Amazon.com Review

It takes two hands to hold Sony's new DSC-F717, which you'll need to use all the many features packed into this digital camera. The F717 captures images at up to 5.2-megapixel resolution--2,560 by 1,920 pixels--which allows for prints of 11 by 14 inches or even greater.

Images are crisp, colorful, and deep with detail. With USB 2.0 support, transfers to the PC zipped by and can be set to dispatch automatically. The large, autofocus Carl Zeiss lens zooms optically at 5x, with another 2x in digital mode. Atop the lens, the automatic flash pops open when needed. It also performs preflash metering and corrects the amount of light sent to create shots with the best possible exposure.

This aids the NightFraming mode, which incorporates the camera's NightShot infrared technology, and can help with taking optimal shots in low-light or no-light situations. If you've never used an infrared viewer before, you'll be impressed by the additional photo opportunities it provides, like snapping shots of teenagers stealing your jack-o'-lanterns and catching them orange-handed.

NightShot can also be used with the camera's movie-capturing mode. The audiovisual movies can be played back full screen with the HQX mode; we played our movie at 1,280 x 1,024 and could only find minor pixilation around the edges.

Video size is limited only by the capacity of the Sony Memory Stick inside the camera. The F717 ships with a 32 MB stick, so an upgrade to a larger size is recommended. It comes with a shoulder strap, but we also recommend buying a case to protect your investment. Not a camera for beginners, the F717 does everything you'd expect from a high-end digital camera. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• 5-megapixel resolution with 5x optical zoom
• NightShot infrared mode is quite handy
• Multiple modes, including movies with audio

Cons:

• Not compact

Features

• 5-megapixel sensor creates 2,560 x 1,920 images for exceptional prints at 11 x 14 inches and beyond
• Carl Zeiss autofocus lens with 5x optical/2x digital (10x total) zoom
• Included 32 MB Memory Stick holds 23 images at default settings
• Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port
• Uses proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery (included)

Reviews (54)

One of the Best Prosumer Digitals On the Market
With the Sony 828 coming out in January, the 717 may soon be a relic. But at this time it is hands down the finest digital camera in the Sony line and strong competitor in the $750-1,000 range.

I've only given this camera 4 stars primarily because the price is misleading. For all practical purposes you can not operate a camera like this with the small Memory Stick provided by Sony. You'll need to upgrade to at least 128 or preferably 256MB or you'll spend more time downloading files than taking photos. So tack another $100 onto you bill. Also consider a UV filter to protect that protruding (and thus vunerable) lens (add $20).

PROS
- overall outstanding image quality
- best-in class low-light photos (helpful at Xmas!)
- optional manual controls and hot shoe add flexibility
- Burst "feature" allows three essentially simultaneous shots.
- surprisingly quiet
- decent battery life

CONS
- bulky
- zoom is ergonomically difficult to get used to. Practice before a big event!

Also check out the Minolta Dimage and the Nikon Coolpix 5700 --- comparable cameras with a lot to offer and have a more traditional SLR feel. I ultimately chose the Sony because reviews showed it outperforming the others in low-light, a situation I find myself in frequently.

A great digital camera
Pro:
* Preforms well in low light even without a flash.
* 5x optical zoom
* The ability to manually focus
* Controls easy to navigate
* Excellent picture quality
* Special settings such as sepia
* Three burst mode for action or hard to capture shots (Beware of long write time before you can take pictures again if you are using a high resolution setting)

* Manual control of white balance allows for color correction
* The battery life is really good (however if you plan a long day of picture taking an extra battery is essential)
* Ability to manually set shutter and / or aperture

Cons:
* On high resolution can take a while to write to
* Bulky compared to a lot of other digital cameras (but not so much so when compared to a good 35mm)
* Memory sticks have historically cost more than other digital cards but I find that prices have come down significantly
* Sony really should ship this camera with a 128MB memory stick. The 32 it comes with captures only a few pictures at a high resolution.

Things I would recommend to get along with the camera

* Extra memory sticks.
* Memory stick case
* A UV filter. You don't need to get the one that Sony makes for the camera. Any 58mm-thread filter will work.
* Tripod
* Sony's shutter remote
* A Neoprene camera strap
* Extra batteries

This is a great camera and I would recomend it even over the 827.

I LOVE IT
IM NOT A PHOTOGRAPHER BY NO MEANS. BUT I LIKE TO HAVE A CAMERA AROUND TO TAKE PICTURES WHENEVER I CAN EITHER OF MY BOYS OR BEFORE AND AFTERS OF PROJECTS AT THE HOUSE. I ACTUALLY GOT A CARRYING CASE FOR IT AND ACC. I TAKE IT EVERYWHERE I GO. ALSO GOT A PRINTER TO GO WITH IT. WHAT WONDERFUL PICTURE THAT I CAN TAKE. IMAGINE IF I KNEW ANYTHING ABOUT TAKING A PICTURE WHAT I COULD DO. A FRIEND HAS SAME CAMERA AND HE FEELS THE SAME WAY.

Fantastic product
I did my usual research at amazon, dpreview, etc etc and decided on this one and have used it for almost a year. Even if the 828 is out and this one is kind of a relic, I cannot imagine needing anything more than this in a digcam and want to recommend it specifically because there would be lots of used units at great prices now in the market. What are the best things about it?

Just read all the issues with the Nikon 5700 (my comparison is mainly with the Nikon, which I have used). The 717 outscores the Nikon in all those areas (excellent autofocus, not clumsy to handle, very fast response time, and simply the best battery - 300 pics without a problem - i charge my battery once a fortnight if even).

Picture quality is fantastic. I am not a pro, and I do not need anything more than the quality and crispness that this camera offers.

But the biggest plus, I think, is its great quality in "auto" mode. My friends can simply aim and shoot and get a great result - all of us typically take a lot of pictures at fun times, and aim n shoot quality really matters at those times.

What else? Excellent flash quality. I also love the way the lens bends up and down - I used it to great effect when shooting a wedding - it gives you angle flexibility that no camera can match. It's also extremely sturdy, and I really love the way it stays in the grip. Lastly, the Carl Zeiss lens is of superb quality and the 5X optical zoom is more than I can ever need.

