Rating: 
Summary: Great thing to possess
Review: I bought this camcorder 10 days before.
Earlier I had Panasonic PV DV800. I returned that one because I wasn't happy about video quality.
I liked TRV 730.
Pros :
Day light video quality is superb. Except night time it is not quite good. Mega Pixel digital photo is quite satisfactory.
USB support is very useful. You can just connect to computer and your camcorder will become virtual disk. It is pretty sleek and data transfer is fast.Cons.
Memory is just 4 MB. I could hardly take 5 photos with high resolution. Separate Battery charger could be better. At night time even there is plenty of light, picture seems little dark. Final Word:
There are many DV camcorder cheaper than this one. I will still recommend this based on quality. I found this digital 8 better than other DV's. Overall this is best bet.
Rating: 
Summary: Problem with audio when using cable to record
Review: I bought this machine and returned it. Why? Although this machine has many fancy features, it has problem with the most basic function: voice recording. When recording on 8mm tape with cables (battery was not charged yet) as power source, the recorded audio had very noisy static, a little like the siren in the ambulance. Totally unacceptable. Sony, why not make sure that your products can do some basic things correctly before spend so much efforts to build those mostly useless fancy features.
Rating:
Summary: This Camcorder is the Fashizzle
Review: I love this camcorder! I can get the close ups skinnaMAX can't touch. The zoom is top notch and the wide angle action catches the nips. I would recommend checking the manuel as it gives the down low you can't get just by trickin the gadget. The nightvision brings the dish to light and makes the digital quiver. I would encourage those who haven't to experience the Sony DCR-TRV730 for themselves.
Rating:
Summary: This Camcorder is the Fashizzle
Review: I love this camcorder! I can get the close ups skinnaMAX can't touch. The zoom is top notch and the wide angle action catches the nips. I would recommend checking the manuel as it gives the down low you can't get just by trickin the gadget. The nightvision brings the dish to light and makes the digital quiver. I would encourage those who haven't to experience the Sony DCR-TRV730 for themselves.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Camera / Moderate Price / Wonderful Results
Review: I purchased this camera over a week ago and have time to thoroughly test this camera. I have tested every feature and am ready to review. I took this camcorder on a ride to Daytona Beach for Biketoberfest and didn't miss a single item that I wanted to film thanks to this camera and the accessories I purchased. If I could give this camera 4.5 stars I would. The video quality is great in good and poor light. The only complaint I have is a minor problem with the initial auto-focus time taken IF lighting isn't steady. If you turn the camera on in an area where light may fluctuate (night time on a busy street, clouds rolling away from a bright sunset etc) it can take up to 5 to 7 seconds to start clearing up with auto-focus. Of course, you are welcome to try to use manual focusing but it too would take you that long to switch to manual focus and then adjust the display. This is not a huge problem and extreme circumstances are necessary to duplicate the issue. Night shot is good. The only issue I have with it is the same issue I have with most dark-shooting cameras -- it "centers" the light. It almost appears as if you are shining a green flashlight into the dark. You then get a circular fade off into the corners where the intended film target cannot be seen. The "Super Night Shot" feature is worthless. The sample rate is so slow and the video so unfocused 75% of the time that this feature could have been left away. I will say that the regular night shot is crisp and clear as opposed to snowy / grainy like other digital camcorders. The zoom is steady and crisp. The microphone does, however, pick up the zoom button if you "flick" it on and off rather than "ease" it. Play with it for a while and practice before you start taking video that has important audio with it. The microphone is good on this. It picks up all the sound you want and keeps the unwanted background sound to a minimum. If you think it needs work you can purchase the external microphone kit or use your own mic plugged into the external mic port. I also purchased the Sony starter kit that included an extra battery and a very nice Sony carying case. The extra battery is nice as it is with almost any device. You can charge one battery while using the other. I recommend purchasing this accessory kit to keep your camera nice and protected, as well as giving you the extra battery. I also recommend that you purchase an external charger for your battery. I purchased a battery kit that allows me to plug the battery in the car charger or at home in a standard outlet. It's a wonderful option to have. If you are going to be filming for an extended period of time, consider purchasing at least one extra battery and the charger. The in-camera video editing options are nice to have if you blew all your money on the camera and don't have the $$ to spend on the firewire card to do your editing on