Buy it now at Amazon!
Description:
Sony digital camcorder lets you capture life's precious moments with quality and ease. New Sony DCR-TRV103 incorporates Digital8 Video Recording that records digital video and audio for outstanding digital quality with up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution. This Handycam camcorder has the ability to playback virtually any 8mm or Hi8 Tape. This camera is also capable of recording 12 Bit or 16 Bit PCM digital stereo audio. New 20x Optical/360x Digital Zoom brings the action up close from far away. 2.5" Active Matrix LCD Screen provides excellent viewing clarity, with improved resolution.Steadyshot Picture Stabilization is the image stabilization system using motion sensors that compensates for camera "shake". With Sony's NightShot system you can capture video even when shooting in total darkness (0 lux) up to 10 feet away using the built-in infrared system. By applying slow shutter in the NightShot mode picture quality is increased. LaserLink Wireless Transmitter with TV Control provides wireless connection between your camera and TV, up to 16 feet. TV Control will power your TV on, and set it to the proper video input. SteadyShot eliminates shaky camera shots without compromising picture quality. New Analog Recording Capability allows you to record from an analog source and converts to digital video through A/V inputs. To make sure you get the maximum benefit from each charge, Sony's InfoLithium batteries have no life shortening "memory effect." To keep you informed of remaining power, Sony's AccuPower meter spells out remaining battery time in minutes on the camcorder's LCD Monitor or Viewfinder. Forget about cables, wires and adapters. Edit, Dub, Archive, or Playback between two digital components with virtually no generation loss with a help of i.LINK DV Interface. Intelligent Accessory Shoe Communicates signals such as Power On/Off, Control L, and Audio between the camcorder and accessories to simplify usage.
Great camcorder with expensive add ons.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 10! out of 10
Created: Dec 8, 1999
Thanks for your feedback
I love this camcorder. Picture quality is exceptional and it's easy to use. The downside is the fact that accessories are so expensive _ and some, like the s-cable, are needed to transfer images to VHS tape.
Amazing value - a true convergence product
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 10! out of 10
Created: Dec 5, 1999
Thanks for your feedback
I connect this camcorder to my PC via its firewire port. Not only can I edit the footage I shoot on my PC, but the analog-in feature allows me to tape TV shows and copy VHS tapes to my computer hard drive. The quality of the camera is very high, and the 2.5" LCD is plenty big. I have purchased the NPF950 battery, which allows 12 hours of continuous operation. This is a very well thought out product.
ULTIMATE CAM
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 10! out of 10
Created: Dec 4, 1999
Thanks for your feedback
Ive used a number of camcorders in the past,VHS,VHS-C,8mm,Hi-8,Mini DV,and now Digital-8. At first I thought it was a joke,recording onto the old 8mm format in digital, but once I used the camera and saw the flawless picture and incredible sound I was proved wrong.It looks like a regular 8mm camera but it's silver,that seems to be the digital camera color.I feel the most impressive feature on this camera is the night shot mode, you can see and film in total darkness. Also with most digital models being so small you can't get a very big zoom, but since this one is 8mm size the optical zoom is 20x. And of course since it's a Sony it is packed with unmatched looks and great specials modes. I have no reservations for the DCRTRV103 its a top of the line camera with top of the line features at a reasonable price.
Very happy with this product!!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 10! out of 10
Created: Jul 28, 1999
Thanks for your feedback
We purchased this camcorder after doing research for severalweeks. We bought it with scuba diving in mind as eventually we willbuy the expensive underwater housing.I can only say that I have been extremely happy with my purchase. One of the first events I captured was my girlfriends little sisters HS graduation. The picture quality and sound play back especially during music performances was great.We did but a 8 hour battery which added a little weight but runs for seems like forever. We also bought the telephoto lens for those really far away shots.I normally turn off the digital zoom unless I have an extremely steady hand or have it on a tripod. As you get into the higher zooms if the camera is shaking the pictures gets unusable. Put it on a tripod and at full digital zoom it almost looks as good as optical zoom.I've used it to capture pictures and then pass this to my computer and have been very happy with the special effects as well.Robert
Downloading photos and videos on your PC...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 8.5 out of 10
Created: Nov 2, 1999
Thanks for your feedback
This camcorder is great EXCEPTED for 1 thing the video capture card for your PC. No where does sony or anyone else tell you that I got a Quote of $400.00 for this card?????? Nothing like finding this out before you buy, huh...WHY so much? I WAS going to buy this BUT not now or not until the price of the card Drops Significantly....
