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A great site! Have had my TRV900 since Jan'99. One snag I have found...photos taken on the memory card carry the correct time/date data (in the Exif format of JPEG). When transfering photos taken on the DV tape to the memory card no Exif data is created and the creation date for the photo records as the date it was transfered, not the date it was taken. I find the Exif data invaluable (at age 69 and a bit my memory is fallible to say the least!). I also wish thee was some way of including the Exif data when saving editied files to non lossy formats e.g. BMP
Keith Bryant <keith@kaybee.worldonline.co.uk>
UK - Monday, October 30, 2000 at 08:59:07 (PST)I am about to purchase a PC Card Reader for a desktop computer. Will be used to read files from my TRV900. I have two choices: (1) external PC Card reader (USB) or (2) internal PC Card reader (PCI). I believe the USB solution is considerably less expensive but not as eligant as the internal reader. Also, not sure if the relative transfer speed of the two solutions is a factor. Is one greatly faster than the other? Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Robert Denton <dentonr@stic.net>
TX USA - Wednesday, November 01, 2000 at 07:54:51 (PST)I have been looking for some help in the DV department...
What a site...
Thank You John
Bob Compton <bcomptonjr@earthlink.net>
Chicago, IL. USA - Wednesday, November 01, 2000 at 14:55:57 (PST)Hi,
I purchaced my TRV 900 on 7/14/99 and have used it extensively. I also have a TRV 81 that I have used for 3 yrs. I like the 900 but wish it had optics as good as the TRV 81 or the TRV 520. I also bought a Sony VAIO desktop nonlinear video editing computer.
There are several features that I wish were included on the 900 such as a record button on top of the camera and better sound quality.
My mirophone recording level has just craped out and I am returning the camera for repair at a fixed cost of $280 plus tax and shipping in Az. Evidently this is the cost for any kind of problem, no matter what.
The TRV 900 seems to be more fragile than the TRV 81 or other camers that I have had. I like the camera but find the image quality is better on a friends TRV 520 than the 900 even though the 900 is a 3 chip camera.
Thanks for your web sight. It is truly awsome and I am amazed at the work you have done putting it together.
I am also a EE (retired) and an avid photographer.
The TRV 900 works well under control of the IEEE 1394 ( Fireware) link and the Sony computer.
Regards
C. Stock <cbstock@aol.com>
Tucson, Az USA - Wednesday, November 01, 2000 at 20:13:18 (PST)Dear John:
I just purchased a Sony wireless microphone system. I was told by the folks at B&H that since I was only using one microphone at the present time it is not necessary to buy an XLR adaptor such as a Beachtech or Studio Pro. They stated all I have to do is simply plug the minijack into the TRV900 and use it.
I have two questions: (1) Will that hurt the camera?
and (2) Should I purchase the XLR adaptor in order to get balanced wiring or would that be an overkill?
Thank you for any comments.
Allen Minor
acminor@prodigy.net
Allen Minor <acminor@prodigy.net>
Hamilton, OH USA - Friday, November 03, 2000 at 12:23:48 (PST)I've never used a wireless mic but if it has a miniplug output, it is presumably designed for the use you indicate. Note that the output should be "mic level" and NOT "line level". The advantage of a balanced XLR connector shows up with long cables, and the wireless has (I hope!) only a short cable, so for this purpose it should not be necessary.
John
USA - Friday, November 03, 2000 at 16:02:31 (PST)Dear John:
Thanks for the advice. You were exactly right.
I have another question about the TRV900. I have tried to follow the instructions in the manual on p. 48 in regard to adjusting recording level. It says in step 7: ". . . so that the peak indicator in the lower right corner does not light up." I cannot make the light go off. Am I doing something wrong? or is it always going to be on?
Thanks so much for your help.
Allen Minor
acminor@prodigy.net
Allen Minor <acminor@prodigy.net>
Hamilton, OH USA - Sunday, November 05, 2000 at 14:16:07 (PST)Thanks for the site, just bought my first camcorder,trv900,mainly because of what I read here.
Pat K.
Pat Kelly <pat1187@gofree.indigo.ie>
Ireland - Tuesday, November 07, 2000 at 11:28:07 (PST)Thanks for putting so much useful information on your site. I read all about every type of camcorder and finally decided on a Sony TRV900 based on the information that you provided. What an awesome camera. Everyone that comes over to see the video that I've shot is astounded at how clear it is. I found the camcorder at thedigitaldog.com for $1747.00. So, since I saved so much money, I was able to talk my wife into let me spend the savings on some accessories. Thanks again for the great site.
Don Watters <DonRWatters@aol.com>
Lakewood, Wa USA - Thursday, November 16, 2000 at 19:33:46 (PST)I am looking to purchase an Cannon Elura 2 .
Can you please give me more details on your experience
with your Elura 2?
Have you ever used the AV inputs?
I would like to purchase this camera for it's small
size and AV inputs. I would like to use it as a covert
video camera making the size a big factor in my decision
for purchase. I want to also have the option to attatch a
pin hole camera to the AV inputs for recording.
Have you ever used the camera's AV inputs?
Will the AV inputs work with a pinhole camera for recording?
If so, will the video be as good as the pinhole camera purchased?
ie. resolution lines(420), pixel count,lux etc.
Rajiv <yanzz@hotmail.com>
dallas, tx USA - Monday, November 20, 2000 at 11:50:42 (PST)The Canon Elura2 analog video input works and has at least 400 lines of resolution, which is better than most "pinhole" cameras can do. I didn't test it extensively.
John
USA - Tuesday, November 21, 2000 at 00:07:19 (PST)Does anyone know where I can find a hot shoe mount for a
ME66 shotgun mic.
regards
Allan Wugalter <awugalter@connect.ab.ca>
Edmonton, Canada - Wednesday, November 22, 2000 at 06:18:11 (PST)I've been using my 900 to document shoots and scenarios while working in my profesional capacity as a tech manager for a mobile studio production company and have been more than satisfied with the results and quality of the pictures and video I have. I've incorporated a Steadicam JR, a Steddi-Eddi, a fluid head tripod of course and a Varizoom remote lens control to help with promotional videos and stills of almost broadcast quality. Just ran across your site and will now, of course, follow it closely to learn more tips and tricks about the operation of my camera.
