Digital8 format records digital audio and video comparable to MiniDV on affordable Hi8 tapes
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20x optical zoom with SteadyShot picture-stabilization system
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2.5-inch SwivelScreen LCD
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NightShot Plus Infrared System captures natural-looking video in low light
Editorial Reviews:
Product Description Now you won't miss a moment on those special occasions when you "do-it-in digital". Sony's new DCR-TRV280 Digital8 Handycam camcorder gives you incredibly clear videos, night or day. Thanks to the easy access record and zoom buttons on the LCD frame and the special SteadyShot feature that reduces the effect of camera shake, your videos are always smooth even if you need to move as you shoot. NighShot plus uses infrared light so your camcorder catches all the action, even in total darkness. And when you make the move from director to editor, Sony's Picture Package software and USB Streaming let you record, edit and send your movies to family & friends, whether it's via e-mail, video CD. Or you use the new "Click to DVD" feature with select Sony VAIO computers to preserve your memories forever on DVD. Make the move to movies and enjoy the results with the easy-to-use TRV280 Handycam camcorder from Sony.
Great Bargain Cheap TapesJuly 27, 2008 This camera is a great bargain and so versatile.
The optical zoom is incredible. I was able to film a drowning swimmer being rescued down on the beach from my 12th floor apartment!
Not only is this an excellent camcorder, it also makes a great webcam when connected to your computer with a Firewire cable
The USB streaming is useless: for some reason it won't let you record the audio track over USB even though it installs an audio driver when you plug it in, and the camera will go into standby while it's in use if you're not recording or playing the tape, so I recommend sticking with Firewire.
Note that if you buy this camera, keep the application CD that comes with it in a safe place. Sony does not offer drivers for download for this camera and when you call tech support to request them, their customer care doesn't know where to get them either. I was only able to find them by scouring random seedy websites.
One of the best features of this camera is that it records digitally on standard Hi-8 video tapes, which saves you a lot of money over the more expensive digital tapes. This is the only video camera in the world that does that.
Another great feature of this camera is its onboard stereo microphone. You can use this camera as a digital sound recorder by recording the sound and then dumping the video to your computer and extracting the audio track over Firewire.
I've had two of these cameras and I will buy another if something happens to the one I currently have.
Mediocre - Average - Just OK (Picture very grainy in low light)June 17, 2008 I'm not sure why the ratings are so high on this camera [...]. Perhaps because the camera is pretty ok, for home-use only outdoors. I am on this site searching for a new camera because I produce online television shows, as a hobby. My budget is low, so I need an affordable camera (under $500), with professional-quality video. If such a thing exists. The Sony DCR-TRV280 IS NOT IT!
I've tried all sorts of tricks and can't get rid of the grainy (webcam) quality, nor the poor color in normal indoor lighting situations. The sound is just ok. For me, there is NOTHING spectacular about this camera, especially if you want to use it for more than just webcam or basic home video purposes.
Once unplugged, the battery life is short (2 hours, tops!) for the battery that comes with the camera. I suppose this could be addressed by purchasing a larger battery.
I am of normal female strength. After a while, my hands and arms are shaking from holding the camera. Something lighter is ideal, otherwise dont forget the tripod.
I do like the connections on this camera, except no jacks for headphones or mic. And no accessory jack either. The light is cute as an extra, but not very powerful. Wish it had more connections and features.
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Digital 8 is still best for moneyApril 21, 2008 Picture quality is great! It downloads easily to computer. It may take longer than the newer digital memory recorders but you can still get this for a great price and in many cases the picture is better than the new hard drive models.
Sony DCR-TRV280 camcorder cannot play 8mm video cassettesJanuary 21, 2008 4 out of 4 found this review helpful
We purchased a Sony DCR-TRV280 camcorder in hopes of playing our old 8mm videocassettes and capturing them on our computer via its firewire connection. The tapes load into the 280 just fine. It does have firewire output. Unfortunately, it cannot play the original 8mm format. Sony's names for its various 8mm videocassette formats escape me. Perhaps the original 8mm format did not have a name. Anyway, the original is what we have and the 280 cannot play it. So, we're trading in our 280 for a Sony DCR-TRV-460 or -480.
not that goodDecember 11, 2007 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This camcorder it's not bad, it came on time. but if you want to playback Hi8 tapes you better get another one cause this one won't play them, it only plays Digital8 tapes.
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