Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I wrote a review after I had decided to purchase the DCR-TRV900 (see "Great for a Mac DV user"). Since then, I've had a few e-mails asking how it works in practice.
I have no trouble capturing video frommy TRV900 to my Apple PowerBook G3 "Bronze." What I thought Iexpected was the size of DV video clips -- 16GB (yes, gigabytes) for onehour of video with sound. I ordered a 37GB drive, and now have anadditional 75GB drive on backorder. Keep that in mind if you decide to doyour own video editing on a computer.
I learned that you should record asignal across the entire MiniDV tape before you use it. This makescapturing easier, since unrecorded sections have no timecode, creating a'new' zero-point for subsequent footage. The TRV900 has a very nice ColorBar feature which is perfect for this basic signal.
I never thought I'duse the flip-out LCD screen. I use it all the time. I did video 15 yearsago in high school, and thought I preferred viewfinders. I was wrong.Further, you can flip it all the way around so your subject can see whatthe camera sees, and kids LOVE this. (The viewfinder starts working whenyou do this.)
One feature which has provided great entertainment is theFrame Recording. This will record about six frames of video and then pause.Using a tripod and the remote control, you can do a decent job ofstop-motion animation.
I bought the 8-hour battery, and it was worth it.The included battery is next to useless for any recreationalrecording.
Finally, I got the PCMCIA adapter for the Memory Stick. TheTRV900 has a PCMCIA slot for recording still images at 640x480 resolution,with varying compression levels, and I've used it a lot. (The progressivescan is always on for this Memory Mode; you can turn it on or off forCamcorder mode if you want video frames you can capture.) I also ended upbuying Sony's USB Memory Stick reader so I don't have to remove my RatocFireWire card from my PowerBook.
Overall, I'd say this is an excellentcamera for someone who wants to do home video editing and enjoys playingwith the medium. For me, having fun is a big part of videotaping...thiscamera is a fun camera.
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Product Description:
Sony now offers professional quality 3-CCD imaging in a consumer-friendly design, the CCD-TRV900. This model offers state-of-the-art video and still imaging with 3-CCDs for accurate color reproductions and progressive scanning for still images. Combine these with Optical SteadyShot and a wide array of other performance and convenience features and you have complete, professional-quality solution for both video and still imaging. Using Sony's unique Adaptive Frame Interpolation for better image quality, you can store over 700 individual still photos on a 60-minute tape in the LP Mode. Get creative with your video by changing the background to six different digital effects that also have variable levels (still, flash motion, luminance key, slow shutter, trail, and old movie). For added creativity there are six picture effects (slim, stretch, solarization, monotone, sepia, and negative art). Select from three different fader modes for the transition between scenes (black, overlap and monotone). The camcorder is encased in a magnesium alloy cabinet, making it both rugged and lightweight.
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