Amazon.com Product Description

The value-priced Sony DCR-TRV250 camcorder delivers all the benefits of Digital8 recording quality in a smaller chassis. In addition to its crisp, clear digital video and stereo audio, the TRV250 can also stream live and recorded moving video to a PC via USB. Transfer video to your PC via iLink interface (also known as FireWire) to edit your masterpiece with the included software.

Image Stabilization
Sony's SteadyShot picture stabilization smoothes and steadies your images without degrading picture quality. Sony does it with motion sensors--a more accurate system than those used by many other camcorders on the market.

Optics

• 1/6-inch CCD with 460,000 gross pixels
• 20X optical zoom
• 700x digital zoom
• f1.6-f2.4
• Focal distance: 2.5-50mm
• Shutter speed: 1/60 to 1/4,000 (AE mode)

More Features
Now you can capture video even in total darkness. Sony's NightShot system uses infrared light to capture images invisible to the human eye. You can shoot subjects such as a sleeping baby up to 10 feet away in total darkness. With the optional HVL-IRC NightShot light, you can even capture images from up to 100 feet away.

Sony's Stamina power management system and InfoLithium battery give the TRV250 incredible operating time. To keep tabs on battery life, Sony's AccuPower meter displays the number of minutes remaining--right in the viewfinder.

The TRV250 features a 2.5-inch color LCD (123,000 pixels) and a black-and-white viewfinder. The USB streaming feature can turn the TRV250 into a video conferencing tool or a Webcam, with the ability to stream 320 x 240 pixel video at 30 frames per second (compatible only with Windows 98SE, 2000, Me, and XP).

Digital8 Format
Digital8 camcorders deliver high-quality digital video and audio, with up to 520 lines of horizontal resolution and either 12-bit or 16-bit PCM digital stereo audio. The Digital8 format also allows for digital recording on 8mm or Hi8 tapes--the most popular camcorder format in the U.S.

Size and Contents
The TRV250 measures 3.63 by 4.00 by 7.88 inches and weighs 1 pound 12 ounces. This package includes the TRV250 camcorder, power adaptor/in-camera charger (AC-L15), InfoLithium rechargeable battery (NP-FM30), wireless remote (RMT-814), AV cable, lens cap, shoulder strap, USB cable, two AA batteries, and CD-ROM with PIXELA ImageMixer Ver. 1.5 and USB drivers. ... Read more

Features

• Digital8 camcorder with 20x optical and 700x digital zoom
• SteadyShot picture stabilization system
• 2.5 inch color LCD and black and white EVF
• NightShot infrared mode for lowlight shooting; built-in light, easy dubbing features
• USB streaming feature, can turn camcorder into a video conferencing tool or webcam

Reviews (33)

Great digital8 camera
We decided to go with the digital8 format for our upcoming first baby as the quality is similar to miniDV but the camcorders are about [$$$] less right now. Plus the Hi-8 tapes that digital8 uses are cheaper too.

I am very pleased with the results so far and it seems like an excellent camcorder. The low-light is good enough and the daylight is spectacular. I have already shot a clip of our dog, transferred via firewire to our PC, converted it to a smaller size and emailed it. The quality is great. I look forward to getting a DVD writer and archiving our baby videos.

If you like the Sony name and don't want to spend the [$$$] for a Sony miniDV camcorder, this is the one to get.

Great Bang for your Bucks
This camera is great. It does the job and fits into my budget. I was debating between this and the Canon ZR65 but found that this Sony has better quality. I checked at Best Buy to see the image quality and it helped a lot. The only benefit I saw in getting the canon was to take still pictures and it has a slot for memory card. But the still pictures are poor quality and meant for a digi-cam which I recently purchased too. =) This Sony trv250 camcorder gave me everything I wanted: best picture quality for lowest price, digital and capability to transfer to pc. When you watch the videos, the picture looks perfect. But once you record it onto vhs, you lose picture quality but that's due to the VHS technology. One of the main reasons I got this is to transfer the videos to my pc. The software it came with sucks. It saves it as .mpg which is great, but I couldn't even save a 20 mins video. It crashed several times. So I ended up using windows movie maker and it made my video fine but as an .avi format. I need to find a program that converts the .avi to .mpg so I can burn into vcd. One big flaw though is when you transfer the video using usb (it's 1.0, not 2.0), it becomes choppy, unbelievably choppy. I was scared I couldn't transfer videos anymore as it can get very annoying watching my home videos choppy. So I went out and got a firewire card and tried again and it worked smoothly. I was getting nervous about my purchase but it worked out. The night version is awesome. In a pitch dark room, I can see everything, in green. Its infrared vision makes me feel like a G.I. Joe. I took this camcorder out to the dessert and videotaped my trip and it came out well. My friends thought the quality was pretty good too. The accessories that I bought were a stand, NPFM70 battery that lasts 4+ hrs, camera protective lens for the dusty times (avoid scratches on the actual lens), digital8 tapes (it should've at least came with one, cheap-a*s Sony), and a camcorder backpack to keep everything. All in all, for the price of the camera, I think it was a great purchase.

very pleased
I basically have been torturing my kitty learning this. But it's easy to use. I have sworn I cannot get good pictures of kitty because she does not slow down. Now I came have a kitty cam!! hehehe. Seriously, the pictures were sharp. I had now trouble loading there. It's small, compact and basically great fun for a cheap price. Hard to believe Sony that reasonable.

I only give it four stars because it I am still learning, so don't know enough about to give it really high rating as compared to others.

Bad Customer Service
I had my camcorder for 4 months. I used it 3-4 times when I first got it. Than when I went on vacation (only days after the 90 warrantly expired) it did not work. When I called customer service when I got home, they told me it would cost $290 to fix it. I am still hashing it out with them, however they have not offered me an acceptable response so far. Basically I paid $360 for a camera I was only able to use 3-4 times, and now it's worthless. Even worse, if you read the troublshooting guide you will find that you will have problems when you take the camera to another climate. They claim it can adjust after 1 hour, but mine did not. Needless to say, I did not get to record any footage from my vacation...and I'm very unhappy with Sony.

Simply Amazing! Unbeatable product for the price!
Great quality, comfortable, easy operation. Wonderful night shoot feature. Amazing zoom power. Very handy remote control (Beware of TRV260 model that doesnt come with remote and still costs much more!)
A great buy at this price. I love the thin and wide mode too, it is fun. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Sony DCR-PC105 goes beyond a regular video camcorder by being equipped with useful technological additions, such as a 1-megapixel digital camera and MPEG movie mode. The camcorder also features a 10x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD with touch panel control, color viewfinder, and USB streaming capabilities.

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

Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar Lens: Famous for its superior sharpness and color accuracy, the Vario-Sonnar lens is the most advanced multi-layer optical coating system. The Carl Zeiss optical zoom brings the action close up from far away. In addition, precision digital zoom interpolation technology means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.

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

Optics
The multi-coated Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens ensures light capture will be well-contrasted and clear. The 1/4.7-inch advanced HAD CCD sensor accurately records images in vibrant color and sharp resolution. The PC105 has a robust 10x optical zoom that fits most purposes, but for extra distance the camera can reach 120x through the digital zoom. You can choose from three focusing systems to keep your images sharp and in focus: full range auto, manual, and spot focusing.

More Features
You can 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. You can also use the color slow shutter for color night shots instead of the regular green night shot hue.

Sony's Stamina power management system and InfoLithium battery give the PC105 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.

You can take digital stills and record small MPEG EX movies using the included 8 MB Memory Stick. This is where the 1 megapixel resolution CCD really shines, creating images with vibrant color and detail. The intelligent pop-up flash keeps your images well-lit and visible.

The PC105 features an easy to see 2.5-inch color LCD and a color viewfinder. The screen's image can still be easily seen even in broad daylight with the use of the LCD backlight. The menu is accessed via a touch screen display on the LCD, reducing the clutter of buttons on the camera.

The USB port can be used to bring in your stills onto the computer or stream video to make the camcorder function as a video conferencing tool or webcam. The IEEE1394 (Firewire) connection can be used for digital video editing on a computer, and S-Video and AV connections are also present for direct viewing on a television or VHS dubbing.

MiniDV Format
MiniDV is the new 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 PC105 camcorder, power adaptor/in-camera charger, InfoLithium rechargeable battery, 8 MB Memory Stick, wireless remote with 2 AA batteries, AV cable, lens cap, shoulder strap, USB cable, USB drivers, and LCD cleaning cloth. ... Read more

Features

• Compact MiniDV digital camcorder with 1-megapixel imaging
• 10x optical, 120x digital zoom with Super SteadyShot image stabilization
• 2.5-inch touch-panel color swivelscreen LCD display; includes 8 MB Memory Stick for still image and MPEG1 capture
• USB interface and streaming for computer connection
• NightShot O Lux infrared system with color mode for recording in total darkness

Reviews (7)

Best ultra compact camcorder you can get!
After a long research of compact camcorders, I bought a PC105 last September to replace a bulkier Digital 8, also Sony, that in turn replaced a Sony Hi8, and I am quite happy with it. I got it for about $750 on IBuyDigital. The camera is really compact, though you need to get used to the PC format (vertical), as opposed to the TRV one. The image quality is superb, and with good illumination you get up to 500 lines horizontal resolution (I measured it, the D8 only went up to 380 and the Hi8 to 420). The image quality is much better than my old D8. The 1Mpix still images are reasonable but don't replace a dedicated still digicam, though for special cases when you need the 10x zoom, it is a good thing to have. The MPEG1 video clips that you can store on the Memory Stick look similar to what you get from video clips out of still digicams. I guess those are mostly gadgets, I mainly use it for DV video and I capture it to my PC for later transfer to DVD.

The zoom lever is not particularly easy to use, but once you get used to it is not that bad. The focus ring is easy to use, though the autofocus is so good that I hardly use the manual focus (as compared to my old Hi8). Also, the image stabilization is way superior to the old D8 one, and does not seem to introduce extra noise as was the typical case. This is especially important on a small and light weight camcorder since it is harder to keep it still than with a heavier one.

But, the main advantage of this camera, besides its compact size, is the hybrid LCD touchpanel. Forget about those bright days when you had to stick to the viewfinder because you could hardly see the LCD screen under the sunlight. With this one, you can see it perfectly, whether under the direct sun or on a dark place... You can even save some battery power by switching off the backlight when using it outdoors. The 2.5" is a bit small, but I don't believe you can put a bigger one without making the camcorder bigger too. The LCD is high resolution and looks very sharp. The color viewfinder is not tiltable and resolution is not as good as the LCD, but helps extending battery life, which BTW is accurately measured and displayed.

I would have placed at least a scroll/select wheel for the menu system, though the touch panel is really easy to use. But the scroll wheel is faster to use for selecting things on a typical Sony menu. However, the most used functions have direct access from the LCD touch panel buttons, and the spot focus and spot metering, where you select the area of interest by touching it on the LCD, is a cool addition that you don't have in many cameras.

