Ab Work Outs: Sony DCRTRV22 MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Color Viewfinder & Memory Stick Capability Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I just picked up this thing over the weekend.My fiance and I decided to buy it to record our wedding and reception.We might buy the additional light (it's not too expensive) because we're not sure how bright things will be at the reception.And probably a larger battery too.The one [battery] that comes with the DCR-TRV22 can do about 70 min.That's not too shabby, but for what we're using it for... we need more.

Here are some pros and cons as I see it now:
PROS:
Tiny!This thing literally fits in the palm of your hand.
Touch-screen menu on the LCD screen.Very cool and easy to use.
Digital image.Transfer from the camera to your computer without any loss of quality!
The button to start/stop recording is easily and quickly accessible.So there's no fumbling around.
The Steadyshot works really well.No loss of quality as far as I could tell.
Nightshot works very well.I tested it out in almost pitch black conditions and still got a decent shot.It all has a green tint, but at least you can see!
Adjustable viewfinder, which is key when you're outside and the sun is keeping you from seeing the LCD screen.
Performs very well in low light situations.The optional back light feature can add some brightness if needed.
USB, Firewire, and RCA output... something for every occasion.
CONS:
Low picture resolution when using it as a simple digital camera.I don't plan to use it for that purpose, so I really don't care about this.
10x optical zoom.Other makes and models totally blow this camera out of the water in this department.
Conclusion:
I think it was worth the price.The higher-priced model (the DCR-TRV33, I think) was almost exactly similar except that it could take slightly higher resolution photos.So upgrading wasn't worth the price in our opinion.
I'm *very* happy with this camcorder.It's tiny and easy to use.The tapes are affordable and you can't argue with digital quality.I'd recommend this camcorder to my friends and I recommend it to you!

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Product Description:
With a size that is 28 percent smaller and lighter than Sony's previous camcorders, the DCR-TRV22 does not compromise powerful optics and audio performance. The camcorder's features include a 10x optical zoom, a 1/4-inch CCD for clean imaging, a 2.5-inch LCD with touchscreen control, a color viewfinder, and an 8 MB Memory Stick for still image capture.
Step-up Value
Here's a Sony feature that adds value to this digital camcorder and differentiates it from other models in the Sony lineup.
MPEG Movie Mode: Originally found on step-up Sony Digital Still Cameras, Sony presents another camcorder first--MPEG Movie Mode for select Handycam Camcorders. Capture MPEG digital video and store it directly to your Memory Stick Media. Movie length ranges from 5 seconds to the length allowed by the capacity of your memory stick with MPEG Movie EX. Take the "Best Of" scene recorded on video tape, for example--the groom kissing the bride on the wedding day, convert it to an MPEG Movie and share it with family and friends via the Internet.
Image Stabilization
Sony's SteadyShot picture stabilization keeps your images smooth and steady without degrading picture quality. The technology uses motion sensors, which tend to be more accurate than most other systems used in the camcorder market.
Optics
The professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens ensures light capture will be well-contrasted and clear. The 1/4-inch CCD sensor yields a gross 680,000 pixels and records images accurately in vibrant color and sharp resolution. The TRV22 has a robust 10x optical zoom that fits most purposes, but for extra distance the camera can reach 120x through the digital zoom. Several autoexposure modes allow for automatic operation while achieving ideal images for the situation.
More Features
You can record video in low- to no-light situations with Sony's NightShot system, which uses infrared light to capture images invisible to the human eye. With the function on, subjects up to 10 feet away can be seen in total darkness. You can also use the color slow shutter for color night shots instead of the regular green night-shot hue.
Sony's Stamina power management system and InfoLithium battery give the TRV22 a long operating time. To keep you informed of current battery life, Sony's AccuPower meter displays the number of minutes remaining right in the viewfinder.
The TRV22 features a 2.5-inch color LCD and a color viewfinder. The menu is accessed via a touchscreen display on the LCD, reducing the clutter of buttons on the camera. You can take digital stills and record small MPEG1 movies using the included 8 MB Memory Stick.
The USB streaming feature can turn the TRV22 into a video conferencing tool or a Webcam, and the standard IEEE 1394 connection can be used for digital video editing on a computer.
MiniDV Format
MiniDV is the preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. With up to 540 lines of horizontal resolution and minimum color noise, MiniDV delivers a 20 percent clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers a digital recording time of 2 full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD.
Contents
This package includes the TRV22 camcorder, power adaptor and in-camera charger, InfoLithium rechargeable battery, 8 MB Memory Stick, wireless remote, AV cable, lens cap, shoulder strap, USB cable, two AA batteries, and USB drivers.