ProductCritic: Sony DCR-TRV480 Reviews

howstuffworks.com (60)

The DCR-TRV480 uses Sony’s proprietary Digital8 camcorder format to record digitally to analog 8mm and Hi8 videotapes. More importantly, it is backward compatible, so users can continue to enjoy all of their old recordings stored on analog 8mm and Hi8 tapes.

CNET (58)

With its ability to play and transfer your old tapes, this is an attractive choice if you’re upgrading from an 8mm or Hi8 camcorder. But if you don’t need 8mm or Hi8 compatibility, competing MiniDV cameras offer superior performance in much smaller packages.

camcorderinfo.com (50)

The color scheme of this model is a visual metaphor for this seemingly endangered medium; the shiny metallic silver houses the hybrid touch screen which is troublesome but “impressive” for a Digital8, while the dull dark no-flair gray holds the Digital8 mechanism. The most impressive innovation for this medium is this camcorder’s ability to capture stills onto a MemoryStick Duo.

easyCamcorders.com (44)

The Sony DCR-TRV480 has the key feature that makes a Digital8 camcorder at least something of a viable purchase: backwards compatibility. Were it not for this feature, which allows you to view your old 8mm and Hi8 tapes, the Digital8 camcorder would be one with the dinosaurs.