dkozin's Full Review: Sony Handycam DCR-TRV33 Mini DV Camcorder
The Sony DCR-TRV33 improves on the Sony DCR-TRV22 by upgrading to a 1-Megapixel CCD. With the 1-Megapixel CCD, the digital still photos can be taken at up to 1152x864 resolution. Other features include a supplied 8Mb Memory Stick, a color viewfinder and analog inputs, including S-VIdeo.
Why Choose Digital Camcorder?
This model is a digital camcorder and has several advantages over analog models. Even though analog camcorders are cheaper, the price difference is not as large as it used to be.
Advantages of digital camcorders:
1. Better picture quality with better detail level – the horizontal resolution is higher than in analog camcorders. In 8mm/VHS-C analog camcorders, the picture quality is limited to 240 lines of horizontal resolution, with Hi8/S-VHS-C to 400. Digital recording achieves more than 500 lines.
2. No video noise or “color bleeding” is produced by the tape itself.
3. Since the recording is digital, the quality should not decrease over time.
4. Video from digital camcorders is easy to transfer to a computer, convert and edit, as well as output back on the tape.
5. The copies have the same quality as original (if the copy is made using digital connection – i.Link a.k.a. FireWire, a.k.a. IEEE 1394).
The TRV33 uses MiniDV tapes, the industry standard and the most commonly used digital video format for camcorders today. Sony also produces Digital8 camcorders, but Digital8 may only be viewed as means to decrease the costs (the tapes cost marginally less) and provide backward compatibility (they usually play Hi8 and 8mm recordings in addition to Digital8).
In case with TRV33, you also can convert your older analog recordings into digital format, since it has analog inputs. And you even can use it as a high-resolution VCR, which will rival a DVD recorder in terms of picture quality (but not in ease of use). In fact, I myself use a Sony digital camcorder to record TV shows off my DirecTV receiver with quality far exceeding that of even my SVHS VCR.
Picture Quality
Even though many camcorder manufacturers brag about more than 500 lines of horizontal resolutions in their digital models, the 500 lines is just a spec from the MiniDV standard, so one should not assume that all digital camcorders will feature such a high resolution. Also, the claims of “all-digital recording” that “features no video noise” apply to the recording process, but not necessarily to the camcorder’s optics, CCD sensor and electronics.
The resolution and picture quality in the digital camcorders are usually limited not by the medium or recording format, but the CCD, optics and electronics of the particular camcorder. Not all camcorders are created equal in these areas. The TRV33 features high quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar optics and a 1-Megapixel CCD and produces very sharp and clear picture with vivid colors. The edges of objects are well-defined with good visibility of small detail and low video noise.
On a matter of video noise: some reviewers complain about video noise in low-light scenes when using different camcorders. Many negative reviews (for any somewhat complex electronic device) are caused by the lack of knowledge on how to properly use the device. If reviewers read the manual or asked somebody how to properly use the device, it would definitely help. In case of camcorders, the use of the, appropriate for the lighting conditions, programmed auto exposure (AE) ensures that there is no video noise caused by overexposure. Many people don’t bother to change the AE setting, which may result in video noise. I would advise using the “Sunset Moon” AE program in this model in low-light conditions.
Sound
The TRV33, like other digital camcorders, uses Digital Audio Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) – same basic technology that is used in CD recording. The built-in stereo microphone is adequate for speech and you can connect an external microphone to the camcorder’s microphone input or to its Intelligent Accessory Shoe.
Zoom
The TRV33 model features 10x optical/120x digital zoom with Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens for improved picture quality by means of special coating that reduces glare and increases contrast level. The image stabilization system called Super SteadyShot is employed to fight unwanted picture shake. It is especially helpful when shooting from a moving vehicle or while walking as well as at high zoom levels.
The 120x zoom number may pale in comparison with numbers like 400x or 720x seen in some other camcorders’ advertisement. Those large numbers, however, represent digital zoom, which degrades picture quality to a point where it is absolutely impossible to use. What matters more is the optical zoom and the 10x optical zoom the TRV33 delivers is more than enough.