Negatives? Maybe a couple. Initially, I found a lot of pics, particularly in bright sunlight, to be either milky or bluish. This can be solved by using the white meter optimally as well as by managing exposure well, and also with filters - I just needed to spend some time with the camera. Also, the camera necessarily needs a U/V filter (not a big deal for $20).

Like many others I was hesitant to choose a Sony over Nikon and Canon, but clearly in the non-SLR class, Sony is teaching the pro companies a lesson or two.

Overall, great buy, simply the best in its class - probably barring the 828 which I have not used.

Perfect Christmas Gift
I have never bought anything high-tech for my software executive husband before I bought this camera. I spent a week on line and reading reviews here and decided this was the right pick. Not only was this the right pick it was a HOME RUN!! This is a great camera. I would recommend the digital photo printer (DPP-EX7) and a real nice Tumi bag to carry the camera in. We have had a blast with this camera. It's great quality and has that "cool factor" as well. We recently took a trip to Walt Disney World and bought the T1 to take instead of this one because this is a bit huge and love both cameras. We are now big Sony fans. I highly recommend this camera. ... Read more

Features

• Memory Stick Digital Data Storage
• Ultra-Small, Thin Design
• 128 MB Storage Capacity
• Erasure Prevention Switch
• 10 Pin Connector for High Reliability

Features

• 4-megapixel resolution captures even the tiniest detail and allows photo-quality prints to 11 by 15 inches
• Fixed focus lens with 3x digital zoom
• Compatible with Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro media; includes 16 MB card
• Bundled with DPP-FP30 digital printer, which can make borderless lab-quality 4-by-6-inch or 3 1/2-by-5-inch prints
• Print up to 20 images without refilling auto-feed paper tray

Features

• Dye-sublimation technology with 403 x 403 dpi resolution
• Prints 4-by-6-inch photo in just 80 seconds
• Black-and-white LCD; set options and print without a PC
• PictureGear Studio Version 2.0 photo editing software
• USB 1.1, Memory Stock, and CompactFlash interfaces; PictBridge compatible

Reviews (4)

First impressions for the Sony DPP-EX50
One of the first things I noticed upon opening up and unpacking the box, was that Sony does NOT include any ink (ribbon) or paper for this printer in the box. Not even one sheet. So, to avoid disappointment about not being able to immediately start using the printer, make sure you buy one of the ink/paper packages too.

The included software is "so-so". Sony's included photo application is rough, and I fell into fatal errors with it quite easily. Their photo application works directly with the printer, bypassing Window's printer drivers, which brings me to my next software comment.

It also includes a printer driver for Windows that allows other applications, presumably for photos, to print using the DPP-EX50. However, while it worked, it had a little annoying problem where the image was slightly off centered. This results in "borderless" prints actually getting a thin white border on the bottom and right sides. I found no way around this bug, including trying to manual re-size the image slightly larger, and trying to move it slightly down/right.

While the DPP-EX50 prints absolutely wonderful pictures, I am patiently waiting for Sony to release some software fixes.

Great Portable Printer
If you're going to a wedding or birthday party and want to leave some prints for the celebrants, the EX50 is a great toy to have. You can print up to 4x6 with very high quality on smudge-free paper - and for its intended use, that's important. You can print directly from Memory Stick or Compact Flash, or you can strap it to your laptop and work that way. You can use the video out jack to view the images on a TV. All this in a compact little package for about $180 - not cheap but this is a good quality tool.

This is an AWESOME printer
This printer is awesome! THe colors and print outs are so beautiful and i take this with me everywhere. my mom and i are now starting to take family photos at our house parties and printing them out on this printer for them to take home. its so neat and easy to use. I learned how to use it on the tv within minutes and actually prefer the tv then the computer.

I think the only problem is trying to find the paper. I can find the 4x6 post cards everywhere.. but the smaller ones are a little harder to find and I end up driving atleast 45 minutes to the nearest Sonystyle store to purchase it.

all in all this is a great picture especially if you have a good quality 3.0 megapixel camera. (The less quality the camera is, the more grainy the picture with be.)

sidenote: the pictures usually come out depending on how the pictures are taken with the camera. If the digital camera shows a bad picture, chances are the printer with print the bad picture.

p.s i think that printers that are so compact should come with a bag like camcorders and cameras do.

Amazing little printer
If you want photo lab quality pics in the comfort of your home--this printer is it. It is Exif and Pict bridge compatible. You can print from your TV, PC (you will need to buy a USB cord), camera or memory card. The colors are gorgeous and the images are crystal clear.

The printer is small enough and light enough to take with you--just plug it into your camera or TV-and you have instant pics to give everyone on your vacation.

The photo packs are easy to install and if you don't like the color or contrast of the picture no need to take it back to the lab---fix it on the computer and make another print. ... Read more

Features

• Sleek, compact MiniDV camcorder and digital still camera with 1-megapixel CCD
• 10x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 120x) with Super SteadyShot image stabilizer
• 3.5-inch rotating LCD and color viewfinder
• Low-light recording settings, Memory Stick Duo slot, and intelligent accessory shoe
• NP-FM50 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery

Product Description

ultra-high memory capacity * supports read and write speeds of up to 80 Mbps * includes Memory Stick PRO storage case * SDMI-compliant MagicGate encryption technology * warranty: 1 year * ... Read more

Features

• Amazingly compact and easily portable
• 1 GB storage capacity with 940 MB available
• Designed to support read and write speeds up to 80 Mbps on high speed enabled devices
• Designed with high resolution digital photography and video in mind
• Backwards compatible with Memory Stick PRO media enabled devices

Product Description

The CCD-TRV338 is everything you would want in a Hi8 camcorder, at a price that's easy on the wallet. It features a 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD display, the NightShot Plus infrared recording system, a massive 20X optical zoom and SteadyShot image stabilization. ... Read more

Features

• SteadyShot picture stabilization system
• The CCD-TRV338 Hi8 Handycam camcorder offers advanced features such as the SteadyShot picture stabilization system, making it easier to use and easier to own
• 1/6-inch CCD imager with 320K effective pixels
• 2.5-inches SwivelScreen LCD display
• 20x optical zoom lens with 990x digital zoom

Features

• Compact MiniDV digital camcorder with 1-megapixel imaging
• 10x optical, 120x digital, zoom with Super SteadyShot image stabilization
• Large 3.5-inch touch-panel color SwivelScreen LCD display for easy access to the entire camcorder menu
• Includes 8 MB Memory Stick for still image and MPEG1 capture
• NightShot O Lux infrared system with color mode for recording in total darkness

