Sony DCR-TRV320 Camcorder Review

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



The DCR-TRV320 is Sony�s middle range Digital8 camcorder with a MSRP of $999. Sony Digital8 records a digital signal onto standard 8mm or Hi8 tapes. Sony claims it possible to record up to 500 lines of resolution on a Digital8 tape. The compression allows you to record only an hour of video on the standard 120 minute 8mm and Hi8 tapes. It also permits you to play back 8mm and Hi8 tapes on the camcorder so it�s great for anyone transitioning from 8mm or Hi8 to DV. With the same CODEC as DV, the camcorder allows you to digitally transfer your video to a computer using the FireWire standard, just like MiniDV. The camcorder comes with a 2.5-inch LCD screen and a black and white viewfinder. The camcorder has a large 25x optical zoom and a ridiculously large, yet unusable, 450x digital zoom. Analog input is allowed so you can transfer old VHS tapes to DV. The camcorder includes Control L that allows you to use it in a standard and linear editing system. The camcorder captures still pictures and stores them on Sony's memory stick media.

The 320 model is one of the best camcorders available anywhere. It balances well between the LCD screen and price. The LCD is smaller than that of the other Digital8 models, but not too small. The price is very low for digital and you can acquire good pictures with the manual controls. Because the viewfinder is black and white, the camcorder is much better than the higher model Digital8 camcorders. It is possibly the best Digital 8 model ever made.