A full review of this camcorder is coming soon, but this is the first test of it that I recorded on tape. This was one of Sony’s last really nice analog camcorders, based on the Hi8 XR system with a claimed 440 lines of resolution, versus 400 lines for standard Hi8 and only 250 lines for regular Video8. It also has hi-fi stereo sound, a built-in 3-watt halogen (not LED) video light, a stereo external microphone input, and the original, full-powered “X-ray vision” NightShot mode, which Sony later de-powered and rendered useless during the daytime, because people claimed it could see through some types of clothing (and with an IR pass filter, it can!).
The only downside of this model is that it lacks a flip-out LCD screen, although it does have a color viewfinder. In fact, that’s the main reason why I was able to get it rather cheaply on eBay, whereas the LCD-equipped models have outrageous resale value, mostly due to the “X-ray vision” NightShot feature. This camera is in perfect condition except for a battery which doesn’t hold a charge and a flakey thumbwheel (probably just dirty contacts).
Duration : 0:7:57
You turn off Auto …
You turn off Auto Date in the menu options, then push the Date and Time buttons until the on-screen displays disappear.
how do you make it …
how do you make it so that thing that say’s the date doesnt come up?
You are correct… …
You are correct… the Hi8-XR video is more fuzzy and grainy than Digital8, but it doesn’t have the pixellation and “rainbow fringing” that Digital8 exhibits (at least with the standard 460k-pixel CCD; Sony did have a few Digital8 models with the hi-res 1.07 megapixel CCD).
The video seems a …
The video seems a little bit more noisy than the Digital8, however it seems that the color and brightness are much better with this camera, also I don’t notice any pink fringing with this.
Now go out in the daylight and test out that night-shot mode…
Most Digital8 …
Most Digital8 camcorders also have composite and S-video inputs so you could use one to capture any analog video source and stream it “live” to the PC through FireWire (without even needing to record it to tape first).
Also, spot focus is …
Also, spot focus is obnoxious and annoying with digital video cameras!
My Asus motherboard …
My Asus motherboard contains a sound card. It has two pink 3½ millimetre sockets – a socket is located at the front, and behind of the desktop computer case. I plugged two microphones in both sockets. I adjusted the channel positions, and this methodology made me realize that it defeats the purpose of buying a stereo microphone!
I like how you can …
I like how you can put the tape in the digital 8 and firewire it. The only way I know to get VHS to youtube is with a capture card- and their a pain to use.
At first, I thought …
At first, I thought you had a Motorola HT like the P25 radio I have. That is a BIG charger. The video was still processing then, but after it was done I could see the Sony name on the charger.
The image is a bit …
The image is a bit brighter than the Digital8 camera in low light, but not as crisp. The main thing I like is the less tape noise in the audio (at least once it quiets down); since Digital8 runs the tape at double speed, it makes more tape motor whine than analog Hi8.
I think this camera …
I think this camera puts out a better picture than the digital Hi8 camera! I’d love to be able to find one of these cameras.
Yes it does, but …
Yes it does, but the battery I have is huge — the highest capacity one Sony made for these camcorders.
That halogen bulb …
That halogen bulb is a great feature, but doesn’t that suck up a lot of power from the battery?
I’ve got a new …
I’ve got a new Flash based Sony Camcorder, It came today (it’s at a friends house as I’m out of town for the long weekend) when I get home I plan to do a demo, We’ll see how the old and the new compare.
Haven’t heard Seal …
Haven’t heard Seal in a long time.