The Top Choice For the Budget-Wary Digital Camcorder Shopper

Author's Rating:

Pros: Value, Durability

Cons: Missing Some Optional Extras

Author's Review
The Sony DCR TRV120 is the perfect choice for those who may
be looking to enter the digital camcorder market, but who may be
on a limited budget. The TRV120 has the perfect blend of
convenient features combined with great durability, all at an
extremely reasonable price (especially if purchased online)

Sony first introduced its first line of digital camcorders a couple of
years ago and since then has continued to remodel and improve
its basic unit. The TRV-120 continues in this tradition, offering,
among other things, a color viewfinder, 2.5 inch swivel LCD
display, as well as a nightshot setting which performs at
remarkable 0 LUX (recording in complete darkness).


Some base features which I find to be especially appealing about
the TRV-120 are:


Digital Photo Mode

This perk of digital recording allows people to save a good deal of
money by performing the same task as a digital still camera (albeit
at a reduced resolution).

While some may initially argue that you could just freeze frame a
traditional camcorder for the same effect, this is not entirely true.
The digital photo mode offers a couple of advantages. First, it will
automatically “mark” the spot on the tape where the photo is
stored, allowing for quick retrieval. Also, the digital format allows
for transfer to a computer.


Lithium Ion Battery

Remembering back to my childhood days once again, I can
remember vividly my father’s frustration at the limited battery-life
of his video-dinosaur. It always seemed that no matter what he
tried he would always run out of battery just as my basketball team
was mounting another 4th quarter comeback.


The TRV-120 makes use of the Lithium Ion battery system, which
with an investment in an upgraded battery (NP-F960) can offer
recording power for up to 12 hours, long enough to satisfy just
about anyone’s recording needs.


Digital Zoom

Consistent with most of Sony’s latest camcorders the TRV-120
comes equipped with a powerful digital zoom. While the resolution
drops rather dramatically the digital zoom does come in handy up
to around 250X.


Date Stamp

It is no longer necessary to remember to hit the date button while
recording. The date/time function can be activated during
PLAYBACK on the TRV-120. This comes in extremely handy
because you will never again have to ask, “when was that
again???” Nor will the date stamp get annoying if you accidentally
leave it on while recording.


The TRV-120 is reasonably priced at an Epinions list price of
$900, however there are several online sites which offer the
TRV120 at a significantly reduced cost. The lowest price I have
found is $695 at www.bestphotovideo.com. At this price I do not
believe the TRV120 can be beat for overall value in the low-end
digital camcorder market niche. Please not that I am in no way able
vouch for this site, simply to share the price information and site
address in order to keep possible consumers informed. Sony has an
extremely reliable track record in just about every electronic
department, and camcorders are far from an exception.