Sony Handycam DCR - TRV18

The Sony DCR TRV18 Mini DV Camcorder has been a reliable work horse for me. I have taken it on Vacation for the past 3yrs I have owned it and it has never failed me. The picture quality is Very Good and the audio quality is excellent. This camera has very low motor noise and very quick auto focus. It is above average in low light (5 Lux) and Superb in Outdoor Sunlight!

It is light weight and compact but is a little bulky compared the the latest crop of Sony DV cams. I am using a NP-FM50 battery that lasts over two hrs per charge and, considering a DV tape only lasts 1hr in the best SP mode, I have never been short of power. I previously owned a Canon, but the motor noise was so great (you could hear on the tape), I quickly got rid of it and bought this Sony. I guess I can sum it up by saying It's Easy to use, Picture Quality is Great, Motor Noise on Tape is minimal, and the size is comfortable.
Oh yea, the Price was very reasonable too!

Negatives? Well... the still capabilities of this camera are strictly for emailing purposes or for web site creation only. It's not intended to be a still camera replacement anyway.

If you can find a good deal for one on Ebay Go for it! you will not be sorry!

I went through 9 video cameras before I decided to stick with this one. I needed to be able to video tape motorcycle races and take still pictures at the same time. I was unable to use 2 devices for this fast paced sport and could not afford a process time on the stills. This camera takes still pictures and puts them directly to the memory stick with NO interuption of the video mode! Other cameras had a very quick .0025 blank spot to process in which I would have lost sight of the rider. I own 2 identical DCR-TRV18 cameras, and rely on both of them fully. I have been able to make poster size prints out of a few of my still shots, but the best size for this camera is 4X6 and if you take as many pics as I do, you can get some pretty good 8X10 even with the low mpg. for still pictures. Perfect for the average use!!! Great for the photographer! And a blessing for the sports photographer. Being an older model, make sure the seller has kept up on the extended warranty and has had the camera cleaned and maintained regularly, I send my cameras in every 6 months just for a checkup. This vid cam has many great features, some which I never used, I liked the fade effect, end tape search, title adding, ease in making DVD movies on the PC, (in fast forward, you can still see your video), developing stills off of the memory stick, and the size which is not too small or too large but fits fine in one hand, the New smaller ones are more shakey to do fast paced video, in my opinion. I recommend this camera 100% as long as it has been taken care of by the owner.

I WISH THIS SELLER HAD POSTED THE PREVIOUS AUCITON FOR THIS ITEM AS HE HAS POSTED FOR THE NEW AUCTION FOR THE SAME ITEM HE IS SELLING...

THERE WAS NO WHERE WRITTEN THAT THIS CAMERA DOESNT COME WITH, NOT ONLY NO CHARGER, NO BATTERY, NO CORDS, NO NOTHING...

I WAS SO SAD.. BUT ITS OK, I BELIEVE IN KARMA.. :) I JUST HOPE THE BEST FOR YOU, THIS IS IN NO WAY A NEGATIVE FEEDBACK... I M JUS POSTING MY THOUGHTS AND MY LOSS ABOUT THE ITEM I PURCHASED... THANKS ALOT FOR SHIPPING IT LATE. :)

I think the older format using tapes or cd's are much more user friendly than the more modern camcorders.I love the features on the Sony. Night shot is a hoot when you live in the country. It also fits in my hand. The new camcorders are too small for my big hands. We bought a new JVG camcorder for town meeting use. Only the person that bought it can run it. Sometimes it just sits there on its dock station and we use the older(but easy to use Sony).Maybe the men today have girly hands. My cellphone is another example that smaller is NOT better(ask any woman) For men with working hands the buttons are too small.

What a sharp little camera. It's a perfect fit for those wanting to start up a business or just to capture the special moments in life. It's light weight and features make it easy to handle and use. The steady cam feature is also top quality. I used it to record traffic on a tripod in my car and there play back was great. It rarely moved even on bumpy roads. I'm sure like everything in life there are some draw backs, but I haven't come accross one yet. I own a few cameras and this one is now one of my favorite mini DVD recorders.

I love the small compact size and the super night shot with the built in Infrared. This also works well with an IR flashlight. On the down side, the picture gets fuzzy when you pan while in super night shot mode but is very clear when stationary. The pic is very good while in normal record mode. I love the fact that you can attatch a light on top for the low light conditions. Light weight and easy to use.