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.

One caveat...a wide angle lens would be a smart purchase. It's difficult to get far enough away from the action and still hear what is going on.


A better camcorder than I thought!   November 18, 2002
S Downes (Ballston Lake, NY United States)
62 out of 62 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.


Simple, but Great Hi8   July 10, 2002
75 out of 76 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.


What more do I need?   July 9, 2002
Arthur Spooner
16 out of 19 found this review helpful

Price and function are two of the main reasons I now own this camcorder. I have webtv so I can capture all of the stills I need and do it quite easily and without software and a computer.Keep it simple stan is definitly my mantra and this camcorder helps me do just that. More functions and options would just go to waste and be confusing.It is light and ergonomic and I got a free tripod and camera bag with mine at circuit city. I wouldn't buy electronics on line again (been there done that). A longer battery life would be all I would ask for .