Sony DCR-TRV103 Camcorder Review

by Robin Liss
Published on Jun 22, 2004 12:00 AM



The DCR-TRV103 is a Digital8 camcorder with a MSRP of $999. Sony Digital8 records a digital signal onto standard 8mm or Hi8 tape. Sony claims that it is possible to record up to 500 lines of resolution on a Digital8 tape. The compression, however, only allows you to record an hour of video on the standard 120 minute 8mm and Hi8 tapes. The format is great; Hi8 and 8mm tapes are much cheaper and more available than the MiniDV tapes that most consumer digital video cameras use. The format offers 16-bit PCM digital audio, which MiniDV tapes also provide. It is also possible to use the IEEE1394 or FireWire digital Interface with the Digital8 camcorders to edit or copy your videos digitally. Sony did not specify the possibility to hook up Digital8 and MiniDV camcorders through the FireWire interface, but the chances are probable. It has a 20x optical zoom and a 360x digital zoom. The camcorder has the Control L editing protocol, which allows you to edit. The camcorder has a 2.5-inch LCD screen and a color viewfinder. A great feature about this camcorder is its 15-hour battery that allows for very long recording periods.

This is Sony�s least expensive Digital8 camcorder. Digital8 is a great format because it offers beginners and medium users an opportunity to go into Digital Video without the hassle of the hard-to-find, expensive tapes. If you want a reliable digital camcorder that uses common, inexpensive tapes, this one is for you.