Many thanks. Pat Miller
Pat Miller <patspics@flash.net>
Dallas, TX USA - Sunday, November 26, 2000 at 08:21:17 (PST)Just bought a CANNON GL1, because I thought it might be a better buy. I struggle yet knowing I have a little time to return it and still order the SONY TRV900.
Ron Reyes <rreyes@infoage-consulting.com>
Vienna, VA USA - Monday, November 27, 2000 at 07:01:52 (PST)I was struggling with the 21 pin connector to record direct from VCR - found solution at your site. Great, I would never had found it by myself
job rutgers <zorica@xs4all.nl>
utrecht, NL - Tuesday, November 28, 2000 at 13:36:12 (PST)Does anyone know if the remote will start the unit recording from "off"? I film animals in the wild and have long periods of inactivity. When I am ready to shoot, keeping motion to a minimum is essential. I don't want to have to reach up and turn the unit on. Anyone know for sure? Thanks...
Keith Levendorf <Kea@stratos.net>
USA - Wednesday, November 29, 2000 at 04:20:50 (PST)The IR remote will not power up the camera. When it's "OFF" it is really
"OFF" including IR receiver circuits. However any LANC wired remote
connected to the LANC jack can turn on the camera (if it is in power-save
shutdown, not when physically switched off). I have the Sony RM-95 LANC
remote and the Canon ZR-1000 LANC zoom controllers; both will do this. See
my Accessories
page. See also, my TRV900 FAQ under heading Auto
Shut-Off. John
USA - Wednesday, November 29, 2000 at 14:56:53 (PST)John,
Thanks for an AWESOME resource on the TRV900! I great appreciate
the work you have put into this. A friend and I are going
to do some backcountry flying videos. We are just getting
started with video and your info is a BIG HELP to us.
Regards - Jim
Jim Clark <jsclark123@yahoo.com>
Santa Cruz, CCA USA - Wednesday, November 29, 2000 at 20:11:54 (PST)Your site gave me the courage to use Mail Order. After I received all
the threats from the higer price vendors, I went to your site to look into
precautions about ordering. So far everything is going well. I used
Profeel.com to order, I am tracking the order, and also checked the amount
billed to my credit card--It is right on. I was going to return the TRV900
if the price changed verus the agree upon price. I hope to recieve it
today.
Today is the critical review of "What you order is what you
got.
THANKS LOADS FOR ALL THE ADDITIONAL INFO, RESOURCES, PROCEDURES
AND SUGESTIONS.
CHUCK JACKSON Jackson_Chuck@lacoe.edu <Jackson_Chuck@lacoe.edu>
Downey, CA USA - Thursday, November 30, 2000 at 08:09:19 (PST)John,
I had a question. On one of the pages (I thought that it was
powerdv.com, but I cannot find it right now) they disparage the TRV900
mainly for its 15fps speed. Excuse my ignorance, but they seem to imply
that if you post your video taken with TRV900 on the web, it will be very
jerky and not as smooth as that taken with Canon GL1. Could you please
give me some advice? I am getting ready to buy TRV900. However, I am
afraid that I may not be able to post my video on the Web if I use
TRV900. I thought that all Dv cameras were capable of posting their video
on the Web? Please enlighten.
Thanks for one of the greatest and
most unbiased sites on the Web. Tutul <shafaqrahim@usa.net> Dallas,
TX USA - Saturday, December 02, 2000 at 15:27:03 (PST)You're right; any video can be posted to the web. It is true that the
TRV900 progressive-scan mode is only 15 fps and that is annoying; I wish it
wasn't. However, I never use progressive scan mode anyway. It is true that
IF you are posting your video on the web in full-resolution, eg. 720x480
pixels, the progressive-scan mode will be better, BUT in practical terms
you cannot reasonably do this. If you look around on the web right now, I
think you will not find full-resolution video anywhere; no one has that
much bandwidth. I believe full-resolution progressive-scan is relevant only
if you are producing a progressive-scan DVD. Video on the web is currently
about half that resolution (eg. 360x240, or less) and in that case
interlaced mode video is just as good because you can average the fields in
each frame. John
USA - Sunday, December 03, 2000 at 18:34:12 (PST)Dear Beale: Pretty good site on the Sony TRV-900..One question..When I
put my TRV-900 into Low-Light Mode and record..I get a strobe/slow motion
effect in the view-finder and in the recording..How can I correct this..or
is it manufacturing defect? Besides that, camcorder works great.Sincerely,
Randy G. Randy G. <randyamericano@yahoo.com>
old bethpage, ny USA - Saturday, December 02, 2000 at 18:46:35 (PST)Standard video uses 1/60 sec. shutter. The low-light mode uses a 1/4 sec
shutter to capture more photons, but NTSC video is still 60 fields per
second, meaning that you get 15 duplicate fields in a row giving a "strobe"
effect. This is "by design" and not a defect. You can also manually select
shutter speeds between 1/60 and 1/4 to trade-off light sensitivity
vs. strobe effect. See also, TRV900 FAQ: Controls
under "How do I set slower shutter speeds? " John
USA - Sunday, December 03, 2000 at 18:30:21 (PST)Wonderful site!
A few questions about your Elura 2: (a) how do you manually focus it?, (b) does it have drop frame time code?, and (c) can it convert analog input to DV out on firewire in real-time, or must it record to tape for DV playback?
Finally, are you still pleased with your September purchase, or do you find yourself wondering about the Sony PC5?
Ramsey Fahel <rafahel@home.com>
Dallas, TX USA - Saturday, December 02, 2000 at 20:58:23 (PST)Would you mind posting your Elura2 user manual in PDF format? Canon does not yet have it on their web site.
Ramsey Fahel <rafahel@home.com>
Dallas, TX USA - Saturday, December 02, 2000 at 21:29:24 (PST)I think the Elura2 is worthwhile. The PC5 is probably very similar.
