Capture the Memories with the Sony CCD-TRV37

We purchased our Sony Handycam a year ago to replace our 12 year old RCA camcorder. We got the Sony CCD-TRV37 on sale at Sears and we haven't been disappointed with it yet.

This is the first camcorder I have owned that had a LCD screen, a color one at that, remember my old one lasted 12 years. It actually took a little while to get used to, I was so used to looking through the viewfinder when recording. I still use the viewfinder though, especially when I know I'm going to be using it for a long period of time outside, so I don't run down the battery too quickly. Using the LCD screen for a long time will drain the battery and you will have to recharge it.

Features

Color LCD Screen - I love this! My old camcorder didn't have one, so this was a definite plus. It's about a 2.5" screen and it swivels so you don't have to have it right in front of your face.

Battery pack and Infolithium battery - already installed in the camcorder, claiming 16 hours of continuous usage without the LCD screen. I haven't tried continuous usage for that long, only about 2 hours at a time, and haven't had any problems.

Video 8 format

Power adapter and power cord, A / V connecting cable for connecting to your TV, VCR or even your computer if you have the hardware and software like Dazzle DPM or something similar, and a shoulder strap.

20X optical/200X digital zoom - I can attest that the zoom with this model is great, it's nice and smooth. My old RCA wasn't too smooth when trying to zoom in on something.

Nightshot - where you can record at night in the dark, it's kind of like nightvision that you see on TV in the action flicks. I haven't used this feature that much.

Light - It has a little light on the front, at the top, for help with lighting, don't be too close to the subject though because this little light is pretty powerful.

Built-in microphone - Located on the bottom of the camcorder, at the front, you have to be careful with this as I have already muffled the sound by accidentally touching it while recording.

All the buttons and switches are easy to use and labeled nicely where you don't have to go searching in the manual to find out what button does what. It's easy enough where you don't really have to read the manual before using it. All you have to do is charge up the battery, which took about 2 hours for a full charge and then you're ready to shoot!

On the outside of the LCD screen is where it shows your batteries power level when charging. The book told us that it would take about 2 and a half hours for a full charge and it showed that it was fully charged within 2 hours.

My Experience

This camcorder is great for capturing those precious moments of the kids together. I have used it a lot on school plays, recitals and all of the special things that my kids do. I want to capture memories, not just for me and my husband, but as something to show and share with them too. I want to capture all the big and little things in my families life that I can treasure forever. My kids are growing up way too fast for me and this way I can capture the different ages and stages they go through. Sometimes they just think Mom is crazy pointing the camera at them when they are playing or just doing something, but that's what parents do and I'm sure they will realize that when they are parents too. I have captured my youngest son playing on the grass for the first time and many other firsts for him and my older kids.

This model is perfect for my needs as a parent and it wasn't at an outrageous price, it may not be the cheapest out there but it's perfect for our needs. I can take it on an outing to the park or zoo, and record away for a few hours and then come home and we can sit it watch it on TV. We usually record it on a regular VHS tape while we are watching it and then we can use that tape again.

It is fairly lightweight, easy to hold and use. You don't have to read the manual before use, but I do recommend you read it to learn about all the different features it has.

The only complaint I have, if you want to call it one, is that it is hard to see the LCD screen when you're outside, unless you're in the shade. When I'm recording outside, especially in the sun, I usually just use the viewfinder.

My Recommendation

I definitely recommend this to parents who want to capture those precious moments in their child's life and with this camcorder you don't have to spend a fortune to do it. We got ours on sale at Sears for only $399 and I think that it was regularly $499. I can definitely say you won't be disappointed with the Sony CCD-TRV37.