Sony CCDTRV66 Handycam Hi8 Camcorder

Rating:
Summary: Good features, but annoying switch problem
Review: I've had this TRV66 for 3 years, but the problem started occuring 1 year after I bought it. It was doing great until the switch started messing up. I found out only after my batteries keep draining even after I switched the camera off. Finally, I noticed that when I turn the camera off by switching it to the "Off" position, the VTR lights come on instead. The only way I could really turn it off was to remove the battery. So, when I want to switch it off, I had to remove the battery every time so that it won't get drained. Looks like it is a common problem from the reviews that I've read. Another annoying problem is when I am recording for a while, it keeps going to stand-by mode automatically. So I had to keep an eye on the viewfinder to make sure it doesn't stop recording. I wonder if Sony could fix this problem.

Rating:
Summary: Great Replacement 8mm Camera
Review: In 1992, I bought a Sony CCD FX-510 8mm stereo camcorder. By February 2000, we had worn the old camera out, after working around the world! If you want to keep playing 8mm tapes, you either have to replace your 8mm camcorder, or buy a 8mm deck. The camcorders are cheaper than a deck! I bought the Sony CCD-TRV66 because it could play my stereo 8mm tapes from my old camera. A digital Sony camcorder would do this, but at more $. The best surprise was that playback on the new HI-8 camcorder seemed to deliver higher resolution on the old Video 8 tapes. This might be due to the filtering on the Hi-8 camcorder. The TRV-66 has image stabilization, nightshot, Hi-8 resolution, stereo sound, lots of digital features and a color flip out screen. All of this is still less than I paid in 1992 for the CCD FX-510. After 8 years, Sony kept continuity on operational features; the basic functions of their camcorders is the same. Kudos for great design. I plan to wear out this camera, too!

Rating:
Summary: New User and Happy
Review: This camera is awesome. As far as i know it is the top of the line Hi8 camera that sony sells. The only downfalls are, it has no intelegent accessory shoe, but this isnt a big deal, also dv interface to computers, and the black and white viewfinder. Blah!

Rating:
Summary: Not quite digital, but well worth the money!
Review: This camera is simple to use and is full of some nice features. At this price, you get a lot of camera! Although I have yet to try the total darkness taping, I have taped in some very low light, with good results. My 1 year old daughter never knew that I filmed her as she was taking a nap! If you are looking for a camera that is easy to use and yet comes with some great features, look no further!

Rating:
Summary: A brilliant Hi8 camera
Review: This camera is the 2nd best Hi8 camera from Sony. Its simplistic to use and has some cool features and effects. The picture quality and sterio sound are superb for play back on TV and PC. The 80x zoom is alsi very powerful. The photo-still facility is weak but thats to be expected on Camcorders. However the brilliant nightshot and built in lamp make for a good Blair Witch Project if you ever fancy that. I have used it for about 2 months now and haven't really used needed to use the effects but the picture quality and sound make this a top camera (I can hardly notice the difference from my brothers digital camera). Make sure you get another battery as with the LCD on it lasts about 90 mins and uses good quality hi 8 tapes to get the best out of it. You wont be dissopointed.