The Elura2 has manual focus, you hit a button on the rear and the selection thumbwheel doubles as manual focus. Not the most convenient, but it works. I believe the Elura2 like every other consumer MiniDV (?) has drop-frame timecode. I don't think it does real-time passthrough to firewire (haven't tried). I don't have the manual in PDF format, and lack the energy to scan in 100+ pages myself. I'm sure Canon will post it eventually.
John
USA - Sunday, December 03, 2000 at 18:26:01 (PST)DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE I CAN OBTAIN A PAL I TUNER FOR MY SONY GVD 900?
SIMON BENNETT <SIMONJBENNETT@UKGATEWAY.NET>
FLEET, ENGLAND - Monday, December 04, 2000 at 07:07:26 (PST)High all,
for the very first: This is a excellent site with a lot usefull tips. Thanks for this engagement.
I bought my Cam in June 99 and went straight off to Vietnam with it. I was doing 3500 kilometers on a motorbike
across the whole Nam ( Haiphong to Ca Mau ). Six months later I go 8500 kilometers across Mexico.
After that, visiting the NASA facilities at KSC and JSC.
All together I can say, the Cam survived all kind of
weather, temperature and humidity.
My only problems:
The Mic's are not working anymore ( still so ) but the external Mic jack is Ok ( so I do not care too much )
The Jog dial lost it's pressure point and the command impulses are not generated properly anymore.
The power switch could be better in stability.
The LANC jack has a loose contact sometimes.
Generally: Contact materials from Sony devices are real bad.
Experiences: 3 different CD Walkman, DAT Walkman, TRV-700.
The equipment I use:
Manfrotto,- 055CB Tripod, the 029 three way head,
the 334B automatic Monopod with macro slide ( gives a perfect balance when moving free hand )
A set of Cokin P- Series filters with different adapters.
A wide angle lens with factor 0.5
A Cam powered Video Flash Light - the HVL-FDH2.
NP-F950 Battery Packs. External self build video lights.
Tip for the freaks who do not like to spend too much money
for a Firewire card.
Recently I bought a NetEasy DRF-A3 card.
It contains the Texas Instruments chipset.
Installation without complications under WIN 95/98/2000.
It comes along with the Ulead Media Studio 4.0 SE.
The 1394 control ( Fwd,Rev,Play, Stop -SloMo....... ) works
absolutley proper. A 4 to 6 pin 1394 cable with the length
of 1.8 meters is attached with the bundle.
The best: The Price is about 75 US$ ( in Germany )
Nuff said now
Best regards to all 900 users
Chris
Chris <solidox@t-online.de>
Octoberfeastcity, Germany - Tuesday, December 05, 2000 at 05:11:11 (PST)What a site. I will be back. This ought to get graduate credit for reading all this stuff. A technical paradice.
Martin Verona <martinv@nac.net>
USA - Tuesday, December 05, 2000 at 17:38:21 (PST)Does the 3ccd come factory on the trv900? Is there a 920 or another 9?? number camcorder by sony? what does the price of one of these 920's cost brand new.
Kyle <oly1371@aol.com>
Salem , or USA - Thursday, December 07, 2000 at 01:57:31 (PST)The TRV900 is a 3-CCD camera (only). There is no TRV920 camera. There is
a TRV820 which is a single-chip Digital 8 which has an image quality
considerably below the TRV900 in my opinion. As for prices, my TRV900 FAQ is
current.
John
USA - Thursday, December 07, 2000 at 21:14:46 (PST)For a video project we are mastering onto Mini-DV (using a Sony DVCAM deck to record) and editing on PC (using TRV-900 and Firewire) and finally dubbing to Beta-SP format for distribution. We notice some audio distortion on the final Beta-SP tape but not on source tapes. 1) Does DV carry more audio headroom than Beta-SP? 2) If we use built-in tone generator in Premiere or Final Cut Pro are we setting a false 0dB level for our dub house to reference?
Rich Wiggins <richard.wiggins@usa.net>
Okemos, MI USA - Thursday, December 07, 2000 at 03:16:50 (PST)The TRV900 and all MiniDV cameras record digitally, and they don't really have "headroom" at all. They record a linear signal right up to 0 dB and then they clip hard (horrible distortion).
If you use AGC (not manual audio levels) the TRV900 will adjust to a quite high audio level and the analog signal is probably too hot for your analog Betacam deck. Just turn down the record level on the Betacam deck, I guess; or use an in-line attenuator in the audio connectors.
John
USA - Thursday, December 07, 2000 at 21:20:38 (PST)DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE I CAN OBTAIN A PAL I TUNER FOR A SONY GVD900?
SIMON BENNETT <SIMONBENNETT@UKGATEWAY.NET>
FLEET, ENGLAND - Friday, December 08, 2000 at 04:57:25 (PST)Hi!
In April I was looking for information on DV Camcorders and found your excellent site. Based mostly on the information found here, I decided to go for the TRV900, and for a while, I was truly happy with it. About two weeks ago, I had trouble with audio dropouts. Remembered your site... found all the information i needed ... cleaned the camera... and wow! I'm happy again. Can't thank you enough for your efforts! I know how much work it is to keep a website updated...
Andrea Sturm <a.sturm@vip.at>
Vienna, Austria - Tuesday, December 12, 2000 at 02:28:33 (PST)... ooops, forgot to add my question... there's always a question, isn't there....
I was wondering what the ND-Filter actually does. The manual only says to "switch on the ND filter when ND is blinking", which I do, and usually I get good results. But what does it do??? I saw the ND filter mentioned several times in your pages, and everybody seems to know what it's about, so I feel kind of dumb with this question, but oh well... If you find the time... 'cause I really like to know what's going on inside my gear...
Andrea Sturm <a.sturm@vip.at>
Austria - Tuesday, December 12, 2000 at 03:03:06 (PST)Speaking of ND filters: Is that a "real" filter in the TRV900? I mean does a glass/plastic filter swing into place when the I press the ND button or is it just some electronic circuit that imitates a filter by reducing light input?
