Sony DCRTRV260 Digital8 Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom

Sony DCRTRV260 Digital8 Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom From Sony This item is not available for purchase from this store. 9 new or used available from $133.99 Average customer review:  (23 customer reviews)

Product Description

You'll love the portable power of this Sony Digital-8 Handycam camcorder. A hefty 20x optical zoom lens, a 2.5 SwivelScreen LCD display and NightShot Plus zero-light recording system are packed with other great features into a sleek, stylish package. Other features: SteadyShot function; easy handycam button; USB streaming; i.Link interface; stamina battery power management system; program AE (auto exposure) modes; picture effects; fader effects; built-in white LED light; photo mode; and manual focus.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11718 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Sony
• Display size: 2.5

Features

• Digital8 Handycam camcorder and digital still camera with 460,000-pixel CCD
• 20x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 990x) with Super SteadyShot image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch rotating LCD and black-and-white viewfinder
• Low-light recording settings, built-In white LED light, and manual focus
• NP-FM30 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery

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Editorial Reviews

From the Manufacturer
From the Manufacturer Who says you can’t afford digital? Sony’s DCR-TRV260 Digital8 Handycam camcorder gives you digital recording at an analog price. It features a huge 20X optical zoom lens, a big 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD display and the NightShot Plus zero-light recording system, all in a stylish, ultra-compact design. It even includes USB streaming capabilities, which transforms your camcorder into a webcam. Best of all, it records digitally on inexpensive 8mm and Hi8 video tapes, making it the perfect camcorder for anyone stepping up from analog.

	Digital8 Video Recording: Digital8 recording format delivers 3X the color bandwidth of VHS with significantly less video noise providing stunning video performance. Digital8 records digital audio and video comparable to MiniDV on affordable Hi8 tapes.		With a press of theEasy Handycam button, most of the advanced functions of the camcorder are "locked out" leaving only the buttons essential for recording operational.
	Sony's i.LINK DV (or MICROMV) interface gives you true digital-to-digital editing, without the "generation loss" of analog editing. And the i.LINK interface is compatible with a range of Sony digital VCRs, Sony edit controllers, and Sony PCs with editing software.		Stay connected with family and friends by broadcasting live video with audio, via the Internet with theUSB interface. You can even playback your favorite recorded scene stored on tape. It's like having your own web camera or video conferencing system.
	With Sony's NightShot Infrared system you can capture natural looking video even when shooting in low light up to 10 feet away using the built-in infrared system.		SteadyShot Picture Stabilizationsmoothes and steadies your images without degrading picture quality. Sony does it with motion sensors --- a more accurate system than many other camcorders on the market.
	Stamina Power Managementthe combination of low power consumption and an optional InfoLithium battery give Sony Handycam models incredible operating time. To keep tabs on battery life, Sony's AccuPower meter displays the number of minutes remaining -- right in the viewfinder.		Battery information is momentarily displayed without having to power on the camcorder. Quickly access the battery's status by pressing the Battery Info button. The Recording Time Available is displayed in minutes on either the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

And more:

• 1/6" CCD Imager, 460K Pixels Gross
  1/6" CCD imager with 290K (effective) pixels provides great detail and clarity, with exceptional analog video performance.
• 20X Optical/990X Digital Zoom
  The optical zoom helps to bring the action up close from far away. In addition, the digital zoom interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.
• 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Display (123K Pixels)
  Provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The high-resolution 123K pixel LCD rotates up to 270-degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp detailed images for monitoring or playback.
• InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower Meter System
  Charge the battery at any time because unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony’s rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening "memory effect". Sony’s exclusive AccuPower meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes in the viewfinder or the LCD screen.
• Stamina Battery Power Management System
  Using the optional NP-QM91D InfoLithium battery, the DCR-TRV260 can continuously record up to 12 hours on one complete charge, providing extra long battery life.
• Program AE (Auto Exposure) Modes
  Program AE modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Portrait, Beach & Ski, Sports Lesson, Landscape, Spotlight, Sunset & Moon modes.
• Picture Effects
  Get creative when recording or playing back videos with Sony’s Picture Effect modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Negative Art, Sepia, Monotone, Solarize, Slim, Stretch, Pastel and Mosaic. Effects available in Playback mode: Negative Art, Sepia, Black & White and Solarize.
• End Search
  Advances the video tape to the last 5 seconds of the recorded scene. This prevents accidentally recording over previous recorded videos.
• Fader Effects
  Enhance your personal videos by adding professional looking fader effects. Choose from Black, Mosaic, White and Monotone.
• Titling
  Add professional looking titles to your videos, select from 8 preset or 2 customized titles with up to 22 characters.
• Built-In White LED Light
  Brightens your videos when shooting in low light with low power consumption.
• Photo Mode
  Using Sony's unique Adaptive Frame Interpolation for better image quality, you can store hundreds of individual still images with 7 seconds of audio on the videotape.
• Manual Focus
  Allows the user to determine the focus of their choosing by adjusting the cameras focus ring allowing more creativity and/or effects. Manual focusing also allows the user to control the cameras focus in difficult situations where either the subject or environment does not allow the cameras auto-focus to perform at an optimal level.

What's in the box:
DCR-TRV260 Digital8 Handycam, AC-L15 Power Adaptor/In Camera Charger, NP-FM30 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery, A/V Cable, Lens Cap, USB Cable, Shoulder Strap, CD-ROM with USB Driver (Picture Package Software Ver. 1.0 for Sony).

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Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews
51 of 52 people found the following review helpful.
awesome camcorder
By Chet N
well let me start off by saying i am not a family guy, i bought this camera purely for college, meaning alot of night shots, alot of abuse and other things related to college...of course being in college price was a big deal since i am always broke.

i got this camera at a very good price ($275) and so far the camera is proved it's worthyness! i've taken it everywhere outdoors, indoors, sports events, race track use, etc etc.

The night shot is very useful and it works very well and the easycam option enables me to do everything with the touch of one ot two buttons.

it is not backward compatible true, but i don't have any older tapes from an older camera. This camera is therefore perfect for a first time camcorder user who wants price, functionalty and quality all in one.

all in all it is a very good camcorder
47 of 48 people found the following review helpful.
If You Want Digital8, Get The TRV-460 Instead!
By A Customer
Someone stole my DCR-TRV240 camcorder, so I thought I'd purchase a DCR-TRV260 so that I could play my old Digital 8 tapes and continue converting my VHS tapes to digital. Big mistake! On the plus side, the TRV260 is somewhat smaller front-to-back than the TRV240. On the minus side: (1) The TRV 260 lacks the ability to make digital copies of VHS videotapes that the TRV 240 had. That is, the A/V jack is only "out," not "in/out." (2) There is no audio input jack or headphone jack, so you can't connect an external microphone or listen to the audio that you're recording. (3) There's no "Intelligent Accessory Shoe" so you can't connect an extra video light or a shotgun mike.
Since the DCRTRV250 mentioned in the February-March 2004 Amazon reviews is apparently no longer manufactured, if you're in the market for a new Digital8 camcorder, get the TRV 460 instead for $50 more. It has "Analog-to-Digital Conversion with Pass Through" (i.e., "Convert and/or record any analog NTSC video source to digital video via the analog inputs," even in real-time - which was not found on the TRV-250). In addition (and less important to me), the TRV-460 has the ability to record still pictures on a Memory Stick (instead of on the D8 tape), a remote control, and a "Touch Panel" LCD screen. The TRV460 still doesn't have #2 or #3 in the paragraph above, but at least it's closer to what I came to expect from the 240. When I receive my 460, I'm going to take all my analog and D8 videos and digitize them to a format readable by computers into the foreseeable future since VHS and D8 are both moribund. Buy the DCRTRV460 Digital8 Handycam Camcorder from Amazon.com!
32 of 35 people found the following review helpful.
NOT backward compatible
By T. Barnett
This model is NOT backward compatible with old analogue Hi8 tapes. That feature is not available until the 460. I was told at the store that it does, but I was not able to make it happen, and the people at Sony confirmed that it does NOT play old tapes.