Reviews (10)

a solid camcorder but you can do better
the sony trv38 is one of sony's mid-range miniDV camcorders. it's a solid camcorder but i believe you can do better in this price range.

pros:
- very good video quality - colors are reproduced accurately.
- 1 megapixel still capability.
- miniDV media is widely supported.
- great connectivity options: firewire, USB, S-video, headphone, mic input, etc.
- carl zeiss lens with 10X optical zoom.
- steady shot and night shot.
- ability to record mpeg videos directly to memory stick.
- progressive shutter system.
- supports exif 2.2.
- the 3.5" LCD screen is great.
- very clean design (controls are accessed via the touchscreen lcd).
- low motor noise.
- intelligent accessory shoe.
- allows some degree of manual control.

cons:
- no pop-up flash for taking stills and no built in video light but you can get a flash/video combo light for less than a hundred bucks.
- you could do better on the still photo department. for example, sony's trv80 and trv70 have 2 megapixel capability but those camcorders are more expensive.
- as with most sony products, you pay a premium, pushing up the price.
- navigating menus on touch-screen LCD isn't terribly intuitive.
- don't expect miracles from 1 megapixel stills.
- short battery life with included battery (you'll want a spare battery anyway).
- bottom loading cassette - can't remove tape while camcorder is on a tripod
- not as compact as i would like. dimensions are 3-5/8"H x 2-7/8"W x 6-3/8"D, and it weighs 1 lb 7 oz without tape and battery.
- the included 8MB memory stick is unacceptable. be prepared to shell out more money for at least a 32MB or bigger memory stick.

this is a solid camcorder but i would recommend three sonys (trv33 or pc105 or trv70) and the panasonic gs70 over this camcorder.

Exceptional video, features, value.
As most people on the web do, I did a lot of reading, and comparison shopping, before settling on the Sony TRV38. This camera has more features than you will get to use, but I was looking for video quality, ease of use(point and shoot), and price. TRV has all this and more. True to the other reports, you need to buy a larger memory card, and a back-up battery...at least the NP50, or NP70. Once you have everything, you are ready for some neat features, and quality video.
My favorite one is the VCR feature, through which you can rewind the tape, use the LCD touch screen, and view the footage you just shot. Many people talk about low-light footage, and rightfully so, but unless you are shooting in very dim situations, this camcorder does a great job in low light. This is actually one of the reasons I chose the TRV38, over Canon, Panasonic, and JVC.
If you are buying on the web, all the vendors include extra "packages". Be carefull... a $600 camera can wind up costing you $900. I only bought the AC/DC charger, 30mmm UV filter, and a nice bag. The other items you need you can find cheaper elsewhere. Sony batteries are expensive, but there are generic, cheaper batteries that will work just as well
There is a sea of good camcorders out there, but this Sony is at the top of my list.

As good as it gets
Can't see how a camcorder could be any better unless it were bigger. Easy to use (even my wife uses this one - she never used our Panasonic). We Bought this instead of the Sony DVD Camcorder because of the Good Reviews on this and the bad ones on the Sony DVD model. So glad we bought this one.

The nightshot is awesome. Definitely buy a larger battery and extra tapes.

Very good deal for the money.
This camera is great for a few reasons. First of all, it can deliver some pretty good images for the casual point-and-shoot consumer who wants to shoot some high-quality home videos.

It is also very good for someone who likes to have a little more control over the image. The manual focus ring and manual exposure features allow for a more customized picture. Being able to turn off the automatic white balance is also a huge plus here.

The higher-end features are where this camera struts its stuff. For instance, this camera offers true 16:9 widescreen mode. It doesn't merely put black bars on the top and bottom of the image, you actually get more real estate on the sides of the picture without losing resolution (a feature not available on much more expensive cameras such as the Sony VX-2100 and the PD-170).

I use this camera for producing short films and other video production. When lit properly, you'll be amazed by the quality of video you can get out of this baby.

Great
This is an amazing camera for it's price. It has a carl zeiss lens which is a must-have if you want your video to end up looking profesional. Personally, i like it even better than the model above this one. This one not only has a 3.5 inch LCD compared to a 2.5 inch LCD on the more expensive model, but it also has a better feel. In the model above this one, the only thing "better" is it's smaller size. But i don't like that smaller size. It makes it feel too delicate. I may be only 17, but i've been into videography for quite awhile, and i would say, this is my favorite camera, for it's price. It's obviously not as good as say... the VX - 2000 which... i think costs something over 2000. But for my purposes, and the majority of the public's, i'm sure it's the best choice. ... Read more

Features

• 3.2 megapixel sensor captures enough detail for prints up to 11 x 14
• 3x optical zoom plus 3.2x digital zoom (9.6x total)
• Captures full-frame video (640 x 480), limited by CD media (6 minutes for 156 MB disc)
• Stores images on 3-inch, 156 MB CD-R/RW discs; 1 CD-R and 1 CD-RW included
• Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery (NP-FM50 included); connects with PCs and Macs via USB

Reviews (12)

An easy to use camera.
I bought the Sony Mavica MVC-350 camera to compliment my Nikon film cameras. I wanted a camera to build a website and to take photos of things that did not necessarily need to be printed out on photo paper. Most of the digital cameras I found were small and the controls tiny. Or they needed a memory stick with very limited photo storage space an then these memory sticks were expensive. Some cameras are so small you can barely hold them without fear of dropping them and this is not the case for the Sony. Also battery life was also a concern as my first digital camera ate AA batteries for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Floppy disks were ok, but again, photo capacity was not very large in the higher resolution modes. That's when I found the Sony MVC-CD350. It is a 3.2 megapixel camera with a 3x lens and built-in flash. It has a CD-R/RW drive in it for high capacity storage onto a 8 cm CD-R or 8 cm CD-RW disc. The MVC-CD350 uses a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery and it's life is about 130 minutes. It was exactly what I was looking for! The picture quality and the speed of the drive is very good.

After charging the battery (it comes with one and a charger) I dropped in a CD-RW and turned on the camera. No, I did not read the manual.... I was asked to initialize the CD-RW and after a few seconds I was snapping pictures. I also discovered, on my own and not by reading the manual, that it can take MPEG movies. I will never use this mode but I know it would be a handy feature for some folks.

