I almost bought a JVC MiniDV which was a few bucks cheaper, but since I have never had a problem with any SONY product I have ever owned (cd players, TV's, etc), I went with the Sony. Plus, I am by no means a video buff, so the reality is IF there truly is a difference between MiniDV and Digital 8 picture quality, I am sure I would not be able to notice. A plus for 8mm camcorder owners, you can use/view those tapes on this model!!

That being said, the beauty of the product is it's ease of use. My wife is completely confused by technical gadgets, and she was able to use the camcorder using the EasyCam setting out of the box. There are enough video tricks and editing features to satisfy the most creative amateur videographers.

Also, contrary to what other reviewers have stated here, the battery life of the InfoLithium battery has been pretty good for me. I get about 1hr on a full charge, though I have not filmed for 1 continuous hour, just a few minutes here and there.

So allow me to move on to my only CONS:
- SIZE - if this is an issue for you, go with MiniDV, however the smaller you go, the more hand shakiness becomes an issue, even with image stabilizing technology. The size of the TRV460 is a tad large for today's camcorder, but definitely not bulky or too heavy. Mainly due to tape size.

- MOTOR HUM - When recording or playback, there is a distinct hum that comes from the camcorder. I hadn't noticed in Circuit City, so I went back, checked a few other models and soon realized most camcorders make a slight hum when the tape is active. I learned to live with it as the "hum" sound does not get picked up by the microphone when recording.

Overall, I highly recommend this VERY affordable QUALITY Sony camcorder as it more than capabale of fulfilling any family's video needs. I am very happy with my purchase!


Be ready to spend $$$$ on Sony Branded Batterys   March 18, 2004
 36 out of 51 found this review helpful

I have been useing Sony Video products for years TRV33,TRV350,TRV950 etc. I now have a large supply of things like Battery Packs, Tapes, Lights etc... The problem is that the TRV460 now forces you to use Sony Brand Batterys only. The TRV460 will start up fine with an after market battery then it will shut down with the mesage "Use the infoLITHIUM battery pack" This now will force you buy over priced Sony battery packs, if you would like to use TRV460 for any lenght of time. This is a bad move from Sony and for loyal Sony customers. I buy Sony video cameras fo my Video Production business with the intent of reuseing me older batterys and other Sony compatiable products. I will not recommend TRV460 for any one. I do not like Sony forceing you to use their Over Priced Battery packs only, when we have a large after market supply of low priced high quality battery packs to pick from (Better than Sony Battery Packs). What next will I be forced to use only Sony Brand Video tapes next? I'm returning the Sony TRV460. Beyond unhappy and posiable former Loyal Sony customer.


Great First Camcorder   March 23, 2004
 31 out of 31 found this review helpful

Referred to by some salesmen as a "dinosaur" this 1.5-pound marvel is a great beginner's camcorder with an easy to read and follow owner's manual. With the unit's "Easy" button, everything becomes automatic and the first movies are really great. The 2.5-inch LCD touch screen contains all the menus for setting up the camera, instead of numerous mechanical buttons. The camera has 4 methods of video transfer: An A/V cable that will plug directly in to a VCR or the front panel of your TV for viewing directly from the camera, "S" video transfer, USB and Firewire. I highly recommend using a firewire port as the preferred method of video transfer into your PC as the USB transfer has too many frame dropouts, resulting in jerky video. The still picture resolution is around 1 mega pixel (MP) and is stored on a memory stick, so if you currently use a digital still camera at 2 MP or above, you might be a bit disappointed. The viewfinder has it's own focus adjustment which is really good if you wear glasses. Some hints-Don't bother to purchase a separate battery charger if you purchase a spare battery, the camera does a fine job of charging the battery and the charge indicator light goes out after a full charge. A 64MB memory stick will store 980 pictures at standard resolution and 390 at fine resolution so resist the temptation to go with a more expensive 128 MB or larger stick. One last note, Windows XP along with Windows Movie Maker V2.0 (which is free from Microsoft) has the capability to capture and edit the video from this camera.


WARNING ABOUT 8 MM BACKWARD COMPATIBILITY   May 14, 2004
 30 out of 32 found this review helpful

This seems like a nice camera but be forewarned if you are buying it for its backward compatibility to older 8MM and Hi8 tapes. I bought the previous model the TRV350 and found that my Hi8 tapes recorded on a Canon Hi8 camcorder would not play properly on this camera. I took my tape to a store and had them try it in the TRV460 and the same thing, sound worked but a blue screen for picture. I called Sony and they said they couldn't guarantee that any older 8MM media would be 100% compatible. I don't think you see that anywhere in their literature. Buy it for its other features but if you want it to be able to play older 8MM you should bring in one of your old tapes and try it in the store first. Good luck.


A Deal That Makes You Smile All The Way   March 20, 2004
 25 out of 28 found this review helpful

Hi,

I bought a DCR TRV-460 about 10 days ago and have only shot an hour of video till now. But I am more than happy with the results and the ease of handling this camcorder. The picture quality is good. I agree that it gives you not more than 45 - 50 mins of battery time in one shot but then my requirements are such that I am comfortable with this so called drawback. I would have given it a 5 star rating but for the camcorder size.

I think this is the camcorder for the people who have a medium budget but do not want to compromise on the quality. I had a budget of $450 - $500 for the complete set that would include the Camcorder + 4 Tapes + Bag + 128 MB Memory Stick + Lens Cleaning Set and to be true, I got all this in less that $500 and the only thing that I had to compromise was the size. So for me, its a deal worth my TOTAL HAPPINESS.

For all those who think their needs are somewhat like mine, then I would definitely suggest DCR TRV-460. We have to remember one thing that if you have the budget, you can get whatever you want. But before buying an camcorder do sit down and analyze what would you be doing with it actually and if you are getting all that in a $399 camcorder then why do you want to spend more just because it has that added fancy feature.

Happy shopping..!!

-Anurag