Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony DCR-TRV245 Digital8 Camcorder

This is my first camcorder, so I can't claim to be a seasoned expert, but I've go no complaints so far.

The machine is intuitive, the buttons well positioned, the picture quality is great. Having only ever used a digital camera with 3X optical zoom before, the 20X blew me away. The best feature for me is the USB interface - no need to by an expensive firewire connection, just plug it into the USB port, install the drivers (*see footnote), and software and you are away. You can operate the camera from your PC in order to convert your footage from the camera into Mpegs using the free ImageMixer software. This free movie editor tool is fun, useful and easy to use. You can edit clips, sequence them together with an impressive array of transitional effects and convert the whole thing into one big Mpeg. It even lets you create Video CDs (like DVDs but you can get about 30mins footage on a CD), with menus, cycling music etc. Nice.

All in all, we purchased this camcorder to record life's finer milestones and look forward to using it, putting together 30 minute video albums on CDs to post to our far-flung families!

* (Note: Windows XP warns you it is unsafe but I proceeded anyway with no ill effects - I trust Sony)

I did my research before buying this product. I didn't want to pay the earth for a digital camcorder, but I wanted good connectivity and features. I did order, cancel, order, consider, compare, contemplate the options and finally decide to stick to my decision.

The camera took rather a long time to get to me (over a week), but when it did I was absolutely delighted with the results [I got a free camcorder case with it and, despite the case requiring re-ordering, I got the case before the camera!]. The USB streaming is very convenient and a very good feature when you are using computers all the time - as I am. I am pleased I also have access to a fireware cable as I think the results will be much better than from the USB.

I was put off by some of the reviews and technical information and feared that when the tape was replayed on video it would be poor. Yesterday I had cause to use this feature for the first time. It was really, really easy to do - just plugging in an adaptor (supplied with the camera) into my video player and attaching the adaptor to the camera (by another lead provided with the camera). The results were excellent - I was really delighted by the crystal clear picture quality - I can't judge the sound quality on it

I am sure that other people will disagree with me but I have found the camera first rate. It has excellent picture quality, good features and excellent optical zoom (I never use the digital zoom anyway) - as well as being from a trusted brand name and being under £300. I did find it cheaper elsewhere but decided to get it from Amazon because there was no need to buy adaptors etc - for £15 less I would have had to buy an adaptor and a £15 camcorder case. I feel I made the right decision.

An impressive product.

I had been looking for a reasonably priced, easy to use camcorder and that is exactly what I got. I placed my order for the Sony DCR-TRV245, Cassettes, Firewire Card and free case on a Sunday afternoon and, although I received it in three separate deliveries, the whole order had reached me by Wednesday of the same week.

The instruction manual is clear and concise and, following the initial charge, I was recording within minutes.

All in all, I would say it is a great buy for an amateur who is looking to record those special family moments.

I ordered this on Friday afternoon. To my complete surprise it turned up on my doorstep the following morning less than 24 hours after I had placed the order.

This is my first camera so so I didn't know what to expect. There seems to be quite a lot of camera here for the price. The zoom is better than I expected. I've only used the optical zoon so far and it really lets you get in close.

The Nightshot mode is fun. With the lamp off in a completely dark room you see nothing in the viewfinder. Switch on Nightshot and a couple of infrared emitters on the front power up and hey presto your in business recording footage in perfect darkness.

The pull out colour screen works well, is crystal clear and can be tilted and turned for comfort.

All in all, very pleased with it so far! And nothing much worth moaning about. Although I cant see the protective plastic flap that covers the USB / S Video ports ect lasting long. Very flimsy!

This is a good buy for ones who would like to capture those precious moments like holidays, kids growing up, family occassions etc.

Incase you are a professional then you would probably look for a better model than this one, but for personal and family use, I feel this is the best. It fits your budget surprisingly and also gives you the maximum output,very good features and very user friendly.

Perfect for me....