After filling the disk with a few dozen pictures I finalized the disk (had to read the well laid out manual) and put then it into my computer. It was very simple. The MVC-CD350 also comes with a USB cable (version 2.0 compatible) and, after installing the software on my PC, I downloaded the pictures from the camera. There were about 50 MB (or so) of photos and the transfer process went rather quickly; I'll guess 3 minutes or less.

The controls for the camera are nice size, even for my fat fingers and the layout is fairly logical. The only thing I do not care for is the location of the power button. I think it's too close to the shutter release. A friend owns the same camera and she doesn't think it's a problem, so it has to be me.

The built-in flash does a pretty good job and it has the red-eye reduction mode. You can vary the light output from the flash to from "Low/Normal/High". I call it a "party flash." You can buy a better flash from Sony but, like any powerful flash, it's big. For a party or casual use, the built-in flash seems to work fine.

The display/viewfinder on the back is bright and quite large. It measures 2" wide and 1-1/2" high. The display is of high enough resolution so you can review all pictures you have taken.

Overall I like this camera. The CD drive and rechargeable battery are big selling factors for me. Also, since it is made by Sony I know parts and service are easy enough to find.

What would I improve? The lens. I wish you could change the lens out, like an SLR type camera. The lens is ok, but I would love it if Sony had a interchangeable lens system. Otherwise, no complaints from me!

This is a great camera!
I love this camera. I don't have to develop film anymore or find a computer to remove the pictures from my camera when I am on a trip. I just need to pop in a new cd and keep on snapping! This camera takes great pictures in all kinds of light--we have beautiful pictures of sunsets and the ocean on a bright sunny day and clear pictures of us around a campfire. I don't have the problem of waiting for the camera between pictures like I had with previous digital cameras. You can also film close to an hour of mpeg movies on one disc. The battery runs practically all day, too. The only drawback I found was it was a little heavy to lug around Disneyland all day. We solved this problem by rotating it among our family members, though (everyone got to take their own pictures then, too). If you are a novice at photography like I am, this camera is for you. It is easy to learn how to use features like the zoom and flash (even without the manual) and takes nearly foolproof pictures, although you still have to remember to keep your thumb out of the way! The cds are great for storage of pictures--no more boxes of pictures that can get ruined over time or big, bulky photo albums. To anyone considering this camera, I say throw away those old rolls of film and buy this camera!

WOW!!!!!WE LOVE THIS CAMERA!!!!!
We bought this camera in Mid-January. And Both my husband and I love it. This camera has EVERYTHING we could want. And is SO much better than my cheap Kodak DC3200. We are expecting our 4th and final baby in June. And this is another reason why we purchased it. Although we didn't pay 399. for it. We paid 379.00. The clarity of these pictures are just AWESOME! We have even printed them out and they are SO clear! I would purchase this camera again in a heartbeat!

not a bad camera
I've had this camera for about a yr now. And like any digital camera it has it's pro's and cons. First off at 3.2 megapixals it's at where any digital camera sould start at for megapixals. The more the more you can crop your photo's with out loosing picture quaility. But that comes with a price tag. More megapixals means more memory consumption. 3x optical zoom is great but could be better. But that's where most digital cameras are at. The veiw finder is only a lcd screen.. it's great untill u have to take pictures in sunny areas. Very easy to use. This camera uses cd's to store images which means 210mb. at somewhere 50 cents a disk. But the downside to that is it takes abit longer to store an image then it would a memory card. Lot's of extra features like movie mode and burst. The battery last along time and is a snap to charge. Battery is also compataply with most sony movie cameras. A plus for some. final verdict. Want a digtal camera to take great pictures with out croping to much, and worried about the high price of memory cards.. this camera is for you.

Only digital cam you'll ever need
WOW!!! This camera not only made me happy, but it was much more than what I thought it would be. Features galore, so be sure to read the manual. I'm currently taking highest quality pics and it will be sometime before I take my CD to Costco for development. Another really interesting feature is the video mode. My family and friends all have digital cameras that are strictly cameras. This one is a videorecorder too. At $375, this camera is a steal!!! I'm not into writing reviews for products, so if I take the time to do so...I'm really behind the product. Hope I can spread the joy to other lucky shoppers. ... Read more

Features

• Sleek, compact MiniDV camcorder and digital still camera with 1-megapixel CCD
• 10x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 120x) with Super SteadyShot image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch rotating LCD and color viewfinder
• Low-light recording settings, Memory Stick Duo slot, Handycam Station, and intelligent accessory shoe
• NP-FF51 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery

Reviews (7)

Great Little Camera
I replaced a 7 year old Canon HI8 camcorder with this one. I've had the 109 for a couple of months now and here are my comments.

GOOD:
Size: It is really small and compact. Well built and solid.
Motor noise: My camera has no motor noise. Absolutely none. I have seen some reviews that say their camera has motor noise. My suggestion is, if you get one that does, replace it. Perhaps you got an early one or a gray market?
Battery life: I get about 2 hours with the standard, tiny battery. Interestingly, the same reviewer that said he had motor noise claimed to get less than an hour with his battery. There must be something wrong with his camera.
Low light: Seems to be pretty good and better than competition.
Simplicity: It is very easy to use as a point and shoot. There are only a few buttons. The LCD screen doubles as a touch screen for the menu.
Docking station: Makes it convenient to plug-in to the computer because the docking station is always connected to the computer, and to a wall outlet for charging.

BAD:
Small LCD screen: I guess this is a tradeoff with the small camera size (but if you have seen Sony's new T1 still camera, they know how to put a large LCD on a small camera). Also, the LCD can wash-out in sunlight, like most other cameras.
Docking station: Although convenient, the only way to recharge the battery is to plug the camera into the docking station. This means, for trips, you have to take the camera, the cord, and the docking station with you. This is inconvenient and bulky. Sony could have easily made the cord plug into both the camera and the docking station for recharge, but Sony instead has elected to release an optional "compact" battery charger for around $70. Typical Sony. Similarly, the camera itself has analog video outputs. To get digital outputs, you have to go through the docking station.
Microphone: It is placed on top of the camera, so it does pick up some non-directional noise (from places other than directly in front of the camera). It seems to be somewhat directional though because it doesn't really pick up noise from the shooter.