So, if you need to be able to play them, you'll have to spend the extra $50 and buy the 460.
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Panasonic Professional AG-HMC40 AVCHD Camcorder with 10.6 MP Still and 12x Optical Zoom

Panasonic Professional AG-HMC40 AVCHD Camcorder with 10.6 MP Still and 12x Optical Zoom From Panasonic Price: Too low to display & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.Details Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Ships from and sold by Amazon.com 20 new or used available from $1,000.00 Average customer review:  (52 customer reviews)

Product Description

Panasonic's latest introduction to its popular AVCCAM line, the AG-HMC40 handheld, combines full HD AVCHD video recording with high-resolution 10.6-megapixel still photo capture, giving you the benefits of two professional cameras in one affordable package.Compact and lightweight at 2.16-pounds, the HMC40 is a versatile HD camcorder offering high-quality AVCHD recordings, high-resolution still photo capture, an easy-to-use SD card workflow, and professional audio capabilities for a wide range of applications and markets including schools, government agencies, event videographers, web designers and more.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6724 in Camera & Photo
• Color: black
• Brand: Panasonic
• Model: AG-HMC40PJU
• Released on: 2009-09-01
• Format: NTSC
• Dimensions: 9.10" h x 9.70" w x 15.40" l, 2.16 pounds

Features

• Three newly designed 1/4.1" Progressive 3MOS Imagers for full HD resolution.
• Extremely slow, smooth zoom for the precise control needed for dramatic sequences
• Time Date Stamp enables shooting Legal Depositions or Surveillance
• The HMC40 is a versatile HD camcorder offering high-quality AVCHD recordings and high-resolution still photo capture
• The compact camera is also packed with professional video and audio features

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Editorial Reviews

From the Manufacturer
AVCCAM - the Industry's Next Generation Affordable HD

Panasonic's latest introduction to its popular AVCCAM line, the AG-HMC40 handheld, combines full HD AVCHD video recording with high-resolution 10.6-megapixel still photo capture, giving you the benefits of two professional cameras in one affordable package.

Compact and lightweight at 2.16-pounds, the HMC40 is a versatile HD camcorder offering high-quality AVCHD recordings, high-resolution still photo capture, an easy-to-use SD card workflow, and professional audio capabilities for a wide range of applications and markets including schools, government agencies, event videographers, web designers and more.

Full HD Video and 10.6-Megapixel Stills -- All in One Compact Camera

With a full resolution 3-megapixel, 1/4-inch 3MOS imager, the HMC40 produces stunning 1920x1080 video in AVCHD (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264), delivering images far superior to HDV. When used for digital still photography, the camera captures photos with 10.6-megapixel resolution directly onto the SD card as a JPEG image. The camera can also be connected directly to a PictBridge photo printer (no PC required). And unlike HDV tapes, video and photos can be accessed randomly and immediately from the SD cards and played back on a number of consumer devices.

The camcorder's advanced Leica Dicomar lens system offers 12X optical zoom, wide-angle setting (40.8mm) and an optical image stabilizer (O.I.S.) feature for precise shooting. The compact camera is also packed with professional video and audio features (HDMI out, date/time stamp, remote zoom, XLR option, etc.).


High Definition Performance, Standard Definition PriceUsing high-capacity SD memory cards, the HMC40 provides hours of beautiful high definition recordings at professional level bit rates. It records in a range of 1080 and 720 formats with all four professional AVCCAM recording modes: PH mode (average 21 Mbps/Max 24Mbps), the HA mode (approx.17 Mbps), the HG mode (approx.13 Mbps), HE mode (approx. 6 Mbps). AVCCAM offers the benefit of a fast, file-based workflow using widely available and reasonably priced SD memory cards.

• HD formats: 1080/60i, 1080/30p, 1080/24p (Native); 720/60p, 720/30p, 720/24p (Native)
• Three newly designed 1/4.1” Progressive 3MOS Imagers for full HD resolution
• 12x Leica Dicomar lens (13 elements in 10 groups), 43mm filter Ø, zoom range of 40.8 - 490mm (35mm equivalent)
• Extremely slow, smooth zoom for the precise control needed for dramatic sequences
• Time date stamp enables shooting legal depositions or surveillance
• Long record time: 3 hours with included battery (7 hours continuous with 5,800mAh Battery)
• Remaining battery time readout in minutes so shooter is warned (Info Data Secure Battery)
• 3-second pre-record function captures the shot from the beginning
• Shooting assist functions: focus expand, focus bar and Face detection in Auto Mode
• Waveform monitor helps with luminance for green screen where lighting has to be evenly distributed
• Professional interface with HDMI out, Component Out (mini D terminal), Composite Video Out and RCA Audio Out 
• Additional features include: three user set buttons, time code (DF, NDF, REC RUN, FREE RUN) and USER BIT, two scene files, auto functions (Auto Focus, Auto White Balance and Auto Neutral Density)
• Connects directly to PictBridge photo printers
• 2.7-inch 16:9 Touchscreen LCD display (Just touch the thumbnail for playback)
• Manual and remote control connection for Zoom, Focus, Iris, Start/Stop functions (similar to HMC150). Focus ring can also be used for Iris and Zoom 
• Min. Illumination: 1 lux, (F1.8, Gain: +34dB, Slow Shutter: 1/2 sec.)
• Syncro Scan Shutter, 60i- 1/60-1/250, 30p- 1/30-1/250, 24p- 1/24-1/250
• Selectable Gammas & DRS Dynamic Range Stretch 
• Lightweight, yet durable, design with removable handle
• Optional AG-MYA30G Professional XLR adapter available (features audio inputs with +48V Phantom Power, Mic/Line, Attentuation, Ch 1&2 or Ch2, Level Controls and Mic Holder (8 pin push on precision connector)
• Edius Neo 2 edit software included in carton (Through March 2010)
• 3-Year limited warranty (1 year + 2 extra years upon registration)

Click to enlarge	Click to enlarge

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Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews
102 of 103 people found the following review helpful.
Best camera for the price!!
By Charlie Yellow
It was a long wait but finally got it last week and then took it for a trip right away, its performance it's outstanding, I got this camera for a TV show we are producing, after seeing a few options we decided to get this one because of several reasons:

- Size, the camera is very compact, for a camera that provides broadcast quality image the size is amazingly small.
- Construction, this camera has most of its body made out with metal panels, that makes it very solid and also makes it reliable, also the set up of the buttons are easy to access.
- Price, there are other models in the market that could deliver a similar quality or probably a little better but the cost is at least $1k more, if you think like I do "creativity is the main ingredient for a good production", spending the extra cash doesn't really make a difference as long as you are aware of the camera's capabilities and limitations, but there is always ways to improve performance in some conditions that could affect the correct functionality of your equipment.
- Tapeless technology, we bought another AVCHD camera a little less than a year ago, we use it mostly for action shots and underwater recording, the transition was effortless, the advantages and capturing time are reduced to minimal and the quality is amazing, with this model we found that its quality is even better than older models and editing is a lot quicker, also recording cost are cut to almost nothing with new SDHC cards that can be used over and over without loosing quality... Just this fact makes it a must buy!!!

After using it for this little time I have managed to work around its many controls and get exactly what I want from it, the response to low light is not the best but it's decent, you can always add a good light for little money and resolve that problem, also the sound quality is excellent, I didn't get the optional xlr adapter piece for it but I am using a 8mm wireless mic system that combined with this little fellow deliver great results!!

In short words: "the new Panasonic AG-HCM40 is not the best camera money can buy but ,to my opinion, it's the best camera money can buy for this price!!"
97 of 102 people found the following review helpful.
Balance of power has officially shifted to AVCHD
By D. Cannon
I just met this camera last week, little brother to the HMC150. The HMC40 brings several welcome upgrades to market. I'm an intermediate producer in training with lots of self study and attended a few great workshops. After two years of shooting 1920 HD on the low end I have to say this camera impressed me.

PROS:
1) MPEG-4. Shoots very good quality in a tiny light weight package. Just love it. Even has time-lapse capability which sure beats roto-ing in post for a time lapse effect.
2) You can squeeze two HMC40s in the same size carryon pelican case as the 150.
3) Start editing your shots on Mac in only 2-3 minutes without waiting for rendering. No transcoding required, no $600 P2 cards either. But you should use something faster than just class 6 SDHC media if you want to bump up the quality a little, otherwise you might get some artifacts (image problems) with fast motion and striped clothing. Same problem as any media recording slower than the camera.
4) I'm cool with renting HMC150 and redrock/letus for higher end projects if necessary. This camera is fine for making DVD projects or streaming HD.
5) Great looking shots with 4:2:0 sampling.
6) We produce our own stuff, make a profit and clients keep coming back. With a $1995 retail price tag I can finally afford to own two very nice HD cameras.

CONS:
A) Manual button lovers will need to learn the softkey menus. I love the softkeys with all the same features. No different than using an iphone.
B) Two choices for sound: Seperate sound (best) or get the panasonic/beachtek adapter for on camera. I like using seperate sound on a tascam or fostex digital recorder with four seperate channels (mic 1, mic 2, wild background). This gives you plenty of room to remix in post or replace sounds. Great sound is still 50% of the production.
C) It's not the same glass lens set as 150/170 so you may need different accessories.
D) No timecode jam sync between two cameras. This camera does have its own timecoding (HH:MM:SS:FF). Oh well, I've been living without timecode sync since I started. It just adds a little to the time in post for manually lining up shots and sound tracks. It's no problem to keep using a clapper board anyway. Clappers do give a kinda nostalgic flair for the crew and spectators.

I hope this helps. Upgrade cameras every couple of years while the resale value is still a good plan. After shooting a short this weekend I think this is going to be a good two year relationship. I wish you the best.

Semper fidelis,
David Cannon
66 of 68 people found the following review helpful.
Perfect!!!
By H. Dayeh
This camera deserves "6 Stars" on image quality. I am a Realist when it comes to reviewing a product. First: we must consider the items price, $1995.00. In the "Professional Video Camera World", That is tantamount to saying a steal!!! I will not go into features and functions, the description of this Camera is given in detail on the product description portion of this page.

Second: Size and weight, Until very recently, a Pro Video Camera came in two sizes, large and super large. The additional problem here is that the general public became used to seeing these monstrosities at events, and broadcasts. Many Video Camera Professionals still look for these monstrosities simply to appease their clients visual expectations. This is the wrong approach, we should stop breaking our backs with our equipment, and instead educate the public of the technological advances that have benefited this industry. The video quality produced by this camera will please the most discriminating client.

Third: You have all this quality being recorded on SDHC cards (my advise is Class 10 30mbs or better). Recording on SDHC cards will be a liberating experience for people who used tape in the past. The Quality is much better. You cannot record over scenes by accident. It can be recorded on again and again, without loss of quality. It is not affected by altitude like hard drive consumer models. If you are thinking of getting this camera, Just get it.....think later!!!
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Sony DCR-DVD108 DVD Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom

Sony DCR-DVD108 DVD Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom From Sony Price: $449.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Fulfilled by Amazon and Sold by Iditarod Electronics 53 new or used available from $49.93 Average customer review:  (145 customer reviews)

Product Description

CL) V4) Sony DCR-DVD108 DVD Cam

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6408 in Camera & Photo
• Color: BLUE
• Brand: Sony
• Model: DCR-DVD108
• Fabric type: N/A
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 2.25" h x 5.25" w x 3.63" l, 1.00 pounds
• Display size: 2.5

Features

• 1/6-inch Advanced HAD CCD imager
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens; 40x optical/2000x digital zoom
• 2.5-inch touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD
• Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization
• DVD-R/-RW/+RW and +R DL (Dual Layer) compatible

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Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews
434 of 438 people found the following review helpful.
Awesome!
By Jen
I am in no way a computer geek, I had no idea what optical zoom and finalizing disc's meant. But I am a mom that wanted quality home videos of my girls and wanted to spend less than $450. So here is my opinion. I returned my Samsung 164 for this camera. It was the same price but this has the Super Niteshot. The camera is very light and easy to control with one hand. The lens is made of glass versus the Samsung which is made of plastic. The zoom is amazing on this camera, I stood across my kitchen was able to zoom in on the small print on my calendar, AMAZING! I am so glad I took the Samsung 164 back - the indoor quality of that camera was horrible. This is excellent even in low light situations. Very pleased. I was also able to record on the DVD -R's which do not require formatting - just put the disc in and record. Oh and finalizing is just when you are done recording you go the menu on the camcorder press finalize and it does in about 1 minute it says it is complete and your done. Not as complicated as I thought it would be.
240 of 246 people found the following review helpful.
Awesome Camcorder
By J. G. Hansen
This unit records video straight to mini-DVD disks. You can plug the unit into a TV and play back, you can play back on the LCD, you can finalize the disk and put it into a standard DVD player, or a computer DVD drive. The unit comes with software to install on your PC that you can then use to edit the video clips, then re-burn to a new DVD if you have a DVD burner on your PC. The Zoom function on this unit it so powerful it's absurd. It has a standard 40X optical zoom that is more than enough. On top of that it has a digital zoom that you can program for 80X or a totally insane 2000X. I can zoom in on a single letter of a word, in a small print book, from 50ft away, and then the letter disappears and turns to pixels.

It has a "widescreen" setting in the video options, and the manual does not say that this model records in widescreen, but it does! It also has a really cool nightshot feature that uses Infrared Radiation so you can film in total darkness. The sound quality of this unit is what most impressed me. Very clear, and it has a dolby 5.1 surround converter. It weighs less than 1 pound, and the battery lasts for 90 recording minutes on a full charge.
142 of 143 people found the following review helpful.
New Customer and Happy With Purchase
By J. Ratliff
I have had quite a few camcorders over the years (none of them Sony), and when I was looking for a new one, I did my usual 3-4 weeks of researching, etc. I chose the Sony DVD handycam because it was easy to use, the menu was pretty straightfoward, it had a 40x optical zoom (compared to 32x) and it was DVD. I was skeptical about the dvd part because I had heard about the minimal recording time, etc but I didn't understand the different disk formats I guess. Anyway, I am very pleased with this camcorder, and being able to shoot in a 16:9 format is also a nice feature I didn't even think about at first. So, although I am new to Sony camcorders, I am really enjoying this one. My only advice would be to go ahead and buy the memory stick and the disk pack when you buy the camera because you will want them!
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Sony DCR-VX2100 3CCD MiniDV Handycam Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom

Sony DCR-VX2100 3CCD MiniDV Handycam Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom From Sony Price: $3,599.95 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Ships from and sold by Wall Street Photo 13 new or used available from $531.00 Average customer review:  (21 customer reviews)

Product Description

MiniDV RecordingOffers up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution, 3X color bandwidth (vs. VHS) and significantly higher S/N ratio, to provide stunning video performance.3âCCD Imaging SystemEach 1/3" CCD has 380,000 pixels for brilliant digital picture-quality.530 Lines of Horizontal Video ResolutionAdvanced HADâs for emailing, printing, or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick(R) devices.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9757 in Camera & Photo
• Color: Black
• Brand: Sony
• Model: DCRVX2001
• Dimensions: 15.50" h x 6.50" w x 4.75" l, 3.50 pounds
• Display size: 2.5

Features

• Digital MiniDV Handycam camcorder with a 58mm aspherical lens and 380,000-pixel CCD
• 12x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 48x) with Super SteadyShot image stabilizer
• 2.5-inch rotating LCD and color viewfinder
• Manual controls for shutter and exposure, Stamina Power Management, and intelligent accessory shoe
• NP-F330 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery

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Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews
69 of 74 people found the following review helpful.
The Sony!
By A Customer
I don't know how this hasn't been reviewed yet - this is simply the "prosumer" camcorder to have. After reading up on this camera, the Canons (GL2, XL1s), and the "Panny" (aka, the DVX100a), it seems this manages to, put simply:
- Beat the GL2
- Tie with the XL1s
- Beat the DVX100a
To go more in depth, let's start with the GL2. While this is one heck of an affordable, broadcast-quality machine, it mainly loses to the VX2100 in terms of low-light conditions. This is really where the Sony shines - low-light shooting. A popular breakdown of the VX2100 vs. the GL2 is that the VX2100 works better in low light, and the GL2 has a more powerful zoom. That pretty much is what it comes down to. The GL2 has a "frame mode," in which you get 30 frames/second non-interlaced video. The idea behind this is to equate to the popular, on-demand 24p, to get that "film look." Such a look is only important if you plan on doing actual movies, and unfortunately, the GL2's frame mode simply isn't that great. Aside from that, when you later edit your shots, there's tons of programs and plug-ins which will do the same thing - but better.
Now, the XL1s. I know I've used the word "simply" a lot in this review, and that's primarily because I want to make the comparisons simple. When one goes to taste a Coke and a Pepsi, it would be useless to make a pro and con list to decide which tastes better... to you. Instead, you just pick the one you like, and continue drinking - and you probably wouldn't mind the other brand next time (ok, maybe not all of you). Anyways, the point being all of these cameras will give you an excellent picture, and they'll all do a bunch of extra things. If you're a serious, professional videographer, then it is recommended you compare long specifications lists to see which better meet your needs. On the other hand, if you're like me and just want something that will shoot family and non-planned out footage, these will all do great. And when you go to shoot a movie, wedding, documentary or whatever it is you're doing professionally, these cameras will continue to impress you.
Ok, about that XL1s. This camera has been used in movies - 28 Days Later, TV shows - pretty much the entire MTV line-up, commercials - that Jerry Seinfeld American Express one, etc. Needless to say, this is a very impressive camera. Not only is it significantly larger than the others, but its most sought after feature is the fact that the lenses are interchangeable. What's not frequently mentioned is the fact that these lenses cost upwards of $600/pop. Of course, the XL1s has some more professional features to justify the price jump from the GL2 - those of which you can read about on those spec sheets I mentioned earlier.
And finally, onto the "Panny," or the Panasonic DVX100a. This camera has a whole several-thousand member online discussion forum for it. That should tell you how much people love this camcorder. I think it's nice, myself. Don't know how much I love it. I know what everyone loves about it is the fact that it does 24p perfectly - that's the aforementioned "film effect" feature. The problem is, when you compare its other features to the VX2100, the Sony is the better camcorder. And don't forget you can still get a "film effect" when you go to edit your video.
So, all in all, these are the camcorders which are all in somewhat of a similar price range. I know I've considered all four of these, which is why I wanted to share what I found for that other guy who wants to know the same thing. You probably still want to check out some other places for reviews, which is highly recommended. Like I said, I spent 4 weeks doing what you're doing now, and I ended up with the VX2100. Take that for what it's worth.
See ya in the funny pages!
38 of 40 people found the following review helpful.
Excellent camera geared towards the action sports/ adventure filmmaker
By Dan Callahan
This camera has been in my eye for roughly 3 years now and now that it is finally in my possession, I could not be more pleased. As the previous owner of a Canon Optura 300, I had been craving a more professional camera for a very long time. My Canon, while being possibly one of the best 1-chip camera I have ever used, was far too small for what I needed to accomplish with it. I craved for more manual control, an easier layout, a more stable camera, and full and in-depth control over white balance and focus. The VX2100 fulfilled all these requirements spectacularly. I use this camera primarily for filming skateboarding and snowboarding videos and short films and it is seemingly tailor made to suit the needs of those who documents these sports. Here is a short synopsis of what makes each of the features on this camera so fantastic.

Layout: This camera has a great layout. From the zoom and focusing ring near the front of the camera to the record button and zoom rocker on the handle, to the dedicated Audio and White Balance buttons on the back, everything is easy to find, well labeled, and intuitive in its placement.

Manual Control: This camera has some of the most indepth manual features of nearly any prosumer camera on the market today. As I stated before, this camera is mostly button instead of menu driven, it saves so much time when you're at a spot and you only have about 5 minutes to get the shot, you just hit the dedicated white balance button and !voila!, vibrant and accurate color reproduction at the touch of a button. The focus and zoom both give the right amount of resistance when turning, making it easy to get the exact focus and zoom that you want. The color shift feature is also very useful, allowing you to change the camera's settings so the CCDs pick up all the colors perfectly (the VX2100 is notorious for having a colder, more bluish picture compared to the VX1000). The integrated Neutral Density filter is quite useful on those really bright days when glare is overwhelmingly present and distracting. Overall, this camera is incredibly in depth in the sheer choices you can make to tweak the picture just right.

Maneuverability: This camera is just the right size when it comes to handheld filming. Most of the weight of the camera is towards the front, but is perfectly balanced from the top handle. The camera is also not too long, allowing you to get closer to the subject when using a fisheye and allowing you to manipulate the camera in tight quarters.

Overall, this prosumer camcorder is another winner for Sony and should be seriously considered by anyone who is either an aspiring filmmaker, or is looking to buy a top class camcorder. An excellent buy!
33 of 41 people found the following review helpful.
A Good Piece of Equipment with a few quirks
By John A Lee III
This camera is easy to use and makes a good quality recording. Since it is an upper end product, it does have a longer learning curve than more simple models but the effort is worth it for the added features. There are, however, a few quirks which could have been fixed to make this a much more usable piece of equipment.

The provided microphone jack is an 1/8" stereo. In my camera, at least, it is not mounted very securely. When I have an external mike connected, I had to be very careful to make sure that nothing touched it, otherwise, the sound would drop off. A friend with some tools and expertise fixed this problem but it should never have happened.

The master switch moves from off to VCR mode (up one), record to tape mode (down one) or record to stick mode (down two). It is intuitive but very easy to overshoot the mark. This can be frustrating and I cannot help but believe there is a better design that could be used.

The "VCR" controls are located on the top surface of the camera. They are intuitive and employ commonly used symbols. They are also backlit and impossible to discern in sunshine. You can see the symbols but there is no way to tell which, if any, of the functions are selected. It is still usable but it is a pain in the backside.

There are a multitude of things that could be done to make the interface on this camera easier to use but it is usable as it is now.
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Sony DCR-HC46 MiniDV 1MP Digital Handycam Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom (Includes Handycam Station)

Sony DCR-HC46 MiniDV 1MP Digital Handycam Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom (Includes Handycam Station) From Sony This item is not available for purchase from this store. 9 new or used available from $104.00 Average customer review:  (24 customer reviews)

Product Description

Box Contents: DCR-HC46 Camcorder, AC-L25 Power Adapter/In-Camera Charger, NP-FP50 InfoLithium(R) Rechargeable Battery, RMT-831 Remote Control, Stereo A/V Cable, USB Cable, Lens Cap, CD-ROM with USB Driver
The Sony DCR-HC46 MiniDV HandyCam Camcorder is a compact, stylish and feature-packed way to record your precious moments. Its 1 MegaPixel CCD provides the stunning detail and clarity you need for your photos. The 12x optical and 800x digital zooms bring the action close up from far away, and you can preview it easily on the 2.7" LCD screen. Progressive Shutter System gives you progressive scan performance, with all the sharpness and clarity you need for your photos. One touch wide-angle shooting switches easily between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios by pushing a button. Advanced tele Macro functions keep your subject properly focused so that the subject always stands out. With Super NightShot(R) and Super SteadyShot, you'll have shake-free video that looks great, even in minimal lighting. Super SteadyShot(R) picture stabilization Super NightShot(R) Plus Infrared One-Touch wide-angle shooting Tele Macro function Manual Focus On-screen zoom & record controls Touch Panel Exposure Aperture - f1.8 - f2.5 Focal Distance - 3.0 - 3.6mm; 350mm (Telemacro) Filter Diameter - 25mm White Balance modes - Auto, Indoor, One-Push, Outdoor Built-in microphone Handycam Station cradle Digital still memory mode USB and i.LINK(R) ports S-Video output (optional) Accepts Memory Stick(R) PRO up to 2GB; does not support high-speed transfer Recording Media - MiniDV Dimensions - 2-5/8 x 3-1/8 x 4-1/2 (65 x 79 x 113 mm) Weight - 15 oz. (445 g) with tape & battery

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #18998 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Sony
• Model: DCR-HC46
• Display size: 2.7

Features

• 1/5.5-inch CCD imager; 1-megapixel still-image resolution allows for photo-quality prints to 6 x 8 inches
• MiniDV recording format offers up to 520 lines of horizontal resolution
• 12x optical zoom with Super SteadyShot picture-stabilization system
• 2.7-inch high-resolution touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD display rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles
• Super NightShot Plus Infrared System captures natural-looking video in low light

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Editorial Reviews

From the Manufacturer
The DCR-HC46 from Sony gives you a full-featured, compact MiniDV camcorder at an affordable price. Highlights include the Advanced HAD CCD imager, which captures stunning detail and clarity, and 12x optical zoom with Super SteadyShot picture stabilization, which focuses on distant subjects, providing clear close-up images with less distortion. The Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens offers less glare and increased contrast for vivid, more life-like color and tones. A 1-megapixel sensor allows you to take still images that can be printed at photo quality up to 6 x 8 inches. Make your personal videos complete with additional customization features such as Picture and Fader effects for creative and professional looking enhancements. Picture Package software helps you easily organize and edit still images and video.

1.0 Megapixel (Gross) Advanced HAD CCD Imager
1/5.5-inch Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 690K (effective) pixels provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 520 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance. The Megapixel technology enhances your digital videos and digital still photography performance.MiniDV Recording
Offers up to 520 lines of horizontal resolution, 3x the color bandwidth and a significantly higher signal/noise ratio, to provide spectacular video performance.
12x Optical/800x Digital Zoom
The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, the digital zoom interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.

Professional Quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens
Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating that offers less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation and perfect renditions of subtle tones.2.7-Inch Wide (16:9) Touch Panel SwivelScreen LCD Display (123K Pixels)
Provides excellent viewing clarity for both 16:9 and 4:3 apsect with improved resolution. The high resolution 123K pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback.
Progressive Shutter System
A mechanical shutter system that provides progressive scan performance while utilizing an interlaced scanning system. Digital still images will be sharp and clear with excellent definition.
Super SteadyShot Picture Stabilization System
Picture stabilization system that uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for camera "shake" without compromising picture quality like some other digital stabilization systems.
Handycam Station
The supplied Handycam Station cradle provides quick and easy connections to a TV for viewing or to a PC for editing and sharing video. Just placing the camcorder on the Handycam Station instantly makes the connections. No need to search for cables or wires when charging or playing back.
One Touch Wide Angle Shooting
Easily switch between 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios for shooting with just the touch of a button.

InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower Meter System
Charge the battery at anytime because unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony's rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries are not subject to a life shortening "memory effect." Sony's exclusive AccuPower meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.i.LINK DV Interface
A digital high-speed bi-directional interface which provides audio-video communication between two compatible devices. This connection allows for pure digital transfer between devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, such as camcorders, digital VTRs, capture cards, and PCs.
Digital Still Memory Mode with Memory Stick Duo Media
Capture still images up to 1152 x 864 resolution, directly onto Memory Stick Duo Media for easy transfer to PCs for e-mailing, printing or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick devices.
Tele Macro Function
Useful for shooting close up shots, but without having the camcorder casting a shadow on the subject. Images shot in the Tele Macro Mode will have the subject properly focused with the background unfocussed so that the subject stands out.

Manual Focus
Allows the user to manually adjust the focus of the camcorder using the touch panel. Manual focusing also allows the user to control the focus in difficult situations where either the environment or the subject does not allow the camcorder's auto focus to perform optimally, such as when shooting through a window or in a crowded environment.Super NightShot Plus Infrared System
With Sony's Super NightShot Infrared System you can capture natural looking video, even when shooting in low light. Record subjects up to 20 feet away using the built-in infrared system, but without the overall monochrome color common with earlier low-light recording systems.
On-Screen Zoom and Record Controls
For additional control of the camcorder, the DCR-HC46 features Zoom and Record buttons on the frame of the LCD screen. This allows the user more flexibility when holding the camcorder, especially in overhead or low angle shots.
Additional Features

• Stamina Battery Power Management system
• Program AE (autoexposure) modes
• Picture effects
• Fader
• USB streaming
• Easy Handycam button
• Battery information

What's in the Box
Sony DCR-HC46 MiniDV camcorder, power adapter/in-camera charger (ACL25), InfoLithium rechargeable battery (NPFP50), Handycam Station (DRCA-C151), Remote Commander remote control (RMT-831), stereo AV cable, lens cap, USB cable CD-ROM with USB driver (PicturePackage Software ver. 1.5 for Sony)

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Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews
356 of 361 people found the following review helpful.
Excellent audio-video quality and ease of use
By Ganesh Kumar Eswaran
This is one of the best camcorders in the market today and I would definitely recommend it to anyone planning to buy a Mini-DV camcorder

Positive factors:

- Very small and easy to hold with one hand. Can be easily attached even to a mini-tripod with ease.

- Excellent widescreen video and hi-fi audio. Your videos finally get that "Hollywood" feel when you shoot movies in 16:9 ratio (widescreen format). Even if you don't have a widescreen TV currently, you will very soon have one as more and more people are buying them. So its better to buy this camcorder and shoot in 16:9 format to enjoy your movies later in widescreen format.

- Includes widescreen rotatable LCD so what you see is what you get when you shoot in 16:9 ratio (widescreen format)

- Good battery life. One extra battery is enough. You can easily manage a day's worth of shooting with two batteries before recharging them again

- Includes docking station making it easier to connect to computer or TV. If you have a good computer with a firewire port, please buy a firewire cable to connect the camcorder to your computer. You can download your movie in excellent clarity in .avi format and edit it as required

- Make sure to change the audio setting to 16 bit (instead of the default 12 bit) for very good hi-fi audio

- Touchscreen menu system is great. You don't have to search for any buttons as they are all available in the touchscreen menu itself.

- 12X optical zoom is more than sufficient for ordinary home videos. Anything more produces more "shaking" and would necessiate the use of a tripod. When you shoot without a tripod, 12X is the best zoom you can achieve without worrying about shaky videos

- 1 MP widescreen still photo. You can use this feature if you forgot to bring your digital camera. The photo clarity is not good so please don't expect great shots. Since the photo is in 16:9 format, you can take panoramic photos and cover more people in group shots

- Nightshot: Cool feature that records using infrared light. Useful for shooting at night as you can record a video even in 100% darkness

- Color widescreen viewfinder - Very useful when you are running down on batteries and need to use the viewfinder. The color widescreen viewfinder gives an excellent picture and is as good as the LCD in clarity

Negative factors:

- Outdoor videos especially in bright sunlight are overexposed. So please adjust the white balance when shooting outdoors. Add the white-balance menu to your shortcuts so that you can easily access it and return to default once you start shooting indoors

- Sensitive microphone may pick up button clicks (best to turn off the button click "beep" sound).

Notes:

- Use a fresh cassette after recording 2 or 3 times on the same cassette. The head tends to get dirty if you re-record on the same cassette more than 3 times

- You can edit movies in Windowx XP using Windows Movie Maker, but beware it does not support 16:9 ratio video. Hence your videos look ugly as you shot them in 16:9 but Movie Maker converted it to 4:3. Invest in Pinnacle Software version 9 or 10 for better movie editing capabilities. Pinnacle is the only software, I am aware of, that preserves teh 16:9 ratio. Even Roxio could not allow 16:9 format.

- You can also invest in wide-angle lens as it gives excellent coverage
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful.
Look elsewhere if you need to shoot indoor video
By Arun H.
I bought this camera after looking through reviews on a plethora of sites; one of my primary requirements was to shoot indoor video. One good thing about this camera is that it is surprisingly small and light, which would no doubt make it easy to carry on trips. The other good thing is that it shoots fairly good outdoor video. But these are pretty much its only two strengths, and they are far outweighed by the lousy quality of the video I got when I tried the camera indoors. In the default mode, the picture is dark, extremely noisy, the colors are wildly inaccurate, and it looks as if the video is being shot through a yellow snow storm. Things improve slightly if the white balance is set to indoor mode, but the color fidelity and the graininess is still unacceptable. Another issue that I noticed was that the camera takes a noticeable amount of time to focus in on objects when you move it around, but this was a relatively minor inconvenience when compared to the abysmal low light performance.

I also noticed that there was a small but very prominent red speck on the LCD; the manual says that this is a "normal" result of the manufacturing process. Being somewhat familiar with this industry, I can tell you that it is more likely the result of lower QA standards to cut costs (how many of us have seen a color speck on a new laptop or desktop LCD?).

Before returning the camera, I went over to a local electronics store and shot similar footage with it and with a display model of a Panasonic PV-GS300. The quality of the video was far superior with the GS300; I noticed no graininess, the picture seemed to be steadier and always in focus, the colors more accurate.

My suggestion to all those thinking about buying this camera is to seriously consider spending the extra $100-$300 and purchasing the high end Sony HC96, the Panasonic GS300, or perhaps the GS500.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful.
Awesome Mid-Range Camcorder
By Mike
The Sony DCR-HC46 is a terrific mid-range digital camcorder. It has a more than adequate 12x optical zoom (any more and even image stabilization won't remove the jitters). There are quick access buttons on the body of the camera, and a ton of features in the on-screen menus (available only on the swing-out LCD viewfinder). Using your fingers on these menus is much easier than I thought they would be, and most of those features are for infrequent occasions. In addition to the LCD viewfinder, there is a color traditional viewfinder (missing on many up-scale models like the DCR-SRxx line of hard drive camcorders), which is great when outdoors where the sun can wash out the LCD. We really appreciate the Handycam Station that makes connections to computers and TVs a breeze while charging the battery. Now that really is "handy."

Technically, the image capturing technology is the same as the hard drive-based DCR-SR80. However, MiniDV recording technology does not compress the digital images where hard disk and Mini DVD technologies do. Therefore when you transfer the data to your computer for editing, you avoid the uncompress process required by the latter two technologies. When you create the resulting DVD, that is the first and only compression to hit your video, meaning you get better image quality.

The cons? Well, the included software is woefully lacking. I'd like to author DVDs, but ImageMixer is a Video CD authoring tool. And VCD is so ten-years-ago. And the built-in 1 megapixel camera is truly a joke.
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Panasonic Pro AG-DVC60 3CCD MiniDV Proline Camcorder w/16x Optical Zoom

Panasonic Pro AG-DVC60 3CCD MiniDV Proline Camcorder w/16x Optical Zoom From Panasonic This item is not available for purchase from this store. 1 new or used available from $899.99 Average customer review:  (4 customer reviews)

Product Description

The Panasonic AGD-VC60 Proline Mini-DV Camcorder is for cinematographers who want to shoot like a pro. Its wide-angle 16X optical lens allows dramatic zoom effects, while the top-quality audio capabilities and shoulder-mount stability make sure you get the best shot with sound, every time. The AG-DVC60 features 18 shutter speeds, a multi-functional lens ring that controls zoom, focus, and aperture & oversized shoulder pad with hand grip. This high-performance workhorse stands at the top of its class in image quality, sensitivity, framing flexibility, and functionality. Movie simulation mode High-sensitivity slow shutter Aspect Ratio -- 4 - 3, 16 - 9 letterbox, 16 - 9 digital squeeze Manual or Full Automatic Focus Zero Lux IR Mode (Super Nighttime Shooting System) 12-Bit A/D and RGB Gamma Processor Date/Time superimpose function SMPTE Time Code Generator/Reader 16 - 9 wide recording Shutter Speeds - 1/60, 1/100, 1/120, 1/180, 1/250, 1/350, 1/500, 1/750, 1/1000, 1/1500, 1/2000, 1/3000, 1/4000, 1/8000 3 user-assignable buttons Professional-level audio with XLR Line/Mic in IEEE 1394 Terminal with Synchro Lock Carbon Fiber Composite Body Automatic Head Cleaning

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9074 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Panasonic
• Model: AG-DVC60
• Format: NTSC
• Dimensions: 6.00" h x 8.00" w x 14.00" l,
• Battery type: Lithium Ion
• Display size: 2.5

Features

• 1/4-inch, 410,000-pixel 3CCD image system
• Wide-angle, high-magnification 16x Leica Dicomar zoom lens
• Advanced Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) compensates for hand shake
• Built-in infrared light makes it possible to record in low light at a distance of about 16 feet
• Highly durable carbon-fiber chassis keeps camera at a manageable 5.7 pounds

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Editorial Reviews

From the Manufacturer
The AG-DVC60 is a mobile, shoulder-type DV camera-recorder in a rugged yet lightweight carbon fiber alloy body with a Midnight Black matte finish. Designed for professional use, this high-performance workhorse stands at the top of its class in image quality, sensitivity, framing flexibility and functions. The oversized shoulder pad combines with a hand grip on the side of the lens to give you a firm, no-slip grip. For shooting comfort, you can slide the large, field-spec viewfinder to the right or left side as you prefer, and lock it in place. With a multifunctional lens ring that controls the zoom, focus and aperture, the AG-DVC60 has the same solid feel as your standard field camera. And it gives you clear, stable images with minimal hand-shake, plus the responsive action you need to start shooting on a moment's notice. A full-sized stereo microphone is set at the top of the camera, above the lens--an ideal position for capturing the sound from in front of the camera.
The AG-DVC60 is fully equipped to meet your everyday production needs. It comes standard with terminals for connecting an optional stereo gun mic, and with XLR-type mic input terminals for connecting either a hand mic or line recording. Add an optional Anton Bauer adapter plate, and you can mount any of several heavy-duty Anton Bauer batteries to the camera rear for extended shooting work. Or snap an Anton Bauer Ultra Light onto the shoe built into the top of the handle, and you have all the light you need for high-level shooting jobs. You can use the color LCD monitor and viewfinder at the same time. When using the viewfinder for shooting, you can face the LCD monitor forward, where someone in front of the camera can use it as a monitor when speaking or conducting an interview.

The Leica Dicomar lens is first in its class in wide-angle performance

Wide-Angle, High-Magnification 16x Zoom Lens
The AG-DVC60's 16x optical zoom lens answers a broad range of shooting needs, delivering superb results from 39.5mm wide angle all the way to 632mm telephoto (both 35mm lens equivalents). In wide-angle performance--critical in broadcast and other professional applications--this lens is tops in its class. This new 16x optical zoom lens system uses low-dispersion glass and aspherical lenses to reduce color aberration and boost resolution. Use of a special multi-coating process dramatically reduces flare and ghosts. The result: sharp, crisp, beautifully rendered pictures with vivid colors, delicate nuances, and exceptional shading.A Digital Zoom for Professionals
Engineered for professionals, the AG-DVC60 is equipped with a digital zoom that instantly magnifies the image by any of five fixed values--1.25x, 1.5x, 2x, 5x or 10x. Use it together with the 16x optical zoom lens, and you get super-telephoto magnification equivalent to a 160x zoom. Image degradation during the digital processing is particularly low in the 1.25x magnification mode, so you get superb zoom quality all the way to 20x.

The advanced OIS system eliminates image blur caused by natural hand-shake

Optical Image Stabilizer Compensates for Hand Shaking
The AG-DVC60's advanced Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) compensates for hand shaking that occurs as you shoot. A gyro sensor detects handshake and sends signals to a linear motor, which adjusts the lens to compensate. Because this process takes place prior to the CCD image capture (rather than in the downstream electronic processing), it virtually eliminates any effect of hand-shake on resolution and screen angle. The OIS can also be helpful when zooming or shooting in dim lighting.
1/4-Inch, 410,000-Pixel 3CCD Image System: High Sensitivity, Low Noise
To assure a level of picture quality suitable for professionals, the AGDVC60 uses a 3CCD image system that delivers the highest sensitivity in its class. Its high S/N ratio and extremely low noise (in darker areas of a picture) combines with high sensitivity to deliver excellent image quality even when shooting indoors under dim lighting. When shooting in sunlight or under bright spotlights, this 3CCD system offers low smear.

The AG-DVC60's 3CCD image system delivers high signal-to-noise ratio and excellent image quality