Overall, I am happy with it, I can put it on the same bag together with my 5Mpix digicam and I just hope it works fine for many, many years.

DCR-PC-105
The camera is not as good as specified. Still image quality is good when taken fron very short distance but not good for the outside natural scenes taken from far away. The video quality is not so good. In low light you can't get the real colour. Specially in night shot. During video recording its pick up nois from the outside, which is very bad when you play the video. I dont think the video image quality is better that the SONY Hi-8 camera (which has much less price and not Carl Zeiss lence.). The PIXELA software frovided with the camera is too bad. If you convert to MPEG-1 using USB cable vedio quality will be useless. I think they should mention in the manual about the quality of the video using USB cable and the provided software. If it is useless I cant understant why it is provided with the camera. The software is not also user friendly. There should be some sample video using that software, so the customers can understant bout the vedio quality before buying the camera. Most of the video options are not available in memorystick if somebody wants to record in memorystick as MPEG-1. Also the video size is very small.

Perfect for analog video conversion
Ignoring the fact that this is overkill, the DCRPC105's Video-in capabilities works very well and allows conversion of analog to digital video. You can connect an analog source via the included RCA connectors, which also support S-Video.

Transferring video to a computer is straightforward, but a FireWire cable is not supplied, only a USB cable for the USB streaming feature.

Not perfect but definitely SONY quality
The camera takes great video quality during day and in low dark situations. Even better when you put the night vision on. Camera is small and has a sturdy feel to it. I was a bit intimidated on learning how to use the camera but the instruction manual is very helpful and explanations are clear. Also once you learn how to use one function with the menus, it becomes intuitive and translates to the process of how you would use other functions. The display screen seems sufficient and the touch screen works pretty good, however if you have really thick fingers it may be a bit awkward to use.

Speaking of awkward, that is where this camera loses some points. Because the camera is meant to be compact, you can expect some buttons to be placed in unfavorable areas but I know they could have set the zoom feature in a better place. The zoom switch is very small and therefore difficult to control the speed at which you zoom in. On top of that, it is place out of reach of where your finger normally rests while you are recording. What ends up happening is while recording, if you need to zoom in, you need to look away from your screen or viewfinder just to zoom and when you do, you end up moving the whole camera while it's recording. A lot of times I just try not to zoom unless it's necessary. That was my biggest gripe about this camera.

I definitely agree, the provided software is not nearly as intuitive or clear as the instructions for camera operations. In a way it is simplistic but yet confusing because there are so few options, you expect more and go searching through the help files only to realize this program doesn't have such options. Definitely consider third party software if you are serious about video editing. The software can take what you recorded on MiniDV and turn it into a VCD but the quality is really poor even on the highest setting that I don't recommend saving your recordings that way, use as a backup only.

The features I did like about this camera (besides those mentioned in the first paragraph) are the ability to not only record on your miniDV cassette but also on a memory stick, although the quality isn't as good, it works out perfectly if you want to record little clips and send to family members via email and best of all you cans use the functions such as zooming in and night vision. Being able to take still pictures is another plus, although don't expect high quality pics, they are nonetheless still decent and there is a flash built in. You can even take pictures in the middle of recording although the resolution isn't as good as when you have it in still camera mode.

The included remote is pretty useful when you're watching your movies and all the connections to plug it up to a TV are provided so that's another plus. The camera has a lot of upgradeability options such as longer lasting batteries or tripod, external light hookup. Camera also has a built in speaker to review your video or you can use the headphone jack. The display shows how much battery life you have left and camera recording time. Another great thing is if you leave your cassette in there and record stop and record, the transition from stopping your previous recording and starting your new is super smooth. The bad thing is that if you take the tape out, you have to do that process manually unless you have the special Sony miniDV's with memory.

Overall though, a good camera, minus those few flaws, it's solid and quiet when recording. I strongly recommend you get some type of lens protector (they are pretty easy to screw on), an extra rechargeable battery (the one provided doesn't last very long), more memory (they give you a useless 8mb memory stick) and a case because the last thing you want to do is drop this camera. As solid as it feels, the camera is also not light so a fall would not be too good.

I didn't touch upon the recording features such as adding text, background music or special effects because I haven't really tried them yet, but know that they are there. The instructions in the manual are clear with walking you through how to do that. When I get more time I will experiment with those.

The worst software bundle!
Although the camera itself met my expectation I am extremely disappointed with the software quality it came with. The software itself is amateur software and not something you expect to get from Sony, especially after spending $1000.00 for it. The help file for the software is limited and short.
Bottom line - buy it only if you have no plans to edit your work on your computer! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

A replacement lamp for Sony's VPL-ES1 projector, the LMP-E180 is a 180-watt UHP lamp which puts out a high 1,500 ANSI lumens of brightness. Designed specifically for your existing projector, the LMP-E180 conforms to the same high Sony standards as the original lamp and has a 3,000-hour expected lamp life (standard mode). The LMP-E180 weights 2 pounds and comes backed with a 90-day limited warranty. ... Read more

Features

• Compatible with Sony VPL-ES1 projectors
• 180-watt UHP lamp
• Up to 3,000 hours of expected lamp life
• Up to 1,500 ANSI lumens of brightness
• 90-day warranty

Amazon.com Product Description

The Sony VPL-DS100 projector is at home in smaller meeting rooms, and at just six pounds, you'll be able to trot it around to every room in your industry. Designed to offer wide versatility, the projectors has 1,200 ANSI lumens of brightness and 800 x 600 native resolution, so you'll have plenty of image clarity, even in a sunny corner suite.

Source inputs are as varied as the material you'll be covering, and include PC, analog and component RGB, composite and S-video. A built-in speaker provides basic audio, while the cordless controller supplies fumble-free operation. 15-degree keystone correction keeps your images looking their best, and the 185-watt UHP lamp provides an average of 2,000 hours of light. Sony includes a two-year warranty on parts and labor, in addition to a 90-day warranty on the included lamp.

What's in the Box
Projector, lamp,remote commander (RM-PJ2), lithium battery, HD D-sub 15-pin cable, soft case, air filter, operating instructions, quick reference sheet, security label ... Read more

Features

• 1,200 ANSI lumens, 800 x 600 native resolution
• 15-degree automatic video keystone correction
• PC, analog and component RGB, composite and S-video inputs
• 1 built-in speaker; remote control
• 2-year warranty, 90 days on lamp

Amazon.com Product Description

Stay ahead of the digital curve with the Sony DSC-F707. Showcasing superb functionality and some of the most advanced technology currently available, the DSC-F707 combines a 5.24-megapixel CCD, a swivel Carl Zeiss lens, hologram AF laser focus assist, and Sony's NightShot technology, which enables you to shoot infrared photos.

Optics and Resolution
The Sony DSC-F707 features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens with 5x optical and 2x digital zoom (for a 10x total), an f2.0 maximum aperture, and a focal range of 9.7-48.5mm (equivalent to 38-190mm). It contains a 5.0-megapixel (effective) CCD, or 5.2-million gross pixels.

More Features
The DSC-F707 uses Sony's NightShot technology, the same feature seen on Sony's camcorders, which uses infrared illumination and an infrared filter to take photos in complete darkness. The night-framing system provides infrared light as a composition assist, and utilizes hologram AF focusing and preflash exposure metering for consistently great shots even in low- or zero-light conditions.

Picture quality is enhanced with clear-color NR (noise reduction) that reduces color noise and slow-shutter NR that captures and subtracts CCD noise from long time exposures.

Movie Mode
In movie mode, the DSC-F707 produces color digital videos in multiple creative formats, including 320 x 240 (high quality), 320 x 240 (normal), and 160 x 112. You can fill up the Memory Stick with digital video, but you are limited to 15-second movies with 320 x 240 mode. Another movielike feature is called ClipMotion, which will take 10 images and put them into an animated GIF.

The limited resolution of your movies guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Memory Sticks, Sony's proprietary memory-card format. The included 16 MB stick holds approximately 11 images at the camera's standard 5-megapixel setting (2,560 x 1,920 pixels). Memory Sticks are reusable, but if you tend to take more than 11 images per outing, then you'll want a bigger card. A 128 MB stick is a great size for this camera, storing around 70 images.

To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera--your computer should automatically recognize the camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive. If you own a Sony desktop or laptop, your computer may also have a built-in Memory Stick reader, which makes transferring as easy as reading a floppy disk.

Power
The DSC-F707 uses a proprietary rechargeable Infolithium battery (model M).

Size
The DSC-F707 measures 4.75 by 2.75 by 6 inches and weighs 25.06 ounces with battery, Memory Stick, lens cap, and shoulder strap attached.

Other features include:

• Through-the-lens (TTL) preflash metering and red-eye reduction, cold-shoe and accessory terminal for HVL-F1000
• Twilight, portrait, and landscape mode autoexposure
• Multipattern measuring exposure system
• 46-step shutter priority (30 sec to 1/1,000 sec)
• 13-step aperture priority (f2.0 to f8.0)
• Full manual exposure
• High-speed scan autofocus
• Manual focus ring with LCD magnifier

Contents and Recommended Accessories
This package includes the DSC-F707 digital camera, Infolithium M battery, AC adaptor/in-camera charger, AV output cable, USB cable, shoulder strap, lens cap, 16 MB Memory Stick, printed manual, and CD-ROM featuring MGI PhotoSuite and drivers. ... Read more

Features

• 5-megapixel sensor creates 2,560 x 1,920 images for prints at 11 x 14 inches and beyond
• Carl Zeiss autofocus lens with 5x optical/2x digital (10x total) zoom
• Included 16 MB Memory Stick holds 11 images at default settings
• Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port
• Uses proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery(included)

Reviews (79)

A great amateur purchase
I bought this camera a year ago as an upgrade from the P70 because I wanted something with manual focus and a higher resolution. I've been extremely satisfied with the picture quality, although a slightly faster lens would have made taking indoor pictures easier without the flash. The image quality is astounding; everyone around me is amazed at what this camera can produce. 5MP is plenty for producing decently-sized prints.

The camera works well with every computer I've plugged it into on a range of operating systems (Mac OS 8-X, Windows 98-XP,RedHat Linux 7.x) and shows up as a mounted filesystem that I can easily drag a drop to/from. I don't use the included software to edit images, preferring ImageMagick for quick edits or photoshop for more complicated work.

I would certainly reccomend this camera for anyone looking for capability beyond the basic point-and-shoot models. The manual focus and exposure settings are simple and relatively intuitive, and more complicated things like white balancing are properly available.

I would reccomend this camera for anyone looking for a digital camera, but still wanting to retain some of the flexibility of a SLR film camera.