LCD Touch Panel Screen
No modern digital camcorder can be imagined without an LCD screen (which simplifies the picture framing, allows you see what you are shooting as camcorder points anywhere and even let the subject see itself on the screen while the recording is in progress) and the TRV33 is no exception. It has a 2.5-inch LCD screen, which is touch-sensitive and allows you control the camcorder’s menus with a touch as well as adjust exposure, focus and other parameters. This allows the TRV33 to have less buttons and be easier to use (in some areas of functionality).
The color viewfinder can be used to conserve battery power when the LCD is off. The camcorder looks quite sturdy and does not feature as many buttons as the previous models, thanks to the use of the touch panel LCD screen. The more expensive TRV38 model features a larger 3.5-inch screen.
Connections
The camcorder has an A/V in/out (analog stereo audio, composite video and S-Video) as well as an L (LANC) Editing Interface (provides standardized connection for synchronized operation of camcorder, VCR, and edit controller). The analog A/V input allows you record from analog sources for editing or archiving purposes.
The A/V input and output happen through the same connection (same for S-Video), which is inconvenient if you want to use the camcorder as a high-resolution VCR also (which I do), but it saves space.
The TRV33 also has an i.Link® Digital Interface (a.k.a. FireWire, IEEE1394), which is a two-way input/output that carries digital audio, digital video and control signals to compatible digital VCRs, edit controllers and computers (if equipped with an i.Link/FireWire port).
Computer software for video editing not only allows you to transfer your video form the camcorder to your computer but also edit it (add music/narration, scene transitions, titles, etc.) and output it back to the tape (using i.Link/FireWire interface).
The camcorder also has USB jack. The USB jack can be used to output digital still pictures to your computer as well as to use the camcorder for live or recorded MPEG streaming to your computer (only Windows-equipped computers).
A microphone input and a headphone output are also present. In addition, the camcorder features an “Intelligent Accessory Shoe” on top, which accepts a range of different auxiliary devices: photo printer, microphone, video light...
Digital Still Camera Functionality
The TRV33’s 1-Megapixel CCD lets you take digital still photos at up to 1152x864 resolution and record them on the Memory Stick (the 8Mb Memory Stick is supplied). This can be done in both standby and video recording mode. You can also record still pictures on the Memory Stick from the tape while the tape is in the playback mode (in original size or enlarged using PB Zoom).
You can also record short MPEG video clips on the Memory Stick at 320x240 or 160x112 resolution. The clips’ quality is quite bad because of the low resolution. You can use them for email or web posting.
Features
The camcorder has 6 modes of programmed AE, manual and auto focus, picture effects and digital effects, several A/V fader modes as well as 16:9 recording.
You can also shoot in the dark with Sony’s NightShot and Color Slow Shutter. It works in complete darkness detecting infra-red light. The built-in Infrared light can be turned on for clearer picture up to 10 feet away. The picture will be monochrome in NightShot case or color when using Color Slow Shutter mode.
Battery
The TRV33 uses an InfoLithium® battery. The supplied NP-FM30 battery lasts about 30-40 minutes if you use the LCD (35 extra minutes if the recording is continuous). You can conserve the energy by using the viewfinder instead (this will give you about 15 extra minutes) or getting a battery of the larger capacity.
Playback is less demanding and you can play your videos on the LCD screen for more than one hour. The full charge time of the battery is 2.5 hours.
The Stamina® Power Management lowers power consumption and extends battery life when camera is not in use. The approximate (quite accurate) remaining power can be seen in minutes on the camcorder's LCD or viewfinder with AccuPower™ feature.
Bottom Line
The Sony DCR-TRV33 provides excellent picture quality and features for a very reasonable price. Highly recommended (but see if you need a battery of better capacity).
PriceTool.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources,
so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
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