Love it!
I bought this in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during a camera fair. I guess the most important thing to me was size, as I wanted to make sure the camera was with me as often as possible. Having a small camcorder REALLY increases its utilisation, as it's not much of a bother to bring it with you to most places. I felt it would have been a pity to spend all that cash on something and yet not fully utilise it. I have had it for 2 months and have since used up 6 miniDV tapes. It helps also that it is simple to use. Good for the point-and-shoot users as well as the slightly more technically inclined.

I've only really used the video function as I have a Canon Ixus400 which takes care of my still-shot needs. But the still pictures taken with the PC109 are not bad for those rushed moments. You can even snap a still pic while recording video, but only to 640x480.

Outside and in bright conditions, the picture quality is excellent. In dark situations, of course the image quality suffers. This is the case with any camcorder, and I feel the PC109 does better than other compact camcorders. I have purchased a light (HVL S3D) which helps a little. Also has some features like "twilight mode" and "backlight" for subjects lit from behind which also help.

The mic is placed on top of the camera. Not the ideal place, as it picks up noise not from the front of the camera. It sounds okay when played back on TV, but could be better. I will probably purchase a mic for the hotshoe.

The LCD Screen is ok for a camera this size. Very clear in most situations. Direct sunlight makes it a little harder to see, though.

This camera handles Analog input AND output as well as Digital Input AND Output. I have hooked it up to an older camcorder to convert to miniDV. I have hooked it up to TVs (A/V) and computers(iLink and USB). I've made VCDs with the supplied cables and software. I've recorded video from computer to tape. No problems.

Extra:
1) Touch Screen - Very stylish. Also lessens the clutter of buttons found on most cammcorders. You can also customise the menu with features you use most often. Some labels on the menu are not self evident though.

2) Hot-shoe - definitely welcome. For using a light, mic etc. Canon Elura models are otherwise comparable but lack a hot-shoe. This is why i bought the PC109.

3) No discernable motor noise.

4) Placement of buttons is quite logical. I have had no trouble pushing the wrong buttons. After some practice, very easy to operate.

5) Cradle - quite useful as you dont have to keep plugging cables into the camcorder itself. Just drop it into the cradle.

6) Battery life of included battery is okay. enough for a 60 minute tape and a bit more.

7) Super Steady Shot seems to do the job.

Could improve:
1) Doesnt have a focus ring. You have to use the touch Screen.

2) No built in light. The PC105 at least had a built in flash for still shots.

3) Mic Placement on top. Not the ideal location but practically all the vertical cameras do this. Most of my shooting is done at close quarters so not a big deal. I will eventually get a zoom mic though.

4) Tape door is on the bottom. A minor issue for me as i rarely have time to set it up on a tripod.

5) The Software provided is quite basic. And its weird that when i convert to VCD, it handles the data in 10 minute pieces.

Sony quality, but still room for improvement.
I just got this camcorder, and played with it about an hour, so it might be a bit premature for a detailed review. Yet, my first impression was "wow". It is slick, compact and good-looking.

That was until I inserted the tape. Someone said there is no motor noise. Not ture. This is really major drawback especially for me since one of the major reason I bought this was to replace my aged Samsung SD60, which had an excessive background noise. I compared these two side-by-side, and noise level is about the same to my surprise. I recorded video, and yes, there is white noise (from the motor) in the background when played back on my TV. This explains why the built-in microphone on Sony is located on top of the camcorder.

Still, this is an awesome camcorder. I do like the touch screen LCD, which will be taking some time to get used to, and mostly the compactness and slickness of it.

Things can add up to put this camcorder in good use. I already spent more than a few hundred bucks on accessaries; Polarized filter lense, portible tripod, extra battery (NP-FF71), matching carrying bag. And considering to buy the microphone to reduce the amount of the noise from the motor being recorded.

Lastly, the battery (NP-FF51) seems to drain quite fast. I would not last an hour in typical use. An extra battery seems to be a must.

Very Happy 1st Time buyer
I have been researching camcorders for the past six weeks since my son was born. I wanted something that was small, took high quality video, was "connectable" to my PC and would not be outdated 20 minutes after I bought it. While I have only had it for about a week now, I am very pleased. I'll try to convey a few of my thoughts:

Firstly, I am not affiliated with Sony in any way. After looking across the spectrum of cameras, I ultimately narrowed my search to a comparison of a number of canon and sony models -my digital camera (elph 400) is Canon so I had thought to keep everything in the same family. That said, I scoured the web for reviews, spoke to friends and ultimately went into my local store for the touch test. I searched CNET and Amazon (as well as about another half dozen other core sites) for updated reviews every day or so, however, there don't appear to be many. Ultimately, I just went for the PC109.

It was one of the the smallest devices I found that use MiniDV tapes. While it did take a little bit of time to adjust to the vertical orientation of the camcorder, it very quickly became quite natural to hold. I have used the "easy" setting quite a bit, which is akin to opening up the box and recording without diving into the manual first. The quality of the pictures have been everything that I was looking for - I have watched them on the device/TV, downloaded them to my computer with the provided software and even burned them (alas only to vcd as I am in prcoess of buying a DVD burner). The transfers have been easy and the resulting product has been great. I am just beginning to play around with the manual settings as well, but so far so good.

The camera also has a duo memory stick slot to take stills as well. They are fine - not great, but fine. If you are looking for a dual device, then this is perhaps not the right one. If you are looking for video with the possibility to snap 1 megapixel e-mailable photos as well, then this is your device.

So, the bottom line is that I recommend the camera to anyone who is on the fence. Don't know if the above is helpful, but hopefully it gives one more validation point to anyone looking for a good device.

Nice little camera
I've had this camera for a several weeks so far, and so far, so good.

The good:
It seems to do everything well, including low light video. Moreover, if it is so dark that Night Shot is required, Sony seems to have improved it -- colors are pretty realistic (no longer overly green).

The camera is very small and compact. Sony's marketing pictures don't do it justice -- it is smaller than it looks. I have found this to be the best feature of the camera because we never hesitate to take the camera along, which has resulted in many more shots.

The camera body itself is very clean and uncluttered. It contains only a few buttons -- on/off, zoom, snap-shot picture, lens cover, and special effects. Everything else is accessed through an intuitive menu system displayed on the touch-screen LCD panel. Also, even though the zoom and snap-shot buttons are in close proximity on the camera, I have never confused them (due partially to the fact that the zoom is a lever switch and the snap-shot is a button.)