Excellent Investment in Digital Photography
Frankly, this IS an investment...you spending $1000+ for this camera plus some needed accessories. Few people will ever shoot 5 Mega Pixels (MP) shots every time, but serious (and serious amateur) photographers will certainly appreciate being able to produce stunning detail when the need arises. Look at images shot on your friends' 2 or 3 MP cameras...this level of quality is amazing...but you WILL want to exceed this occasionally, and (...) is the price you pay to get the technology NOW. A 5 MP head shot will allow you to EASILY discern individual hairs on life-size prints (as in 11x14)...it's truely amazing.

I looked at the Minolta Dimage 7...the auto focus zooms past the subject and back...it seems irritatiingly "loose", for lack of a better term. The Sony is a bit crisper in it's approach to auto focus, though not perfect.

Low-light shots are a challenge, but the viewfinder does have a tremendous amount of information available, including exposure "F" stops, shutter speed, low light warnings, etc. The true genius is that you can essentially operate the camera in a manual mode, quickly overriding the meter to compensate for the light in any situation...backlight, contrasty light, reflections, etc.

If you ever used a 35mm in manual in the old days (when you really had to KNOW photography), you'll love the control available. And younger photographers will find a whole new world in being able to make this camera do what most digitals will still not do...take the unusual shot.

The camera is well balanced, and rather sturdy. You will get used to the shooting position...give it time. My biggest complaint is that the zoom selection switch operates "backwards" to my taste. Intuitively, I want to zoom "in" pressing the "out" button (!)...

You have an adequate built-in pop-up flash...PLUS a PC connection for external flash AND a flash shoe! Slavery, anyone?

The memory stick is a bit of a hassle, but extremely convenient once you get over the struggle. Buy a small USB reader to use at work or home...I use the "Zio". And buy the 128 MB memory stick...nothing smaller.

There were early problems with "White Balance", as recently as Nov 01. Current cameras should be shipping with the factory fix, but Sony, to it's shame, STILL has no information on it's website detailing same, even though it required early owners to send the camera for a "free" repair. Not exactly good thinking for a $1000 camera.

The images are good, but I do have to compensate a bit in low-light. Based on shooting several thousand "test" shots with another camera, I'm happy with this one. It does the job and can satisfy both consumer and professional. Note that I do not plan to replace this camera for several years. Why? Because printer technology has not caught up to the resolution of the camera (at least for the home user) and no one really needs much more in a camera. Five Mega Pixels will generate a poster-size image with very nice quality...you won't be doing it often, but you'll be glad you did when you do.

I like it, and I shopped hard to ensure the most features with the best price. As with all electronics, find a cheap extended warranty. (...) . Cameras DO break.

Shop carefully for a CASE to put it in...the unique shape requires some thinking. I have 3. One for everything including cords and cables, one for the camera plus memory sticks, and a Sony brand "ever-ready" case. Depends on how long you're out and how fast you want to access the camera..at what level of protection. Think.

You'll want an extra battery. Perhaps a travel charger, otherwise you charge the battery by plugging the CAMERA in the wall (!)...thanks Sony. :-(

Buy a UV filter (58mm) to protect the lens.

This camera is expensive, and generally reliable - it's a Sony. Many features I have not detailed, and it has a superb 10x OPTICAL zoom (and a 2x digital). If you are thinking digital and want to not have to trade-up for a while, I suggest the Sony DSC-F707. If you love photography, do not buy a smaller CCD chip than 5 MP...even if you buy another brand. But I certainly recommend the Sony DSC-F707 camera for people to whom the image is important.

Awesome camera
This is my first camera i ever purchased. It's great! I haven't had any complaints. It shoots great pics, the zoom is phenomenal, and the features are great. Its a quality camera

Awesome Camera!
This Sony takes some awesome photos! I have printed a lot and they are always sharp & clear, this cam has a ton of features and is every bit worth the asking price, so go ahead and plunk down the cash, you won't be dissapointed!

Superb camera for the Money
Like most people about to buy a digital camera, I did a lot of research. A lot. When it came down to making a decision about price vs. value, I kept coming back to the 707. It really came down to the incredibly high resolution, the Zeiss lens and the EFT veiwfinder which although not the ideal, it's damn good for an EFT. It also has a very functional diopter adjuster which makes the viewfinder the best in its class. I've been using the camera for about a year now and it's NEVER run our of power. I work at a graphic design firm and my co workers are blown away by my 11x14 prints made from this camera. I still don't see anything that can touch the quality of this camera for the $. You just can't go wrong. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

With a size that is 28 percent smaller and lighter than Sony's previous camcorders, the DCR-TRV22 does not compromise powerful optics and audio performance. The camcorder's features include a 10x optical zoom, a 1/4-inch CCD for clean imaging, a 2.5-inch LCD with touchscreen control, a color viewfinder, and an 8 MB Memory Stick for still image capture.

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

MPEG Movie Mode: Originally found on step-up Sony Digital Still Cameras, Sony presents another camcorder first--MPEG Movie Mode for select Handycam Camcorders. Capture MPEG digital video and store it directly to your Memory Stick Media. Movie length ranges from 5 seconds to the length allowed by the capacity of your memory stick with MPEG Movie EX. Take the "Best Of" scene recorded on video tape, for example--the groom kissing the bride on the wedding day, convert it to an MPEG Movie and share it with family and friends via the Internet.

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 light capture will be well-contrasted and clear. The 1/4-inch CCD sensor yields a gross 680,000 pixels and records images accurately in vibrant color and sharp resolution. The TRV22 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 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. You can also use the color slow shutter for color night shots instead of the regular green night-shot hue.

Sony's Stamina power management system and InfoLithium battery give the TRV22 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 TRV22 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. You can take digital stills and record small MPEG1 movies using the included 8 MB Memory Stick.

The USB streaming feature can turn the TRV22 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 a digital recording time of 2 full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD.

Contents
This package includes the TRV22 camcorder, power adaptor and in-camera charger, InfoLithium rechargeable battery, 8 MB Memory Stick, 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
• 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 (41)

This is the coolest camcorder...
I just picked up this thing over the weekend. My fiance and I decided to buy it to record our wedding and reception. We might buy the additional light (it's not too expensive) because we're not sure how bright things will be at the reception. And probably a larger battery too. The one [battery] that comes with the DCR-TRV22 can do about 70 min. That's not too shabby, but for what we're using it for... we need more.

Here are some pros and cons as I see it now:

PROS:

Tiny! This thing literally fits in the palm of your hand.

Touch-screen menu on the LCD screen. Very cool and easy to use.

Digital image. Transfer from the camera to your computer without any loss of quality!

The button to start/stop recording is easily and quickly accessible. So there's no fumbling around.

The Steadyshot works really well. No loss of quality as far as I could tell.

Nightshot works very well. I tested it out in almost pitch black conditions and still got a decent shot. It all has a green tint, but at least you can see!

Adjustable viewfinder, which is key when you're outside and the sun is keeping you from seeing the LCD screen.

Performs very well in low light situations. The optional back light feature can add some brightness if needed.

USB, Firewire, and RCA output... something for every occasion.

CONS:

Low picture resolution when using it as a simple digital camera. I don't plan to use it for that purpose, so I really don't care about this.

10x optical zoom. Other makes and models totally blow this camera out of the water in this department.

Conclusion:

I think it was worth the price. The higher-priced model (the DCR-TRV33, I think) was almost exactly similar except that it could take slightly higher resolution photos. So upgrading wasn't worth the price in our opinion.

I'm *very* happy with this camcorder. It's tiny and easy to use. The tapes are affordable and you can't argue with digital quality. I'd recommend this camcorder to my friends and I recommend it to you!

A Worthwhile Investment
I too read reviews of various camcorder features, brands, prices before making my first purchase. The decision boiled down to either the Canon ZR series or the Sony TRV19 or TRV22. I decided to try the Canon ZR60 due to the significant difference in price. I read about its low light performance but thought I'd give it a try. My kids play sports at school. It was swim season so the first video footage was indoors under pool lighting. The video was horrible...unbelievably grainy...outdoor video was very good but I wanted a camera that would be high quality in both settings, indoor and out, so the ZR60 was returned. I then leaned toward the Sony TRV19 but decided to spend the extra $100 for the analogue to digital conversion capability, well worth the extra money in my opinion as we have many old VHS movies of the kids that can now be made into DVD. The Sony TRV22 is an exceptional mini dv...video inside and out is great. There is noticeable wind noise but only on very windy days but this can be altered when making a DVD. Have made many DVDs using Pinnacle software - they came out great. As others have mentioned, the still camera capability is poor - I wish they added more onto the optical zoom instead of adding the still capability. I find the touch screen very easy to use. Overall this is a wonderful, easy to use camera that fits in the palm of your hand, can plug directly into the TV to watch or can be made into a DVD to watch for years to come.

Terrific little machine!
Factors important to us in selecting this product, 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)

Overall, pleasing.
First, the good stuff. Some people feel like the touchscreen lcd viewfinder is nothing more than a gimmick. Not me. With all menu buttons illuminated on the lcd screen you never have to worry about finding the right button in low light situations. The manual focus option combined with the touchscreen makes for a great setup- you just touch the part of the screen that shows the subject you want in focus and that's what it focuses on. Pretty handy. Manual exposure is set up the same way. If you don't like the touchscreen method I just described, you can focus and set the exposure in the more tradtional way- changing it gradually untill it gets to where you want it, or you can use auto-focus/ exposure too.
The Carl Zeis lense provides excellent picture quality. Maybe not professional quality, but I'm not a professional, so I wouldn't know.
Like some other folks I forked over the extra hundred bucks for the trv22 rather than the trv19 because I wanted to be able to transfer old analog home videos to digital, then to DVD. The trv22 does this like a champ. Just make sure there's no tape in the camera or it won't do it. The added still shot capability I would say is a gimmick. Who wants half-megapixel stills? Not me. The sales guy at Best Buy tried to get me to spring for a bigger memory stick- yeah right. All I wanted was the analog to digital capability. Make sure you have a fire-wire cable or you won't be able to send the digitized image to your computer.
I only have one complaint. The camera's microphone picks up the noise the camera makes while it's running. So most of my tapes have a faint buzzing noise in the background. When I first got the camera I exchanged it for another one (same model)because of this problem. But the new one did the same thing. I guess it's not a big problem, some people don't notice it, and if the subject you're recording has an average amount of noise you probably won't hear it at all. But it does happen. That's my only complaint. Otherwise this camera has been great.

Bought DCR-HC40 and the DCR-TRV22, comparison.
I orginally bought the DCR-HC40, which is the 2004 version from Sony. The HC40 has much better specs and is 25% smaller, which is significant.

