Sony DCR-TRV280 Digital8
Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical
Zoom
Great Bargain Cheap Tapes
Sonys DCR-TRV280 Digital8 Handycam(R) Camcorder captures high-
quality digital audio and video. The 1/6 CCD Imager captures clear and
detailed images, and Sonys NightShot(R) Plus captures sharp pictures in
near-total darkness. The 20X Optical/990X Digital Zoom delivers extreme
digital zooming with less distortion, SteadyShot(R) prevents camera shake
and its 2.5 SwivelScreen offers clear viewing with higher resolution.
Connect the Handycam(R) to a VCR for effortless VHS copies of home
videos - It controls up to 59 brands of VCRs. White LED light for low-light
recording Adaptive Frame Photo Mode for better image quality - store
hundreds of still photos with 7 seconds of audio Special video
input/output, Stereo & Special audio input/output USB port with USB
Streaming i.LINK 2 DV Interface Auto white balance Dial exposure (24
steps) Dimensions(WxHxD) - 3 3/8 x 3 7/8 x 6 (85 x 98 x 151mm)
Weight - 1 lb. 11 oz (780g) without tape and battery
Personal Review: Sony DCR-TRV280 Digital8 Handycam
Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom
This camera is a great bargain and so versatile.
The optical zoom is incredible. I was able to film a drowning swimmer
being rescued down on the beach from my 12th floor apartment!
Not only is this an excellent camcorder, it also makes a great webcam
when connected to your computer with a Firewire cable
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.

Note that if you buy this camera, keep the application CD that comes with
it in a safe place. 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. I was only able to find them by
scouring random seedy websites.
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. This is the only video camera in the world that
does that.
Another great feature of this camera is its onboard stereo microphone.
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.
I've had two of these cameras and I will buy another if something happens
to the one I currently have.
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