Sony DCR-TRV14 Mini-DV Camcorder

Amazon Customer Reviews

(5 out of 5)

Cracking starter model

This was my first venture into the world of camcorders and I don't think I could have picked a better starting place. It has a very simple layout which the beginner can easily master and start filming straight away. (Even the better half can use it!) Being a Sony product, it has a feel of quality to it and an extensive list of add-on extras allowing it to grow along with your skill and confidence. The touch screen facility is great and keeps the number of external buttons to a minimum. The menu system is easy to follow and packed with features to experiment with. An extra battery is required and I would recommend the starter pack (ACC-DVM) which gives you a case, battery and tape. This model does not have a memory stick slot for stills but you can record them on the tape. For the extra cost of a model with this facility it's probably better to spend the difference on a digital stills camera, which will give better results.

(5 out of 5)

Sony DCR TRV-14 Mini DV Camcorder

This is an excellent camcorder!!! It's incredibly easy to use due to the touch screen facility and its compact size makes it easy to hold (especially useful when filming on the move). The steadyshot helps noticeably when on full zoom and the sound is of good quality.
Overall a brilliant little camcorder!!!
There were only a few things I thought could have been better:
1) The editing software that was included was not very good as the images came up 'jumpy' and kept skipping, but you can just use MovieMaker!!!
2) The battery goes a bit quick. I bought an NP-FM50 as a spare and that gives me up to 3 hours of recording time, so its sorted.

If you want a cheap but good Mini DV camcorder then buy this!!!You won't be disappointed.

WiLL

(5 out of 5)

Wonderful Compact Camcoder

The picture quality is great.but the new feature is its compact size which is extraordinary its come inti your palm so easily..and I enjoyed the touch screen capability of this camcoder.But u need a higher capacity battery because the battery supplied was too small for me.

Overall A Masterpiece.

(5 out of 5)

All the features of a more expensive model

I bought this camcorder in December 2003 and I have been very impressed with it. Having spent a few hours researching the various models available I discovered this model which has most of the features that more expensive models have. In addition, the amazon price for this camcorder and all the accessories for it seem to all be much much lower than everywhere else!

I needed this camcorder for recording special events for output to DVD and I have been very impressed with the results. The only recommendation I would make is to use a FireWire cable (if your computer supports this) instead of the USB cable supplied as the USB quality is much lower.

Many reviews I have read have noted that the supplied battery has a very short life. I have found exactly the opposite, the battery will last over an hour and a half when fully charged. I have also read reviews recommending the model up. Having read about the differences, the extra connectivity of the TRV-19 is of very little use to me. Basically, it has a digital video input for recording back onto a mini DV tape. However, the tape cannot be played back through a normal VCR machine even with an adapter. It could be used for storing footage, but if you have a DVD-RW drive then you might as well just store everything onto the disc.

As for video editing software, I recommend Pinnacle Studio as it is inexpensive and easy to use (although not without some bugs, make sure you download the latest update patch). I have ordered a trial version of the professional version of this software and I am waiting to see how much more functionality the software offers compared to its much higher price.

So, overall, its a great camcorder, great features (including a great remote control) and its a Sony, so it should last for a fair while.

(4 out of 5)

Excellent Starter Model - DV-In an issue

No compliants for ease of use or quality. Agree that battery needs to be upgraded. Also agree that editing software is worse than poor.
Only problem is lack of DV-in, of course you should know this before you buy. Basically you are able to transfer video from the TRV-14 to a PC via USB or (if your PC has a port) i-Link (Firewire). The USB is v.slow, so Firewire is recommended. Once on your computer you can play around with the video and burn to disc if you are able but you will not be able to transfer back to the original tape as the TRV-14 does not support DV-In due to taxation of this feature.
If this is not an issue for you then this model is highly recommended, if it is then you need the next model up.