I actually loved the size of the HC40, although it was a little difficult to get a firm grip on as the middle fingers have no where to lock onto. The HC40 does a good job during the day and I didn't notice and problems. The touch screen was washed out but still usable for the menu during the day in sunlight.

The major problem I had with the HC40 was in low light. By low light I mean a typical living room lit by normal lighting at night. I tried to take video in the living room at night lit by a florescent tube about 16 inches long torchere. The light is comparable to a 100 watt light pointed at the ceiling. The vide it recorded was extremly grainy and had many blue "sparkles" of grain. You could see the picture but it was not pleasing or good at all. Changing to night shot or color slow shutter would brighten it but still not make it pleasing. Slow shutter blurred movement too much. Night shot turned colors greenish. I do not recomend this camera for filming indoor at night. Yes, you can use a video light, but most people find a bright light in thier face anoying, and you can't get candid moments. Seriously teh HC40 is good for daytime, but bad for nighttime even indoor with normal lighting.

I then tried the TRV22 in the same low light. It did much much better. The video was still grainy, but you had to look for it. My fiance didn't see the grain, but she sure did with the HC40. She said the TRV22 looked professional. The TRV22 produces good results at night in normal indoor lighting. It is a much better choice then the HC40 for nighttime. During the day, they both are good.

The TRV22 also has edge you can grip better with your middle fingers, so it is easier to hold and more comfortable to use. The grip on the HC40 makes it difficult to use.

The HC40 and the new Sonys have a Easy mode. All that does is make the on screen buttons bigger and doesn't let you do most things. So to do the same thing on the TRV22, just don't press any buttons and leave it in automatic mode, which does great.

As for photo capability, both make very very grainy pictures at night or indoors at night with normal lighting. Both will take a OK picture outside during good sunlight. The HC has better resolution. But you are better getting a cheap small digital camera then either of these.

You may wonder about the TRV33, well it is higher resolution, but does worse in low light then the TRV22.

Also as of May 2004 you can find the TRV22 for four hundred thirty at BH photo video.

Price aside I think the TRV22 is better as sooner or later most people will film at night indoors. The features are almost the same, but the video at night is much much better on the TRV22.

Both myeself and my fiance are happier with the TRV22. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Sony Mavica MVC-FD75 is an easy-to-use digital camera that offers a 10x optical zoom lens not normally found on an entry-level model. The nearly universal floppy is the storage medium of choice. The 640 x 480 resolution is great for e-mailing, posting on the Web, or making small prints (no larger than 3-by-4 inches).

There are a number of programmed exposure modes that help you take pictures in just about any circumstance, and an auto white balance makes sure your colors remain true. For macro lovers, there's an integrated auto macro mode, which lets you take pictures up close. Images are captured in the JPEG format by default, but you can also record uncompressed bitmaps. ... Read more

Features

• 0.3-megapixel sensor captures 640 x 480 images great for emailing or wallet-size prints
• Autofocus lens with 10x optical zoom
• Stores images on floppy discs
• Discs can be read by virtually all Macs and PCs with floppy drives
• Uses proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery(included)

Reviews (63)

John - Professional Photographer and Webpage Creator
The people who gave this camera 1 star reviews for poor hardcopy print quality should be rating themselves a 1 star, not the camera!

This camera is not built nor, has it ever been advertised as having enough pixel capacity to create great detailed hardcopy photos. This camera, because of its limited resolution is strictly meant for use to make quality jpeg pictures which can be quickly e-mailed or uploaded to a webpage. If you want detailed, crisp hardcopy pictures you had better be looking at a 3.3 meg camera at a minimum and a very high quality color dpi printer as well and the cost of those two together will run you 2k!

This camera does EXACTLY what it is meant and advertised to do - provides superb jpeg quality pictures for web and email purposes. You'll never get great hardcopy photo quality with a 2meg camera, there is no such animal!

If you are strictly looking for a camera with incredible ease of use and simplicity to post pictures on the web without hassles, usb cables, downloading software BS...etc... then this is your camera. If you are looking for great hardcopy photo quality pictures try something along the lines of the Sony MVC FD95 or better.

I strongly suspect the people who have written bad comments about this camera did not do their homework before buying it. Had they done so, they would have known that there is not a 2 meg camera on the market which produces true hardcopy photo quality pictures which even come close to 3.3 meg picture quality because there simply isn't enough pixel resolution available. Blame yourself, not the camera dummies. :-)

Still using my Mavica, 2nd review
I originally reviewed this camera March '01 and just found my review on a web search. I gave it a "5" and still do - easy to use and great price. The floppies save you from crawling around hooking stuff behind the computer - always a nightmare in MY office! For online selling the pics are great, closeups are the only letdown and if you are very careful you can do "ok" but not great. Still a big bang for the buck and it's been A+++ for function, not a problem ever and I'm a heavy user. A solid buy, you could do much worse!

Mavica MVC-FD75
I'm no techie and like things simple, straightforward and easy to use. This camera fits the bill. I limit digital photography to web usage, sending pics via email, looking at pics on my computer or TV via DVD player, posting pics on eBay and hobby websites, etc. and this camera is perfect for those purposes. The use of floppy discs is particularly nice and so is the outstanding macro/close-up capability. If you plan to blow up pics fairly large and print them, a higher resolution camera may be preferable, but for 95% of my needs this camera is perfect and so much easier to use than my wife's fancy, expensive, high resolution camera with more of bells and whistles.

c stalcup
The camera is very convenient but if the light is not bright enough the image does not show on the screen, so pictures are hard to take centered or in focus.

Great camera for web based pictures not for travel.
I bought this camera at $300 for my web-based business. The deciding factor was it's ability to write directly to floppy disks which saves time and memory downloading to my laptop computer. The advantage of this camera is it's versatility in picture storage. The typical memory card is also available.

The picture quality is excellent for a 2 megapixal camera. It meets and exceeds the requirements for photo-editing for web content. Using photoshop 7.0 is simple with imports from disk on this camera which saves me using hard drive space for stages in production.

The disadvantage to this camera is it's size and weight. I took it on my most recent visit to Europe and felt that I needed a pullman bag just to accomadate my camera. I originally thought that it's size would be outweighed (no pun intended) by it's advantage of floppy format, thereby saving the need to buy expensive memory cards. It doesn't however. I bought a small digital camera with higher pixel ability for travel which suit my needs much better. I would recommend this for anyone who wants 35 mm quality. Taking my laptop is as easy as taking the mavica.

Again, if your usage is web based, the mavica cannot be beat. I would reconsider if you want an easy camera for travel/everyday pictures. The size and print quality is not feasible.

--Kathryn White-Fidram ... Read more

Features

• Fits VAIO notebooks with 12.1-inch screens or smaller; compatible with V505, R505, SR, SRX, C1, T, and TR notebooks
• Protect your investment with a stylish yet durable notebook case
• Expandable bottom offers additional room to accommodate larger battery or a port replicator
• Contains no PVC
• Measures 13.5 x 11 x 3.25 inches (W x H x D); expandable to 5.25 inches wide

Features

• 5 megapixel sensor (2592 x 1944 pixels) for enlargements up to 20 x 30 inches
• 3x optical zoom plus 4x digital zoom (12x total)
• Compact body; MPEG VX movie mode with audio recording; 1.5-inch LCD
• Includes 32 MB Memory Stick; compatible with Memory Stick Pro media
• Powered by lithium-ion InfoLithium NP-FC11battery (included with charger); connects with PCs and Macs compatible with USB 2.0

Reviews (72)

The Best Option Out There
We got an open box special from a circuit city in Mass. It was 450$. It normally goes for 499, which is still cheaper than most 4MP cameras. I am in between being an amateur photo and pro. I gave in to the digi revolution because my 35mm broke. We took this camera on our trip and used it very often. The battery on this camera lasts up to and over 2 hours per battery, which is about 1.5 hours longer than the DSC-P09. The movie mode is incredible, slightly better than a web cam, and the microphone is suprisingly good. good enough for a concert! We bought a sony computer around the same time and we were very happy (and mindful) of the media stick input in our computer. The full size pictures import very quickly (2.6 ghz computer). The crispness of the photos is unlike anything I have ever seen. The only time when you start to see any distortion is when you view the photos at 200X magnification. The pictures, unless you plan on printing over 25 X 25, are better than you'll ever need. The ease of use is far above average. The lens is good enough (as good as all the others, except the one with the Zeiss lens) the LCD screen is big enough, the shooting modes are easy, etc. The biggest feature and selling point of this camera over any other is the 90 minute movie mode.

The negatives are you can't choose to shoot in black and white, only sepia, which is very close, and that indoor pictures come out poorly. Unless there is a lot of natural light, the picture will come out either fuzzy or the color won't be right (I hear that's the same with all digis).

Foget about buying this camera
I bought this camera in December 2003 for my boyfriend as a Christmas gift. I bought it because of the good review, all the features, light weight, small and most of all because is a 'SONY'

First we were pretty impressed with it. The only problem we had was the standard memory card given was way to small. We can take only about 30 shot each time. Then after a month the picture turn blurry and fuzzy sometimes. So far we took only 250 pictures with it.

Then last month the flash gave up on us. We read the manual and tried to fix the problem but nothing help. We call the SONY help line and they can't solved the problem either. If we want to get it repair we have to send it all the way to TEXAS as they don't have any customer service or repair technician here in LA or California. And it will cost us $171.00 excluding S/H for the workmanship. What made me mad was I paid $420.00 for this camera and it is not cheap. I expected much more from this camera for the amount I paid. If the camera cost only $200.00 I won't be so heart sick about it.

We decided not to repair it because with the cost of the repair we can buy a BRAND NEW CAMERA that works much better than a "SONY'. So to everyone out there who wanted to buy one 'THINK TWICE'. To SONY hope you will improve on your product.

Not for taking photos of baby!
You have to wait for your camera is ready, but your baby is not going to wait for you. We have been missing the moments. Sometime even I can't wait for it. So don't buy this camera to take photos of your baby. I might have to change to something as fast as my baby is.

do NOT buy this camera
I bought this camera in August 2003. In September the LCD screen broke for the first time. This occurred after I traveled by plane with the camera in a SONY camera case, carried onto the plane with me, not in the overhead compartment. It was still under warranty and we got it fixed.

I had a baby in Jan 2004. While home on maternity leave, taking lots of pictures everyday, the LCD cracked again. This was with what I consider normal use at home. I believe it cracked b/c I placed it (I did not DROP it) on the table with the LCD screen facing down. I handled this camera with care. I am not a klutz.

When I examined the structure of the camera, I saw that the LCD has no protective "frame" around it. It just sticks out from the camera, open to any insult, however minor it might seem. Other sony cameras have a metal frame around the LCD (think of it as a picture in a frame, vs a picture in glass without a frame).

