Digital 8 Camcorders Digital8Camcorders.com is your one-stop source for information about digital 8 camcorders.

1. 

   DJ
   May 23rd, 2010 - 23:00

   Aside from the hoopla over its dock, 16 x 9 “WS” mode and so-called “24p” scan effect, Sony made the biggest blunder imaginable — it eliminated the headphone jack with this camcorder and with it, a huge chunk of the prosumer/high end consumer camcorder user audience.

   Basically, there’s no way to gage even basic audio levels with this camera. if you’re recording an interview, how do you know the audio isn’t peaking? If you want to test playback audio, how can you without hooking this thing up to a TV?

   Sony’s R&D were flat out stoned the day they overlooked this feature; either that, or completely and utterly naive. They should look at the closest matchbox competitor — the Canon Optura’s — and learn a thing or two about headphone jacks and audio levels….
   Rating: 2 / 5
2. 

   Michael Castello
   May 24th, 2010 - 00:52

   Okay, so I don’t have a lot of prior experiance for comparison but this camera was easy to use right out of the box and the more I learn how to use it the better it gets. Some people have faulted its small size but I love the fact that I can slip it in my pocket. It takes good quality video and the stills have been okay. As long as you don’t blow them up too much the stills are fine, as good as I’ve seen on a lot of other 3MP cams.
   Rating: 5 / 5
3. 

   Steve
   May 24th, 2010 - 02:32

   I have had this device for about two years, and I am generally happy with it. The camcorder specs for video resolution are excellent (at least for one that was designed a few years ago). It is small enough to fit in a coat pocket or even a pants pocket of baggy pants, so it can go places another larger camera would be left behind.
   
   The digital stills have disappointing quality. They seem to be better in good sunlight, or in a closeup indoors, but they are not comparable to what most people get from a digital still camera. One person told me that, although the stills are supposedly 3.0 MP, their quality is closer to what a 2.0 MP still camera would give. As explained to me, the problem apparently is the imaging device — what works well for video does not work well for stills, and vice versa. Even as of August 2007, there are no combination cameras that do a great job on both video and stills.
   
   My solution was that I eventually bought a Nikon Coolpix S10 6.0 MP digital still camera for taking stills where I want really high quality stills. The Nikon will also take video, but it is poor quality.
   Rating: 4 / 5
4. 

   M. Lodge
   May 24th, 2010 - 03:26

   I have had this camera for about 2 months now and really have had no problems with it. I love the size. It is small enough to fit in my jacket pocket while skiing. Takes awesome pictures movies, even during extremely bright conditions while skiing. I have used this camera indoors as well and find it to do a great job. I love being able to film in widescreen mode and play movies back on the widescreen tv. The pictures are extremely clear. My only problem is with the whole docking station / charging the battery issue. I would suggest buying an extra battery charger / ac cable or a travel charger so as not to have to unhook all of your cables from your computer every time you travel. Overall, I am very happy witht his camera and would definately buy another one if the need arose.
   Rating: 5 / 5
5. 

   Lihkin
   May 24th, 2010 - 06:25

   I bought this item a couple of days ago in Hongkong (its already released here) and have had the chance to play around with it. I got this in HK for around US 1190 together with a tripod, 5 DV cassettes and a camcorder bag (promotion going on). The video quality is outstanding. The base is a boon as u can attach the S video, firewire or USB cables to it and then simply place the camcorder into the base to charge or transfer the files to the PC. I would like to say that be careful regarding the LCD. In brightly lit rooms (like showrooms where I bought mine), if the LCD has any dead pixels (whichs shows up as a bright dot)you will not be able to see them. So do cover the LCD with your hands, cover the lens with the shutter cap and then carefully check the LCD for dead pixels. (You should carry out this check after the Camcorder has been on for a minute or so to allow the dead pixels to show up). The lens is perfect and you have the option of buying attachments for more creativity. All in all its an outstanding product with great features (love the night shot mode). Highly recommended if you are willing to spend this kind of money on a camcorder.
   Rating: 5 / 5

Leave a comment