the computer. This brings up my next point. If you want to do good video editing I recommend the low-priced Sony DV Editing Kit that can be bought online or at any electronics store. The kit is called EZ Editor. At the time of this writing, I was able to purchase my kit at a local store for $89 (MSRP: $99). The kit gives you an interal PCI two-port firewire card, a firewire cable, and Pinnacle Studio 7 SE. The software is excellent (much better than the MGI software provided with the camera itself). The installation of the card is easy, the software is simple and has a multitude of features and is 100% compatible with the camera. This camera is great all around. It has every port for input and output that you would want (under current standards). The instructions are GREAT. Thank goodness they finally developed a manual written in English.. and English only! Now you don't have to flip around trying to find the portions that you understand. I know I have pushed a few accessories here. I'm not a salesman or a Sony representative. My feeling, however, is that accessorizing makes the camera. This camera is nice by itself but is much more convenient once you add the things that make your life easier. In summary, I think the camera is great. I think you should purchase the following accessories: - Battery Charger
- EZ Editor DV Editing Kit
- Carying Case * Can be purchased in a kit
- Additional Battery * Can be purchased in a kit Each person may need different accessories (which is why they aren't included in the camera package) so use the information provided here to help you decide if you need these accessories or not. I would recommend that you take the time to step through the owners manual and test each feature that they walk you through. It will prevent you from introducing yourself to the feature at a time when you'd rather be filming. If you purchase the carying case, the manual fits snug into the front pocket. Keep it there and reference it. Lastly, I recommend buying this somewhere that you can get a warranty. Cleanings are recommended every 6 months, this is still a new technology and the warranty doesn't cost that much. I purchased my camera at Best Buy with the warranty. I can bring my camera into Best Buy for a free cleaning as often as I like. I have unlimited repair or replacement of my product should it need replaced. I don't usually buy these warranties, but when you spend this much on a camera, consider this insurance!
Rating:
Summary: Nice Camcorder once you get to use and know it better.
Review: I tried posting a review for this TRV707 last week, but apparently it did not show up. I will try again... I had mentioned my concern of what I thought was poor low light performance of this cam. It also takes poor still photos but I don't care for using it as a photo camera (I have dedicated Sony digital cameras for that purpose). Nevertheless I gave it 4 stars since everything else about it is excellent. Actually the low light video performance while dark is very amazingly noise free! There are hardly any snowy digital grainy pixel specs or noise in the dark scenes as compared to my 8mm! So I guess that is what folks mean when they are saying this cam has excellent low light performance. If that is what they mean, then yes it does have very low noise. But the scenes can be very dark in 100 watt light bulb lit rooms.
I bought the sony 3 watt flash/video light and it helps to brighten up the dark room scenes so that videos come out brighter. With this, I can highly recommend this Digital8 format camcorder. It probably is the best one out there right now and it is as good in video quality as the PC110 miniDV camcorder. Just don't get it for still pictures! For Videos it is very good to excellent. I do think that the colors are a bit washed out looking and not at all like I expected the vivid Sony saturated colors to be. But it is acceptable to me.
Battery life is about 55 to 60 mins recording time on and off using the color LCD. I don't mind the sharper looking black and white viewfinder, it saves on battery juice too.
Cameras tape transport does make some motor whining noise in operation but never is heard in my videos so not a problem. I do notice that the built-in stereo mics are not balance too good on my unit though... If I speak into the right mic, sound comes out correctly on the far right channel. BUT, if I speak into the left side mic, the sound comes out as if it is in the middle of the scene and not to the far left side. Seems the directional mixer of the mic is not working correctly. I have not tried external mics to see if this bug goes away. So am concerned if I can get accurate stereo panaroma sound recordings from my TRV730. Also flash still pictures come out with a "Blue Cast" or "Blue Tint" to them. Seems someone at Sony these days has a bad eye for color WB adjustments, since all of the high end Sony digital cameras (F505V and F707) have these "Blue Flash Syndrome" defects in them also and had to be sent back for a firmware fix. Other than these quirks, this camera really is one neat piece of engineering marvel. If you can live with the quirks I mentioned above, this camera will not disappoint you!
I love the ability to play my old 8mm tapes and to now archive them to digital realm in my spare time! Love it!