Great camcorder with a lot of good features
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 8.0 out of 10
Created: Sep 22, 1999
Thanks for your feedback
A great digital camcorder at a good price. The only difference between this one and the more expensive 310 is the size of the viewing screen. No big deal since we'll be playing back mostly though our TV anyway. The nightvision recording is pretty cool - you can record with absolutely no light available.
A great Camera at a Great Price
Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 5.9 out of 10
Created: Feb 2, 2000
Thanks for your feedback
Sony® came up with a winner with the Digital 8 format. I have heard of problems importing the data into the Sony Vaio laptop but I have had no problem importing into the Vaio work station. Also, Windows 2000 will support the IEEE-1394 firewire as a native application which means you will be able to bypass the Sony application for video capture and import directly into windows applications such as Adobe® Premiere and internet video conference. This camcorder is the basis for all my current work in snow country (next week I will use it on the ski slopes- and Feb 19th I will be using it to record sled dog races in Redstone Colorado for internet distribution by converting the AVI files to MPEG-2 on my website thebroadscreen). The photo shot capability is not really necessary because this camera does an excellent job of capturing every single frame in full motion and transferring every single frame to the computer for manipulation and production. A real winner for a camera and it plays all your old 8 tapes as well. IEEE1394 will also standardize on several high capacity hardware items this year including the LACIE DVD ram recorder/player due out at the end of this month which will record over 2gb per side of disk at 545.00 MSRP. and IEEE1394 capture cards are now available at 135.00 street price. The digital revolution has arrived!
Hard to beat this one
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 5.3 out of 10
Created: Dec 24, 2008
Thanks for your feedback
I have had this camera for about 3 months, and I am very satisfied with the quality of the camera itself (not surprising from Sony), and the quality of the results. Considering the resolution (500 lines, compared to 240~260 for VHS 400 for S-VHS, both of which are analog), I don't really see any great advantage to going with DV technology, except that a full digital camera is a bit lighter and the fact that you can record up to 2 hours on a DV tape, compared to 1 hour on either 8mm or Hi8 tape. I use both tapes, by the way, and there is no readily noticeable difference in quality. As far as the weight, since I do a lot of handheld recording, I find that I like this one better because a lighter camera is more difficult to keep steady. The recording sound quality is very good also, as well as being able to record in darkness! The ONLY, and I mean ONLY thing about this camera that bothers me is the fact that more of the on-camera controls are not duplicated on the remote control, such as fades, backlight, etc. I do a lot of active videography, and even though I have a very steady hand, it's very hard not to jiggle the camera when trying to turn on a fade or the backlight or one of the picture processing modes. Other than that, I would highly recommend this camera to anyone.
Great Video Camera for Engineering Consulting
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 5.3 out of 10
Created: Jan 10, 2000
Thanks for your feedback
The Sony DCR-TRV103 is a great camera for engineering consulting work. I've used for recording video through the video in port from a crack microscope fitted auxiliary camera, looking at minute structural details on a walkway on a 170 ft. tall elevated water tank (from the ground), as a recorder for an underwater camera for well video inspections, and for many other "normal" uses. The 360X digital zoom is fantastic, however, it must be used in a tripod to keep the video usable. I use it with a video Snappy to pull stills off of the tape. The built in "Still" feature is useful for catching a shot for a steady section on the tape. Great camera. I would be interested in hearing how others use the camera with the FireWire transfer feature.