Robert Denton <dentonr@stic.net>
San Antonio, TX USA - Tuesday, December 12, 2000 at 09:30:01 (PST)When you press the ND button listen carefully; you can hear a faint
movement inside. The TRV900 contains a real physical glass filter with a
layer that transmits about 18% of the light passing through it (2.5 f/stops
attenuation). ND = "Neutral Density" meaning it is color-neutral, reduces
intensity of all light colors equally. It is a physical filter because the
CCD can become saturated at minimum aperture (f/11) and 1/60 sec. shutter
in normal sunlight, without an external filter. Once a video signal is
saturated at full white, it contains no image information, and no subsequent
electronics would be able to restore the image. John
USA - Tuesday, December 12, 2000 at 11:43:37 (PST)Could you please tell me where to get a VCL-FS1K or 2K.I love your web site.Excellent work.Thank you.
Bertrand Artigues <bebert007@aol.com>
Erie, PA USA - Tuesday, December 12, 2000 at 14:33:21 (PST)All I know about that is on my "accessories" page under "telephoto lens". If you find a source in the USA, let me know.
John
USA - Tuesday, December 12, 2000 at 15:38:12 (PST)I am a professor of speech pathology. If I wanted to record samples of patients with speech defects before and after treatment and use such samples as a training tape for students, in Addition to a TRV 900 and a G4 MAC with Final Cut Pro (which the department already has) what would be the best mic for such recording and would any other equipment be necessary to achieve a high-quality result?
Martin Schwartz <mfs3@is.nyu.edu>
NYC, NY USA - Thursday, December 14, 2000 at 08:15:46 (PST)The better mics are generally more expensive and the "best" mic,
whatever that is, is probably more expensive than the camera.
If you want
a consumer-grade stereo mic the Sony ECM-MS907 or -MS908 is a reasonable choice. If
you want a more directional "short shotgun" pro mic the Sennheiser ME66/K6
is popular (you will need an XLR adaptor box or cable to connect this mic
to the camera's minijack mic input). See my microphone
page. Microphone position relative to your subject is critical, close
micing is generally preferred. The best results need special attention to
the environment- many rooms have too much echo for good voice sound and the
recording sounds like it was made in a shower stall. For the clearest sound
you will also want to reduce or avoid ambient noise: air conditioning,
outside traffic noise etc. John
USA - Thursday, December 14, 2000 at 10:33:56 (PST)Dear mr.beale,
My compliments on this wonderful site. It already answered a lot of questions for me. I have a few question i can't find an answer to, so i try it this way.
I recently bought a lapelmic (sony ecm - ts 125) since i wasn't satisfied with the sound of the internal mic during interviews.
The questions are:
1. should i use it with or without the powersupply that comes with the lapelmic? (it works both ways and the results seem to be the same)
2. can you recommend a wireless system?
gert-jan remmers <gjr@home.nl>
tilburg, netherlands - Saturday, December 16, 2000 at 12:52:13 (PST)The TRV900 provides about 2 V DC bias on the mic input, and your mic's
power supply probably does the same. I would guess that you can use
either one. For the system, I'm no expert but look at my mic page under wireless.
John
USA - Sunday, December 17, 2000 at 09:30:51 (PST)John, great site, do you know who sells zoom lenses, like the ones shown on the chinese persons site, 10x, and telescope, etc., that would fit and work with the trv900. And have you heard when the trv1000 is coming out and what features it will have. Thanks.
miller
farmington, ak USA - Sunday, December 17, 2000 at 18:45:35 (PST)I don't know of any more about the VCL-FS1K than what is written on my "accessories -telephoto lens" page.
There is no TRV1000. If you want to upgrade try the VX2000, but it's definitely a larger camera.
John
USA - Sunday, December 17, 2000 at 22:09:15 (PST)Thanks John, for all the great info and links. I am just about to receive my new 900 today [say a small prayer to the UPS gods]. I have a couple of things on my mind:
1. Since this model has been out for two years, how long before this camera will be rendered obsolete by a product with better technology in the same size or smaller package?
2. I need to do some basic NLE on my IBM PIII 750MHz laptop. Can you steer me towards a PCMCIA card that will work with Adobe Premiere and the 900?
3. What kind of footage would you recommend I take with this camera the moment I get it? I want to demonstrate its best attributes to my family - so I can justify the cost!
Regards, Jim
Jim Idelson <jimi@designet.com>
Sudbury, MA USA - Tuesday, December 19, 2000 at 05:06:32 (PST)As will all technology, there will be something better eventually, but it hasn't happened yet. The VX2000 is an upgrade but it's distinctly larger. I know nothing about PCMCIA firewire cards but check out the Pat Leong's NLE page, I link to it under "editing". Most important for good video: have good lighting (a few fixtures indoors at night isn't enough), hold the camera steady or use a tripod, avoid zooming. Frame your scene properly. Ask the talent to smile :-)
John
USA - Tuesday, December 19, 2000 at 10:17:09 (PST)Thanks for explaining the ND-filter. If all the answers I get were that understandable, I'd know exactly what I'm doing all the time... ;-) Andrea Sturm <a.sturm@vip.at>
Vienna, Austria - Wednesday, December 20, 2000 at 03:37:08 (PST)I found the often-recommended VCL-0752H wide angle lens for $105 at http://www.wackodeals.com/sonvc07xdigc.html. Just a heads-up, for anyone interested.
Ryan Patridge
Schaumburg, IL USA - Thursday, December 28, 2000 at 10:07:23 (PST)Just got the TRV900 for xmass from my wife, who used this site along with my grovelling to decide the purchase. It's a really fine camera and certainly an amazing price/perfromance leader.
Ian Kennedy <ianken_ms@msn.com>
Redmond, WA USA - Friday, December 29, 2000 at 19:50:13 (PST)I've used my Sony NP-F750 Battery frequently since April, 1999. However, just this week, it stopped working. When I attempt to charge it, the charger blinks on and off slowly. The charger works fine for other batteries, though. Any suggestions?