Rating:
Summary: Great Camcorder
Review: My comments on this camcorder are to help those who are not into specs but just plain English about this product. First, my dislikes about this camera is 1. Black/White electric viewfinder - but the view is bright and clear
2. Don't expect to take great clear 35mm quality still pictures. The print quality is a bit grainy. You are better off buying a separate camera for still pictures; but at times, it adds excitement having a still shot here and there on your video recordings. *Now, the good stuff* this is why this camcorder is rated a 5 (Best) *PICTURE QUALITY This is the best video picture quality camcorder that I have owned. I previously owned a Canon UC20 with 410,000 pixels (great picture quality). This Sony DCR-TRV730 has at least 1,070,000 (according to the manual) pixels, which produces great color, clear and sharp video quality video recordings. *Minimum Illumination needed is seven Lux/ zero Lux NightShot modes* I was most impressed with the "Infra-Red NightShot" capability. Again, clear, sharp pictures. I put this camera through a test and I did not use my optional "HVL-IRH2 Video Light" - by recording in a room (with people inside the room) that was very dark - all lights were out and no sunlight. I was amazed with its quality and the clearness. The built-in infrared light was sufficient for a 20' X 30' size room. Note - NightShot will produce monochrome color. When I turn on my optional "HVL-IRH2 Video Light" (which has the capability of using its infrared or halogen lighting) the distance shooting was even greater and brighter, sharper picture quality. I advise purchasing an optional video light for inside recording, so you will get brighter, truer color and clarity. Even without the video light, normal room lighting still produced nice quality, clear video pictures. With the NightShot turned off and no optional video light, you will need sufficient room lighting in order to have excellent picture quality. *Built-in 18X Optical /500X Digital Lens* I also purchased the optional Sony .7x 37mm Digital Camcorder High Resolution Wide-Angle Conversion Lens (VCL-HG0737X). This added additional width and depth to my recording. The built-in lens did not have sufficient "width" for my recording in small close areas inside my home. The supplied Infolithium battery pack with the Accupower meter system is rated for approximately 2.5 hours of recording. I was only able to get approx. 1.3 hours due to the way I take pictures - I work the camera - focusing in and out and using the fade mode, giving my video more of a professional appeal. I also make use of the Still Picture mode and use the Memory Stick to save those still pictures. I then transfer the pictures onto my computer. This battery communicates with the camcorder. It tells you how much remaining power in the viewfinder and on the back of the LCD display. Great tool and accessory. Super Steady Shot Picture Stabilization System allowed me to take smooth looking video even when I had the shakes. I put the camera through another test -- I recorded a picture while riding in an old vehicle with poor shocks absorbers - if it was the excellent sound quality, which allowed you to hear the bumps and dips while riding, but the picture was flawless. *8 Different Picture Effects* This camera also allow you to change the picture affects to Black and White, Sepia, Negative Art, Pastel, Solarization, Slim, Stretch and Mosaic. This just adds pure fun to the video recordings. This camera also allows me to still view my old 8mm tapes. I now record using Hi8 mm tapes. Overall, I would not trade in this camcorder for another brand. This camera produces crystal-clear Digital8 pictures and CD quality sound. This camera allows an amateur photographer to feel and produce professional quality pictures. You will also need to purchase another/stronger battery packs for those extended recordings. If you plan to record your Childs school program or take a family trip to Disney World/Land, you will definitely need a stronger battery. I suggest the "NP-FM70 or the NP-FM91 InfoLithium battery pack. Depending on your purchase they are rated between 5.5 hours to 10 hours estimated recording time. You should also purchase an optional video light, such as "HVL-IRH2" (approx [amt]) and an optional wide angle high grade lens, such as the Sony VCL-HG0737X. I paid [amt] including shipping for these lens. The price I paid for this camera was [amt] (new) including shipping and 8meg memory media stick. I got a Great Deal. This camera alone estimated US selling price is [amt] without shipping and only 4meg memory media stick (standard with this model). Be prepared to pay at least [amt] + shipping charges for this model without the optional accessories.
Rating:
Summary: Great Camcorder
Review: My comments on this camcorder are to help those who are not into specs but just plain English about this product. First, my dislikes about this camera is 1. Black/White electric viewfinder - but the view is bright and clear
2. Don't expect to take great clear 35mm quality still pictures. The print quality is a bit grainy. You are better off buying a separate camera for still pictures; but at times, it adds excitement having a still shot here and there on your video recordings. *Now, the good stuff* this is why this camcorder is rated a 5 (Best) *PICTURE QUALITY This is the best video picture quality camcorder that I have owned. I previously owned a Canon UC20 with 410,000 pixels (great picture quality). This Sony DCR-TRV730 has at least 1,070,000 (according to the manual) pixels, which produces great color, clear and sharp video quality video recordings. *Minimum Illumination needed is seven Lux/ zero Lux NightShot modes* I was most impressed with the "Infra-Red NightShot" capability. Again, clear, sharp pictures. I put this camera through a test and I did not use my optional "HVL-IRH2 Video Light" - by recording in a room (with people inside the room) that was very dark - all lights were out and no sunlight. I was amazed with its quality and the clearness. The built-in infrared light was sufficient for a 20' X 30' size room. Note - NightShot will produce monochrome color. When I turn on my optional "HVL-IRH2 Video Light" (which has the capability of using its infrared or halogen lighting) the distance shooting was even greater and brighter, sharper picture quality. I advise purchasing an optional video light for inside recording, so you will get brighter, truer color and clarity. Even without the video light, normal room lighting still produced nice quality, clear video pictures. With the NightShot turned off and no optional video light, you will need sufficient room lighting in order to have excellent picture quality. *Built-in 18X Optical /500X Digital Lens* I also purchased the optional Sony .7x 37mm Digital Camcorder High Resolution Wide-Angle Conversion Lens (VCL-HG0737X). This added additional width and depth to my recording. The built-in lens did not have sufficient "width" for my recording in small close areas inside my home. The supplied Infolithium battery pack with the Accupower meter system is rated for approximately 2.5 hours of recording. I was only able to get approx. 1.3 hours due to the way I take pictures - I work the camera - focusing in and out and using the fade mode, giving my video more of a professional appeal. I also make use of the Still Picture mode and use the Memory Stick to save those still pictures. I then transfer the pictures onto my computer. This battery communicates with the camcorder. It tells you how much remaining power in the viewfinder and on the back of the LCD display. Great tool and accessory. Super Steady Shot Picture Stabilization System allowed me to take smooth looking video even when I had the shakes. I put the camera through another test -- I recorded a picture while riding in an old vehicle with poor shocks absorbers - if it was the excellent sound quality, which allowed you to hear the bumps and dips while riding, but the picture was flawless. *8 Different Picture Effects* This camera also allow you to change the picture affects to Black and White, Sepia, Negative Art, Pastel, Solarization, Slim, Stretch and Mosaic. This just adds pure fun to the video recordings. This camera also allows me to still view my old 8mm tapes. I now record using Hi8 mm tapes. Overall, I would not trade in this camcorder for another brand. This camera produces crystal-clear Digital8 pictures and CD quality sound. This camera allows an amateur photographer to feel and produce professional quality pictures. You will also need to purchase another/stronger battery packs for those extended recordings. If you plan to record your Childs school program or take a family trip to Disney World/Land, you will definitely need a stronger battery. I suggest the "NP-FM70 or the NP-FM91 InfoLithium battery pack. Depending on your purchase they are rated between 5.5 hours to 10 hours estimated recording time. You should also purchase an optional video light, such as "HVL-IRH2" (approx [amt]) and an optional wide angle high grade lens, such as the Sony VCL-HG0737X. I paid [amt] including shipping for these lens. The price I paid for this camera was [amt] (new) including shipping and 8meg memory media stick. I got a Great Deal. This camera alone estimated US selling price is [amt] without shipping and only 4meg memory media stick (standard with this model). Be prepared to pay at least [amt] + shipping charges for this model without the optional accessories.
Rating:
Summary: Great combination of both worlds..
Review: There are camcorders and there are digital cameras. This product provides you with a great combination of both at a reasonable price. (Got it for 899 from Circuit City, though - sorry amazon) The digital pictures you get are grainy, but great enough for posting on the web as well as making small prints on a simple inkjet printer for fun. Just dont expect to win any photo contests with it. Memory stick is great. you can probably fit about six super fine pictures on the included 4Mb, better get more if you are trigger happy like me. The best part of owning a digital camcorder is that now you can take videos which are so much more sharper and professional looking compared to the old 8mms and vhs-c's. Grains are barely noticeable unless you are shooting in low light. The stabilizer is so good, unless you are really drunk, you get very little shake on the videos. Night shot is great, its like shining a gray torch in the night. Funny, but with it, your videos come out looking like the "Blair witch Project". Battery lasts at least an hour with the lcd on, so no need for a long life batt unless you are going into the jungle. I wish Sony would position the telephoto switch to rock forward-back rather that right-left, such a pain figuring out all the time which way is tele. Overall, great product. Still have to explore more.
Rating: 
Summary: Great features, good quality, horrible light tolerance
Review: This camera obviously has great features at its reasonable price. The night vision is a very creative (however unnecissary) feature that I found to be fun to show to your friends however not needed for filming very often. Unfortunatly, you may find yourself using nightvision often because as you take stills in lower light conditions the quality decreases. This decrease is only noticed when looking at the pictures on a computer or on paper (or when looking at movies on a TV screen). However, this camera tends to be cheaper than most others because it records in a Digital 8 format. In other words, it records digitally on to regular Hi8 tapes which are generally cheaper than most miniDV tapes. However, keep in mind if you buy a 120 minute Hi8 tape, this camera will only record 60 minutes on to it because the data takes more room. The camera, however, is very user friendly and can run almost completely automatically as well as manually. The autofocus is very efficient along with an excellent optical zoom and an oustanding digital zoom (although quality does decrease with digital zoom). The camera acts extremely well in brighter conditions and clearly out performs many other cameras, it's the indoor low light coniditions that still need plenty of work.
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