No motor noise.

The LCD screen is bright and can be back-lit. I have no problem seeing the screen in sunlight.

The camera offers true widescreen mode (16x9).

The docking station is nice, conventient and easy to use -- dock the camera and it charges and is connected to the computer at the same time.

The standard battery is good for about two hours of shooting and the battery retains its charge in the camera (you never have to take the battery out of the camera).

Turning to the bad:
The LCD screen is on the small size. This is made worse in 16x9 mode because the display is letterboxed.

Although the camera itself can be charged without the docking station, and the camera itself has analog video outputs (it lacks a digital output). The docking station is required for a digital output. So, if you are travelling and want a digital output, you'll have to lug the docking station around (this isn't so bad because the docking station is pretty compact).

The lens cap is not electric or automatic. We occasionally forget to shut it. ... Read more

Features

• Three Advanced HAD(TM) 380K pixels 1/3 CCDs allow 480 progressive mode for stills and interlaced mode for video
• Built-in slot for reading optional MemoryStick media
• Super SteadyShot(R) Stabilization and Autofocus modes
• 12X Optical zoom - 48X Digital zoom
• 530 lines horizontal resolution

Features

• Compact Hi8 Handycam camcorder with 320,000-pixel CCD
• 20x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 990x) with manual focus
• 2.5-inch rotating LCD and black-and-white viewfinder
• Low-light recording settings and built-in white LED light
• NP-FM30 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery

Reviews (4)

Not so good buy
The main thing I was upset about this camera is it's not equipped with the steady shot. Personally I need the steadyness without it my filming was shaky and Sony confirmed that THIS camera doesn't come equipped with that feature. It took nice pictures just returned it because of not having stady shot!

Good out of box performer
This is my third video camera. I have previously owned VHS-C cameras that perfomed well. I needed the Nightshot feature for the investigations I do. The first time out, knowing general camera operation, I found this camera very easy to use. The flip out viewer is very sharp and the sound playback is good for instant review of videos. The compact size makes it easy to handle. I have yet to use all features, but I am confident that they will be satisfactory also. If you need a video feed to a computer, you'll need a capture device or get one of the digitals that have the USB/Firewire hookups. Basically, it seems to be a durable easy to operate camera.

Great first-timer

I had been kicking around the idea of buying a camcorder for a couple of weeks and bought this model just two days before going on vacation. I didn't do a whole lot of research, I just liked the look and the price. It is small and sleek and super easy to use. It can use regular 8MM tapes, Hi8 or Digital8. I used it for recording live music performances in Nashville and was happy with the quality of the video and audio on playback. There are 8 effects for shooting (sepia, stretch, etc.), along with three fade-ins/outs. So I have more options than I really know what to do with at this point but I'm sure I'll get into them as I use it more. The display is sweet and can rotate around.

My one complaint is the battery area. The battery clips on the back, but there is no cover - my Sony digital camera has a locking compartment the battery slides in. I'll probably also be picking up a spare, even though it seems to hold a charge well. I really like the size because I have small hands and short fingers, but I can still use the strap and reach all the buttons.

Sony customer
Amazon recently raised the price on this camcorder as well as the Samsung SCL906. Each was raised approx.10.00 Shop around. ... Read more

Features

• Ideal for use in small digital devices
• Compatible with standard-size Memory Stick media
• 123 MB available storage
• Transfer speeds up to 100 Mbps

Features

• Compact Hi8 Handycam camcorder with 320,000-pixel CCD
• 20x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 990x) with manual focus and image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch rotating LCD and black-and-white viewfinder
• Low-light recording settings and built-in white LED light
• NP-FM30 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery

Reviews (1)

Very happy with it
When our 8mm stopped working that we had used for nine years, I found it overwhelming to research and find a new camera.
I knew I didn't want digital because I don't even use my digital still camera very often, other than to e-mail pictures.
I knew that I wanted another 8mm, so that we could play our tapes we have now. I didn't want to spend too much money. We received this camera a couple of weeks ago and I couldn't be happier. It even has more options than I really need. We charged the battery when we got the camera and for 2 weeks we have been filming the kids occasionally and the battery is still full. I never thought I would use the night vision, but have found it is fun to film the kids when they are asleep and I don't have to turn a light on to film. The zoom works well and the color looks good. For the price, I don't see how you could get a better camera. I don't think you could find a better analog camera even if you did spend more money. I obviously can't comment on how well it will hold up in the future, but as far as its performance now, I love it. ... Read more

Features

• 3 1/6 CMOS sensors deliver breathtaking clarity and up to 530 lines of resolution, using less power(and expanding the camera's battery life)

Product Description

Sleek, stylish and amazingly portable, the DCR-PC55 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder provides excellent video recording quality in an ultra-compact design. Sleek, stylish and amazingly portable, the white DCR-PC55 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder provides excellent video recording quality in an ultra-compact design. The Advanced HAD CCD imager provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video performance. The professional quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens capture vivid, life-like images while minimizing distortion. Weighing in at only 10 ounces, the camcorder's body measures only 4 inches tall and almost 3 inches wide ? making it fit perfectly in the palm of your hand. The extra large 3.0-inch LCD display provides a clear, sharp monitor and rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles. Its metallic white design makes it stand out wherever you go.Uniquely Styled Design Makes it a Traveling Favorite Handycam Station Keeps You Connected, Charged & Ready 3.0-inch Hybrid Swivelscreen LCD w/ Slideshow Capability Memory Stick Duo Media Captures Video Clips and Stills Shoot Like a Pro w/ a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens Uniquely Styled Design Makes it a Favorit Traveling Companion Supplied Unique Handycam Station Keeps Your Camcorder Connected, Charged and Ready for Playback at All Times 3.0-inch Hybrid Swivelscreen Touch Panel LCD Puts the Fun at Your Fingertips with Slideshow ... Read more

Features

• Digital still camera function with PictBridge compatibilty
• MiniDV digital video recording
• Ultra compact design
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens
• 3.0-inch hybrid touch panel LCD

Reviews (1)

Quantity vs. Quality
If you're looking for a camcorder that can produce vivid colors and crystal clear picture, stop reading this review now.This camcorder is not for you.