12-bit A/D and RGB Gamma Processor
The AG-DVC60 features an A/D converter that uses the same 12-bit processing as broadcast-quality camera-recorders. This, combined with an RGB gamma processor that uses Panasonic's unique gamma curve function, helps assure high image- quality processing. In fact, the AG-DVC60's A/D converter and RGB gamma processor are the same ones used in our popular AG-DVX100A, which has won acclaim as the industry's highest image quality DV camera.
Movie Simulation Mode
The AG-DVC60 can capture and reproduce images that are strikingly similar in tone to film images, thanks to Panasonic's unique Cine-Like gamma curve and a 30-frames-per-second frame recording function that electronically interpolates interlaced images to create frames with no time differences between fields. (The resulting images are not the same as native progressive images recorded with a progressive CCD.) Settings for this mode are preset in the Movie-Like scene file.
High-Sensitivity Slow Shutter
The slow shutter function uses image accumulation to allow shutter speeds with frame rates reduced by half or more. The accumulation method provides bright-color images with less noise than those captured using conventional gain-up, so you get the higher sensitivity needed for nighttime shooting without illumination. The slow shutter function can also be used to obtain movie-like effects.
16:9 Wide Recording
The aspect ratio can be set to either 4:3 or 16:9 to accommodate wide-image recording. In 16:9 recording, you can select either letterbox or squeeze mode, giving you more possibilities in downstream editing and playback.
Zero Lux IR Mode (Super Nighttime Shooting System)
The AG-DVC60 offers B&W recording in the dark using infrared light. This opens the door to a host of new possibilities in nighttime monitoring, surveillance and news gathering. The built-in infrared light makes it possible to record at a distance of about 16 feet. For greater distances, you can add an optional light that allows recording to approximately 98 feet.
Full Auto or Manual Shooting
Use the AG-DVC60 for either full auto or manual shooting. The Auto/Manual switch turns the four auto functions--focus, shutter speed, iris & gain, and white balance--on and off as desired. Manual focusing is controlled by the large focus ring. You can also switch between manual and auto focus by pushing the Focus button. For added convenience, one of the user buttons can be assigned to turn auto focus on and off.
Multi-Function Focus Ring
In Auto Focus, control over either the zoom or the iris & gain can be allocated to the focus ring, letting you make quick, detailed adjustments manually.
Recessed Trigger and Zoom Control on Upper Handle Grip
In addition to the lens grip, the upper part of the handle grip contains both the Rec Start/Stop button and a lens zoom control. This design assures easy shooting even at low angles or when using a tripod. The zoom speed can be set to any of three speed levels or off.
2.5-inch Color LCD Monitor
The 2.5-inch color LCD monitor rotates 270 degrees, making it easy to shoot at difficult angles and the Mirror mode makes it easy to record yourself. The display is bright too, so even outdoors you get good visibility when using the LCD to monitor footage or select settings from the menu.
Professional-Level Audio with XLR Line/Mic In
The AG-DVC60 comes equipped with a built-in stereo microphone and with XLR-type audio input terminals on the rear panel. You can switch audio channels 1 and 2 separately to either line or front mic input -- especially useful when recording interviews or narration.
Audio Level Meters
Two color audio level meters can be displayed in the viewfinder and LCD monitor, making it easy to check the signal as you record.

Sub-panel buttons, switches, and Audio level controls behind the LCD panel

Large Viewfinder
The AG-DVC60 viewfinder is as large as those offered on many broadcast cameras. A slide mechanism lets you shift the viewfinder to the left or right for maximum comfort, then lock it in place. Monochrome mode and a detail enhance function are provided for easier viewing and focusing. You can use the viewfinder and LCD monitor at the same time.
Carbon Fiber Composite Body
The body of the AG-DVC60 is made of carbon fiber composite. Carbon fiber exhibits both high rigidity and light weight. It lets the AG-DVC60 stand up to everyday work, with solid reliability and durability, but it won't weigh you down.

Highly durable carbon fiber chassis

Automatic Head Cleaning
The AG-DVC60 provides the same head-cleaning function as our DVCPRO models. The white roller pad positioned to the right of the head cylinder cleans the head each time you load a tape, helping to minimize dropouts and head clogging.
IEEE 1394 Terminal with Synchro Lock
An IEEE 1394-compliant 4-pin DV terminal makes it easy to upload data from the AG-DVC60, or to dub footage onto a DV recorder. This terminal also features a new synchro lock function that lets you use the AG-DVC60 to remotely start and stop an external DV device. Three recording modes help protect against mistakes: record onto external recorder only, record onto both AG-DVC60 and external recorder, begin external recording when the AG-DVC60 tape ends.

DV (IEEE 1394) In/Out, S-Video In/Out, AV In/Out

More Features for Professionals

• Built-in SMPTE time code generator/reader
• Built-in SMPTE color bars - useful for setup
• Shutter: Maximum speed of 1/8,000 sec. When the AG-DVC60 is recording a computer display, a synchro scan function matches the shutter speed to the monitor to minimize flicker.
• Index: Insert index points as you shoot--convenient when searching later (can be assigned to a user button)
• User File: Save sets of camera settings for instant recall

Accessories included with the AG-DVC60

What's in the Box:
DVC60, shoulder strap, AC cable, lens cap, DC cable, battery, AC adapter, wireless remote control unit, user manual, Master Series DV tape.

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Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews
38 of 38 people found the following review helpful.
Great Camera for the money
By Hawk911
I bought one of these in Oct. of 2005 and have shot various events thus far. If you are looking for a good camera and don't want to spend $5000 or more then consider the AG-DVC60.

It's solidly built and has a wealth of features. The XLR jacks let you use a vast array of pro audio gear and the full size form factor allows for steady shots and screams professionalism. Everyone is impressed when I show up with it. The large viewfinder is quite useful whereas the smaller one on the DVC7 is very frustrating.

It's got both pro features and consumer features such as nightshot which I found significantly better than my Sony 730. The low lux recording ability of this camera is great (I am not talking nightshot). If you are shooting in the black of night, the recorded images are just that - black - and not grainy like consumer models. I recently shot a candlelight wedding and it did marvelous. I could go on and on about the pros of this camera but the features on the site sum it up pretty well. The images are rich and detailed. The only cons I have are it has smaller CCDs than the more expensive cameras although the footage looks as good as my friend's XL1. Also, I would prefer to have both a manual focus ring and iris ring rather than the single multi-use ring it has.

Early models had microphone issues but it seems that has been resolved now as mine works fine though I seldom use the built in mic since I have pro mics. Having worked television for 6 years I have seen some pretty expensive equipment and for the money, this thing can not be beat.
13 of 15 people found the following review helpful.
Be careful: "Crooked" sellers!!
By Retired PETE
This is NOT a review for this seemingly excellent camera YET..

I hope Amazon doesn't mind and actually should appreciate the following:

I've been in the market for this Camcorder for over a month now and haven't quite decided between the DVC30 or DVC60 - also have been looking at the Canon GL2, but all the reviews warning about the cassette problems keep me away from it.. Both (Panasonics) have almost the same features except for size of the Camera and LCD screen. I am a ret. camera man and would like to have the "shoulder"-version, but then the more compact DVC30 is also tempting.

HOWEVER: I have also researched prices of different bidders on the Web.

BE AWARE: I have contacted (and actually placed orders) with at least three "Super Deal" CAMERA shops, all of them on the US-East-Coast and CLOSED on "SATURDAY's"..!? (I don't want to get in trouble, so I avoid names) Some of them offer the DVC60 f.i., for under $1,600.- and when you call to confirm the order (they require that..!), you talk to a "hasty" guy - and some are really RUDE! - He'll tell you this price is only for the BODY (???) with "SILCH" (his words) - or for a "Japanese" version (go figure) - or just not in stock ... and when you get to the point where you say: "I just want the Camcorder with the BASIC ("What's in the Box")accessories and a lens (which IS FIXED) on it", they have the weirdest explanations (some then call it a "RETAIL" version) and ask for anywhere from $2,200. to $,2400. !!!, which is much more then from a reputable organisation like Amazon with fair prices and a courteous, reliable return policy (just in case).

I must add though, all of these "hudlums" accepted imediate cancellations and have not placed any charges to my already provided CreditCard information ... which WAS a concern..!!!

Hope this helps someone - (just trying to be a "concerned citizen" )

P.K.H.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
Panasonics Best Prosumer Camera.. AND..
By T. R. Laz
The "60" is the best mid-level prosumer 3ccd camera, picture, and great practical features, and in great demand..so..WHAT did Panasonic do with the "60".. ?? They DISCONTINUED IT !!?? arrrghhh
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