Sony DCR-TRV280 Digital8 Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom

This camera is a great bargain & so versatile.

The optical zoom is incredible. I was able 2 film a drowning swimmer being rescued down on the beach from my 12th floor apartment!

Not only is this an excellent camcorder, it also makes a great webcam when connected 2 your computer with a Firewire cable

The USB streaming is useless: 4 some reason it won't let you record the audio track over USB even though it installs an audio driver when you plug it in, & the camera will go into standby while it's in use if you're not recording or playing the tape, so I recommend sticking with Firewire.

Note that if you buy this camera, keep the application CD that comes with it in a safe place. Sony does not offer drivers 4 download 4 this camera & when you call tech support 2 request them, their customer care doesn't know where 2 get them either. I was only able 2 find them by scouring random seedy websites.

One of the best features of this camera is that it records digitally on standard Hi-8 video tapes, which saves you a lot of money over the more expensive digital tapes. This is the only video camera in the world that does that.

Another great feature of this camera is its onboard stereo microphone. You can use this camera as a digital sound recorder by recording the sound & then dumping the video 2 your computer & extracting the audio track over Firewire.

I've had two of these cameras & I will buy another if something happens 2 the one I currently have.

I'm not sure why the ratings are so high on this camera [...]. Perhaps because the camera is pretty ok, 4 home-use only outdoors. I am on this site searching 4 a new camera because I produce online television shows, as a hobby. My budget is low, so I need an affordable camera (under $500), with professional-quality video. If such a thing exists. The Sony DCR-TRV280 IS NOT IT!

I've tried all sorts of tricks & can't get rid of the grainy (webcam) quality, nor the poor color in normal indoor lighting situations. The sound is just ok. For me, there is NOTHING spectacular about this camera, especially if you want 2 use it 4 more than just webcam or basic home video purposes.

Once unplugged, the battery life is short (2 hours, tops!) 4 the battery that comes with the camera. I suppose this could be addressed by purchasing a larger battery.

I am of normal female strength. After a while, my hands & arms are shaking from holding the camera. Something lighter is ideal, otherwise dont forget the tripod.

I do like the connections on this camera, except no jacks 4 headphones or mic. And no accessory jack either. The light is cute as an extra, but not very powerful. Wish it had more connections & features.

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Picture quality is great! It downloads easily 2 computer. It may take longer than the newer digital memory recorders but you can still get this 4 a great price & in many cases the picture is better than the new hard drive models.

We purchased a Sony DCR-TRV280 camcorder in hopes of playing our old 8mm videocassettes & capturing them on our computer via its firewire connection. The tapes load into the 280 just fine. It does have firewire output. Unfortunately, it cannot play the original 8mm format. Sony's names 4 its various 8mm videocassette formats escape me. Perhaps the original 8mm format did not have a name. Anyway, the original is what we have & the 280 cannot play it. So, we're trading in our 280 4 a Sony DCR-TRV-460 or -480.

This camcorder it's not bad, it came on time. but if you want 2 playback Hi8 tapes you better get another one cause this one won't play them, it only plays Digital8 tapes.

Now you won't miss a moment on those special occasions when you "do-it-in digital". Sony's new DCR-TRV280 Digital8 Handycam camcorder gives you incredibly clear videos, night or day. Thanks 2 the easy access record & zoom buttons on the LCD frame & the special SteadyShot feature that reduces the effect of camera shake, your videos are always smooth even if you need 2 move as you shoot. NighShot plus uses infrared light so your camcorder catches all the action, even in total darkness. And when you make the move from director 2 editor, Sony's Picture Package software & USB Streaming let you record, edit & send your movies 2 family & friends, whether it's via e-mail, video CD. Or you use the new "Click 2 DVD" feature with select Sony VAIO computers 2 preserve your memories forever on DVD. Make the move 2 movies & enjoy the results with the easy-to-use TRV280 Handycam camcorder from Sony.