Product Description

The DCR-TRV80 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder doesn't just deliver exceptional-quality digital video, digital audio, and 2.0 megapixel digital still images. This unit also features BIP (improved Bluetooth capability, enabling peer-to-peer data transfers between Bluetooth products) networking, USB streaming, the revolutionary Carl Zeiss Lens T coating for a 70% improved reflection rate, and a sprawling list of powerful features and design elements. An added bonus is the new touch panel (with included stylus) that can be used to access the functions of the camcorder.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #82028 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Sony
• Model: TRV80
• Dimensions: 3.75" h x 2.80" w x 6.75" l, 1.90 pounds
• Display size: 3.5

Features

• Compact MiniDV digital camcorder with 2-megapixel imaging
• 10x optical, 120x digital, zoom with Super SteadyShot image stabilization
• 3.5-inch touch-panel color SwivelScreen LCD display; includes 8 MB Memory Stick for still image and MPEG1 capture
• Improved Bluetooth wireless networking capabilities
• NightShot O Lux infrared system with color mode for recording in total darkness

Amazon.com Product Description
Since MiniDV has entered the mainstream market, users can now demand extra features in addition to regular digital video performance. The Sony DCR-TRV80 is well equipped with technological additions, such as a 2-megapixel digital camera and wireless Bluetooth networking capabilities. The camcorder also features a 10x optical zoom, 16:9 widescreen mode, a 3.5-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 TRV80 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 TRV80 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 TRV80 features a huge 3.5-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 TRV80 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 TRV80's improved Bluetooth technology enables wireless peer-to-peer data transfers and Internet connectivity with an optional adapter or Bluetooth-enabled cell phone.

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 TRV80 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.

Customer Reviews

SONY DCR TRV80 very happy user
Bought the TRV80 the first week it was released. I have nothing but praise for it so far. Have been involved in "home" video since the late 1980's when the camera and recorder were separate units and weight was around 16 pounds total.

The TRV80's 2.1 megapixel imager is supurb. I wish the image stabilizer was optical as were my last two (Sony and Canon)camcorders but SONY's super steadyshot is not bad for a digital stabilizer.

I find that the 1600 x 1200 pixel still picture capabiliy of this camera gives up to 8 x 10 inch pictures of really good quality and with the 10x optical zoom very often no picture cropping is needed, like for instance if you use a 4 megapixel digital still camera with a 3x or 4x optical zoom and you have to crop the picture to get the desired final image. You can also take on-the-fly digital snaps while the video is running (at only 640 x 480 resolution however.)

I also do computer digital video editing using Adobe Premiere 6.5 and using the SONY TRV 900 settings in Adobe (until TRV80 settings are released)the camcorder plugged-and-played first try with beautiful quality and color.

Just returned from two weeks of using it in Hawaii from sea level to 14,000 feet on Mauna Kea volcano and am super pleased with the results.

Yes there are weaknesses.

First the memory stick can be accidently bumped during use and the memory stick can fall out (happened to me twice) and be lost (did not lose mine). It needs a safety catch. I am using duct tape now on mine.(Not pretty, but very effective)

Second the manual focus button on the lower left side of the rear can also accidently be bumped and if you do not catch the manual focus indicater being "on" in the viewfinder; you may well take a series of shots which are all out of focus.

Third the plastic cover over the I/O plugs has a VERY THIN plastic retainer so it does not get lost. I expect it to break every time I open it; although so far to SONY's credit is has not broken.

All three items are to be watched by the camera operator and do not detract from the excellent camcorder performance.

Would I buy it again? You bet! Is the price difference over the TRV70 worth it. With most control items being via touch screen on the LCD screen - the extra inch (3.5 inch for the 80 vs 2.5 inches for the 70) is worth every cent.

feature rich sony 2 megapixel camcorder
this is a power packed camcorder!
pros:
- other than the sony trv70, this is the only miniDV camcorder that has a 2 megapixel still camera built in.
- miniDV media is widely supported.
- nice big LCD screen: 3.5"!
- great connectivity options: firewire, USB, S-video, bluetooth, headphone, 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 LCD size (3.5" vs 2.5") and still camera capability (2.0 megapixel vs 1.0 megapixel).
- 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 sony's idea of a joke. 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.
nice work sony.

Satisfied User
I am technically competent, but a novice at video photography. Therefore, I spent weeks reviewing a a number of various cameras. I ultimately decided on the TRV 80 because of: the HAD technology, the 3 1/2 touch screen, the digital still, the still pop-up flash, along with the features rich capabilities of this camera. I have used it for about a week and have found it to be very easy to use. The controls are intuitive and the manual has been very easy to navigate. You should also consider the need for various accessoriies. I purchased it with a bundled package which included: tripod, 2 additional batteries, wide and telephoto lenses, case, tapes, cleaning kit, USB card reader, and a four year MAC parts and labor warranty. Add on package was less about two hundred seventy dollars and well worth it. Also spent a long time looking for editing software with good reviews. Settled on PYRO Digital Video, which indluded a 1394 PCI card and software compatable with the Sony camera. They have beginner, intermediate and Pro versions available. So far I am extremely pleased with the camera, and accessory packages. I am able to take great videos now and when I master the advanced features I'm sure the quality of the movies produced will improve. Highly recommend this product and suggest you consider the add on packages, especially the 4 year warranty.