Anyway, I am so angry because this was a pretty expensive camera and I think there is a major design flaw here. Take my advise, save yourself a lot of money and aggravation, look at the camera you buy in person and make sure it has a metal frame around the LCD screen

Blurry, blurry, blurry.
I cannot understand how anyone can write a good review of this camera. I have not been able, after reading the manual thoroughly and trying different settings, to take a picture of anything indoors with the slightest movement without it coming out blurry. At least half of my pictures are horrible!

Yes, I know, use the faster shutter speed, but indoors the faster shutter speed requires the flash or the pictures are way too dark. But with the flash the pictures look like they were taken of people in a pitch black room with no light, except the flash lighting them up. Horrible.

I called Sony customer care, which has so far been excellent, and they told me to send the camera in for repairs. (...) ... Read more

Features

• Minimum Write Speed: 15Mbps (when combined with Optimized Memory Stick PRO format-compatible devices)
• Flash Memory 128 MB x 2 (Total 256MB)
• Store, transfer and share your digital pictures, videos, music, presentations, data, voice files and more.
• 123 MB storage per side (for a total of 246MB)
• Memory Stick Interface (Serial)

Reviews (1)

Great! Best one out there!
I purchased my Memory Stick Pro Duo 256 for my Sony Clie SJ-25. It works great! It is super fast and has more than enough space. Just don't mistake it for a stick of gum! The best part was that it was the same price as older model Memory Sticks such as memory stick select, and Memory Stick Pro! For devices that do not take Memory Stick Duo, but take Memory Stick, a Memory Stick Duo adapter is included in the package. I would highly recommed this to anyone who is looking for a fast, lower cost Memory Stick. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Featuring a compact, vertically aligned body to go along with its potent 10x optical zoom, the DCR-IP7BT is the first of two camcorders featuring the unique new recording format MicroMV, which records using the same format used to encode DVDs: MPEG-2.

Lens and CCD
The two central components of any video camera (or digital still camera), are its lens and CCD (the image sensor). This Sony model builds around a 10x optical zoom, which is paired with Super SteadyShot image stabilization to cut down on the shakes and jitters common to most amateur video footage. The CCD sports a pixel count of 680,000 pixels--great for video--that translates the image into around 500 lines of resolution.

Size
The size of the DCR-IP7BT is actually one of the features that Sony is really excited about, and it's easy to understand why. The device is extraordinarily small; it's somewhere on the order of a half-inch to an inch smaller in its dimensions than comparable models. That's quite a hefty reduction, making the IP7BT small enough to fit in a pocket. Because of the small size of the camcorder, its 2.5-inch LCD becomes comparatively larger than it would otherwise be.

Digital Photo Mode
Like many digital camcorders, the IP7BT features a digital still mode. And, like many digital camcorders, the snapshot mode is good for taking stills that can be e-mailed or posted on a Web site, but not for making high-quality prints.

Bluetooth
Bluetooth has been a talked-about wireless protocol for years, but it's only recently started to gather steam in the electronics world. Sony is leading the pack by incorporating Bluetooth networking into the DCR-IP7BT. The connectivity standard allows you to transfer your still images, or any of the short MPEG movie clips you record to the Memory Stick, to any Bluetooth-equipped computer.

Cables and Connectors
Despite the small size of the IP7BT, there are a number of audio and video inputs and outputs, making it a very flexible and capable machine. Most intriguingly, besides S-video, there are also composite video in/outputs--composite video provides the highest level of quality in home-theater setups. Four audio, stereo in/outputs are included. In addition, to transfer your digital stills and MPEG movies, a USB port is included. Of course, in any digital camcorder, you should expect to find an IEEE 1394 port, also known as FireWire or iLink, which the IP7BT provides.

Included with the DCR-IP7BT are the Bluetooth adapter, a USB cable, an 8 MB Memory Stick, a wireless remote, an AC-L20 power adapter, an NP-FF50 InfoLithium battery, two AA batteries, iLink Cable (four-pin to four-pin), AV cable, lens cap, wrist strap, and a software CD-ROM (software is Windows only). ... Read more

Features

• MicroMV camcorder
• 10x optical, 120x digital, zoom with Super SteadyShot image stabilization
• 2.5 inch color LCD monitor and color EVF
• Records in MPEG2 video format--the same format used in DVDs
• Bluetooth adapter lets you wirelessly email pictures and MPEG movies

Reviews (18)

Excellent, Useful, Easy, SMALL!
I've had my MicroMV for two months and love it. I put off buying a replacement camcorder for a few years as the technology seemed to be in a constant flux - it still is but I took the plunge with the Sony product as it has all the features I was looking for. The size is the amazing thing. My only problem is getting my "sausage" fingers to work the buttons!

So far, the videos (digi-tape) I've taken are excellent. I find the camera easy to use and of the same quality I've come to expect from Sony. I found an extra-capacity battery, 128MB mem-stick and Sony wide-angle lens and filter kit on eBay and these have made the camera a joy to use.

Videos taken on a recent London vacation are tremendous and it was easy to whip out the camera and take a quick digi-tape or "quickie" MPEG on any moment's notice. The VGA stills are only good for 4x6 prints (in good light) or wallets. They're really only useful for emails. If you want framed stills, use your 3.3MP digi-camera or your trusty 35MM.

I've been happy with Sony "Movie Shaker" and have edited a few MPEGs and clips from the tape to my BusLink USB HD. Bluetooth registration was a bit of a puzzle but I made it through in about 45 minutes (whew!). I haven't tried my SoNet uploading yet as I haven't had a need to.

All in all, this purchase has to last another 3-5 years and I think I'll be very happy with this little wonder.

Great idea - horrible implementation
Pros: Incredible small size; can literally be carried in your pocket;

Cons: Video quality mediocre at best (740x320); transferring data files from IP7 to PC has been a nightmare. Literally 25-30 hours of work with varying degrees of usefull tech support (Sony drops the ball on this one) - Formats available are MPG1 and a form of MPG2 called TR - File must then be translated- this is explained in the following website http://134.102.55.200/haupt/SonyIP7_to_MPEG2-PS.htm

In summary, I would wait at least another year or two, when the kinks have been knocked out. This leaves to much to be desired.

Nightmare
Doesn't work with my MAC. Nightmare trying to download on PC. Sometimes works w/ an i.Link port on a Sony computer. Now it doesnt' even do that. Sometimes worked on a 3rd party FireWire card for my PC, but I had to pull card out and re-install everytime to try to get it to capture. Now that doesn't even work. MPEG2 bites, must convert w/ DOS program. MovieShaker is the worst. I hate this camera w/ a passion. I'm going to throw mine ($$$$!) away or sell it on [other online site]. Anybody want mine? I'm going to get one that plugs directly into my iMac.

ultraportable, still capture, but microMV is not for all
the dcrip7BT is for the early adopters among us. it has "wow" written all over it but make sure you're ready for the limitations of the microMV format. it improves on the ip5 by adding still capability and bluetooth.

pros:
- small size, and lightweight: 1.88"W x 4.0"H x 3.13"L weighing 12 oz. this is the main selling point of this camcorder.
- 10x optical zoom.
- Super SteadyShot image stabilization - and sony's system works.
- delivers vibrant colors when shooting in daylight.
- still photo capability (low res only).
- connectivity options: firewire, S-video, composite, bluetooth, USB.

cons:
- microMV format is proprietary and may go the way of betamax.
- microMV video quality is noticeably worse than MiniDV.
- microMV also uses a different data-compression scheme than MiniDV, which means that it may be incompatible with your DV-editing software.
- low-res still photo capability suitable only for email or posting on web.
- no video light.
- not Mac compatible.
- very bad ergonomics - a small camcorder will have small buttons and consolidated controls.
- as with most sony products, you pay a premium, pushing up the price.
- battery life could be better.
- only 2.5" LCD.
- non-intuitive menu system.
- no headphone or mic input jack.
- no accessory shoe.

given the limitations of the microMV format, a smaller camcorder is the only reason to use it. and a tiny camcorder is what sony has delivered and that's why this is a four star product for me. but if you can stand a slightly bigger camcorder, check out other miniDV options. these are more affordable, better supported, and almost as portable.

i hope this helps your buying decision. peace.

Great convenience
So many capabilities and image quality in such a tiny device is unbelievable. Incredible. And on top of it, the usual connectivity and user-friendliness of all Sony electronics (the bluetooth technology is not that relevant but a fun extra gadget) ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

The Sony DSC-P9 builds on the success of earlier models from Sony, such as the DSC-P1 and DSC-P5. The DSC-P9 adds a high-performance 4-megapixel CCD and combines it with an excellent quality 3x optical zoom lens. The chief selling point of the DSC-P9 has to be its diminutive size--this really is among the smallest, feature-rich digital cameras on the market--at just 4.4 by 2 by 1.4 inches.

The metal body not only looks great but also gives the reassurance that the camera is robust and can be carried anywhere. Controls are straightforward and include a mode dial, a zoom toggle, and menu navigation buttons. Access to the Memory Stick and battery are from a single compartment door on the side of the camera. Input-output jacks are the fairly standard power, USB, and AV out.

The 3x optical zoom lens tucks neatly into the body of the camera when not in use and includes an automatic lens protector. In use, the zoom moves from wide to full telephoto in less than three seconds, although it is a little noisier than expected, especially as compared to the notably quiet transport on the Kodak DX4900.

The Sony menu navigation, which is fairly consistent across the range, is extremely easy to use. In capture mode, there are options to set exposure compensation, manual focus, white balance, spot metering, ISO, image size from 2,272 x 1,704 down to 640 x 480, compression levels, flash levels, and picture effects. There is also a scene selection mode that offers presets for twilight, night portrait, and landscape. While useful, this is extremely limited when compared to some other digital cameras, such as the easy-to-use Nikon Coolpix 2500 or the endlessly configurable Casio QV-4000.

The image quality is what you would expect of a 4-megapixel camera--plenty of detail and scope for cropping to get just the right composition. When using the automatic settings, the images were not as sharp as expected, although this can be compensated for using the in-camera sharpening. Both exposure and white balance were generally accurate, but it would have been nice to see the ability to take a manual white-balance reading like on the Nikon 2500. To its credit, the DSC-P9 has a powerful autofocus illuminator that greatly aids focusing in poor light conditions.

