Sony DCR-TRV38 Digital Handycam Camcorder

Crystal Clear & Super Steady

This sleek camcorder takes full advantage of the Mini DV format. Mini DV digital recording delivers 3 times the color bandwidth of VHS and a lower signal to noise ratio compared to analog formats, providing stunning video performance comparable to DVD. The superior performance of Zeiss optics has earned them a place on space missions and in the camera bags of some of the world's most successful photographers. Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating offering less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation and perfect renditions of subtle tones. The Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD imager with 690K (effective) pixels provides excellent detail and clarity, with exceptional digital video performance (520 lines of horizontal resolution). Realize great looking digital still images utilizing 1000K (effective) pixels. Super SteadyShot Picture Stabilization controls a high range of shake and vibration frequencies to achieve a higher level of smoothness without degradation of video like some other image stabilization systems.

Memory Mode & MPEG EX

Sony has made it easier than ever to share you memories with friends. The MPEG EX movie mode lets you capture MPEG encoded video and store it on Memory Stick media. Unlike other MPEG1 movies that limit the length of your MPEG clips to just a few seconds, MPEG EX allows you to fill your Memory Stick with continuous video. For example, with the 128MB Memory Stick media you can record up to 85 minutes of nonstop MPEG video. Digital Still memory mode allows you to capture 1152 x 864 or 640 x 480 resolution digital still images directly onto Memory Stick media. Images are stored in the JPEG format providing easy transfer to PCs for emailing, printing, or sharing with family and friends. This feature provides the dual function of having one camera for video and still images, providing you with a whole new world of imaging possibilities. An 8MB Memory Stick is supplied to get you started.

Just Passing Through

The USB interface provides an easy way to connect your Digital Handycam camcorder to your computer for fast and easy transfer of your still images and MPEG movies. The USB interface provides even bigger benefits since it also allows USB streaming. This feature allows you to stay connected with family and friends by broadcasting live video with audio via the Internet. You can even play back your favorite recorded scene stored on tape. It's like having a web camera and video conferencing system built into your camcorder. With analog inputs and Analog-to-Digital conversion with Pass-Through you can convert and/or record any analog NTSC video source to digital video via the analog inputs. Analog NTSC video can also be passed-through the digital Handycam camcorder directly into a PC via the i.LINK interface in real time for easy PC editing of your analog footage.

Light it Up

With Sony's Super NightShot you can capture video in total darkness from up to 10 feet away. The Super NightShot 0 Lux Recording mode automatically adjusts the shutter speed to increase picture brightness and clarity. The Color Slow Shutter mode allows you to record in low light situations with full color detail by slowing down the shutter speed to give you the best color and detail possible. If lighting up the scene wouldn't spoil the mood of the moment, you might consider picking up an optional video light (sold separately). The Intelligent Accessory Shoe enables you to add video lights and other intelligent accessories to add even more performance to your Digital Handycam system.

Feel Free to Touch

The 3.5" SwivelScreen LCD display provides excellent viewing clarity and improved resolution, giving you an even better view of the action. To give you a great view from almost any angle, the 184K pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees. The images on this screen are so sharp and detailed that you can get a good look even from several feet away. You can actually step away from the camcorder and still monitor the recording, even get in on the action yourself. This LCD screen does more than just look good. Its "On-Screen" touch panel system allows you to navigate through the camera's menu system quickly and easily at the touch of the LCD screen. If you want to make spotting or following moving subjects easier, you can take advantage of the 113K pixel color viewfinder, which provides a sharp, color view of video subjects.

Included With Purchase

Power adapter/in camera charger, InfoLithium rechargeable battery, 8MB Memory Stick media, wireless Remote Commander remote control, 2 AA batteries, A/V cable, lens cap, shoulder strap, USB cable, LCD cleaning cloth, CD-ROM with USB driver (Pixela ImageMixer ver. 1.5).

Write A Review

Sony TVR-38 MiniDv (October 06, 2003)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(4/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: David W. - Washington, DC

The ease of use, the simple menu controls, and the large viewing screen make this a very tempting homepro-con device. If DVD is the goal, you won't find it hard to integrate into the Mac OSX or WinXP environments. Nightvision is ample, but with the Intelligent Mount, the range of adapters for expanding the IR light field is cheap and easy. Additionally, there are many products available for adding regular quartz lights as well. After testing this unit against several others in the current market 102003, I found this device to be the best all around. BUT! And all products get a BUT! The quality of the still pictures is not very good. I mean it's good enough to post to the web for grandma to see, but the still images aren't much for the discerning eye.