Sony CCDTRV87 Hi8 Camcorder

Audio features include high-fidelity stereo recording and output as well as a built-in speaker for added convenience. The Sony CCD-TRV87 also offers six-mode program autoexposure and an array of fader and picture effects. Equipped with Sony's Laser Link feature, you can just aim the Sony CCD-TRV87 at the LaserLink receiver on select Sony TVs from up to 16 feet away, press "Play," and enjoy your videos directly on your TV--without wires or cassette adapters.

Other convenient features of the Sony CCD-TRV87 include a built-in video light, Control-L (LANC) editing interface, 16:9 widescreen recording, edit search, and end search. With a rechargeable InfoLithium battery that features an AccuPower meter, this camcorder offers a long recording time.

Product Description
Experience the picture quality of Hi8 XR recording, the detail of a high-resolution image sensor and the fun of Super LaserLink wireless transmission. Enjoying great video on your television has never been this easy. With the Super LaserLink system, you no longer need to connect your camcorder to your TV or use clunky videocassette adaptors. This is Sony's most feature packed Hi8 camcorder. The CCDTRV87 features a high-resolution CCD with 470, 000 pixels, images are much sharper and finely detailed than those shot with regular 8mm and most other Hi8 camcorders.Another thing you don't need to worry about is holding the camcorder perfectly still. Sony's SteadyShot system uses sophisticated motion sensors to remove unwanted picture shake. With Sony's Hyper-Precision CCD image sensors, you're not sacrificing image size or picture quality. 2.5-inch LCD Viewscreen makes recording a snap by allowing you to see your recordings as you make them. It also makes recording events from difficult angles much simpler. Plus, you can watch your masterpiece after you've recorded it. Hi-Fi Stereo Audio Recording and Playback delivers wider dynamic range, no background tape hiss, reduced sound smearing, and better localization, for improved sonic performance. Sony's exclusive Hi8 XR can provide up to 440 lines of resolution, compared to 400 lines with other Hi8 Camcorders. Six Mode Program AE provides quick and easy setting for the proper exposure, shutter, and depth of field setting for a variety of environments. There are six modes: Portrait, Beach/Ski, Sports Lesson, Landscape, Spotlight, and Sunset/Moon. Stamina Power Management When you're out shooting the action, the last thing you want to see is the dreaded flashing battery indicator -the sign that you've got no power left. That's why Sony cut power consumption and extended battery life.

Being the Hi8 line leader the previous year -- before that cheapening began -- the TRV87 is therefore Sony consumer analog video at its best, crammed with every feature Sony ever put into that format. It's all here -- the Hi8XR format (440 lines of vertical resolution, which in side to side comparison with DV's 500 lines is almost impossible to differentiate), LCD viewing, digital special effects, on-board lighting, Super Nightshot, photo mode, full titling, a wide range of pre-programmed exposure modes, Laserlink...it goes on and on. Yes, granted, the chassis is that classic "handful" TRV size, so this Sony isn't quite as cute and sexy as those teeny current DV palmcorders - but it provides video that is just as good, and costs a lot, lot less. This machine is destined to be a classic, in the same category as the infamous Sony TR101 (their first serious Hi8 machine from almost a decade earlier).


Wrong Image   August 30, 2001
 1 out of 6 found this review helpful

The TRV87 has 360x digital zoom. THe posted image shows a 330x zoom


Sony CCD-TRV87 Hi8 Camcorder Review   February 17, 2001
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I have used this camera for about 100 hours now. I have used and figured out 99% of the special features.

Pros: Many special effects such as: infrared, black and white, cartoon like effect, and a couple others. It also has 16:9 recording but distorts the picture when recording. It has an excellent playback speaker when watching videos you have already taken on the 2.5 " LCD screen. It also has about 5 digital effects such as slow shutter or flashing pictures. The photo option lets you create a slide show easily and allows you to use the fade features such as overlap really easily. The battery that came with the camera lasts me about 1.8 hours using the LCD screen and about 2 hours using the black and white viewfinder. This is a surprise, because I thought it would only last an hour with the LCD screen. This camera also lets you record TV just like a VCR which is a nice feature if you like to edit videos. I also like the feature that lets you put words on the screen as you record. The stereo sound recording on this camera is great. The LCD screen is also crystal clear and is easily big enough to see what your recording.

Cons: Grainy picture in low light condition. However, if you use the light on the camera, it drastically improves the grainy picture. The zoom gets really pixely at anything zoomed in more than about 180 times. The camera is larger and heavier than the new digital ones. The manual focus can also be tough to work but it isn't too bad.

This is an excellent camera. I would recommend it over the digital ones just because you get a lot more features for your money and the quality of the picture isn't all that different.


What fun!   December 20, 2000
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I just got this camera in time for the holidays. It is so much fun. The "photo" feature is great. You can create a slide show on tape! The night vision is amazing. The infrared lighting lets you see anything in the dark. It has many special effects you can use to spice up the home movies. The standard battery charges quickly and lasts for about an hour, depending on use of the lcd viewer and light. The picture and sound quality are excellent. Overall, this video camera is an excellent value.


My Sony Handycam CCD-TRV87 Camcorder   October 13, 2000
I purchased this video camera and it has performed excellent from the day I opened the box.

The ease of use is great!

I purchased a long life battery and can get up to 16 hours of recording or playback at a time.

Would I buy this camera again ? The answer is YES!