One feature we feel should be included in a camera of this quality is an orientation sensor that automatically rotates images when stored to match the photographs as taken. Despite this we would still recommend the DSC-P9 as being one of the sexiest high-resolution cameras available. --Nick Baxter ... Read more

Features

• 4-megapixel sensor captures 2,272 x 1,704 images for prints at sizes up to 11 x 14 inches
• 3x optical plus 2x digital (6x total) autofocus zoom lens
• Included 16 MB Memory Stick holds approximately 15 images at default resolution
• Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
• Uses rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included)

Reviews (36)

it does not like dark, does not like flashes
i bought this camera a few days ago.
my co-worker loved this camera, and told me to buy this one repeatedly, since it's such a good camera. so, i did. and, i was disappointed immediately, when i took first few photos. i took so many pictures indoor, trying to find out what was wrong. it didn't seem to focus right in dark with flash light. pictures come out fuzzy, blurry.... :<
so, i returned it after a few days try... got Sony Dsc-S85.
DSC-S85 worked much better, taking much better pictures at the same price. if you like to carry a camera in your pocket all day long, DSC-P9 may be way to go, but, if you want better picture, clearer picture... get DSC S85... its twice more functions and it is twice clearer imo... i am very happy with DSC S85 even though it's heavier. DSC P9 didn't cut it for me.

Love this camera but...
I love this camera, size and picture quality wise. I did a lot of research and I chose this over the Nikon or Canon because I wanted an underwater housing for it and one wasn't available for those at the time. ... I have tried to get one from Sony but have been unable to do so because I live outside the US. The quality of the pictures is great and I often crop and blow up sections and the quality is still great, although I don't have other brands to compare to. My main problem with the camera is that so few of the features that I want to change from picture to picture are available manually (i.e. on the menu screen)e.g. high, normal or low level flash; Center focus or multipoint focus etc; portrait, macro or landscape mode; twilight, full-sun or shade, most of these features cannot be manually set by the dial on the trot. While scanning through menu features on the screen you miss your picture moment. There is loads of space on the manual dial for these features to be added on the next model of this camera and then I would give it 5 stars. I think if you change settings often another camera might be better. I didn't think that so many basic settings would be unavailable by manual dial. I am still trying to get the underwater housing.

I would now add that I was finally able to get the underwater housing from Amazon and love it. I am finding the lack of quick change from flash: (off, on, auto, red-eye, low, normal, high) a particular irritant especially since, as I have now realised that low light pictures are not that great. Outdoor pictures however, are superb, especially pictures in and around water, which given where we live are the majority of my photos. Red-eye is turned off and on from the setup menu, a major pain and so I rarely, if ever use it and choose to correct red-eye by software. Low, normal and high flash levels are turned off by the menu, again a pain! I think they should all have been alterable using the flash on, off, auto button on the back of the camera. I am still working on finetuning the manual controls to get better indoor/low-light shots. I hope the new DSCP-10 has improved on these things.
Unlike another reviewer, I have been able to take excellent macro photos of orchids and butterflies, I'd say as close as about 10 inches.

Sony Cameras Have Fatal Flaw
Although the camera is fine, the memory card format represents a fatal flaw that prospective buyers should consider. The memory cards are prone to format errors (Format Error 13-01) which can cause you to lose your photos. We have 8 memory sticks and have had problems with all but 3 of them. I recommend that any one considering a Sony camera purchase do a Google Search using search terms: Sony format error "13-01" to discover what disgruntled Sony owners are saying about this problem.

Battery Issues
I had my camera about a year when it stopped charging fully. It is supposed to get 120mins on a full battery and only got 20. After trying two new batteries I called Sony to be advised that they would look at it for a cost of $180!!! It would have cost me around $200 with shipping! The only people allowed to service Sonys are Sony. You can't bring it someplace else. Kind of like a Volvo in that respect. Moral of the story, when buying a camera make sure it is something that your local camera store can fix.

Excellent pictures but not in low-light
This camera is top notch in many ways.
I gave it only 4 stars because of one thing: low-light shots.
Someone wrote that if you set the flash power manually to highest, it produces good low-light pictures. Unfortunately it's not true. I wish it would be. This camera is worse in low-light shots than the competition. Believe me.
It's your decision: if you can handle this, buy it, because otherwise it takes excellent pictures in normal lightning conditions. If low-light, night and indoor shots (with poor back-light) is important for you, look at the Canon S45 or S400 instead. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Sony Cybershot DSC-U30 digital camera is small and light enough to slip in your pocket for snapping photos wherever you roam. It features a 2-megapixel resolution, fast start-up to capture shots almost instantaneously, and a movie mode. It comes in two other colors: blue and dark gray.

Optics and Resolution
The Cybershot U30 features a 2-megapixel Super HAD (hole accumulation diod) CCD that captures excellent image quality by allowing more light to pass through to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing image noise. It has two resolution modes: high (1632 x 1224) for prints up to 8 x 10 inches, and low (640 x 480) for e-mailing to friends and family. A fixed-focus camera, the Cybershot U30 has no optical or digital zoom.

Movie Mode
In addition to taking still photos, the Cybershot U30 can also record up to 15 seconds of 160 x 112 MPEG video (without audio). The QuickTime Motion JPEG format offers a limited resolution, which is great for capturing a short movie that can be e-mailed to friends and family, but is no replacement for a true camcorder.

More Features
The Cybershot U30 has a fast start-up time of 0.9 seconds, enabling you to capture those important shots that other cameras might miss. The camera includes 5 scene modes (soft snap, illumination snap, twilight, active outdoor, and vivid nature) and pre-flash metering, which illuminates the subject and calculates exposure through the lens directly from the CCD for accurate calculation for a flash-lit shot.

Other features include:

• 1.0-inch LCD for reviewing shots
• VGA burst mode captures five 640 x 480 frames
• Built-in flash with auto, forced on, forced off, and red-eye reduction modes
• Shutter speed: 1/8 - 1/2000 seconds
• Picture effects: solarize, black and white, sepia, and negative art
• Automatic ISO and white balance settings

Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via ultrafast USB 2.0, which means it can be connected to any USB-compatible Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software. When used with USB 1.1 connection, transfer will slow to USB 1.1 rate.

Power and Size
The camera is powered by 2 AAA batteries (rechargeable NiMH batteries included). It measures 3.3 by 1.6 by 1.1 inches and weighs 4.3 ounces (including batteries).

What's In The Box
This package includes the Cybershot DSC-U30 digital camera, 8 MB Memory Stick, neck strap, 2 AAA rechargeable NiMH batteries, battery charger (BC-CS2), and USB cable. The included CD-ROM features Pixela Image Mixer for Sony v1.5 and USB drivers for Windows and Mac. ... Read more

Features

• 2 megapixel sensor captures 1,600 x 1,200 images for prints at sizes up to 8 x 10 inches
• Small enough to go anywhere; fast start up (0.9 seconds)
• Built-in flash with red-eye reduction; 1-inch LCD monitor
• Includes 8 MB Memory Stick; compatible with Memory Stick Pro media
• Includes rechargeable NiMH AAA batteries and charger; connects to PCs and Macs via USB 1.1

Reviews (12)

Neat camera
As you know this camera is tiny, with well-thought-out ergonomics, and just enough features to ensure decent picture quality. I bought it so my parents can have a simple digital camera to use that wouldn't require them to fiddle with the pictures on a computer afterwards. With resulting picture sizes ranging from 200K to 500K, they can just attach pictures on a e-mail and send them to me without resizing them. I bought a 128MB memory stick along with the camera so they can shoot over 250 pictures without ever having to change memory cards. Simple, easy to use, decent picture quality, it was a perfect choice.

Of course I just couldn't resist playing with this camera before handing it over to my parents.

Ergonomics: A-
With such a small camera, the buttons are necessarily small. But they are well placed and intuitive to use. I was able to figure out about 90% of the camera's capabilities on my own, referring to the manual only for the shooting modes. The camera becomes ready for taking pictures quickly, and the lag between taking pictures is very short due to small file sizes. I've accidentally left the sliding lense cover not fully closed on a few occasions, but this is probably just me. About the only major wish I have is for a larger LCD.

Quality: B+
Lable on the bottom says this thing is made in Japan and it certainly looks and feels like it. Why the B+ rating? Well, the sliding lense cover on my camera feels a loose and floppy. I can rock it back and forth like a see-saw by about 1mm, which is quite a bit of play. I can't help but wonder if my camera is defective, but I can't confirm until I get my hands on another DSCU30. Other than that, everything else is A+ quality.

Picture Quality: C, B+ with consideration
My digital camera is an Olympus C-50Z, a 5.0 megapixle powerhouse packed into a compact body. I am obviously not expecting the DSCU30 to provide similar levels of detail, but I did expect it to provide a decent picture quality otherwise. With pictures taken by both cameras in full automatic mode and resized down to 800x600, the DSCU30's picture was noticeably more washed out with less vibrant colors. Also, strong light sources, such as flash glare on eye glasses, produced large X-star patterns. The pictures were also noticeably grainy in all situations. In all this is very average performance from a 2 megapixle camera. However, given the intended use for this camera, the picture quality is adequate. So for my parents, this camera would probably be more like a B+.

All in all not a bad camera. I would strongly recommend it for anyone who wants a camera that is easy to use at a moments notice. I am sure my parents will love it.

Fun stuff!!!
I bought this camera for several reasons...1) I am a gadget junkie, 2) I love digital format cameras, 3) I truly love the portability and compact size so I'll "never miss a shot". This camera rounds out an extensive collection ranging to the top of the line Sony MEGA-pix camera I use for serious shooting... Granted, this midget will do far less than the big guns, but I am very impressed with some of the shots, especially outdoor shots!!! It offers true Sony picture quality and color. I bought the camera especially for a multi-state bike ride where economy of equipment and supplies was a must and I was not disappointed. In fact, on a recent company outing where we had commissioned a professional photographer, we resorted to taking ALL company group shots with my camera when the "pro" didn't show up and noone else in the group had a larger camera. This little puppy did just fine and the result was several high quality outdoor group photos which everyone raved about from such a small camera. And the BEST part of this was, I found a NEW unit on one of the main online auction sites and got it out the cyber door for $125 including shipping (no tax). I equipped my camera with a 128 meg MS and carry a 64 meg as backup (both also purchased off online auction for a fraction of the best store prices!!!) Had I known how satisfied I would be with this camera, I would have gladly paid retail price...but do shop around, whether through Amazon or other online sources, or check out the Sony website for promos!!! THis is a fun camera to own and use!!

Perfect!1
This a nice digital camera, it's worth it. The only problem is as well with all the other electronics gadgets, battery life, this itsy bitsy camera eats a lot of them, you will need at least two other sets of rechargable ones. And the red eye option not working very well. I love it

Not quite what I wanted
I bought this camera because I just had a baby and I wanted to be able to just throw it in the diaper bag and not miss any cute little thing my new baby did. It's good for that. My two problems are why I only rated this 3 stars. One-it eats up batteries FAST! It's just not convienent to have more batters rolling around a diaper bag. And two-the red eye is horrible. I end up with demon baby every time her eyes are open. Even after I turn the red-eye reduction on. Maybe it's just my camera, I don't know. Most people seem to love this camera. I wish it didn't have that red eye problem. I'd be much happier with it.

Sony has poor customer service
I ordered the camera thru Amazon. I love Amazon, they shipped the order to me right away.

