Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony CCDTRV308 Hi8 Camcorder with 2.5"LCD and Video Light

I recently purchased this camera and have been very pleased with its performance. When weighing out the decisions of which camera to buy, it can be very confusing. Which format should I choose? Hi-8, Digital, MiniDV? All of these can seem confusing. For the novice cameraman this camera provides a perfect blend of form and function. The LCD screen is large and vibrant and provides for an easy way to see what you're filming without haveing to peer into a viewfinder.

The only drawback of this camera is that the battery life tends to be pretty short-lived. However, you can purchase an extended life battery which comes in handy if you want to record for extended periods of times. One extremly useful feature of this camera is the light, which really works well at night. Also, a really cool feature of this camera is the ability to shoot in complete darkness (via an infared filming capability).

In a nutshell, if you want great quality and extreme affordability this camera is for you.

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

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

It has a few great features like NIGHTSHOT (which allows video in virutal darkness) and 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 to get another battery, as the one the Sony CCDTRV308 comes with will only last for about an hour or so when using all the functions (LCD screen, stop and start REC). I recommend buying the NP-QM71; it lasts between 4 and 6 hours.

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

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

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

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

I suspect that upgrading to 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 to 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, and is not burdening.

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

This camera is great. It is awesome for running around with your kids, and taping soccer games. Its one of the best camcorders I have ever had.I highly recomend this for all families and for kids that just want to make movies with their friends.Once again its a great camera and anyone interested in this camera should buy it and keep all the memories and good times of the past very close to their hearts.

I recently purchased this camera and I'm very satisfied with it. I find the quality of the pictures with this camera as good if not better than anything else without going to digital. It is very comfortable to hold and the controls are easy to use. I highly reccomend this product to anyone looking for a top quality camera at an affordable price. Nice going Sony!