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Sony CCDTRV87 Hi8 Camcorder |
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| The last of the decent Sony pure analog camcorders |
| This camcorder was introduced in 1999, which was in essence the "high water" mark year of the Sony analog camcorder line. Digital -- which had been introduced by Sony years earlier -- took over the "top of the line" position the following year, which led Sony to simultaneously begin "cheapening" the Hi8 analog machines (in an attempt to drive the "bells and whistles crowd" to the more profitable digital camcorders). This meant stereo sound disappeared from the Hi8s in 2000, as did flying erase heads, digital special effects and photo mode. Being the Hi8 line leader the previous year -- before that cheapening began -- the TRV87 is therefore Sony consumer analog video at its best, crammed with every feature Sony ever put into that format. It's all here -- the Hi8XR format (440 lines of vertical resolution, which in side to side comparison with DV's 500 lines is almost impossible to differentiate), LCD viewing, digital special effects, on-board lighting, Super Nightshot, photo mode, full titling, a wide range of pre-programmed exposure modes, Laserlink...it goes on and on. Yes, granted, the chassis is that classic "handful" TRV size, so this Sony isn't quite as cute and sexy as those teeny current DV palmcorders - but it provides video that is just as good, and costs a lot, lot less. This machine is destined to be a classic, in the same category as the infamous Sony TR101 (their first serious Hi8 machine from almost a decade earlier). |
| Apr 11, 2002 |
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| Wrong Image |
| The TRV87 has 360x digital zoom. THe posted image shows a 330x zoom |
| Aug 30, 2001 |
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| Sony CCD-TRV87 Hi8 Camcorder Review |
| I have used this camera for about 100 hours now. I have used and figured out 99% of the special features. Pros: Many special effects such as: infrared, black and white, cartoon like effect, and a couple others. It also has 16:9 recording but distorts the picture when recording. It has an excellent playback speaker when watching videos you have already taken on the 2.5 " LCD screen. It also has about 5 digital effects such as slow shutter or flashing pictures. The photo option lets you create a slide show easily and allows you to use the fade features such as overlap really easily. The battery that came with the camera lasts me about 1.8 hours using the LCD screen and about 2 hours using the black and white viewfinder. This is a surprise, because I thought it would only last an hour with the LCD screen. This camera also lets you record TV just like a VCR which is a nice feature if you like to edit videos. I also like the feature that lets you put words on the screen as you record. The stereo sound recording on this camera is great. The LCD screen is also crystal clear and is easily big enough to see what your recording. Cons: Grainy picture in low light condition. However, if you use the light on the camera, it drastically improves the grainy picture. The zoom gets really pixely at anything zoomed in more than about 180 times. The camera is larger and heavier than the new digital ones. The manual focus can also be tough to work but it isn't too bad. This is an excellent camera. I would recommend it over the digital ones just because you get a lot more features for your money and the quality of the picture isn't all that different. |
| Feb 17, 2001 |
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| What fun! |
| I just got this camera in time for the holidays. It is so much fun. The "photo" feature is great. You can create a slide show on tape! The night vision is amazing. The infrared lighting lets you see anything in the dark. It has many special effects you can use to spice up the home movies. The standard battery charges quickly and lasts for about an hour, depending on use of the lcd viewer and light. The picture and sound quality are excellent. Overall, this video camera is an excellent value. |
| Dec 20, 2000 |
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| My Sony Handycam CCD-TRV87 Camcorder |
| I purchased this video camera and it has performed excellent from the day I opened the box. The ease of use is great! I purchased a long life battery and can get up to 16 hours of recording or playback at a time. Would I buy this camera again ? The answer is YES! |
| Oct 13, 2000 |
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