Don't miss another special event without catching it on video using this Hi8 camcorder. Equipped with a 2.5" LCD screen you'll see exactly what you're recording, or check it out through the black-and-white viewfinder. With the NightShot 0 lux rating, you can even shoot in total darkness. And the 20x Optical/460x Digital zoom brings far-away subjects up close. Other features include titling, video effects, easy dubbing, and more.
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In a world increasingly dominated by digital, Hi8 offers a refreshingly good format for home video. Despite the big press that MiniDV, Digital8, and the new MicroMV have been getting, many people still prefer the tried-and-true Hi8. It offers the highest quality outside of digital and is a good choice for everyday shooting. As long as you just want to document your family's life, and send videos to grandma, you aren't really giving anything up.
The CCD-TRV108 is Sony's introductory level Hi8 camcorder, and it offers an assortment of features that make it great for the average home videographer. With its 2.5-inch color LCD and 20x optical zoom, there's really no situation that the TRV108 won't shoot well. Especially when you add in the NightShot mode, which switches the camera to an infrared shooting mode.
In addition, the CCD-TRV108 offers a few fader and picture effects, as well as some titling options.
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Customers like the quality of the camcorder. They mention that it is a well kept and high quality product. That said, opinions are mixed on performance.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
7 customers mention7 positive0 negative
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the camcorder. They mention that it is a very good camera, it produces good video quality on Hi8 tapes, and it is reliable. Customers also say that it has the features they need to create great home videos.
"...This camcorder has all the basic features you need to create great home videos. Our results so far are very satisfying...." Read more
"I love the packaging and its a well kept camera...." Read more
"...You just can't beat its price and good quality for a Hi8 model." Read more
"...camcorder came earlier than promised and was packed well and in excellent condition...." Read more
9 customers mention6 positive3 negative
Customers are mixed about the performance of the camcorder. Some mention that it works well, while others say that it didn't function. Some customers also report that the cam corder wouldn't load the Hi8 video tapes and would eject them.
"...was our family's first camcorder and I'd have to say that it does its job wonderfully...." Read more
"Out of the box the Camcorder would not load the Hi8 video tapes immediately ejecting them. I, therefore, never got to use it...." Read more
"...Sometimes I use it as an electronic telescope because it is so powerful." Read more
This was our family's first camcorder and I'd have to say that it does its job wonderfully. This camcorder has all the basic features you need to create great home videos. Our results so far are very satisfying. The only drawback is that you must buy an extra battery AND a camcorder bag! These are essential accessories that you must get if you plan to travel with your camcorder. What I love about this camcorder is that it could automatically convert to 220V, which is great when you travel. There's also the nightshot feature. I guess what this lacks is the 'image stabilizer.' However, I heard that stabilizers may actually worsen the picture quality on Hi8 camcorders. Whatever the case, we are very happy with our purchase and would highly recommend this product. It's high quality by a great brand and it would last you til you upgrade ...
I was very pleased with the video camera. However, it had a problem which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Like my original camera, it wouldn't move the tape in any direction. More than that, the tape would not go all the way down and came back out. Then I noticed that a rubber roller (turned out to be the capstan roller) was loose at the bottom of the tape area blocking the tape from going all the way down. I shook it out, but the tape wouldn't move ... just like the problem with my original video camera. Upon looking closer at my original camera, I noticed the capstan roller was loose in it also but not in a position that didn't prevent the tape from loading. After finding the manual on-line, I saw where the capstan went.I know I wouldn't have been able to fix my original camera if I hadn't purchased my new cameral through Amazon. Since I just paid half of what the original camera cost me (which was already heavily discounted), I am very happy with the result. Further searching on-line revealed to me that this is a common problem with this camera. The solution was also revealed ... always have a tape in the camera, and the capstan will not get loose. I suspect that when the camera was mailed to me that it was working fine, but the rigors of the shipment probably knocked the capstan loose since it came with no tape insideSony CCDTRV118 Hi8 Camcorder with 2.5" LCD. I am very happy at this unusual experience, and continue to be delighted that I have had great results everytime I purchase anything from Amazon. The reason I purchased the 2nd camera is that I have a lot of tapes of my grandson (now 21) playing Little League baseball that I want to copy onto DVDs and now will take more videos of my younger grandson playing ball. One thing I've always loved about this camera is that it is easy to use, and it has a zoom to "kill for." Sometimes I use it as an electronic telescope because it is so powerful.
Out of the box the Camcorder would not load the Hi8 video tapes immediately ejecting them. I, therefore, never got to use it. As you put the tape into the camcorder and pushed the button to load the video it would then immediatly eject it without the ability to play the film. This happened with all tapes I tried and I tried about ten.
I love the packaging and its a well kept camera. I bought this for my dad because he loves watching his old tapes he has been recording over the years. Also I have no comment on quality and shipping of this item because the retailer did a good job on description of the package. Finally I am satisfied of this item and thankful had no faulty buttons or etc..... I am happy
After receiving the 460, it needed the battery charged. So I plugged it in in the morning. Gone for 6 hrs. Turned camera on and it seemed to function fine. However once unplugged, it would not work, and the battery failed to take a charge. Next, I tried my own tapes to see what was on them, and it failed to play ANY of them. I gathered it back together and repackaged it to return. Thanks JB Dunn
Hi8 is fast fading into oblivion as MiniDV takes over the world and gets cheaper. If you want good video quality, you should go with a namebrand MiniDV camcorder -- I recommend Sony, Panasonic and Canon. On the other hand, if you don't shoot a lot of videos and want something cheap, the Hi8 is still a good way to go. (I bought the TRV108 as a gift but tested it before giving it to my uncle-in-law.) To someone who's used to MiniDV camcorders, the TRV108 feels big. It's actually normal for a 8mm camcorder. The LCD screen is sharp and bright -- but as we shall see later, also a battery hog. The traditional eye-piece viewfinder is b&w, which is bad if you want to use it to conserve battery power. The TRV108 gives out good video quality on Hi8 tapes. I would rate it "high" for a Hi8 model, but even the cheapest MiniDV camcorders (except for Samsung) can match such quality -- plus they offer more bells and whistles. One nice thing is the inclusion of Sony's NightShot infrared technology -- now you can turn your lights off and make those ghostly videos like in Blair Witch Project and Silence of the Lambs. :) The TRV108 also includes a host of effects you can add to your video footage. One bad thing, though, is this model does not have the stabilizer. The TRV308 and other more expensive models include Sony's digital stabilizer. On the other hand, digital stabilizers degrade quality, so they work better on a digital camcorder than an analog one like the TRV108. Just make sure you have sturdy hands and arms. Now the battery. The battery is definitely a problem and you'll want to buy an extra capacity battery. While the LCD turned on, you'll run out of the included battery in a matter of minutes. You can save power by using the b&w viewfinder, but that defeats the purpose of having the LCD, doesn't it? One plus feature is the included AC adapter works at both 110V and 220V. If you have [the money], I highly recommend a MiniDV camcorder. Otherwise, make the TRV108 your entry-level home video making machine. You just can't beat its price and good quality for a Hi8 model.