Sony DCR-TRV280 Digital8 Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom
Now you won't miss a moment on those special occasions when you "do-it-in digital". Sony's new DCR-TRV280 Digital8 Handycam camcorder gives you incredibly clear videos, night or day. Thanks to the easy access record and zoom buttons on the LCD frame and the special SteadyShot feature that reduces the effect of camera shake, your videos are always smooth even if you need to move as you shoot. NighShot plus uses infrared light so your camcorder catches all the action, even in total darkness. And when you make the move from director to editor, Sony's Picture Package software and USB Streaming let you record, edit and send your movies to family & friends, whether it's via e-mail, video CD. Or you use the new "Click to DVD" feature with select Sony VAIO computers to preserve your memories forever on DVD. Make the move to movies and enjoy the results with the easy-to-use TRV280 Handycam camcorder from Sony.
Sony DCR-TRV280 Digital8 Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom Accessories
 Sony 120 minute Hi8 (1-Pack)
Sony Hi8 Camcorder 8mm Cassettes 120 Minute (4-Pack)
Sony LCSVA30 Soft Camcorder Carrying Case for DVD & MiniDV Camcorders
Sony ACCFM50A Camcorder Starter Kit (NP-FM50 M Series Battery & LCS-VA30 Bag)
Sony CCD-TRV138 Hi8 Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom
Sony NPFM50 InfoLithium Battery for Various Sony Camcorders & Digital Cameras
Belkin F3N401-06-ICE IEEE 1394 4-Pin/6-Pin 400 Mbps FireWire Cable (6 Feet)
Sony NP-QM71D Super Quick High Capacity InfoLithium Camcorder Battery for DCRDVD301 & HDRSR1
Sony LCSVAT Deluxe Soft Carrying Case for Sony Camcorders
IEE-1394 Firewire Cable
Sony DCR-TRV280 Digital8 Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom Reviews
Another great feature of this camera is its onboard stereo microphone. Note that if you buy this camera, keep the application CD that comes with it in a safe place. I was able to film a drowning swimmer being rescued down on the beach from my 12th floor apartment. I was only able to find them by scouring random seedy websites. I've had two of these cameras and I will buy another if something happens to the one I currently have.
The optical zoom is incredible. You can use this camera as a digital sound recorder by recording the sound and then dumping the video to your computer and extracting the audio track over Firewire. The USB streaming is useless: for some reason it won't let you record the audio track over USB even though it installs an audio driver when you plug it in, and the camera will go into standby while it's in use if you're not recording or playing the tape, so I recommend sticking with Firewire. One of the best features of this camera is that it records digitally on standard Hi-8 video tapes, which saves you a lot of money over the more expensive digital tapes. Sony does not offer drivers for download for this camera and when you call tech support to request them, their customer care doesn't know where to get them either.
Not only is this an excellent camcorder, it also makes a great webcam when connected to your computer with a Firewire cable. This camera is a great bargain and so versatile. This is the only video camera in the world that does that.
The Sony DCR-TRV280 IS NOT IT. I'm not sure why the ratings are so high on this camera [.]. I do like the connections on this camera, except no jacks for headphones or mic. For me, there is NOTHING spectacular about this camera, especially if you want to use it for more than just webcam or basic home video purposes. My budget is low, so I need an affordable camera (under $500), with professional-quality video. After a while, my hands and arms are shaking from holding the camera. Wish it had more connections and features. I suppose this could be addressed by purchasing a larger battery.
Something lighter is ideal, otherwise dont forget the tripod. Once unplugged, the battery life is short (2 hours, tops). I've tried all sorts of tricks and can't get rid of the grainy (webcam) quality, nor the poor color in normal indoor lighting situations. The light is cute as an extra, but not very powerful. The sound is just ok. I am of normal female strength.
I am on this site searching for a new camera because I produce online television shows, as a hobby. [.]. Perhaps because the camera is pretty ok, for home-use only outdoors. If such a thing exists. And no accessory jack either. for the battery that comes with the camera.
It downloads easily to computer. It may take longer than the newer digital memory recorders but you can still get this for a great price and in many cases the picture is better than the new hard drive models. Picture quality is great.
So, we're trading in our 280 for a Sony DCR-TRV-460 or -480. It does have firewire output. Sony's names for its various 8mm videocassette formats escape me. Unfortunately, it cannot play the original 8mm format. Anyway, the original is what we have and the 280 cannot play it. Perhaps the original 8mm format did not have a name. The tapes load into the 280 just fine. We purchased a Sony DCR-TRV280 camcorder in hopes of playing our old 8mm videocassettes and capturing them on our computer via its firewire connection.
This camcorder it's not bad, it came on time. but if you want to playback Hi8 tapes you better get another one cause this one won't play them, it only plays Digital8 tapes.
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