Sony CCDTRV36 Handycam Hi8 Camcorder
When the going gets dim, this Sony 8mm camcorder really gets going. With Sony's NightShot system, you can capture video even when shooting in total darkness, by using the built-in infrared system. And when the light comes back on, this system delivers almost twice the picture resolution of regular 8mm or VHS camcorders. 8 picture effects, 5 language titling capabilities and 4 fader modes are at your disposal anytime, compliments of a Stamina Power Management System that can record up to 14 hours on one optional battery. Which means you'll probably run out of daylight before you run out of Handycam.
The Sony TRV36 Handycam offers a powerful 330x digital zoom, built-in light, a wide range of special effects and programmed autoexposure modes, including Sony's unique infrared night recording capabilities. Sony's elongated Handycam design fits easily in one hand and is well-balanced. While not the lightest of camcorders, we found the Handycam line one of the most ergonomic and easy to use. The Sony TRV36 Handycam has a nifty status screen on the outside of the LCD screen module that lets you know how many minutes you've recorded or how far you've played a tape. It also tells you if there's a tape in the camcorder. The LCD screen swivels 210 degrees, which lets you record above your head or put yourself in the picture. The optical viewfinder is black and white, which is not a real drawback since we ended up using the LCD screen for most of our shooting. The Sony TRV36 Handycam also comes with a basic remote control unit. The TRV36 lets you manually adjust focus and exposure; it also includes seven programmed exposure modes, plus backlight compensation, to help optimize your video under different shooting conditions. It features a high-powered 330x digital zoom, great for getting closeups and recording faraway events. We enjoyed Sony's full range of special effects, including the distinctive pastel, slim, and stretch picture modes. The TRV36 also provides widescreen, black-and-white, sepia, negative, and solarized modes. We liked the range of fade options, which include fade to black, mosaic, monotone, and a bounce-image effect. The camcorder includes Sony's exclusive NightShot capability, which lets you shoot video in total darkness. The Handycam emits an invisible infrared beam to light the scene. The resulting video is basically black and white, and lower quality than normal, but being able to get decent images in complete darkness is nonetheless pretty amazing. The Sony TRV36 Handycam also includes a built-in light for normal shooting in dim conditions. This camcorder uses the Hi8 format, which makes for sharp and colorful video--digital is the only format that will give you better quality. The only drawback to Hi8 is that you can't play the tapes in your VCR; you have to connect the camcorder to your TV for playback. Pros:
- Ergonomic design
- NightShot capability
- Wide range of exposure settings
- Good selection of special effects
- Powerful zoom
Cons:
- Optical viewfinder is black and white
Sony CCDTRV36 Handycam Hi8 Camcorder Accessories
Sony CCDTRV36 Handycam Hi8 Camcorder Reviews
They probably have an easy fix for it and are not willing to post it on their web site. I told tech support I can buy a brand new digital one for $350 and it will defiantly not be a Sony brand. I've been getting the C:31:23 error message on CCD-TRV36 model. Why should they when they can make $200. The off-shore tech support suggest I spend $200 and send this to Sony and they will fix it for me (all labor and no parts needed). I have put in brand new Sony tape and brand new rechargeable battery and it did not fix this issue. Bought this unit four years ago and used it rarely (max 60hrs). I have contact SONY several times.
Overall, it is a very good camcorder. I would buy it again. The remaining battery life indicator is a GREAT feature. The special effects are fun to use. The night shot is cute but my use would be minimal. The camera really is easy to use and is loaded with features.
Easy to use. Incredibly fun. You can't go wrong with this camera. With the birth of my first child, Alexis, I needed a camcorder that would help me capture every exciting moment in her life. Great features. Probably, the best investment of my life. This handycam does that and more.
This video camera has a good pric
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