I AM the next Tarrantino. (Sony Handycam DCR-TRV120)

Member Name: whiffy

Product:	Sony Handycam DCR-TRV120
Date:	19/03/01 (1160 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good quality. Cheap (for a digital camcorder).

Disadvantages: None.

This is my first camcorder and I am very pleased with it.
I got it v cheap from an online shop at £440.
All the functions, features and quality that you would expect from Sony come with this camera including a 2.5" LCD screen, nightvision and cheesy effects such as sepia tone which gives your footage that authentic victorian camcorder look.

It's got too many functions actually - I hate those cheesy built in effects.

This camera uses the Digital8 system which is unique to Sony. It records digital information the same as the more expensive miniDV cameras but it uses Hi-8 tapes which are cheaper and more easily available than miniDV format.

The TRV120 gives a clear picture in daylight but gets a bit grainier in the dark. I don't know if that's par for the course with digital camcorders but it's in no way a serious matter. Picture quality is generally excellent.

It has top quality stereo sound. I have used it to record my band's sessions and it is much better quality than a standard stereo cassette recorder.

The camera comes with a battery that can provide 105 minutes of camcorder fun before recharging. Using the LCD screen will reduce this by a half.
Higher capacity batteries are available but these are very expensive indeed at £100+ for a 12 hour battery.

The TRV120 isn't able to use Sony's memory sticks but it still has a facility to take static pictures which it stores on the tape.

Digital camcorders are ideal for home editing of footage using PC's. The camera has a Firewire (or iLink as Sony call it) port enabling you to download footage to the PC in no time at all. As long as you have a Firewire port that is.

A jolly good camera then.

Shame it's being discontinued really.
Get it while you still can.

Summary: