Sony CCDTRV108 Hi8 Camcorder with 2.5" LCD

Don't miss another special event without catching it on video using this Hi8 camcorder. Equipped with a 2.5" LCD screen you'll see exactly what you're recording, or check it out through the black-and-white viewfinder. With the NightShot 0 lux rating, you can even shoot in total darkness. And the 20x Optical/460x Digital zoom brings far-away subjects up close. Other features include titling, video effects, easy dubbing, and more.

Digital video cameras have taken the spotlight recently, but for users who don't intend to transfer their video to PC, the now inexpensive analog cameras can make them an appetizing option. Sony's CCD-TRV108 Hi-8 can be had for less than $300--a steal for a Sony Handycam. It's not the most compact of cameras, but it can still be easily operated with one hand.

The lowest end of Sony's Hi-8 line, the TRV108 contains some excellent features for the price. Its NightShot infrared capability lets you film in total darkness--a feature missing on some more expensive competitor cameras.

The swiveling 2.5-inch color LCD makes it easy to frame your shots, and the 20x optical zoom (with 460x digital zoom) lets you bring the action in close. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery allows for a decent recording time of up to 160 minutes. For the long haul, the optional NP-FM91 battery pack promises over 15 hours of life on a charge.

Sony also includes a variety of basic effects tools, so you can slim or stretch the image, add fade-in and fade-out effects, and insert titles directly into your videos. The camera's dubbing feature controls 59 different brands of VCRs for fast and simple transfer of the video to VHS tape.

While analog quality can't compare to digital, the TRV108 still captures sharp video. The average user will be pleased with the picture for scenes such as a family reunion, but for more detailed subjects like distant nature shots, or if you plan to edit video on a PC, digital would serve you better but cost you more.

This camcorder would make a great gift for parents or other users simply wanting a way to record their memories in respectable quality. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• Good quality for analog.
• Very inexpensive
• NightShot mode

Cons:

• No light or accessory shoe
• A bit bulky

In a world increasingly dominated by digital, Hi8 offers a refreshingly good format for home video. Despite the big press that MiniDV, Digital8, and the new MicroMV have been getting, many people still prefer the tried-and-true Hi8. It offers the highest quality outside of digital and is a good choice for everyday shooting. As long as you just want to document your family's life, and send videos to grandma, you aren't really giving anything up.

The CCD-TRV108 is Sony's introductory level Hi8 camcorder, and it offers an assortment of features that make it great for the average home videographer. With its 2.5-inch color LCD and 20x optical zoom, there's really no situation that the TRV108 won't shoot well. Especially when you add in the NightShot mode, which switches the camera to an infrared shooting mode.

In addition, the CCD-TRV108 offers a few fader and picture effects, as well as some titling options.