Overall I am happy with the camera and recommend it for purchase.
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.
-you will need a better battery if you plan on using this camera for longer periods of time. The sony web site has plenty of batteries and has the camera accessory compatibility guide so you don't buy the wrong things.
-the software bundled with this camera is a throw away. If you want to edit and create great family video you will want to go with better software. There are so many software titles. You may want to research a few, to tailor to you editing needs.
-many people complain about the included memory stick. They are right it's crap you will need at least 32mb and above to take advantage of the still camera capability of this camera.
-this camera as with any camera functions best with a clean lens. Be sure to cover your lens at all times when not in use. And clean it with the recommended lens cloth.
-the camera dose not come with a protective bag you will need to get one. The bag you get should reflect what you will use this camera for. If your just going to shoot vacation and family video you will need a lighter bag. If you take it hiking and mountain climbing you will need a more heavy duty bag. Make sure to take note of the camera's width, height, and depth to make sure you get the right sized bag.
-always use the included neck strap when ever possible. It will prevent the camera from falling on the ground and breaking should you happen to slip.
-as with all electronics keep this away from liquids they don't mix well.
some features:
-this camcorder has a 2.5inch lcd screen. for some bigger is better, if you want bigger go with the TRV-80 which has a 3.5inch lcd screen.
-this camera comes with video out ports, a headphone jack for private listening. It also features an s-video port for connecting to newer TV's and VCR/DVD players (s-video provides better viewing quality) You will have to buy an s-video cable.It comes with the standard USB port and wire. It also has a firewire port (you will have to buy the firewire separate). It has a 10x zoom, touch screen display (which I think is neat).It has a 2mp digital still camera function as well. So you can take digital still pictures.
I'm sure i'm missing some features. Read some other reviews to get some more professional views.
4 Stars
Hope you enjoy your new camcorder.
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. :-)
