Sony DCR-TRV140 Digital8 Camcorder

I had carried out my homework on other websites e.g. prices, features, etc and found this camcorder to be the best value for the amount of money I wanted to spend. This camcorder almost seemed too good to be true. A digital 8 camcorder for the price of a Hi 8. Where's the catch?

I decided to buy this camcorder on Sony's good name. My initial reaction after unpacking the camcorder was how compact and stylish it looked. Obviously the camcorder has to house a 8mm tape but considering this it seems to be as compact as it could possibly be.

All the control buttons are to hand and are logically laid out. The zoom is controlled with the index finger on top and the record button controlled with the thumb of the right hand. Also located on the top is the light button and the playback controls.

The colour LCD screen pulls out neatly to the side to reveal a host of buttons including the volume controls, manual exposure, title, playback zoom and the menu button. The camcorder has a neat advanced title facility with eight pre-set titles and two custom titles where it is possible to create your own titles and change the language, colour, size and position. The menu is where you can select most of the camcorder's features. It is very easy to use and you can select and set a function using the dial to the rear of the camcorder. Also from this menu you can choose from six programme AE. These include portrait, sports and sunset moon. There is also a choice of eight picture effects of varying usefulness and six digital effects. There is also a facility to choose from six faders to add a touch of professionalism to your recordings.

One very handy function this camcorder has is the steady-shot. A camcorder of this price usually fails to include this essential facility. This is a "must have" feature as it gives a very steady picture.

The camcorder is also equipped with a 560x digital zoom. This is almost unusable as the picture quality is terrible. There is a facility to limit this to 40x zoom and this works very well.

The nightshot feature is a bit gimmicky but is great fun as you can film in total darkness. It works in infrared and gives the picture a green hue.

The picture quality is excellent in natural and artificial light. The only downside is a grainy picture in low light conditions. The stereo sound is also very good and picks up detail in front of the lens but being such a compact design the microphone can also record the tape and zoom noise.

Overall this is still a five star buy especially for such a competitive price. It's a great beginner's camcorder and is suitable for anyone who is just getting started. This is a digital 8 only camcorder and it does not playback previously recorded 8mm and Hi 8 tapes.

A great choice.

I am currently working overseas, but ten days after I ordered the camera arrived. I have had a stack of fun with this. The nightshot facility is great, especially if you have the lamp on. Super night shot really slows the frame rate down and so it is not possible to film moving things, however, for static things it is great.

The camera is a little on the large side compared to the latest models, but then the price is excellent... I would recommend getting a second battery though as the main battery dies really fast in the cold.

The LCD screen is great as you can turn it round to face you when filming yourself which is great for video diaries etc.

Overall I have found this camera to be excellent but will be spending a little more when I get my next camera in a few years time.

The 560 digital zoom is a bit naff when maxed out, but if limited to 40, the image quality is excellent, and 40X is a lot of zoom.

Obviously not a professionals choice due to the lack of microphone inputs and stuff, but for taking on holiday, birthday partys etc. This product is a steel at the price.

Make sure you buy a tape though, Sony don't provide one!

Nice one Sony!