CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 05/21/2003
- Released on: 04/15/2003
Most important, the DCR-TRV19 cannot perform analog-to-digital conversion. It has an S-Video port like the rest of the family, but that's only for video output. If you want to use your camcorder as a conduit for digitizing VHS or Hi8 tapes, this shortcoming is a deal breaker. The DCR-TRV19 also lacks the ability to record still images and MPEG-1 movies to a Memory Stick, which is a key feature for many buyers. If you're one of them, look beyond both the TRV19 and the TRV20; the still images and the MPEG movies you get from their sensor are pretty poor-quality.
The last difference is mainly cosmetic: the TRV19 has a black-and-white viewfinder; the TRV20's is color. This isn't a major issue because you have to shut off the viewfinder and open the touch-screen LCD to adjust exposure, focus, and white balance. You can see your scene in color in the LCD, and all the viewfinder has to do is provide a decent view so that you can compose your shots, which it does.
If none of the missing capabilities matters to you, then you'll find the DCR-TRV19 an attractive competitor to Canon's ZR series. Otherwise, you'll need to explore camcorders further up the food chain, starting with the DCR-TRV22.
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