Craig <ccr@usa.net>
Fort Worth, TX USA - Monday, January 01, 2001 at 10:04:25 (PST)In the old days, batteries were simple :-). Sony's "InfoLithium"
batteries contain a small CPU which monitors amount of charge and
discharge, to enable the "minutes remaining" display. Somehow, the CPU in
your battery has gotten confused. A few other people have reported this,
but I don't know how to reset it. Possibly, discharge the battery all the
way (if it isn't already) by running the camera off the battery until it
quits. If you are using a separate charger, try instead charging it on the
camera (battery on, camera plugged in to wall, but camera off). Another
possibility is the flat metal terminal (CPU serial data connector) on the
bottom edge of the battery next to the negative pole has become dirty,
preventing contact. It could be cleaned with an alcohol-wetted Q-tip or
similar. John
USA - Monday, January 01, 2001 at 12:39:21 (PST)Just to let everyone know, the matrox rt2000 is a really bad piece of junk. To many problems with compatibility occur with this product to be of any good use. This is just a **WARNING** for anyone who is thinking of using this card for any purpose. If you are thinking of buying--just check out all the complaints in the user fourums at www.matrox.com. Even matrox knows its a piece of junk!
MIKE ZIMIESKI <ZIMIESKI@SPECTIA.com>
USA - Tuesday, January 02, 2001 at 20:12:18 (PST)Thanks John;
I bought a TRV900 last Oct. and used it as a second camera on a remote Corporate shoot. Its look is aklmost as good as the JVC DV500U I used as the main camera. Your site was invaluable to me. I want to thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the site and the Camera.
Charles Haggart <chaggart@sympatico.ca>
Toronto, On. Canada - Thursday, January 04, 2001 at 08:25:53 (PST)Hi John,
This is a wonderful site with lots of helpful stuff!
I do have a little problem:
You write in your camcorder test:
"The image is a 720x480 DV frame sent live from my computer
through firewire cable to the TRV900 and out via S-VHS to TV"
This what I fail to achieve and
here what I am doing:
The TRV900E camcorder is connected via Firewire cable to the computer and I have an avi file playing using Export. The file shows on the computer monitor and the camcorder is in play mode but I do not see anything on the camcorder display. This does not seem to be right, because if I am recording a file from computer back to tape, I do see the video on the camcorder display.
The S-VHS cable is connected between camcorder
and TV set.
I might have a problem with a camcorder setting.
I try to set it to DV-IN but the manual says:
"You cannot set DV EDITING IN or OUT on a blank portion of tape."
Hope you have time to point to something.
Thank you,
Heinz
Heinz Mense <heinzme@iprimus.com.au>
Busselton, WA Australia - Tuesday, January 09, 2001 at 04:00:45 (PST)You want your camcorder in VCR mode, but NOT actually "play" (that would
take the signal from tape, not from firewire in).
The TRV900 screen
should be blue, and if your firewire interface is active you will observe
"DV IN" at the lower right-hand corner. When your NLE software plays the
video, the video should appear on the camcorder screen. If it doesn't, you
have a cable, software, or computer problem.
(Don't set the TRV900 menu
"DV EDIT" option; that's only for controlling a second miniDV camera
connected via firewire from the TRV900.) John Beale
USA - Tuesday, January 09, 2001 at 10:56:16 (PST)Love your site, i wish one existed for the sony TRV20. that's the camera i just purchased. i'm wondering if i made a mistake and should have went with the 900?! unfortunately i can't get my hand on a review for the trv20. would you happen to know anything about it? did i make a mistake? i appreciate any help. thanks in advance.
Amy Trahant <atrahant@oxygen.com>
Manhattan Beach, CA USA - Wednesday, January 10, 2001 at 15:38:37 (PST)Thank you for your excellent site. I got a TRV900 about a month ago and it continoues to amaze me. I also bought a Mac iBook with firewire & iMovie and all works quite well. My daughter calls it a "Movie-Studio-To-Go"!
John <mijo58@yahoo.com>
USA - Wednesday, January 10, 2001 at 18:48:06 (PST)I have a panosonic 850 digital camcorder and I am missing the cd to transfer still pics on my pc. Can anyone help? Please. Cannot find the panosonic site either. Jim <jjmaso11@aol.com>
FL USA - Thursday, January 11, 2001 at 07:27:14 (PST)One panasonic webpage is http://www.panasonic.com/support/index.htm
They have options to call or email customer support.
John
USA - Thursday, January 11, 2001 at 10:43:37 (PST)John,
This has got to be one of the best websites I have seen on any
subject, much less on the subject of DV, cameras, and other
related technologies.
As I enter the latter half of my 2nd year of film school I
am in the market for a good DV camera to match up with my
Final Cut Pro editing gear. (Which I highly recommend anyone
doing DV work look into. Much more fun to use than Premiere
IMNSHO) As a result of the extensive data I found here I
will be buying a TRV-900 and a load of accessories (as I need
them).
Thanks for the clues. :)
--David Bowsky
David Bowsky <rcprcty@excite.com>
Santa Rosa, CA USA - Thursday, January 11, 2001 at 12:31:35 (PST)Anyone with an opinion on the Nady VCM-100 shotgun microphone?
Jim
USA - Saturday, January 13, 2001 at 20:07:16 (PST)I have just gotten into digital video. My buddy and i are going to be shooting a climbing video around the US and hope to have it out on the market by next christmas. We purchased a trv900 as well as a trv11. I've been really happy with both of them so far. Theses might be fairly basic questions but I figure I would ask them anyway. First, why does the last half of second of a recording gitter a little? It doesn't always do it though. Second, could this be due to inexpensive tapes. I'm using some standard jvc tapes I bought for 6 bucks a piece with the cameras. I know there is a big difference in the quality of audio tapes, but does the same hold true for digital video tapes? We want to get the best quality possible, but we will be shooting probably 30+ tapes. should i spend the few extra bucks for the good tapes? Thanks.
Peter Brink <five_fourteen@hotmail.com>
Portland , OR USA - Sunday, January 14, 2001 at 09:33:08 (PST)I like this page.
I have a TRV900, I want to fully explore its functionally.
