Sony Handycam DCR-TRV280

Description: The Sony Handycam DCR-TRV280 is a Digital8-based, home-movie camcorder.Compared to other home-movie camcorders on the market, it is expensive at around $900.It comes with Sony Picture Package software.This camcorder weighs 1.8 pounds and has a sensor resolution of about 3 megapixels.

Pros: Provides manual focus control, whereas many camcorders have only auto-focus.Its 20x zoom lens provides a longer telephoto range than most other camcorders.

Cons: Has only a 2.5-inch viewscreen.This camcorder lacks a remote control, which can be handy for video playback.

Suitability: A home-movie camcorder, suited for family use.This camera's built-in light will make it easier to film in dim environments.

Value: Overall, this camcorder's price seems a bit steep, with respect to its features.

Suggestions: For more help selecting the right digital camcorder, visit CNET Reviews' buying guide.

CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.

• Manufacturer: Sony
• Part Number: DCRTRV280

• General

• Product Type Camcorder
• Digital Zoom 990 x
• Effective Sensor Resolution 2.9 megapixels
• Total Pixels 4.6 megapixels
• Optical Sensor Size 1/6"
• Optical Sensor Type CCD
• Min Illumination 0 lux
• Analog Video Format NTSC
• Digital Video Format MJPEG
• Special Effects Slim, Sepia, Mosaic, Pastel, Stretch, Monotone, Negative Art, Solarization
• Image Stabilizer Electronic (Steady Shot)
• Video Head Qty No
• Digital Scene Transition Stripe, Black fader, White fader, Mosaic fader, Monotone fader
• Min Shutter Speed 1/60 sec
• Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec
• Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
• Shooting Programs Landscape, Spotlight, Beach & ski, Sports mode, Portrait mode, Sunset & moon
• White Balance Automatic
• White Balance Presets Automatic
• Exposure Modes Program, Automatic
• Camera Flash None
• Webcam Capability Yes

• Main Features

• Color Support Color
• Still Image Format JPEG
• Remote Control None
• TV Tuner None

• Memory / Storage

• Flash Memory None
• Floppy Drive None
• Media Type Digital8
• Recording Speed LP, SP

• Lens System

• Type Zoom lens - 2.5 mm - 50 mm - F/1.6-2.4
• Focal Length 2.5 mm - 50 mm
• Lens Aperture F/1.6-2.4
• Optical Zoom 20 x
• Lens system type Zoom lens
• Interchangeable lens No
• Min focal length 2.5 mm
• Max focal length 50 mm
• Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
• Filter Size 37 mm
• Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 42 - 840 mm
• Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
• Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive

• Additional Features

• Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
• Digital Still Camera Function Yes
• Title Generator Yes
• Search Modes End search, Zero search
• Built-in Light Yes
• Additional Features Auto power save, Demonstration mode, Backlight compensation, Digital noise reduction, Display brightness control
• Time Code Yes
• Remote control None
• Software Drivers & Utilities, Sony Picture Package
• Included Accessories Lens cap, Camcorder shoulder strap

• Viewfinder

• Viewfinder Type LCD
• Viewfinder Diagonal Size 0.24 in
• Viewfinder Resolution 90,000 pixels

• Display

• Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.5 in - Color

• Digital Player (Recorder)

• Type None

• Microphone

• Type Microphone - Built-in
• Microphone Features Wind noise reduction

• Connections

• Connector Type 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire/i.LINK), 1 x USB, 1 x DC power input

• Audio Input

• Audio input type Microphone
• Microphone type Built-in
• Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
• Microphone Technology Electret condenser

• System Requirements for PC Connection

• Operating System Support MS Windows ME, MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000, MS Windows 98 SE, Apple Mac OS X 10.1.5 or later
• Peripheral Devices USB port, CD-ROM drive, IEEE 1394 port

• Miscellaneous

• Carrying Case None
• Cables Included A/V cable, USB cable

• Power

• Power Device Power adapter - External
• Battery type - Lithium ion

• Battery

• Supported Battery Sony NP-FM30
• Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 700 mAh ( Included )

• Manufacturer Warranty

• Service & Support 1 year parts and labor warranty

• Viewfinder / Display

• Display Form Factor Rotating (270°)
• Display Format 123,000 pixels
• Viewfinder Color Support Black & white

• Physical Characteristics

• Width 3.3 in
• Depth 5.9 in
• Height 3.9 in
• Weight 1.8 lbs

Sony

Manufacturer profile

• Website: http://www.sonystyle.com
• Address: 16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA. 92127
• Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
• Email: contact@sel.sony.com
• Fax: 941-768-7790