However, after just 4 months of use, the camera started not keeping a charge. I discovered the problem to be that the camera would go into play mode on it's own from the off position and drain the battery. (Switch remains locked in the off position, but camera is on and able to play tapes)I was also unable to charge the battery for the same reason.(Battery will not charge while in play mode even though plugged in)

The Sony warranty had expired (They have a very short warranty period) but I had purchased an extended warranty so my camera was relpaced.

Now, my replacement camera is exibiting the same problem. I would greatly discourage buying this camera... this problem renders the camera virtually useless.

I have discovered this is a known problem on other Sony Handycams...


It's worth what it is   October 9, 2001
 4 out of 6 found this review helpful

I bought this camera 3 months ago. It's great to have it 2nd-hand... It is easy to use, stable, small enough to carry with convenience. I have focussed on the mid-noon sun with maximum exposure and everything turned dark after that but after a few hours of rest, it could work properly like before. One thing I don't like is that you need a tripod when in closest zoom-in because you can never have steady hands to keep the picture not shaking. It does not have an LCD so you have to keep your eye on the color viewfinder. However, it's worth what it is. With [the money spent], I can't expect to get any greater camera. So it's a good job for less and I am happy with it. If you have more money, better buy a more modern model which has LCD for example.


Easy to use   April 17, 2001
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

I needed to record my classes for certification. I couldn't wait for one to become available in the media center.

I found the Sony CCD-TR517 to be nice to my checking account and nice to me. I found it easy to set up and use.

The instructions manual is very user friendly.


The Greatest and Most Simplest Camcorder On The Market   February 25, 2001
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I had a JVC GR-DV1 digital camcorder in 1997. Unfortunately, it broke. And I didn't have enough money to buy another digital camcorder. So 4 years later, I decided to get the Sony TR-517.

This 8-mm camcorder doesn't have all the features as a digital does, but it has a whole lot more exciting features than the Canon or Samsung 8-mms.

Features: special effects(e.g. pastel, neg. art, sepia, black- &-white, mosaic, solarization, slim, and stretch)

4 faders(black, stripe, monotone, and bounce)

6 Program AE modes( I don't know the names of them, but they make your picture look beautiful)

Pre-set titler/make-your-own titles

And don't forget about the XR(eXtended Resolution), which gives the camcorder up to 280 resolution lines. While the Canon and Samsung 8-mm cams make your home movies look washed out and grainy, the Sony TR-517 sharpens the look of your movies.

If you buy the Sony TR-517, you'll be buying:

THE GREATEST AND MOST SIMPLEST CAMCORDER ON THE MARKET!!!


High-quality camcorder   December 11, 2000
 32 out of 33 found this review helpful

I purchased this camcorder a few weeks ago. I wanted a high-quality, up-to-date camcorder, but was not interested in paying over five hundred dollars for digital. It is extremely easy to use, and is high quality. I have never used a camcorder before, and this took me just a few minutes to learn. I have had no problems with it to date. The sound quality is wonderful when you play it back on the TV. If you are looking for the Sony brand, and don't care about not having all the extras, then this camcorder is for you.

Pros: durable, small, light, and easy to use.

Cons: no LCD screen, no image stabilizer