Comments for Hi8 Camcorders

Comment on Sony CCD-TRV138 Hi8 Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom by MCV

MCV — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:43:47 +0000

Go to EBay and buy this item. If there is something wrong with it, take it to your local camera shop and have them repair it, and it will still cost a lot less extra than what they want at these stores. That’s ridiculous what they want. Other than that, it’s a good camera. If you plan on transferring your tapes on to DVD, get a camcorder with S video, this one does not have it.
Rating: 3 / 5

Comment on Sony CCD-TRV138 Hi8 Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom by R. ramirez

R. ramirez — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 08:48:10 +0000

Steven, i would like to know how you record to DVD-R from this camcorder. I know sony offers a video adaptor, (VMC-20FR) for connecting to a TV or VCR; do you connect to a VCR, then to a DVD-R recorder?

Pinnacle Systems makes a DVD Recorder that connects composite video to USB, is this what you use? I too want to preseve my old 8mm analog tapes, and i am looking for the best way to accomplish this.

Rating: 3 / 5

Comment on Sony CCD-TRV138 Hi8 Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom by Vet Girl Deb

Vet Girl Deb — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 08:16:52 +0000

I was very pleased the fast shipment. I bought this as a Christmas gift for my husband, and he loves it. Every day he finds a new feature.
Rating: 5 / 5

Comment on Sony CCD-TRV138 Hi8 Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom by Your Favorite Mistake!

Your Favorite Mistake! — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 07:47:29 +0000

I think I love it. Great price for a Sony too!
Rating: 5 / 5

Comment on Canon XL2 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom by James C. Codeglia

James C. Codeglia — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 03:21:06 +0000

The Canon XL2 is as good as the Panasonic equivalent. Both of these cameras are better than eachother depending on who you ask. If you ask me, the Canon’s picture is more pleasing, less noisy, and more capable in difficult shooting situations. I love Canon’s controls, everything you need is available without searching through menus. The Panasonic is lighter, less awkward to use, and more compact; but Canon’s lens and features more than make up for it in my opinion. Best camera you can get for the money.
Rating: 5 / 5

Comment on Canon XL2 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom by Eric

Eric — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 02:47:57 +0000

This camcorder is a must for film students. I’m a student at USC, and this camcorder really made my short films look great!!! We don’t get to use the schools’ really awesome gear until our Junior or Senior year. If you have the money, its an amazing buy!
Rating: 5 / 5

Comment on Canon XL2 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom by R. Cantrell

R. Cantrell — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 01:07:57 +0000

So far I have no complaints of this camera. I still like my GL2 for ease of use, but this camera does have quite a bit more features that I have get use to. I like having built in XLR ports and the camera does have more external user controls than the GL2.
Rating: 5 / 5

Comment on Canon XL2 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom by Kenneth Schmitt

Kenneth Schmitt — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 23:46:21 +0000

I have used this for a year at my college. I do not know why some people dislike it. I love it! and on my opinion, It is the closest to HD your gonna get while not getting HD. You guys gotta realize that this camera has shot some big movies like Cold Mountian. I must say though the panasonic dvx100b is quite comparable, because I have used that too. But I like this camera I do not care what people say about it. It is so customizable that you will be surprised when you mess around with it’s advance functions. nice camera, a little pricey, but all in all it’s more professional than some other people say.
Rating: 5 / 5

Comment on Canon XL2 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom by Michael Hoffman

Michael Hoffman — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 22:38:03 +0000

I'm a non-byist consumer; and ex-owner of the XL1 and XL1S.

We recently "upgraded" to the XL2 for an upcoming film shoot.

BAD NEWS. The camera's we ordered both came "defective", according to Canon tech support (they were drop shipped from their facility brand new - and NOT black market). Now, I find this hard to believe, and I think the issues are with the computer which controls output for the camera.

In 30P mode, any vertical lines flicker/pixelate, and images blur as they move past the camera - It's much choppier than the old "frame mode" on the XL1 and XL1s.

In 24P mode, the entire image flickers, vertical lines go insane, and using the standard 1/24 shutter speed, the images are CHOPPY as they walk by the camera. Any vertical lines jump about. There is not image clarity the minute anything moves.

In 60i - the camera looks fine, but that defeats the purpose of owning the camera entirely!!!! Unless you want to drop frames/filmlook upon completion, this is not an option.

In previous XL models, the frame mode had it's issues...soft focus, lowered resolution, choppy images if moving right in front of the camera...However, the 24P is a joke. No person in their right mind could use this, unless to produce nausea! And, believe me, the resolution output on this camera, if anything, is lower - and I'm using the optional 20X super-wide XL2 lens ($1500).

I've shot with the XL1, XL1s, DVX1000 - they ALL blow this thing away.

Now, I'm stuck with a Canon, as I purchased unreturnable accessories for this thing. So, as I read user comments, I'm praying that just certain cameras have these issues. It seems others on message boards have this issue, but folks tell them they're crazy (they're not - believe me). I'm forced to drive 100 miles to the closest store with the XL2 in stock, hoping that the 24P or 30P or their floor model is somewhat clear. If not, I'll have to buy back my old XL1!!!!!

BE VERY CAREFUL IF YOU DECIDE TO BUY THIS CAMERA. It's not PRO at all!!!!!!!!!! Rating: 2 / 5

Comment on Sony 8mm 120-minute 4 pack by Gerald Gordon

Gerald Gordon — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 10:47:11 +0000

These were tapes that I needed right away and I was very happy to get them quickly and completely with no problem whats-so-ever. Thank you.
Rating: 5 / 5