If you can live with a medicore picture quality, but have the ability to virtually pocket a camcorder anywhere you go, read on.

The Styling:
No doubt, this camcorder exudes sex.Glossy finish with chrome accents.Bling!The styling is very appealing and will demand attention.The physical size is so small, it can be pocketed in a pair of jeans.However, the dimunitive size is also its disadvantage.Stabilizing the camcorder with one hand was a challenge due to it being so light and small.The physcial shape of the camcorder was very awkward to hold.Many times, the index finger would partially cover the lens during taping. It was just natural for the index finger to overlay on top of the lens.The zoom button is positioned for a thumb activation.However, when the thumb is re-positioned to employ the zoom button, the grip on the camcorder is compromised.The user will feel like the camera will drop from their hands when using the zoom button.

The Picture:
Outside daylight recording is acceptable.Color re-production is decent.There were still some slight noise in the image.However, there was an un-acceptable amount of purple fringing.This can be seen when recording a dark subject against a bright background.For example, point up at tree branches against a cloudy grey sky.The edges of the branch glows purple.
Indoor recording with common household lamps was littered with noise and poor contrast.The overall picture was very grainy.There were no details in black objects.For example, a black leather chair just shows up as a black object with no other details such as wrinkles or texture.

The Audio:
Audio recorded in 16 bit sounded very good.Voices were clear and with faithful reproduction.However, at times, the microphone was able to pick up the actual tape winding mechanism of the camcorder.It was a constant high pitch whine that can be heard during playback.This is most likely due to the fact that the camcorder is so small that the distance between the microphone and the tape motors are minimized.The same condition was exhibited during the usage of the zoom button.Loud clicks can be heard during playback as the zoom button snaps back.

Conclusion:
This is definitley a case study of Quantity vs. Quality.There is a price to pay for ultra portability.In my opinion, the size of this camcorder has reached the point of diminishing returns.In other words, the camera is too small to be ergonimically correct.The size also compromised the audio and video performance.Buy it to impress your friends......just don't let them watch the final result. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Idea!
Ok, so I go into Best Buy to buy this thing which I bought for my son and have no idea what it does. So when I get it home, he takes his Memory Stick from his camera and sricks it into the reader. He has to do a project for school so he saves his project onto the stick, takes it to school, prints it out, and he gets it. Good idea if you don't want to spend huge $$$ for flash drives. ... Read more

Features

• Digital8 Handycam camcorder and digital still camera with 460,000-pixel CCD
• 20x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 990x) with Super SteadyShot image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch rotating LCD and black-and-white viewfinder
• Low-light recording settings, built-In white LED light, and manual focus
• NP-FM30 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery

Reviews (7)

NOT backward compatible
This model is NOT backward compatible with old analogue Hi8 tapes. So, if you have some old footage from your old analogue camcorder that you want to dump into the computer, this is NOT the camera for you. I was told by the store that it would play them, but it doesn't. And Sony also agreed that it does not. That feature is not available until the 460. <br /><br />I can't comment on the record side of this camera, because I never even tested that. I tested its ability to play old tape first, and it does not, so back it goes.

disappointing
Very slow to focus! Compared to older models it is very shakey as well. It does not hold a candle to last years trv250 model, so check your stores as I found last years model at a great price.

love it
i love my new sony handycam it has nite vision and it has the usb cabel hookups and the a/v hookups even though they dont make a remote for it i dont care bout that i love this camera and i use it for skateboarding ....they also showed on the news that this and another model was the top two to own.. i love to make dvds outta of it

If You Want Digital8, Get The TRV-460 Instead!
Someone stole my DCR-TRV240 camcorder, so I thought I'd purchase a DCR-TRV260 so that I could play my old Digital 8 tapes and continue converting my VHS tapes to digital. Big mistake! On the plus side, the TRV260 is somewhat smaller front-to-back than the TRV240. On the minus side: (1) The TRV 260 lacks the ability to make digital copies of VHS videotapes that the TRV 240 had. That is, the A/V jack is only "out," not "in/out." (2) There is no audio input jack or headphone jack, so you can't connect an external microphone or listen to the audio that you're recording. (3) There's no "Intelligent Accessory Shoe" so you can't connect an extra video light or a shotgun mike.

Since the DCRTRV250 mentioned in the February-March 2004 Amazon reviews is apparently no longer manufactured, if you're in the market for a new Digital8 camcorder, get the TRV 460 instead for $50 more. It has "Analog-to-Digital Conversion with Pass Through" (i.e., "Convert and/or record any analog NTSC video source to digital video via the analog inputs," even in real-time - which was not found on the TRV-250). In addition (and less important to me), the TRV-460 has the ability to record still pictures on a Memory Stick (instead of on the D8 tape), a remote control, and a "Touch Panel" LCD screen. The TRV460 still doesn't have #2 or #3 in the paragraph above, but at least it's closer to what I came to expect from the 240. When I receive my 460, I'm going to take all my analog and D8 videos and digitize them to a format readable by computers into the foreseeable future since VHS and D8 are both moribund. Buy the DCRTRV460 Digital8 Handycam Camcorder from Amazon.com!

Like this model? Better buy TRV250 then!
Beware! It doenst have a remote control. Otherwise it is same as the TRV250 model. Still, it costs much more than TRV250. Better go and buy TRV250, it is amazing.
I also planned on buying TRV260, but just realized in time that 235 was certainly the better of the two, lesser price and you get remote control too! Now, thats a deal! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Although boasting a chassis that is 28 percent smaller and lighter than Sony's previous camcorders, the DCR-TRV19 does not compromise powerful optics and audio performance. The camcorder's features include a 10x optical zoom, 1/4-inch CCD for clean imaging, a 2.5-inch LCD with touchscreen control, and a color viewfinder.

Step-up Value
Here's a Sony feature that adds value to this digital camcorder and differentiates it from the competition.

SteadyShot: There's a world of difference between experiences that are moving and the ones that are simply shaky. To encourage the first and prevent the second, Sony invented SteadyShot picture stabilization. It smoothes and steadies your images without degrading picture quality. Sony does it with motion sensors--a more accurate system than many other camcorders on the market.

Image Stabilization
Sony's SteadyShot picture stabilization keeps your images smooth and steady without degrading picture quality. The technology uses motion sensors, which tend to be more accurate than most other systems used in the camcorder market.

