Sony CCDTRV318 Hi8 Camcorder with 2.5" LCD and Steady Shot
by Sony
Our Price: $279.50
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: SonyModel: TRV318
Product features:
- Hi8 camcorder with 20x optical, 560x digital zoom
- SteadyShot picture stabilization system
- 2.5 inch color LCD and black and white EVF
- NightShot infrared mode for lowlight shooting; built-in light, easy dubbing features
- Comes with NP-FM30 InfoLithium battery; Stamina power management system
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sony CCDTRV318 Hi8 Camcorder with 2.5" LCD and Steady Shot
Customer Review: Repairs are costly
Summary: 2 Stars
I have owneds my CCDTRV318 for about 18 months and I think the camera has performed very well. Or, I did until I tried to use it at the first high school game this fall. It didn't work. The picture on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder was all blurry and distorted. I tried changing every setting and every adjustment I could think of. I couldn't fix it.
So, I took it to the local Geek Squad and they sent it out for analysis. The result? Sony would have to replace the CCD and other gizmos for a total of $196! After 18 months.
No, I did not buy warranties or anything - c'mon be serious.
So my question: do I spend $200 for repairs? Do I buy a new camera for $300-$400? Should I buy a Sony ever again?
I'm off to try to wrangle Sony customer support and perhaps will post the results of that wrangling here.
EDIT UPDATE: Sony ended up fixing this for NO charge and now it works like a champ. If I could I'd change my review to 4 stars now.
Description of Sony CCDTRV318 Hi8 Camcorder with 2.5" LCD and Steady Shot
Sony is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, communications, and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Its music, motion picture, television, computer entertainment, and online businesses make Sony one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world.Sony's CCD-TRV318 Handycam camcorder, with a built-in video light and SteadyShot picture stabilization system, makes it a snap to take great-looking videos that you'll want to keep and share. And you won't believe how affordable it is - with its extra large 2-1/2" Color SwivelScreen LCD that lets you see what you're shooting with ease, and other advanced features that make it easy for you to show off your creativity!Sony's compact, affordable CCD-TRV318 Handycam camcorder, with a built-in video light and SteadyShot picture stabilization system, makes it a snap to take great-looking videos. It features a 20x optical zoom, 560x digital zoom, a black-and-white viewfinder, and a 2.5-inch color swivel LCD.
Image Stabilization
Sony's SteadyShot picture stabilization smoothes and steadies your images without degrading picture quality. Sony does it with motion sensors--a more accurate system than many other camcorders on the market.
Optics
- 1/6-inch CCD with 320,000 gross pixels
- 20X optical zoom
- 560x digital zoom
- f1.6-f2.4
- Focal distance: 2.5-50mm
- Shutter speed: 1/60 t 1/4,000 (AE mode)
More Features
Now you can capture video even in total darkness. Sony's NightShot system uses infrared light to capture images invisible to the human eye. You can shoot subjects such as a sleeping baby from up to 10 feet away in total darkness. With the optional HVL-IRC NightShot light, you can even capture images from up to 100 feet away.
Sony's Stamina power management system and InfoLithium battery give the TRV318 incredible operating time. To keep tabs on battery life, Sony's AccuPower meter displays the number of minutes remaining--right in the viewfinder
Hi8 Format
In a world increasingly dominated by digital, Hi8 offers a refreshingly good format to shoot in. Despite the press that MiniDV, Digital8, and the new MicroMV have been getting, many people still prefer the tried-and-true Hi8. Hi8 offers the highest quality outside of digital and is a good choice for everyday shooting. As long as you just want to document your family's life, and send videos to grandma, you aren't really giving anything up.
Size, and Contents
The TRV318 measures 3.63 by 4.00 by 7.88 inches and weighs 1 pound 12 ounces. This package includes the TRV318 camcorder, power adaptor/in-camera charger (AC-L15), InfoLithium rechargeable battery (NP-FM30), mono AV cable, lens cap, and shoulder strap.
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