By the way, recently I have a experience of choice tapes.
Sony and Fuji are good, TDK gave me lots of troubles.
Zuhong Han <zhan_h@hotmail.com>
Piscataway, NJ USA - Sunday, January 14, 2001 at 11:14:10 (PST)I own a TRV900, I want to edit the vedio types and make VCD/DVD. Can I use the CD-RW Drive with PCMCIA or IEEE
connector directly? Any suggestions will be great appreciated.
Hans
Hans
USA - Sunday, January 14, 2001 at 12:02:48 (PST)No CD-R or CD-RW drive I know of will operate directly from the TRV900,
you
have to edit the video on a computer first, and translate to MPEG
format.
TO make a VCD, SVCD or MiniDVD, see my TRV900 FAQ on those
subjects. John
USA - Sunday, January 14, 2001 at 14:39:09 (PST)hey john or any others,
i'm having a problem with my 900 -- had to send it off to mack: something is loose..either the optics or the ccd. when the lens hood is on, you can see a black vertical band on the left side of the screen. if you tilt the camera, the band shifts to the other side. i'm assuming the "band" is the side of the lens hood. with the hood off, when doing a quick pan, the picture jumps around eradically and the steady shot doesn't work at all. also, theft side of the picture remains out of focus. have had the camera for going on 6 months. have been to this site numerous times and you may remember some previous replies from me in your guestbook. any ideas what this could be and how it might have happened? i've been EXTREMELY careful with this camera...never dropped or bumped it. i'm worried that when i get it back fixed, it could happen again through regular usage and nothing rough. i need a camera that's durable...not so fragile. if you could, please reply via e-mail as i don't always have a chance to come to this site. thanks a lot! carl carl flamm <flamm@tesseractproductions.com>
palm coast, fl USA - Wednesday, January 17, 2001 at 06:35:51 (PST)Perhaps the steady shot element has come loose. This is the first such report I have heard of such a problem. The camera certainly needs professional repair, from the description.
John
USA - Wednesday, January 17, 2001 at 11:31:44 (PST)I use my TRV900 and edit using a RT2000 Work Station with great results. The trouble most people have with the RT2000 NLE system is they try to install it in a computer that they already own. The installation process is difficult to do unless it goes into a new computer exactly as directed in the Matrox RT2000 manual. I have another computer for my other programs. I purchased the workstation to avoid the problems other people have such as IRQ conflicks, or motherboards and Drives that are not compatable with the Matrox RT2000 system. I think the RT2000 is the best NLE in this price range. I paid about $3000 for my Pentium III 550 MHZ,256MB memory workstation that comes bundled with some other very useful programs.
Fred E. Gutman <fegutman@att.net>
Redondo beach, CA USA - Thursday, January 18, 2001 at 23:04:15 (PST)Like so many others have mentioned, your site is really about the best site I've seen one person ever put together. And after reading every bit of it, I decided to go with the TRV900 instead of the VX2000. The 900 seems like a good match for what I would like to do. I have friends that work with CNN and they agreed. So you saved me money and the time I would have to wait to save the difference in price. I just received it and I am going to buy a good book on photography to start. A friend gave me this link: www.photo.net
I havent tried it yet, but he says its a good start.
Anyway, thanks.
_Richard O.
Richard O. <rorleski@hotmail.com>
Alpharetta, Ga USA - Monday, January 22, 2001 at 12:08:27 (PST)I´m happy to own a 900, too! I have used the 900 around the world together with a Powerbook G3 (500 Mhz wirh Firewire), FinalCut Pro (for editing) and Terran Cleaner 5. (for Compression to the web). This is a great combination of "semi" professional tools. I can recommend it a lot for all video makers! Hans Inge Hagen <hans@norrec.com>
Seljord, Telemark Norway - Tuesday, January 23, 2001 at 08:17:09 (PST)I'm just entering the world of dv with a purchase of the DCR-TRV900 and am *so* pleased to have found your site. Many thanks for such a valuable, intelligent reference tool!
Stefanie Kelly <stefaniekelly@hotmail.com>
Palo Alto, CA USA - Wednesday, January 24, 2001 at 23:31:44 (PST)This is a great site! Thanks for keeping us informed about this great camera. It's such a hugely comprehensive site, I haven't even gone through half it. Keep up the good work!
Nap Batalao <nbatalao@graphic-designer.com>
Fremont, CA USA - Thursday, January 25, 2001 at 12:35:22 (PST)Where can i get drivers for my sony trv320 so that I can use it with windows me. they are not on the windows page
eagle one <ohio9803@excite.com>
east liverpool, ohio USA - Thursday, January 25, 2001 at 14:05:47 (PST)I still use Win98 myself. Anyway, I would ask whoever the vendor of your firewire card is, or whoever sells the computer, if it has a firewire interface built-in.
John
USA - Thursday, January 25, 2001 at 15:58:44 (PST)Hey John! Being stationed in Japan and wanting to get some technology over here, I decided on the TRV-900 after much research and finally landing at your site. I really love this site and love my 900. I got it in electric town in Tokyo and can't wait to have some fun. I was torn between the pc110 and 900 initially b/c of some cool additions that the 110 has, but the 900's pic quality and superior zoom put it way past the 110. Question:I liked the 110 b/c it would let you send a little 60 sec. video clip easily over email by making the clip small enough to easily send as a file. What is the best way to do this with the 900? Is there a way? Looking forward to your reply or anyone elses that has dealt with this. Sayonara!
Taylor
Taylor <papatembo@hotmail.com>
Negishi, Japan - Saturday, January 27, 2001 at 19:52:31 (PST)TO email a video, you load the original DV format video into your PC via
firewire, then
use software to convert it to MPEG, ASF, RealVideo or
whatever format you like,
then email the file. Ulead MediaStudioPro (MSP)
6.0 can generate MPEG1, MPEG2, ASF (MPEG4), Quicktime, and RealVideo
formats, and each one has compression that can be set to whatever you
want. Normally you
use reduced resolutions like 160x120 pixels. If you
want MPEG1, several
free programs can generate it; see my TRV900 FAQ here.