However, the camera sent to me was missing the battery charger. Until I can charge the batteries, the camera will not work. The battery charger is proprietary to this camera, I cannot buy another charger at the store.

Sony customer service is poor. I've called, and emailed to request a replacement immediately. The Sony customer service rep acted as through they were doing me a favor. 3 days later, I still have no replacement, and have a camera which will not work. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Sony Mavica MVC-FD90 digital camera combines a powerful 8x opticalzoom lens with a respectable 1.3-megapixel CCD. The camera also features an MPEGmovie mode, audio annotation for your images, and a manual focus ring. Thebuilt-in flash features red-eye reduction and night-synch modes. Built-in zoom,trim, and resize functions encourage manipulation of the images while they arestill in the camera. For maximum image resolution, the camera also includes aninterpolated 1.6-megapixel image setting. Users compose images by viewing the2.5-inch color LCD monitor on the back of the camera. This monitor also revealsthe remaining shooting time in minutes, a well as having indicators for flash,focus, and other functions.

Like most of the other cameras in the Mavica line, the MVC-FD90 uses floppydisks to store photos. At maximum image quality, five images fit on one floppy.At the other end of the spectrum is the e-mail setting, which captures 80 imagesat 320 x 240 resolution on a single disk. To address concerns about the limitednumber of photos one can store on a low-capacity floppy disk, Sony has devised ahigh-capacity solution: the camera will accept the MSAC-FD2M floppy adapter, adevice that looks like a floppy disk. Sony's Memory Stick (available incapacities up to 64 MB) slides into the adapter, and the adapter slides into thecamera's floppy drive, essentially giving you a 64 MB floppy disk.

The package includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, a battery charger, ashoulder belt, AV cable, and ArcSoft PhotoStudio software for Windows. ... Read more

Features

• 1.3 megapixel sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 5 x 7 prints
• 8x optical plus 2x digital zoom lens with autofocus
• 3.5" floppy disk holds five images at maximum resolution; optional adapter stores images on Memory Stick
• Images can be read by any PC or Mac with a 3.5 inch floppy drive
• Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery and AC adapter included

Reviews (33)

This is an incredible camer
This camera is another great Sony product in my book. It supports a wide range of resolutions as well as two MPEG recording sizes (320x200 and 160x100). It can record sound along with a snap shot. It has four special effects: solarize, b&w, sepia, and negative art. With the optional MSAC-FD2M floppy addapter you can use Sony's memory sticks to store even more images.

I can go on and on about the feature set for this camera, but I don't have the time. If you are looking for a high quality digital camera that takes sharp pictures then give this one a try.

This camera is very flexible and is definitely worth the money.

Fabulous camera - easy to use - great fun!
I own the model that the FD 90 replaced, the FD88 and I have been using it for about a year. I feel I can review the FD90 because it is so similar to the FD88, and is an improvement over mine in a few important respects. The cameras are identical otherwise, except that Sony has made the FD90 into 1.6 megapixel instead of 1.3. This increases the resolution for larger prints and when you compress them (say to e-mail), they won't be grainy. Sony has also added their memory stick capability - a great feature. Let me tell you about my FD88 and since the FD90 is even better, you can judge for yourself. The Sony Mavica FD88 is a terrific digital camera, especially for someone new to the genre and not necessarily extremely Computer literate. It takes great shots and the floppy disk storage medium is very easy to use and download to your PC. While its rated 1.3 million pixels is not as high as some other high level models from other manufacturers, in reality not too many people are going to appreciate much of a difference; the pictures look great, crystal clear, and very professional. Since the FD90 is improved in several respects over an already terrific camera, including somewhat higher resolution (1.6 million pixels), the FD90 has to be a real winner. The memory stick capability is an added bonus - especially if you buy the memory stick-floppy disk converter. Then you can store literally dozens of shots. Well worth the price.

easy to use
I have one and the led screen got broken and want to replace because of the ease to use. The pictures come out like a professionals when printed if right settings are used. Absolutely would recomend to most novice of photographers.

Good camera for personal use.
I have had this camera for a year and have really enjoyed it. I like saving on 3.5 disk, good for backup for important picures. You can adjust the size, quality, etc. I comes with easy to use software. For 1.6 mega pixel it makes good pictures.

a web multimedia studio in one(tiny)box!
I just love this camera. If you want big prints of glossy pictures then buy something else. If you're happy with 6x4 prints, but your main focus is on web content then this the camera for you. Photos, movies, sound recording, automatic creation of email photos - all fantastic for web-savvy snappers.
The images quality is very smooth, with good colour balance, there's lots of auto features but you can override them if you want to. I sometimes shoot 200 pix in a single session (expensive if you're using 35mm!)and carry this thing around as much as possible. Love it! ... Read more

Product Description

Sony offers a variety of accessories that are designed to meet the needs of every professional who is particularly keen on quality and dependability. The company's name speaks for itself. It's a Sony! ... Read more

Features

• Replacement lamp unit
• Compatible with Sony's VPL-CS3 SuperLite LCD Projector
• Achieves stunning presentation results, in any environment
• Easy to change
• A quality Sony product

Amazon.com Product Description

Now that MiniDV has become a mainstream product, users demand extra features in addition to regular digital video performance. The Sony DCR-TRV70 is well equipped with technological additions, such as a 2-megapixel digital camera and networking capabilities. The camcorder also features a 10x optical zoom, 16:9 widescreen mode, a 2.5-inch LCD with touchscreen control, and a color viewfinder.

Step-up Value
Here are two Sony features that adds value to this digital camcorder and differentiate it from other models in the Sony lineup.

2.0 Megapixel Sensor: Of all the world's consumer camcorders, Sony was the first to break the megapixel barrier. Working with high-resolution recording and high-precision Sony custom optics, the benefits are dramatic. You'll see amazing detail on everything you shoot. Every blade of grass. Every strand of hair. The names on the back of player uniforms. And megapixel resolution is also a great benefit in Sony's Digital still camera function (Memory Mode). You'll be able to shoot images at 1600 x 1200 pixels, for prints up to 8 x 10nches.

Digital Still Memory Mode: Capture digital still images directly onto Memory Stick media for easy transfer to e-mail, printing, or sharing with compatible Memory Stick devices. Digital still images can be captured while in Memory Mode, or images from the videotape can be captured onto Memory Stick media. This feature provides the Dual Function of having one camera for video and still images, and provides the user with a whole new world of imaging possibilities.

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 multicoated Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens ensures balanced and clear contrast. The advanced HAD CCD sensor records images accurately in vibrant color and sharp resolution. The TRV70 has a robust 10x optical zoom that fits most purposes, but for extra distance the camera can reach 120x through the digital zoom. A hologram autofocus system and several autoexposure modes allow for automatic operation--while achieving ideal images for the situation.

More Features
You can 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. You can also use the color slow shutter for color night shots instead of the regular green night-shot hue.

Sony's Stamina power management system and InfoLithium battery give the TRV70 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.

You can take digital stills and record small MPEG EX movies using the included 8 MB Memory Stick. This is where the 2-megapixel resolution CCD really shines, creating images that can be printed at sizes of up to 1,600 x 1,200 pixels for prints up to 8 by 10 inches. The intelligent pop-up flash keeps your images well-lit and visible.

The TRV70 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. A stylus is also included for ease of use.

The USB streaming feature can turn the TRV70 into a video-conferencing tool or a Webcam, and the standard IEEE 1394 connection can be used for digital video editing on a computer. The TRV70 is network-capable and can connect to the Internet with a USB-PSTN adapter.

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 TRV70 camcorder, power adaptor and in-camera charger, InfoLithium rechargeable battery, 8 MB Memory Stick, stylus, wireless remote, AV cable, lens cap, shoulder strap, USB cable, two AA batteries, and USB drivers. ... Read more

Features

• Compact MiniDV digital camcorder with 2-megapixel imaging
• 10x optical, 120x digital, zoom with Super SteadyShot image stabilization
• 2.5-inch touch-panel color SwivelScreen LCD display; includes 8 MB Memory Stick for still image and MPEG1 capture
• Networking capabilities via USB-PSTN or Ethernet connections
• NightShot O Lux infrared system with color mode for recording in total darkness

Reviews (10)

great video, plus 2MP stills pics!
this is a power packed camcorder!
pros:
- other than the sony trv80, this is the only sony miniDV camcorder that has a 2 megapixel still camera built in.
- miniDV media is widely supported.
- great connectivity options: firewire, USB, S-video, headphone, bluetooth, mic input, etc.
- has a built in pop-up flash for taking stills.
- carl zeiss lens.
- steady shot and night shot.
- ability to record mpeg videos directly to memory stick.
- progressive shutter system.

cons:
- this camcorder is bigger than i would like. you can get smaller camcorders like the trv33 or the pc105. granted, those have less features, mainly still camera capability (2.0 megapixel vs 1.0 megapixel).
- bright 2.5" LCD screen: but i definitely prefer the 3.5" in the trv80.
- as with most sony products, you pay a premium, pushing up the price.
- the included 8MB memory stick (for a 2 megapixel still camera!) is unacceptable. you'll need at least a 64MB memory stick with if you want to take full advantage of the higher resolution pics you'll be taking.
- although bundling the camcorder and still camera together means you only have to carry one piece of equipment, it also means that if one breaks, you have to replace both.
- as an alternate to this bundling strategy, you can get a trv33 or pc105 and get a 3 megapixel still camera for about the same price.
- no built in video light but you can get one less than a hundred bucks.

all in all, a very nice camcorder. nice work sony.

Awesome camera - worth the $$$$ spent
Spend a lot, get a lot more. Although it was a tough choice to spend the money when I purchased my TRV70, I have no regrets. My camera is DA BEST!. After I figured out the Still Picture recording is best taken when not recording video simultaneously, I never looked back. There are so many features to mention but I don't use. The key things to consider:
- Bigger lens, means better image
- Good size CCD is a treasure; otherwise 3 CCD is next option
- Manual focus override; in photography, this is VERY important
- Backlight control; it's a great override in low light conditions like opening up your camera aperature
- Manual disable of on-board flash; continue taking pictures when flash is not allowed
- Touch screen LCD is sweet, don't listen to button fanatics
- Steady Shot works.... when camera is light, more chances of jarring movements, so here its really important.
- Memory stick convenience ... buy larger capacity, more over time.
- Battery Status; Info-lithium means no guessing game. By several small batteries, charge them, and carry them a-l-a Rambo.
- Don't install Imagemixer software. Instead, use Sony's Screenblast Movie Studio 3.0. You'll be happier.
- Don't skimp on footage. Take lots of footage. It's easier to edit, than to say... I don't have enough!

