Sony DCR-TRV480 Digital8 Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

I have tried to use as many features of my camera as i can so that I can make sure that I have gotten my money's worth from the purchase and i have much in the way of unexplored territory left with my camera. This is a fine example of a high quality Sony product that is certainly worth the higher price tag that you find on it. The features included make for convenient video editing on your pc with excellent picture quality and sound in a very lightweight package that, for me, is just the right size and weight. If you do not want to go with the high definition or hard drive camcorder expense and technology yet but want about as good as it can get with Digital8, this is perhaps one of the best choices out there. I looked for several months before choosing this one and would certainly hope that others look around extensively as well since this is certainly no drop in the bucket for most people. It does very well for our family needs at special occasions and gatherings, kids' games, and trips.

I needed a good Camcorder to video classes at seminars and I needed a Sony trv 480. I found it on Amazon.com. I ordered it and received it with in a week. It was in good condition and work well. I had a good purchase through Amazon.com, and when I need something else I will look to Amazon.comDR John FarmerTag Suggestions (click to add):camcorder, sony dcr, digital 8, digital8, photography, video, sony camcorder, dvd camcorder, dvd recorderSony DCR-TRV480 Digital8 Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom

I have bougt this camcord for playing old hi8 tapes two months ago and tryed it yesterday. Unfortunatly when played it only showed plured images and very noisy screen and no sound. I need explenation from the seller to why is he selling me a product that he claimed it to be in very good condition.

This is my third Sony digital 8 camcorder (yeah, I know...dropped one and the other fell into the river while filming kayaking).I keep coming back because: 1) I love the format: digital 8 tapes that are compatible with regular 8mm tapes. You have most all advantages of digital, and I can play/review all the years of tape I recorded on standard 8mm. (For example: camera records timeline on the tape so the correct date/time will always be associated with each scene.) Additionally, while digital 8mm tape may not have all the resolution of other digital formats, its file size is much smaller when tranferred to the computer (and I find the resolution to be fine). 2) Sony has done a nice job with the concept and improved it with each subsequent model.This model's biggest change is the 'touch screen' menu. The menu shows on the lcd screen and you touch your way through the options. It's handy and responsive -- it also leaves a lot of fingerprints on the lcd.One of my favorite features is search. It will quickly take you to the end of the recording on the tape so you can pick up right where you left off after reviewing previous scenes. With the remote control, you also have access to date search. It's very nice to press a button several times and be taken right to the scene you wanted.The camera has a nice feel in your hand. It's easy to hold and keep steady. The one caveat here -- and it's probably my biggest complaint about the camera -- is the location and feel of the zoom control. While the camera's designed so your hand is at the side while holding for filming, the zoom control is on the top. It's almost impossible to work the control smoothly while holding the camera in a regular grip. It's hard to believe they found this placement acceptable while designing the unit. This most recent iteration has a somewhat improved zoom control switch, but the placement is the same and just as awkward to use.Unit has a small filming light that's helpful in a few situations, but not for major night/dark situation filming. It does have 'night shot' mode, if you don't mind watching everything in a green tint. (Note: this latest model also has "super" nightshot mode, which is supposed to provide a better night picture. I haven't tried it yet.) Also includes a 'backlight' button to compensate for backlit subjects.Camera accepts a standard Sony memory stick which you can use to capture stills (either directly through the camera, or from film you've already recorded) and short mpeg snipets (depending on how big a memory stick you use). I make standard 4x6 still prints from shots taken with the camera and they look decent (though not what you'd get with a high res digital still camera).One feature I haven't used yet (but I'm anxious to try) is 'spot focus.' You can maintain proper focus on the object you want, rather than having a general autofocus system shift the focus to something else.Camera has a lot of editing type features (like adding titles and transitions), though I prefer to read the tapes into the computer and do my editing with Adobe Elements or Microsoft Movie Maker. Attaching the camera to a computer via firewire cable (not included with camera) makes everyting incredibly easy. If you simply want to download stills or mpegs you've recorded on the memory stick, you can attach to the computer via the included USB cable.Basically, if you're novice to semi-advanced video maker, it would be very hard to beat this camera in terms of quality, features, and ease of use.

I have not even recorded 4 full tapes and am already having problems.On Thanksgiving I got the camera out and started recording. About 2 minutes into recording I got a message telling me to reinsert the tape. I did just that but still got the same message. I tried 4 new tapes but it still didn't work. After about a half an hour of trying to figure out what was wrong I got a whole new message telling me the head was dirty and needed cleaned. I had no head cleaning tape because I had only used the camera about 5 times. 5 Times and the head is already dirty, what a pain plus since it was Thanksgiving where was I suppose to get a head cleaner?I have been to darn near every store in my area and have yet to find a head cleaner. I know I can get one online but I do not now, nor will I ever buy things online.I have 1 more store to try.I have a Hitachi VHS camcorder that I purchased in Germany back in 91' and it still works plus I used to use it as a VCR for about a year. Looks like I will go back to using that big ole thing instead.

Sony usually produces a god product. However, within four months of purchase we began having problems. First was over brightness compensation as if night light feature was on constantly. Turning the camcorder off and on again several times would finally reset the unit to properly function. Then two months after that the camcorder intermittently would stop excepting tapes even though more then half the tape had played. Ultimately the unit would not accept a tape even though it was a previously recorded on the camcorder itself.

Needed replacement for 8mm handycam . This camera definitely does the job. Also user manual is available on line

I bought this to replace the one I had. I use it to watch and convert home movies made during the days of Tape cassettes. This model plays both Digital 8 and Hi8 cassettes and has digital connections to allow easy conversion to digital media via USB.Using a USB connection, you can stream a tape into your computer software (Sony Vegas XXX, Cyberlink Director XX, Nero XX etc) and save, label; and you're done. No need for extra connections for the red, white and yellow cables of analog signal.