Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #57820 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Sony
• Display size: 2.5

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 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

Amazon.com Product Description
The DCR-TRV33 is a spectacular option for those looking for great video and stills in a compact camcorder. Offering a 1.0 Megapixel CCD imager, this high quality camcorder delivers 10X Optical/120X Digital Zoom and Carl Zeiss optics for incredible picture clarity. Featuring1.0 Megapixel (Gross) Advanced HAD CCD Imager MiniDV Recording Ultra Compact Design Professional Quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar Lens 10X Optical/120X Precision Digital Zoom MPEG Movie EX Mode: Unlike earlier MPEG1 Movies, MPEG Movie EX will allow you to record uninterrupted to the full capacity of the Memory Stick media. For example a 128MB Memory Stick will record up to 85 minutes of non-stop MPEG1 video. USB Streaming: Stay connected with family and friends by broadcasting live video with audio, via the Internet with the USB interface.

You can even playback your favorite recorded scene stored on tape. It's like having your own web camera or video conferencing system. i.LINK(1) DV Interface (IEEE1394): A high-speed bi-directional digital video/audio communication between two compatible devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, including camcorders, digital VTRs, capture cards, and PCs. Progressive Shutter System: A mechanical shutter system that provides Progressive Scan performance while utilizing an interlaced scanning system, digital still images will be sharp and clear with excellent definition. InfoLithium Battery
When the action rolls, you need the power to capture it. Smarter batteries help you prepare. Sony InfoLithium Batteries communicate with your Handycam camcorder's AccuPower meter, telling you how much shooting time remains. And because they resist "memory effect," Sony InfoLithium Batteries do not prematurely reduce recording time. It's a smart way to be ready for action.

Megapixel Performance
Of all the world's consumer camcorders, Sony was the first to break the megapixel barrier. Working with high-resolution recording and high-precision Carl Zeiss or 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).

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.

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.

Super Nightshot 0 Lux System
Low light? No problem. Absolutely no light? No sweat! Now you can capture video even in total darkness (0 lux). Sony's NightShot system uses infrared light to capture images invisible to the human eye. You can shoot subjects like sleeping babies up to 10 feet away in total darkness.

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

The MiniDV Format
MiniDV, the most common type of digital camcorder, records video using the standard DV-format. It's the preferred format for broadcast-quality video, and it is also highly regarded for its high audio and still image quality. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. Tapes come in lengths of 60 and 80 minutes at standard speed (SP), with use of lower speed mode (SP) increasing time to 90 and 120 minutes while reducing resolution.

Customer Reviews

An excellent camcorder in a power packed package
I would like to give my opinion and view on Sony TRV33 model. I know how important a review of a product

is. After a month of research on camcorders, I had two options Canon ZR70MC or a Sony TRV33. Both of these

models had their own good and bad points. But ultimately I bought the TRV33 because of the following

reasons which I think clearly surpassed Canon.

Pros:
1. Clear, crisp and detailed video.
2. Best Image quality when compared to Canon.
3. Excellent low-light performance when compared to Canon.
4. Mind blowing Nightshot in total darkness, though in Greenish tint.
5. Carl Zeiss Lens definitely has proved its name and quality.
6. Image quality when downloaded on PC using a USB 2.0 was "excellent" both indoors and outdoors.
7. The 1.0 MB still pictures are OK but not fair, best for sending an email.

Cons:
1. 10x Optical, but I did not get a chance to use beyond 10x. Technically anything beyond 15x Optical

would produce shaky video unless on a tripod.

... If price is a constraint, I would request my readers to also check the TRV22, but

purchase with a long term perspective and image quality and optics matter a lot when deciding on a

camcorder. Sony truly shines in that aspect.

Good camcorder hunting !

Yet another excellent Sony digicam
I've owned a number of Sony digicams (most recently the PC110) and decided to upgrade for some new features like analog pass-through (hook a VCR up to the camcorder to capture directly to your computer). I first tried the TRV70, but returned it and got this one instead. The 70 is a very different camera...considerably larger and with much better stills, but more expensive. I decided to go with the 33 because I wanted something smaller. The digital stills from most camcorders aren't going to be anywhere as good as from a halfway decent digital camera, so not a reason to pay a lot more. I got the same size LCD touch screen (a nice new feature!) and one thing I like about this model over the 70 is that the zoom is not so fast! The 70 has the same kind of zoom control, but it's very touchy and it's very hard to do a gradual zoom. The 33 allows much better control. Well, unless you have a need to do really fast zooms. I prefer to have one that does not. I find this is particularly important if you want other people to use the camera...anytime I gave someone the 110 to use, they had problems with that touchy zoom! This is an issue on a lot of Sony camcorders, I really wish they would correct it across the board.

Image quality is good and I personally don't have problems with motor noise, it's pretty typical for camcorders this size. The 10x zoom is decent, I looked at the Canons that were 20X zooms, but their image quality was not as good. The touch screen is great for features like spot focus and metering. I find it a lot easier to use than the myriad of buttons all over the camera that most models use.

Another new feature is the ability to quickly check the battery life on the camera without powering it up. I've sometimes thought it was charged when it was not and missed being able to film as a result, so this will be a lifesaver! The Sonys are great about telling you how much time is left on the battery and the tape.

Overall, an excellent camera I would highly recommend.

Great Camera, Great Features
I read all of the reviews here and went through exhaustive research before I purchased the TRV33.

First, the infamous buzzing noise. This had me very nervous since it appeared to be the one constant complaint in these reviews. Yes - when you operate the camera there is camera noise. There also has been camera operating noise on every other camcorder I have owned over 15 years. It is no different from any other camcorder. As far as recording noise goes, if your footage is in a dead silent environment, then yes, the noise is slightly audible. Not annoying, not a "loud buzzing", just slight mechanical noise. If there is any amount of background noise in your footage, the "buzzing" is not noticeable at all. As a matter of fact, I edit footage in Final Cut Express on a Mac, and the noise in so slight that it doesn't even register on the audio meter.

Having said that, I will let you know that the features are fantastic, the camera is easy to use (I shot footage and transferred to my Mac through Firewire without even reading the directions) and the video footage is great. The LCD Touch Screen is fantastic as well.

The only negative thing I noticed so far is that when the footage was captured to the Mac it seemed to lose some of its clarity. When I hooked it up to my TV via composite video and played directly from the camera it rivaled DVD quality. But when I captured it to the Mac it seemed to be more jaggy and the colors we darker. I haven't burned a DVD yet to see how the final product looks, and there may be some settings I can change as well - but other than that this is one fantastic camera!