Sony CCDTRV308 Hi8 Camcorder with 2.5"LCD and Video Light

I just got the CCD-TRV-308 camcorder & it is awesome!! The only thing is is that you cant edit your film on your computer you can just play it back. I give 4 - 4 1/2 stars

I've been trying 2 buy a video camera 4 the past 6 years (ever since my first monster bought in 1990 died). I finally bit the bullet since this camera seemed so reasonable & so highly-rated. I'm happy with every aspect of this camcorder. The bells & whistles are surprisingly complete, & it's so lightweight that I can (and do) spend the entire day with it in my hand.

One caveat...a wide angle lens would be a smart purchase. It's difficult 2 get far enough away from the action & still hear what is going on.

We purchased this camcorder 4 the holidays, selecting the CCDTRV308 over the CCDTRV108 due 2 it's added features such as image stability & auto-light. It arrived within three days - amazing! With my son's birthday coming up at the weekend, & the speedy delivery, it was a real test as 2 whether I could read the manual & become comfortable in the camcorder's use before the big day. The instructions are clear, concise & easily referenced.

We chose official Sony cassettes 4 this first run 2 ensure optimal picture quality & compatibility. Image quality is excellent, but we did notice that it performs better after it has 'warmed up'. This might be due 2 cassette stability or electronics temperature, but in no way detracts from this product's quality. Fade in/out options are excellent & with the 'cinema' setting gives your production that 'ER' feel.

I suspect that upgrading 2 a higher capacity battery may be a next step, but it lasted through the kid's party with ease. About 30 minutes of shooting remained, even though we used the LCD the whole time.

Title use is a little confusing, but you do get the option of creating two custom titles in addition 2 the standard fare.

The tripod was prepared, just in case the weight of the camcorder became tiring, but it was not needed. The lightness of these new camcorders over the ones of yesteryear makes life much easier, & is not burdening.

We researched considerably, before purchasing this product, which is no guarantee of success, but I have no hesitation in recommending it 2 those considering a Hi-8 camcorder.

If you want nothing more than a really good camcorder 2 take basic videos, the Sony CCDTRV308 is the way 2 go.

It's probably the best Sony Hi8 camcamcorder you'll get without all the bells & whistles that let you download video on 2 your PC.

It has a few great features like NIGHTSHOT (which allows video in virutal darkness) & STEADYSHOT. Also, the 20X zoom works really well. (Don't be impressd by the 460X digital zoom-- on any camcorder; the image becomes more blurry the closer you zoom in with it.)

You'll probably have 2 get another battery, as the one the Sony CCDTRV308 comes with will only last 4 about an hour or so when using all the functions (LCD screen, stop & start REC). I recommend buying the NP-QM71; it lasts between 4 & 6 hours.

BUT (A VERY BIG BUT), If you want 2 anything more than basic VCR editing, get at least a MiniDV, especially if you're willing 2 spend between $500 & $1000. I was willing 2 drop $500 4 a MiniDV because I wanted 2 easily edit my videos, but I wasn't willing 2 spend another $500 2 upgrade my PC 2 accomodate the large amounts of data.

Otherwise, the Sony CCDTRV308 is a great Hi8 camcorder 4 basic video recording & little or no editing.

Price & function are two of the main reasons I now own this camcorder. I have webtv so I can capture all of the stills I need & do it quite easily & without software & a computer.Keep it simple stan is definitly my mantra & this camcorder helps me do just that. More functions & options would just go 2 waste & be confusing.It is light & ergonomic & I got a free tripod & camera bag with mine at circuit city. I wouldn't buy electronics on line again (been there done that). A longer battery life would be all I would ask 4 .

The Sony CCD-TRV308 Hi8 Handycam Camcorder keeps your memories alive in full color, excellent detail & great quality sound. It features the popular Hi8 format that makes your videos look & sound incredibly real. SteadyShot Picture Stabilization reduces the effect of camera shake, so it keeps your videos moving smoothly even if you're in a car or on a dance floor. Built-in light, Nightshot, 20x optical, 460x digital zoom & 8 picture effects make your home movies more exciting. The 2.5" Vision LCD screen swivels so you can always see what you're recording. Sony's Easy Dubbing function makes recording 2 your VCR & adding titles 2 your videos simple - just press the Easy Dub button! Whether you're recording a birthday party, your vacation or little league, Sony's CCD-TRV308 delivers amazing images.

In a world increasingly dominated by digital, Hi8 offers a refreshingly good format 2 shoot in. Despite the big press that MiniDV, Digital8, & the new MicroMV have been getting, many people still prefer the tried & true Hi8. Hi8 offers the highest quality outside of digital & is a good choice 4 everyday shooting. As long as you just want 2 document your family's life, & send videos 2 grandma, you aren't really giving anything up.

The CCD-TRV308 is Sony's midrange Hi8 camcorder, & it offers an assortment of features that make it great 4 the average home videographer. Sporting a 2.5-inch color LCD & 20x optical zoom, there's really no situation that the TRV308 won't shoot well. Especially when you add in the NightShot mode, which switches the camera 2 an infrared shooting mode, & SteadyShot image stabilization, which helps eliminate those annoying shakes that accompany high zoom levels.

In addition the CCD-TRV308 offers a few fader & picture effects, as well as some titling options.