Sony DCR-TRV480 Digital8 Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom
July 6, 2010 by Guest Author
Filed under Camcorders
- 1/6-inch CCD imager with 460K (gross) resolution
- Digital8 format records digital audio and video comparable to MiniDV on affordable Hi8 tapes
- 20x optical zoom with SteadyShot picture-stabilization system
- 2.5-inch SwivelScreen touch-panel LCD
- Super NightShot Plus Infrared System captures natural-looking video in low light
Product Description
The DCR-TRV480 Sony Digital8 Handycam(R) Camcorder is for camera buffs who want to go digital but still keep their old tapes. This versatile camera plays all your old 8mm and Hi8(TM) video tapes, while capturing Digital8… More >>
Sony DCR-TRV480 Digital8 Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom
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There is currently a known issue with many of the Sony Camcorders. This is being called the “black screen of death”.
What happens is that the camera works great for 1-2 years then the CCD goes out like a light. The camera will not take video again.
Sony is evasive if not downright deceitful about this issue when you call tech support. The fact is Sony does not stand behind their product. If this happens to you, Sony will not own the defect and you will be out hundreds of dollars.
There is a lengthy thread on CNET on this issue. Search for Sony black screen.
Wishing you luck in the purchase of your (not Sony) video camera,
Scott
Rating: 1 / 5
Great features and great technology but as usual with Sony, it’s junk. Sony products just don’t last. I had mine for one year. Needs video head now. 264 dollars to repair. Previous Sony camcorder stopped ejecting tapes after one year. 185 dollars to repair. If you buy Sony, you better get the extended warranty. Dealers won’t stand behind what they sell if it’s out of warranty. They know it’s junk. I have learned my lesson. No more Sony products.
Rating: 1 / 5
I am still discovering the many incredible features of this camera. From the touch LCD screen to the excellent picture, I am wonderfully surprized how much I LOVE this camcorder!! I would do it all over again!
Rating: 5 / 5
We purchased this camera for the sole purpose of conversion of archival Hi-8 footage to digital output for DVD creation. The beauty of this camera is that it has the backward compatible features to accomplish this task effortlessly!
Rating: 5 / 5
On the product site it says, “…camcorder may not be recognized by the computer when connected. In this case, check to see if there is an updated driver available for your model.” There are no device driver updates available for this camcorder beyond XP. So, if you want to run it on any PC with Vista or Windows 7, that PC will not recognize the camera. When trying to install the camera software, Vista will block it and recommend getting an updated driver from the Sony site. Do that and you will see the quote above, and agree with this WARNING. This most likely applies to all Sony digital tape camcorders. So, be careful out there! Can’t imagine spending $500 on this, either. I purchased mine in 2005 for $280.
Rating: 1 / 5