It's unfortunate, Sony is discontinuing the product in 2004. It's a great product! I'm ready to buy a second one so I can get the same footage from another vantage point. Silly, two people using different cameras. :-)

Great video in all outdoor lighting conditions
This is my fourth camcorder, and first digital camcorder. I bought it to record my child's soccer games to make a DVD to send to college coaches. It recorded steady sharp video in all lighting conditions, including heavy overcast, light fog, and night games under stadium lights. I also bought the remote controll tripod, which makes it much easier to start/stop recording and adjust the zoom (the remote control zoom buttons have the correct sensitivity, as opposed to the camera zoom control as noted in a review below). The only problem I had that caused the loss of a few minutes of video was that the camcorder started displaying "Cleaning Tape". I packed the tape (fast forward to the end and rewound) and recorded over the bad section. I now pack the tape again whenever I insert a new one in the camcorder

Better than others, but needs accessories to be great
I did a lot of research before purchasing this camera a year ago. But I've used it A LOT since then and figured I would write a review.

I did comparison tests with this camera vs. Sony's other lower end camcorders. The color and resolution on this one if FAR superior and worth the extra money. I also compared it to the Canon GL2, a 3-CCD camera. The 3-CCD camera was far better in low light and color, but comes with a much heaftier price tag.

The good things about this camera have been mentioned by others. And while it may not fit in your palm exactly, it is really not very big. It looks good, and all the features are easy to find. Overall good design.

There are three things about this camcorder I don't like, but here's what I recommend to solve them:

The lens always looks like you can't zoom out enough. I'm sure there's a technical term for this, but even when you're zoomed out all the way it looks like your subject is too close. As soon as I realized this, I purchased a Sony wide angle lens, which made all the difference. Especially if you're indoors, you want to take in as much of the environment as possible. It does add size to the camera, and means you can't use the flash for still pictures without removing it. But it gives the camera a nice professional look and feel.

The second problem with this camera I've read about with other Sony camcorders: the "whirring" noise of the motor as it is taping. When I first got the camera I didn't notice it, but as time went on the whirr got worse. Also, there's a "hiss" that you get with any camcorder. I solved this by getting a Sony external microphone to attach to the "boot". ECM-MS5908C. It's a stereo microphone, and it's far enough from the motor that you hardly hear it, and also drowns out the hiss. I also got a shotgun mic, but that isn't stereo, so I wouldn't recommend it unless shooting subjects far away.

The other issue is unsolvable, and that's the "slider" zoom in. Instead of moving front to back with two fingers to zoom in, you slide left to right with one finger. It's hard to use, and over-sensitive. I do not understand why Sony sticks with that technology on their consumer models, but not with their 3-CCD professional models.

Overall, a great camera. I do not use the still camera function very often, so I can't comment on that. I use Final Cut Express for the Macintosh to edit, and everything works smoothly with this camera. (Also, if you plan to do any editting, you get a HIGH recommendation from me for Apple computers. Each Apple computer comes with iMovie, a free program that is SO EASY to use to edit video.)

You're obviously reading this because you want to know if this camera is right for you. Here's what I say: if you want better picture quality than other home videos you've seen, and are willing to pay for it, this camera is ideal. I highly recommend the wide angle lens and external stereo microphone, which help you make better videos but also add size to the machine. If you want to spend more to get an amazing, broadcast-quality picture, there's a big leap in cost for a 3-CCD camera. But the Sony DCRTRV70 is right in the middle, and is really a good choice.

SONY DCR-TRV70
I have had this Camera for over a year now and found it to be reliable and its pictures of high quality. The Steady shot is rock solid and only jitters when you attempt >20 Zoom. The 120 zoom is grainy so I hardly use it. The memory stick for mpeg and still photos is very handy. The 2 megapixel resolution on the still photos is sufficient for computer display and small photo prints. It makes it convenient not to have to carry a second digital photo camera. I have not tried the Firewire link yet but the USB for memory stick operations works well.

Overall I am happy with the camera and recommend it for purchase. ... Read more

Features

• Powerful new photo mode -Adaptive Frame Interpolation provides storage for hundreds of still images with 7 seconds of audio
• Box Contents -AC-L15 AC Adapter On-Camera Charger, NP-FM30 Battery - 700 mAh, RMT-830 Wireless Remote Control, A/V Cable Mini-3 RCA (Stereo), USB Cable, CD-ROM with USB Driver Software, Shoulder Strap & Lens Cap
• Digital 8 recording format delivers 3x the color bandwidth of VHS (Video Home System) - with less video noise
• NightShot Plus records in more natural color, in low-light environments
• Program Auto Exposure has the settings for a variety of indoor and outdoor situations -- choose from Portrait, Sports, Spotlight, Beach and Ski, Landscape, Sunset and Moon modes

Features

• Records on Digital 8(R) or regular 8mm tapes
• USB connectivity
• Steadyshot Stabilization counteracts any unsteadiness introduced by your hands
• High stamina battery life

Amazon.com Product Description

Sony's affordable DSC-P51 combines a 2-megapixel sensor, 2x zoom lens, and AA battery power in a pocket-sized package. If you're shopping for a family point-and-shoot that's easy to use, versatile, and small enough to take anywhere, the P51 is a great choice.

Optics and Resolution
The DSC-P51's 2-megapixel sensor captures enough detail for sharp prints at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches. For the typical family photographer, 2 megapixels is a great balance between price and performance. If you want a camera with even more resolution, you'll need to step up to a 3- or 4-megapixel model like the DSC-P71 or DSC-P9.

The autofocus lens features both a 2x optical zoom and a 3x digital zoom. Remember, however, that digital zoom tends to reduce the sharpness and detail of your image, so it's a good idea to use it sparingly. In low-light situations (a particular weakness for many digital cameras), a focus-assist lamp sends out a small patterned beam to help the camera accurately determine distance, and special circuitry automatically reduces the "static" that typically plagues nighttime digital shots.

To compose your images, either use the traditional camera viewfinder or the 1.6-inch LCD display (which is also used to review the shots you've taken). Having both types of viewfinders offers the best of both worlds: if you're used to using a film camera or want to conserve battery life, use the viewfinder. If you want to see exactly the picture you'll be capturing, use the LCD display.

More Features
Though the P51 is designed for point-and-shoot simplicity, there are several options for more adventurous photographers, including manual focus with macro, adjustable ISO and white-balance settings, exposure compensation, and the ability to shoot black-and-white, sepia, solarized, and negative images.

Power
The P51 uses two AA batteries--a pair of high-capacity nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeables and charger are included. The benefit to using standard AA batteries instead of a custom proprietary battery is that AA batteries are widely available, so missing a once-in-a-lifetime shot due to dead batteries won't be an issue. The downside is that a digital camera will kill a set of alkaline batteries extremely quickly, especially if you're using the camera's LCD display. To ensure you'll be ready for action, we recommend getting a second pair of batteries so you can always have one set in the camera and the other set in the charger.

Movie Mode
In movie mode, the camera captures silent video clips. Most digital cameras' movie modes are limited to 15- or 30-second clips, but in EX mode, the P51 can keep shooting until you've filled the memory card. The limited resolution of your movies guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Memory Sticks, Sony's proprietary memory-card format. The included 16 MB stick holds approximately 24 images at the camera's default settings. Memory Sticks are reusable, but if you tend to take more than 24 images per outing, then you'll want a bigger card. A 128 MB stick is a great size for this camera, storing around 200 images. To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera. Your computer should automatically recognize your camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive. If you own a Sony desktop or laptop, your computer may already have a built-in Memory Stick reader.

Size
At 5 by 2.4 by 1.75 inches and 10.4 ounces fully loaded, the P51 is a very compact and portable digital camera.

Contents and Recommended Accessories
The package includes the DSC-P51 camera, two rechargeable NH-AA-D1 rechargeable batteries, BC-CS1 charger, video and USB cables, wrist strap, 16 MB Memory Stick, and software on CD.

Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but we recommend these accessories to make the most of your camera: a carrying case, a spare set of NiMH rechargeable size AA batteries, and a higher-capacity memory stick. Compatible accessories for this camera are listed near the top of this page.

... Read more

Features

• 2-megapixel sensor captures 1,600 x 1,200 images for prints at sizes up to 8 x 10 inches
• Autofocus lens with 2x optical zoom and 3x digital zoom
• Includes MSA-16A 16MB Memory Stick® media
• Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port
• Uses 2 AA batteries (rechargeables included)

Reviews (50)

You can't do any better than this one
Very easy to use, takes great pictures and has a nice quality feel.I found battery life to be very good,I have heard of other cameras only capable of 20-30 shots before batteries were gone.I just used this camera on vacation ,took 50+ shots in 1 day {I was using a 128mb memerory stick,highly recommend} and the batteries never got below the 50 % range.I would also recommend the acc. kit for this camera , you get a very nice case and 2 extra batteries and a charger that charges in 2 hours instead of 14 hours.Over all, very impressed with this camera.You can't go wrong with this quality Sony product.

Decent price for a decent camera
This camera is the best in its class. Sony includes many features that set it apart from other brands, including easy to use menus, power saving feature, and size. The battery life is excellent; I was able to take just under 200 pictures on one charge. Normal batties can be used, but won't last longer than 15 or 20 minutes. At highest quality, you can get 30 pictures on the supplied 16MB memory stick. Pictures come out very well, although a macro setting would be nice to have. Multi burst and video are also handy features to have. Overall, this camera is a very good value for the money. You can get by with the included accessories, but other camera accessories can be expensive.

Pros:
* Comes with battery
* Comes with charger
* Comes with 16 MB memory stick
* Menus are simple and easy to use
* Includes USB cable
* Effects and camera settings (shutter time, white balance, etc) should satisfy the average person

Cons:
* Batteries must be charged to retrieve data from camera with USB cable
* 13 hour charge time with included battery charger
* NiMH batterys, while cheaper than LiIon batteries, have memory effect (They're only $...though and are supposed to last at least a year under normal conditions)

Note: Don't leave the the batteries in below freezing temperatures, as it will shorten the battery life.

Good camera- until it stops working
I really loved this camera- until the screen recently went black and all pictures came out black as well. I wanted to get another Sony because of the ease of use and decent pics I got (don't like my dad's Olympus camera, have to use the manual just to figure out how to turn it on). However, I read the reviews and found out I had the same problem as many other people. I looked up reviews for other Sony models, and they had problems as well. Guess I won't be getting another Sony.

for those with black screen problem
I also have had the black screen experience but I've found that you can temporarily correct the problem most of the time:
Reseting the camera by pressing the button located at the bottom
Striking the camera against your hand
For my camera, I think the problem resides in some bad connections.

Do not buy SONY cameras
LSD display went black! I think this will happen with all Sony cameras! I have 2 cameras Sony DSC-P51 and Sony DSC-P72 and both cameras LSD display went black!
One after 6 mns and 2nd one after 11 mns. ... Read more