John
USA - Sunday, January 28, 2001 at 09:20:55 (PST)I have a Sony Handycam Marine Pack MPK-M8 (rated for use down to 40 meters) and I would like to know if you, or any of your devoted readers can help me find information on modifying it to operate with my TRV-900? Thanks again for the great site and keep up the good work!
Leif Arneson <leif.arneson@simrad.com>
Horten, Norway - Wednesday, January 31, 2001 at 00:17:19 (PST)I don't usually submit comments to websites, but I just had to tell SOMEBODY what a great resource you've put together. I've been tearing my hair out for the past couple of days researching and trying to decide whether to purchase a TRV900, a GL1, a VX2000, an XL-1, or a JVC GY500U, and the info on this site has helped me immeasurably. I think I'm gonna go with the VX2000... and I had to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for the great job you've done putting together all this info.
Sandra McDowell <sandra@artinteractive.com>
N. Adams, MA USA - Wednesday, January 31, 2001 at 14:45:56 (PST)Great site! Very helpful with the camcorder links and descriptions! Helped me out a lot! Keep it up!
Benjamin Gray <bigredgray@hotmail.com>
boston, ma USA - Thursday, February 01, 2001 at 20:59:09 (PST)I have a TR 910E Sony Hi 8 camcorder. The shutter on the camera mode does not briskly open: it opens partially and thereafter gently(without touching the lens) has to be nudged aside to shoot. Why is this and what should be done? Local Sony service has no clue on this.
Grateful for any help
G.Subramanian <geeyes@vsnl.com>
Chennai, TN India - Saturday, February 10, 2001 at 10:40:54 (PST)Hi. Great site, man. Thanks heaps.
I'm in New York at present and I have been asking around the electronic shops close to Times Square. I have been given quotes as low as $899.oo for the TRV900. Can this be true? Are thre 'pirate' or 'cheap' versions out there?
The cheapest quote came from a place called
'ELECTRONIC WONDERS II', on 5th Avenue (212)682 2334.
Does anyone have any info on these guys?
Any comments appreciated..
Also - I'm going home via JAPAN. Has anyone heard what prices for the trv900 are like in Japan?
Thanks
-PG.
P.GLEE <kayserblade@hotmail.com>
Melbourne, vic AUstralia - Monday, February 12, 2001 at 11:47:58 (PST)The current best price for a new TRV900 is around $1800. Even used
cameras, in good condition are probably near $1500. Camcorders are among
the most complicated and high-tech pieces of consumer technology, and I've
never heard of a "pirate version" of any model- only a large company with
many skilled personnel can produce any camcorder, let alone one that works
as well as a TRV900. So, I'm not saying your deal is impossible, but I
would venture to say "highly unlikely". See also my TRV900 FAQ,
specificially the first item, third paragraph down, titled "Cautionary
Tales Department". John Beale
USA - Monday, February 12, 2001 at 13:52:29 (PST)Excellent pages! As a 900e owner, I have learned a lot.
Your other readers into low cost dv editing may be interested in my web pages (www.mikeshaw.co.uk), which deal with Pinnacle Studio products - in particular, Studio DV.
Mike Shaw <mike@mikeshaw.co.uk>
Beckenham, UK - Monday, February 12, 2001 at 15:04:50 (PST)just to say love your web site.as a retailer you were turned on to me by a customer and the wealth of info has
helped tremendously as you no more than sony reps!sincere
thanks,mark
mark lorner <consumervideo@bhphotovideo.com>
new york, new york USA - Thursday, February 15, 2001 at 08:18:47 (PST)Hello,
finally I discovered your awsome site. Things I never thought of solving, are solved now. Thanks for the big help!
Greetings,
Karl Hans Hechler, Trondheimstraße 15, D 64207 Darmstadt/Germany
KHH@AOL.com
Karl Hans Hechler <KHHQAOL.com>
Darmstadt, D Germany - Saturday, February 17, 2001 at 03:07:15 (PST)Thanks for your comprehesive iformation on the TRV900. Your site helped me decide to get the 900, and it just arrived today!! Im sure it will be a step up from my TRV72.
Roy E. Yack <ryack@adelphia.net>
Toms River, NJ USA - Monday, February 19, 2001 at 16:32:33 (PST)This is not a cliche : "Thank U Jhon for a great job".
I'm trying to copy some "Beta Digital" tapes digitally to my TRV900 . Couldn't find a "Beta digital to Firewire Interface" I even called some friends working for Sony & they said that what I'm looking for has not been invented yet. Any suggestions.
Best
Moheb Moheb Milad <moheb@emirates.net.ae>
Dubai, UAE - Saturday, February 24, 2001 at 14:36:52 (PST)I'm flattered that you'd suggest I know the answer any better than Sony,
but as far as I know your friends are right. The only way I know is to
convert the DigiBeta to analog, and send it to the TRV900 though the
S-Video or composite conector. There are some DVCAM decks with (analog)
component in, but I believe they don't record MiniDV. If you have a
NLE setup with SDI or whatever digital interface your DigiBeta deck uses,
you ought to be able to convert it to DV on your computer, then sent it out
a firewire port but I know nothing about SDI and other professional video
standards. John
USA - Sunday, February 25, 2001 at 11:42:32 (PST)Thanx for the tip . I was trying to avoid going analog . I just came accross this "Non-Sony" converter :
http://www.miranda.com/en/products/static_pages/dv-bridge.html
I already downloaded the specs , manual etc. ... and - apart from the price - I think it's an ideal piece for this job.
Moheb Milad <moheb@emirates.net.ae>
Dubai, UAE - Sunday, February 25, 2001 at 17:52:33 (PST)I have been using the Sony TRV900 for two years to produce
short films and documentaries. John, your most informative
pages have helped me improve the quality of my work and
increase my productivity by avoiding so many trials and
errors. I am glad you are doing all the hard work so all
we have to do is concentrate on the job at hand.