Superb camcorder especially for sub $1000 models.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 5.1 out of 10
Created: Jan 24, 2000
Thanks for your feedback
Originally I wanted a DV model camcorder but I couldn't find one that I really liked that was under $1000. I had looked at the Sony Digital 8 format and thought it was a great idea so I bought this model. I has the features I wanted; DV firewire in/out, S-video in/out, rca a/v in/out, it's stereo, and has a built in 2.5" lcd monitor. The separation on the stereo audio is quite good considering how the left/right mic pickups are in the same chasis. I have yet to hear scanner motor noise in the audio either and it has an external stereo mic input if you want to get a higher quality mic. I used it on an overcast day in the country to get some footage of the dark clouds and the audio was beautiful. The tapes I've tried using are regular 8mm tapes and it came with a Hi-8 tape and to be honest I have yet to see a difference in the video quality (although years from now there may be more dropouts).If you want manual white balance, you'll have to pay more, but for what this camcorder cost's, it's amazing. Highly recommended!
I love it but...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 4.9 out of 10
Created: Jan 22, 2000
Thanks for your feedback
This camcorder is truly awesome. All the features are great and go beyond expectations. The only problem I have is trying to transfer the video to my computer. I bought the IEEE 1394 Firewire by SIIG, Inc. and for some reason it doesn't work. I've contacted SIIG and Sony and haven't heard back from either. When my camcorder is connected to the computer, the computer does not detect it. I have done everything on the SIIG trouble-shooting web site to rectify the problem, to no avail. It is very frustrating and if anyone can assist please send me an e-mail. One of the biggest reasons I bought this camera was to put video on CDs and send to relatives throughout the country. I can't do that until the capture card works!
good product
Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 4.7 out of 10
Created: Jan 4, 2000
Thanks for your feedback
A great camcorter for zooming in but some what heavy. Great for shorter trips. However it does not go easy on bateries.
So Easy So Sophisticated
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.8 out of 10
Created: Dec 24, 2008
Thanks for your feedback
For a unit with advanced features,this unit is remarkably easy to use (even for the klutz in the family). It self adjusts and the many buttons for personalized adjustsments are right at your fingertips. It makes videotaping easy so you can focus on the object and enjoy the event you're taping. Ergonomic, Easy, Affordable Yet Jammed with Sophisticated Features.
Sony! What can I say
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.8 out of 10
Created: Jan 9, 2000
Thanks for your feedback
I can only say on thing about this product. Outstanding. I have the TRV-110 series which the only difference is that the LCD panel is smaller. This camera is so easy to use. All of the controls are right there at your finger tips. I've yet to see the product from the digital photo mode becasue I don't have the firewire yet. I'm sure that it will be outstanding. This is a great product, an deasy to use, with a countless number of features which I've only begun to explore. Reasonable price. Great Job SONY, keep up the great work.
Excellent Camcorder
Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 3.6 out of 10
Created: Dec 24, 2008
Thanks for your feedback
* * * * * I M P O R T A N T * * * * *
br /Ignore the bashing of this camera for CCD problems (with a reference to CNET forums). This camera is NOT one of the models affected by CCD's manufactured between OCTOBER 2002 and MARCH 2004. There were MANY manufacturers affected by these faulty CCD's, NOT JUST SONY.
br /* * * * * I M P O R T A N T * * * * *
br /
br /Despite being a superseded model, my camera still takes nice video. The Digital8 format was great for me because I had a lot of 8mm tapes that would have been otherwise lost if I couldn't transfer them via firewire with this camera. I paid $1100 for this brand new a few years ago, but you can get budget models today that compare or outdo it for much less ($300).
br /
br /The battery life is one of the big benefits (about 2 hours of shooting time), and with the NP-F550 battery I got over 3 hours of recording time easily.
br /
br /Pro's:
br /1. Flexible Digital8 format allows digital recording on regular 8mm tapes
br /2. Good video and 16-bit PCM audio
br /3. 20X optical zoom
br /4. Easy transfer of analog 8mm video to digital via firewire
br /5. Excellent battery life
br /
br /Con's:
br /1. A bit bulky (by today's standards)
br /2. A/V inputs don't allow for direct pass-through to firewire (subsequent models allow this, but for the TRV103 you have to record input video/audio to tape then playback and capture over firewire).
br /3. Low-light video is somewhat grainy (but average for the time period this model was produced).
