with the 'cinema' setting gives your production that 'ER' feel. I suspect that upgrading to a higher capacity battery may be a next step, but it lasted through the kid's party with ease. About 30 minutes of shooting remained, even though we used the LCD the whole time. Title use is a little confusing, but you do get the option of creating two custom titles in addition to the standard fare. The tripod was prepared, just in case the weight of the camcorder became tiring, but it was not needed. The lightness of these new camcorders over the ones of yesteryear makes life much easier, and is not burdening. We researched considerably, before purchasing this product, which is no guarantee of success, but I have no hesitation in recommending it to those considering a Hi-8 camcorder.
If you want nothing more than a really good camcorder to take basic videos, the Sony CCDTRV308 is the way to go. It's probably the best Sony Hi8 camcamcorder you'll get without all the bells and whistles that let you download video on to your PC. It has a few great features like NIGHTSHOT (which allows video in virutal darkness) and STEADYSHOT. Also, the 20X zoom works really well. (Don't be impressd by the 460X digital zoom-- on any camcorder; the image becomes more blurry the closer you zoom in with it.) You'll probably have to get another battery, as the one the Sony CCDTRV308 comes with will only last for about an hour or so when using all the functions (LCD screen, stop and start REC). I recommend buying the NP-QM71; it lasts between 4 and 6 hours. BUT (A VERY BIG BUT), If you want to anything more than basic VCR editing, get at least a MiniDV, especially if you're willing to spend between $500 and $1000. I was willing to drop $500 for a MiniDV because I wanted to easily edit my videos, but I wasn't willing to spend another $500 to upgrade my PC to accomodate the large amounts of data. Otherwise, the Sony CCDTRV308 is a great Hi8 camcorder for basic video recording and little or no editing.
Price and function are two of the main reasons I now own this camcorder. I have webtv so I can capture all of the stills I need and do it quite easily and without software and a computer.Keep it simple stan is definitly my mantra and this camcorder helps me do just that. More functions and options would just go to waste and be confusing.It is light and ergonomic and I got a free tripod and camera bag with mine at circuit city. I wouldn't buy electronics on line again (been there done that). A longer battery life would be all I would ask for .
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