Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony DCR-TRV14 Mini-DV Camcorder

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.

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

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.

With my daughter growing up fast i thought it was about time i invested in a camcorder after borrowing everybody else's,and i am not dissapointed with this little belter from sony. Fits into your hand perfect, excellent touch screen functions and so easy to use,hardly need to read the manual at all.
nightshot is far better than expected, standard battery is a bit weak only lasts about 100mins so i bought a higher spec battery and thats problem sorted. Far better spec and build quality than equivelent JVC or SAMSUNG(u get what u pay for).
If you don't want to shoot Hollywood blockbusters then this is the one to buy.

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.