New Sony Hi8 Camcorders for 2002: CCD-TRV108, CCD-TRV308, CCD-TRV608

by Robin Liss
Published on Jan 6, 2002 12:00 AM



Sony has announced their new Hi8 camcorders for 2002. The camcorders feature 400 lines of resolution and the ability to do live video streaming over the web. This is the first integration of digital video into an analog camcorder that we have ever seen.

Sony also added this USB functionality to their Digital8 line. Recent demand by consumers for the ability to stream video live over the net has moved Sony to add a live streaming and videoconferencing capability right in the camcorder. By using the USB port on their camcorder, users can now hook their camcorder up to their computer through their USB port (completely independent of any FireWire card) and stream live video over the web using Microsoft Net Meeting. Users can stream tapes of live video right from the camcorder either in a videoconference, video phone call or live streamed broadcast. Lately, many users have been asking how they can use their camcorder as a web cam to do streaming video and this latest addition seems to fit that need.

Here is a summary of the new camcorders:

  • CCD-TRV108 2.5 in. LCD. 20x optical and 460x digital zoom. Available in January for about $300.
  • CCD-TRV308 Same as above except with image stabilization and on camera light. Available in January for about $350.
  • CCD-TRV608 Same as above except with 3 in. LCD. 20x Optical 560x digital zoom. The TRV608 is the only Sony Hi8 to include the USB live streaming feature. Available in January for about $400.