Optics
The professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens ensures images will be clear and with good contrast. The 1/4-inch CCD sensor records the images accurately in vibrant color and with sharp resolution. The TRV19 has a robust 10x optical zoom that fits most purposes, but for extra distance the camera can reach 120x through the digital zoom. Several autoexposure modes allow for automatic operation--while achieving ideal images for the situation.

More Features
You can also record video in low- to no-light situations with Sony's NightShot system, which uses infrared light to capture images invisible to the human eye. With the function on, subjects up to 10 feet away can be seen in total darkness.

Sony's Stamina power management system and InfoLithium battery give the TRV19 a long operating time. To keep you informed of current battery life, Sony's AccuPower meter displays the number of minutes remaining right in the viewfinder.

The TRV19 features a 2.5-inch color LCD and a color viewfinder. The menu is accessed via a touchscreen display on the LCD, reducing the clutter of buttons on the camera. The USB streaming feature can turn the TRV19 into a video-conferencing tool or a Webcam, and the standard IEEE 1394 connection can be used for digital video editing on a computer.

MiniDV Format
MiniDV is the preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. With up to 540 lines of horizontal resolution and minimum color noise, MiniDV delivers a 20 percent clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of 2 full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD.

Contents
This package includes the TRV19 camcorder, power adaptor and in-camera charger, InfoLithium rechargeable battery, wireless remote, AV cable, lens cap, shoulder strap, USB cable, two AA batteries, and USB drivers. ... Read more

Features

• Compact MiniDV digital camcorder
• 10x optical, 120x digital, zoom with Super SteadyShot image stabilization
• 2.5-inch touch-panel color SwivelScreen LCD display for easy access to the entire camcorder menu
• NightShot O Lux infrared system for recording in total darkness

Reviews (17)

Sony's Little Wonder!
The first thing I moticed when taking this camcorder out of the box was it's size. It's soooooo small!! And light weight too...which means for those of us who tire of wighty hand-held video cameras....no problem here. You barely even know it is in your hand. Picture quality is good for a single chip, entry level MiniDV....audio is standard built in stereo mic quality. For a while it was a toss up between this camcorder and the JVC line. But I have always liked what Sony produces...and they always come out ahead in low light tests.
The one thing I am still not 100% comfortable with is the fact the menu is a touch screen on the LCD. I still prefer to have actual buttons...but it does save space on the unit. I have always been one to never touch the LCD screen if I don't have to. Now I have too!! Maybe I will use a dull object to do so. Don't want oils from my skin marring the image on the LCD.
Speaking of the LCD...it is great indoors but outdoors difficult to see the image as well...hoping to be able to compensate with the brightness control.
All the opearting controls are right where they need to be when the camcorder is in your hand. It is comfortable and easy to use...right out of the box...thanks to factory defaults settings. Cost is a bit more than others at this level, but I think in the end it is a good choice.

Awesome!!!
the sony camcorder has got it all! well not really but as far as video quality its awesome! lots of camcorders out there struggle with low light performance but sony is really good when it comes to this. Although sonys are expensive they are worth your money! I would suggest trying to upgrade to the sony trv22 which is only 100 bucks more.....with the upgrade you get memory stick slot, color viewfinder, and analog to digital convertor! Anyway, focusing on this camcorder---haha. its really compact. You can hold it with one definitely. the LCD is pretty good. I like that you can use it as a Webcam using your USB (a port on most pcs) and you can also use it to edit movies using firewire (another port). It also has a place for putting video lights and microphone which is neat.

Why we picked the TRV22 instead...
Factors important to us in selecting the TRV22 product, rather than the TRV19, in roughly this order, were:
* it uses MiniDV tapes, which I preferred to DVDs and CDs and other media because of resolution, cost, and ease of use
* it uses the same memory sticks as our still camera
* it includes an A>D coverter - that is, it has an input so I can connect our VCR and transfer old VHS tapes (like our honeymoon) to DVD; to do that otherwise would have meant a 100-200 dollar device added to the camera or our PC
* it includes 3 forms of digital output (S, USB, and firewire) so that I can transfer the memory stick and miniDV to a PC, for storage and backup and uploading and DVDs
* it had a good lens (Carl Zeiss) and 8x optical zoom (digital zoom isn't the same; it just stretches the pixels)
* it got great reviews, including from Marco
* it has decent still resolution, but we didn't expect to rely on it for stills; paying for still resolution is expensive (about 100 bucks per megapixel in a still camera, more in a video camera)
* it was on sale at Circuit City, with a free extra battery, camera bag, and light lens (although that was last fall)
Things not to be fooled by, if you look at other products:
* digital zoom
* some models with a higher resolution (e.g. the TRV33) actually do poorer in low light AND dont handle motion as well
* an included light (built-in lights are apparently a heat problem, and a better attachment is under 20 bucks)
* a bigger viewfinder (ours is 2.5"; smaller would have been okay; bigger would have been silly)
* paying too much for still resolution (1 to 2 megapixels is more than enough for email, websites, and small prints; 5 megapixels is a waste unless you're printing portraits)

so cool camcorder- am must read why
!!!!!!!!!hey almost free camcorder!!!!!!!! The SONY MICROMV DCR-IP7 is the most expensive camcorder. You can get this camcorder for $130 dollars. http://www.havingit.co.uk/item.php?ID=DCRIP7B T Just sign up. And get your camcorder.P.S If u go to the webpage , there are other things. But i don't no if u can get them...cause maybe they are fake The only thing u can trust is this camcorderits the best camcorder. U can trust it because it got one U will love itand it really works try itP.S U neeed to register fast otherwise someone else is going to take ur spot u should regsiter today so u get this camcorder sonner, mybe if u would u register tomoro u will get this camcorder in a have a year...but u willg et it..but sign up now for this 1500$ camcorderit really works i have gotten over 10 camcorders ...and if u signed up...u have to refer a lot of people so u get it quicker

garbage
I managed to record all of 2 hours worth of video. Now, it will not load a cassette anymore. It comes up with a C:31:40 error and grinds to a halt. Sony's web site and support are horrible when it comes to fixing this.

I used to be a Sony fan. I bought this thing because of the Sony label. No more. The Sony brand has lost it.

I returned the camera for service, costing $250. I got it back and tested immediately. Same problem occurred after 1 hour of recording. ... Read more