19th Nov 2005
Sony DCR-TRV80 Mini DV Camcorder
Sony DCR-TRV80 replaces TRV50 and together with DCR-TRV60 and DCR-TRV75 to be the world’s first Mini DV camcorder to possess 2 Megapixel image resolution. Step up from DCR-TRV70 - 3.5″ LCD Screen and Bluetooth Technology.
2.1 Mega Pixel CCD produces outstanding video with up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution. Actual Video Pixels 1,080k versus 970k on the TRV50.
TRV80 also captures quality still images of maximum 1600 x 1200 resolution, whereas the DCR-TRV50 has a maximum still image resolution of 1360 x 1020 pixels.
DCR-TRV80 features a 10x optical, 120x precision digital zoom. Pecision digital zoom interpolation technology means that extreme digital zooming is cleaner, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.
Sony DCR-TRV80 is provided with 3.5″ touch panel LCD screen, with 184,000 pixels (TRV50 - 246,000 pixels). On screen touch panel system allows you to navigate through the camera’s menu system by touching the LCD screen, using the supplied stylus. Especially good are the spot-metering and spot-focusing functions, which you can operate by touching the screen area (object) that you’d like to meter or focus upon.
Camcorder’s precision color viewfinder incorporates 180,000 pixels. Increased pixel count provides more detail and clarity of video subjects.
Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens offers an advanced multi-layer coating system, resulting in less glare and lens flare compared to other systems.
Focal Distance: 4.5-45mm. 35mm Conversion: 52-520mm (Camera Mode) and 39-390mm (Memory Mode).
Thanks to 2.1 Mega Pixel CCD, Progressive Recording Mode enables DCR-TRV80 camcorder to record at a rate of 25 progressive images per second (compare to 15 images of previous cams) and store them as interlaced video.
You can connect this camcorder to the Internet for PC-free networking. The Network function allows you to browse the web, send and receive email messages (with attachments) or upload digital still images and MPEG1 movies stored on Memory Stick media to Sony’s ImageStation storage site.
Connect to the Internet with the optional (UNA-PSTN) hardwired analog phone line to USB Network adapter or wirelessly through Bluetooth technology to compatible Bluetooth modems or cellular phones (Compatible ISP required). AOL compatible: AOL members can enjoy networking features listed above with the exception of receiving email.
The Basic Image Profile BIP (another difference from DCR-TRV50) feature allows you to exchange images wirelessly to other BIP compatible devices (i.e. printers, computers, and camcorders) for transfer without a cabled connection. BIP also allows the camcorder to be controlled remotely from another BIP-equipped device, allowing the controlling device to act like a remote viewfinder whereby simple shooting functions such as zoom, tilt, pan and the record function to be controlled via the wireless connection.
USB Streaming allows you to stay connected with friends by broadcasting live video with audio via the internet.
Sony’s digital storage medium Memory Stick allows storage of still or moving images, as well as digital audio and other text or command information. The DCR-TRV80 supports the new Memory Stick PRO formats (MSX-256, MSX-512 and MSX-1GB), while DCR-TRV50 does not.
Manual controls include focus (via the focus ring around the camcorder lens), zoom, exposure (Touch Panel - 24 Steps), white balance (Touch Panel - Indoor, Outdoor, Hold), and shutter speed 1/4-1/4000 (Program AE Mode).
By setting the focus to manual the focus ring can be turned to achieve a more accurate focus in dark situations.
Another great feature - Expanded Focus Indicator. While using the manual focus ring, the camera automatically adjusts to 2x magnification, allowing for extremely accurate focus adjustment.
Sony DCR-TRV80 provides two recording modes, 12 and 16-bit audio. 12-bit creates two sets of stereo tracks, and 16-bit mode offers one pair of stereo tracks. Audio dub capability allows you to add an additional 12-bit stereo track to your original recording.
Low light perfomance, again thanks to 2.1 Mega Pixel CCD, is better than those with smaller CCDs.
With Sony’s NightShot infrared system you can capture video in total darkness (0 lux) up to 10 feet away. Super NightShot 0 Lux recording mode automatically adjusts the shutter speed to increase picture brightness and clarity. Color Slow Shutter mode allows you to record in low light situations with full color detail by slowing down the shutter speed.
When you need more light for your photos there is a built-in flash unit that can pop up automatically when it is needed and automatically adjust itself for the proper flash intensity based on focal distance.
DCR-TRV80 analog inputs feature a built-in Analog to Digital converter that will convert your analog video/audio to a digital signal that can either be recorded to tape or passed through the i.Link interface to a compatible computer.
And again I should mention usual downside of the majority of Sony camcorders: the tape loading mechanism is located on the bottom of the camcorder, so it is impossible to change tapes when the DCR-TRV80 is mounted on a tripod.
Conclusion
Enough to say that Sony DCR-TRV80 is better than indeed impressive DCR-TRV50 (slightly cheaper).