Sony CCDTRV308 Hi8 Camcorder with 2.5"LCD and Video Light

The CCD-TRV308 is Sony's midrange Hi8 camcorder, and it offers an assortment of features that make it great for the average home videographer. Sporting a 2.5-inch color LCD and 20x optical zoom, there's really no situation that the TRV308 won't shoot well. Especially when you add in the NightShot mode, which switches the camera to an infrared shooting mode, and SteadyShot image stabilization, which helps eliminate those annoying shakes that accompany high zoom levels.

In addition the CCD-TRV308 offers a few fader and picture effects, as well as some titling options.

Product Description
The Sony CCD-TRV308 Hi8 Handycam Camcorder keeps your memories alive in full color, excellent detail and great quality sound. It features the popular Hi8 format that makes your videos look and sound incredibly real. SteadyShot Picture Stabilization reduces the effect of camera shake, so it keeps your videos moving smoothly even if you're in a car or on a dance floor. Built-in light, Nightshot, 20x optical, 460x digital zoom and 8 picture effects make your home movies more exciting. The 2.5" Vision LCD screen swivels so you can always see what you're recording. Sony's Easy Dubbing function makes recording to your VCR and adding titles to your videos simple - just press the Easy Dub button! Whether you're recording a birthday party, your vacation or little league, Sony's CCD-TRV308 delivers amazing images.

The only drawback of this camera is that the battery life tends to be pretty short-lived. However, you can purchase an extended life battery which comes in handy if you want to record for extended periods of times. One extremly useful feature of this camera is the light, which really works well at night. Also, a really cool feature of this camera is the ability to shoot in complete darkness (via an infared filming capability).

In a nutshell, if you want great quality and extreme affordability this camera is for you.


Simple, but Great Hi8   July 11, 2002
70 out of 71 found this review helpful

If you want nothing more than a really good camcorder to take basic videos, the Sony CCDTRV308 is the way to go.

It's probably the best Sony Hi8 camcamcorder you'll get without all the bells and whistles that let you download video on to your PC.

It has a few great features like NIGHTSHOT (which allows video in virutal darkness) and STEADYSHOT. Also, the 20X zoom works really well. (Don't be impressd by the 460X digital zoom-- on any camcorder; the image becomes more blurry the closer you zoom in with it.)

You'll probably have to get another battery, as the one the Sony CCDTRV308 comes with will only last for about an hour or so when using all the functions (LCD screen, stop and start REC). I recommend buying the NP-QM71; it lasts between 4 and 6 hours.

BUT (A VERY BIG BUT), If you want to anything more than basic VCR editing, get at least a MiniDV, especially if you're willing to spend between $500 and $1000. I was willing to drop $500 for a MiniDV because I wanted to easily edit my videos, but I wasn't willing to spend another $500 to upgrade my PC to accomodate the large amounts of data.

Otherwise, the Sony CCDTRV308 is a great Hi8 camcorder for basic video recording and little or no editing.


A better camcorder than I thought!   November 19, 2002
S Downes (Ballston Lake, NY United States)
57 out of 57 found this review helpful

We purchased this camcorder for the holidays, selecting the CCDTRV308 over the CCDTRV108 due to it's added features such as image stability and auto-light. It arrived within three days - amazing! With my son's birthday coming up at the weekend, and the speedy delivery, it was a real test as to whether I could read the manual and become comfortable in the camcorder's use before the big day. The instructions are clear, concise and easily referenced.

We chose official Sony cassettes for this first run to ensure optimal picture quality and compatibility. Image quality is excellent, but we did notice that it performs better after it has 'warmed up'. This might be due to cassette stability or electronics temperature, but in no way detracts from this product's quality. Fade in/out options are excellent and with the 'cinema' setting gives your production that 'ER' feel.

I suspect that upgrading to a higher capacity battery may be a next step, but it lasted through the kid's party with ease. About 30 minutes of shooting remained, even though we used the LCD the whole time.

Title use is a little confusing, but you do get the option of creating two custom titles in addition to the standard fare.

The tripod was prepared, just in case the weight of the camcorder became tiring, but it was not needed. The lightness of these new camcorders over the ones of yesteryear makes life much easier, and is not burdening.

We researched considerably, before purchasing this product, which is no guarantee of success, but I have no hesitation in recommending it to those considering a Hi-8 camcorder.


GOOD DEAL GREAT CAMERA   May 9, 2002
25 out of 26 found this review helpful

This camera is great. It is awesome for running around with your kids, and taping soccer games. Its one of the best camcorders I have ever had.I highly recomend this for all families and for kids that just want to make movies with their friends.Once again its a great camera and anyone interested in this camera should buy it and keep all the memories and good times of the past very close to their hearts.


Great Camera   May 3, 2002
Neil E. MacDonald (Maine)
15 out of 15 found this review helpful

I recently purchased this camera and I'm very satisfied with it. I find the quality of the pictures with this camera as good if not better than anything else without going to digital. It is very comfortable to hold and the controls are easy to use. I highly reccomend this product to anyone looking for a top quality camera at an affordable price. Nice going Sony!