7 Good Years
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.4 out of 10
Created: Dec 24, 2008
Thanks for your feedback
I purchases the Sony DCR-TRV103 Handycam just after my first son was born, and just after my VHS camcorder died. I have used this camera extensively over the last 7 years, never have had a problem, until recently. I have filmed several hundred hours worth of videos with great results. Excellent pictures and quality sound. Recently I have been getting an error message, telling me to eject the tape. I am looking into to repair, but maybe after all this time it is ready to replace, but I would recommend a new one of these to anyone.
A great camera.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.2 out of 10
Created: Dec 24, 2008
Thanks for your feedback
This is a great camera for the money. It has a relatively small color LCD screen and a black white viewfinder, but those are the only drawbacks. There are great digital features, and picture quality is outstanding. I routinely use the Ilink connector to transfer video to mpg files for distribution on CD-ROM.
A great camera.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.2 out of 10
Created: Jul 12, 2000
Thanks for your feedback
This is a great camera for the money. It has a relatively small color LCD screen and a black & white viewfinder, but those are the only drawbacks. There are great digital features, and picture quality is outstanding. I routinely use the Ilink connector to transfer video to mpg files for distribution on CD-ROM.
Another FORMER Sony customer...BLACK SCREEN of death
Rating: 1 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 24, 2008
Thanks for your feedback
I bought Sony camcorder last year. It has stopped recording video. I can't see anything in the viewfinder or screen. Absolutely nothing.
br /
br /On the flip side, it did work nicely for the year when it was working though.
br /
br /Just in case, you think I am disgruntled, cynical and I am writing this out of spite, please follow this link. There are many like us.
br /
br /http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-7594-0.html?forumID=59threadID=53316messageID=635769
br /
br /In fact, people there have filed a class action suit against Sony on this issue.
br /
br /Overall, buy it if you want to. But see you on the forum above in 1 year.
Former Sony customer
Rating: 1 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 24, 2008
Thanks for your feedback
My wife purchased a Sony camcorder model DCR-TRV-103 in the summer of 2000 and gave it to me as a gift for to take on our 25 day tour of Europe in September ,2000. After familiarizing myself it I never had a reason to use it until on our trip. About half way into the trip the unit failed in Rome , Italy with about two weeks left on our tour. After returning home I sent it to a Sony Service Center near St. Louis and received it back about a month later. I did not use it again until the following August for about 15 min. to record a Christening at our church and it Worked o.k. I didn't use it again until Christmas day to record our last holiday in our present home .All our family was present. After nearly an hour I checked to see if the cassette had finished and I was shocked to see it had failed with the same exact failure as the first .I believe it should have held up longer than two hours of recording time since the repair but not so. Now Sony refuses to make the repair good ...
Comment on the View Finder
Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 2.6 out of 10
Created: Aug 22, 1999
Thanks for your feedback
I have to disagree with Amazons Pros and Cons of this camera. Amazon rates that the con or the camera is the black and white view finder. However profesionally a black and white view finder is optimal.
Great camera, at least for Mac users...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 0.0 out of 10
Created: Nov 14, 1999
Thanks for your feedback
We bought this camera, send it to miami and then by ship to Venezuela, where we live. Great camera, spetially because you can conect it via FireWire (IEEE 1394) to your new iMac DV or DV Spetial Edition. sharp image, cool night vision. amazing zoom. You can do anything with this camera and Apple's iMovie...
I wish I bought the smaller Mini DV Cam instead
Rating: 2 out of 5
Weight: 0.0 out of 10
Created: Sep 24, 1999
Thanks for your feedback
I made a rash purchase wihtout all the facts, and now regret it. Now that I see the smaller MiniDV product, I prefer the smaller size instead. Plus there a several different companies producing MiniDV and only one producing Digital 8. Live and learn
