Sony DCR-TRV27 Mini DV Digital Camcorder With 1-Megapixel CCD and 3.5" LCD

Author's Rating:

Pros: Picture quality, features, inputs, resolution, looks

Cons: Pricey, low light issues

The Bottom Line: 
At less than $900, the 1-Megapixel TRV27 is a good choice if you need a 1-Megapixel resolution CCD and a large 3.5" LCD.

Author's Review
The Sony DCR-TRV27 is a MiniDV digital camcorder that features 1-Megapixel CCD good for up to 1152x864 still resolution and a large 3.5” LCD screen.

MiniDV FORMAT

The camcorder uses MiniDV format tape (recording in DV digital video format). There are several advantages that digital recording gives you as opposed to analog recording (8mm/Hi8 or VHS-C)

1. The horizontal video resolution is higher than in consumer-grade analog standards (more than 500 lines vs. 400 for Hi8/SVHS or 240 for 8mm/VHS/VHC-C).
2. The tape itself does not introduce noise (video and audio) and while transferring to another device, no noise is introduced.
3. Because of this, the copies have the same quality as original (if made using digital FireWire connection).
4. Video in digital format is easy to transfer to your computer, easy to convert and edit as well as transfer back.
5. The Data Code is recorded separately from the picture and is useful for searching/editing.

PICTURE QUALITY

The camcorder’s 1-Megapixel CCD and Carl Zeiss optics help produce excellent picture quality with sharp object edges and vivid colors (provided there’s enough light). Keep in mind that in low-light conditions the TRV27 produces picture that is either lacking in color or noisy, depending on the Program AE setting or manual exposure control.

SOUND

The TRV27 has a built-in stereo microphone and uses Digital Audio Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) technology, which is also used in CD recording, with 12-Bit or 16-Bit mode. Audio is stored separately from video and you can use Audio Dubbing that allows you to add a stereo track of music or narration in 12-bit mode at SP speed.

OPTICS & ZOOM

The camcorder has 10x optical and 120x digital zoom and incorporates Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar optics for improved picture quality – the special coating reduces glare and increases contrast of the picture.

The camcorder’s Super SteadyShot image stabilization system can be employed to fight unwanted picture shake quite effectively. The 1-Megapixel CCD helps improve picture quality at high levels of magnification.

CONNECTIONS

The TRV27 has an A/V in/out (analog stereo audio, composite video and S-Video), L (LANC) Editing Interface, i.Link® Digital Interface (also known as FireWire, IEEE1394) - a two-way input/output that carries digital audio, digital video and control signals to compatible digital VCRs, edit controllers and computers (most importantly).

With FireWire connection you can edit your video by getting a computer equipped with an FireWire interface and editing software. E.g. Pinnacle Systems’ Studio DV (less than $90), which includes a 3-port FireWire PCI card, a cable and editing software.

Studio DV as well as other similar packages allows you transfer your video form the camcorder to your computer and back, edit/convert it, as well as control the camcorder’s playback from your computer.

The camcorder also has an analog-digital converter (ADC) that converts an analog signal you pass through the analog input into digital form. This way you can either record it on the MiniDV tape in digital format (for archiving purposes) or send it through the FireWire (i.Link) interface to your computer, compatible VCR, digital camcorder or another device (analog-digital pass-through).

This way you can make a DVD or CD recording of virtually any video signal – be it analog or digital. You can record it on a DVD if you have a DVD-Recorder or make a Video CD with a CD-R/W drive. Even better, you can make an XVCD (eXtra Video CD) if your DVD player plays them (many DVD players do) at up to 720x480 resolution and higher-than-VCD bit rates (I use up to 2500 Kbps). The use of variable bit rate (VBR) can allow you fit more on one disc with better picture quality and less MPEG artifacts.

LCD

This model features a large 3.5” LCD (cheaper models have 2.5”), as well as the color viewfinder. The LCD has excellent visibility in sunlight and the color viewfinder can be used to conserve battery power when you don’t need the convenience of the LCD.

MODES OF OPERATION

The modes of operation are: VCR, OFF (charge), camera and memory. When the mode switch is on VCR position, you can see your material and transfer it to another device. The VCR control buttons are located under the LCD; to access them, the LCD has to be open.

In “camera” mode you can shoot video, You can use “Edit Search” to look through the material to find the insertion point, or use “End Search” button to find the end of your last recording.

You can also snap digital still pictures at 1152x864 or 640x480 resolution (button on top of the camcorder) in “Memory” mode and store them on the MemoryStick. Majority of camcorder functions can be controlled by the remote control in all modes.

WEBCAM

Another use for this camcorder - the camcorder can also act as a webcam through the USB connection at 320x240 resolution. Why would anyone use it as a webcam escapes me.

FEATURES

The TRV27 has two (not one but two, unlike cheaper models) cupholders with adjustable temperature control. Their deployment is motorized and you can use the supplied remote control to operate them. Very convenient – you can make some videos and drink your soda at the same time. OK, I am being silly… Let’s get back to business.

The camcorder has 6 modes of program AE, manual focus and manual exposure in addition to automatic ones (the manual focus is controlled by the ring around the lens). The manual exposure can help you avoid overexposure (as well as lower the video noise in low-light situations).

The picture effects are present along with several A/V fader modes and 16:9 recording. The menu control button and other buttons (VCR control, etc.) are located under the LCD.

The top of the camcorder houses the NightShot switch. You can also shoot in the dark with Sony’s NightShot and Super NightShot™ modes. The switch allows you switch between “color slow shutter” and “nightshot” modes and a separate button engages Super NightShot.

The NightShot works in complete darkness detecting infra-red light, the latter improves the brightness of the picture and uses lower shutter speed. The built-in Infrared light can be turned on for clearer picture up to 10 feet away. NightShot is very useful feature if you plan to send some videos with funny raccoons shot at night to Planet’s Funniest Animals. However, the raccoons are sold separately and may deplete your food supply quickly. If you purchase an optional raccoon, you should seriously consider purchasing another camcorder accessory – the refrigerator of higher capacity.

REMOTE

The camcorder also comes with remote control that gives you access to advanced VCR functions as well as shooting functions. The remote does not allow you to control the optional raccoon.

MEMORY STICK

You can shoot digital still pictures and store them on a supplied 8Mb Memory Stick. You can use the supplied USB cable and software to transfer images to your PC, edit and store/catalog them. The MemoryStick can also store short MPEG clips at two resolutions (320x240 – up to 1 min 20 sec; 160x120 – up to 5 min 20 sec).

BATTERY

The camcorder uses an InfoLithium® battery, which lasts about one hour if you use the LCD. You can conserve the energy by using the color viewfinder instead (this will give you about 20 extra minutes) or getting a battery of the larger capacity (you can also get a larger MemoryStick and other accessories).

The approximate remaining power can be seen in minutes on the camcorder's LCD or viewfinder with AccuPower™ feature. The Stamina® Power Management lowers power consumption and extends battery life when camera is not in use.

BOTTOM LINE

At less than $900, the 1-Megapixel TRV27 is a good choice if you need a 1-Megapixel resolution CCD and a large 3.5” LCD.