Mohammad Nasrallah <fenjaan_nospam@hotmail.com>
Khobar, Saudi Arabia - Monday, February 26, 2001 at 20:37:59 (PST)Great website! Thanks John! You`re part of the reason why I bought my TRV900. Now I`m planning to try some editing. Can anyone tell me something about the Dazzle DV-Now AV? (Cheaper than the Raptor and with analog I/O options).
Leif
Stockholm, Sweden - Friday, March 02, 2001 at 01:19:26 (PST)John,
This site continues to be a great source of information for me. I've been using my 900 for about a year now. I recently got a new computer because my Sony VAIO died on me. Unfortunately, the Sony DVGate Motion (batch capturing) software will not allow you to run it on a non-Sony PC. I already have a SIIG 1394 capture card on my new PC. I want a batch capture software product like DVGate Motion that allows you to mark multiple begin and end points and capture them to AVI files. I also want it to allow me to output the finished project back to DV tape (like my old program). Everything I've looked at requires you to purchase their capture card to get their software with a bunch of other stuff that I already have (Adobe Premiere 5.1 and accessories). I've looked at cheap packages like Ulead Media Studio, but it has an absolutely horrible interface that "gets in your way" and does not batch capture. What inexpensive software solution would you recommend for me???
Jim Lynch <jrlynch9@hotmail.com>
Jamestown, NC USA - Friday, March 02, 2001 at 19:26:01 (PST)Add me to the long list of grateful people for the incredible amount of content on this page. Now for the question...
I have been working with a Sony Vaio Slimtop PC and TRV900 for a few months. It has been educational but a bit frustrating. I'm taking .jpg stills and creating a slideshow with audio in Premier. Trouble is, when I export a movie I keep getting a "disk full?" error. I assume that this is related to the well advertised 2GB limit. Are there any after market 1394 DV cards that will allow me to export a 40 min movie to DV tape? I just got a new PC (Dell Pentium 4) and am looking for the perfect DV editing hardware to buy. Any guidance you can provide would be much appreciated.
phil freiberg <phil.freiberg@ware.net>
Broomfield, co USA - Friday, March 02, 2001 at 21:19:15 (PST)Where would be a good place to get the cheapest price on a Sony 900?...I have a sony TRV-120 and I feel that I could get a bit more camera.
Leo <lr@satx.rr.com>
Schertz, TX USA - Friday, March 02, 2001 at 22:30:56 (PST)Keep up the good work. I'm always returning to this site to read for personal gradification and not just for research. Too many damn interesting things.
Neight Gee Tang <killerpanda@yahoo.com>
Los Angeles, CA USA - Sunday, March 04, 2001 at 09:25:01 (PST)I have just purchased a TRV900 and a Sony MPK-DVF for underwater use, and thought I would set up a site for persons that use the housing. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IVANHOU2001
Would purchased my equipment as a result of your site. I have shared it with other persons. Thanks for the great work. Jerry <IVANHOU@AOL.COM>
Vista, Ca USA - Sunday, March 04, 2001 at 14:53:16 (PST)Had my TRV-900 about a year and a half, still don't know half of what it can do. Just looking for info to do better! Thanks for your efforts and good luck!
Mike Obenschain <mpobensc@intelos.net>
Staunton, VA USA - Thursday, March 08, 2001 at 18:12:13 (PST)I just viewed a brief review of the new theatrical file "15 Minutes" and noticed the film's central object is our beloved camcorder, the TRV900.
Harry Brown <brownh@muskegon.cc.mi.us>
N. Muskegon, MI USA - Sunday, March 11, 2001 at 06:41:57 (PST)Thanks John for keeping this site together! Your site helped me decide which MiniDV cam to get; which turned out to be the PC5. I chose this camcorder over the 900 b/c of it's size and portability but i'm sure, budget permitting, i'd get the 900 someday. btw, what accessories would you recommend to improve stills under low light conditions for the PC5? All the best, Azlan.
Azlan Othman <azlan_othman@hotmail.com>
Shah Alam, Selangor Malaysia - Monday, March 12, 2001 at 10:02:52 (PST)hello john, just looking up the beale famly name on the net and bang your site poped up,there are a lot of us beale's out here.we have a big famly tree with deep root's.it is good to see you are not the sap, lol c-ya richard
richard beale <mithrog@yahoo.com>
elko, nv USA - Monday, March 12, 2001 at 10:34:36 (PST)John, thanks for the abundance of useful information you give us on your site. I have a question. The Manual says not to use Steady Shot when shooting a stationary object with a tripod (p.67). Does it make a difference?
Kind regards,
Ray
Ray Lucas <raylucas@onetel.net.uk>
UK - Monday, March 12, 2001 at 12:38:23 (PST)steady shot will try to counteract your panning action at start and endpoints when using a tripod. If camera is truly motionless, steadyshot should not affect the image, but there may still be some drift because the turn-rate sensors used in the steadyshot system are not perfect. Turning steadyshot off locks down the image as you'd expect from a tripod.
john
USA - Monday, March 12, 2001 at 15:43:21 (PST)What happened to the promised SONY TRV1000? Any one know when and.or if it it will be available? How will it differ from the TRV900?
Thanks
Robert M. Levine <rml326@hotmail.com>
Miami, FL USA - Tuesday, March 13, 2001 at 02:45:32 (PST)Promised by whom? I have never seen Sony mention any such
model... various people have rumoured it but I believe they are just
that- rumours.
John
USA - Tuesday, March 13, 2001 at 10:27:39 (PST)I feel like I purchased the lemon 900! After 11 months Sony had to replace the head (I guess that's what it is...'bout 1-2 inch round part) because the 900 stopped playback and record. At the 1 1/2 year mark, it's doing it again. I'm a very dissappointed videographer and doubting Sony will be my advocate. Any suggestions?
Client deadlines are passing me by while I have to get the camera repaired. You can imagine my frustration! Greg Kolar <gregorjane@earthlink.net>
Spokane, WA USA - Friday, March 16, 2001 at 08:40:41 (PST)I believe you are the first person I'm aware of to need the TRV900 video
head replaced- certainly the first to need it twice. Sounds like you are
using the camera in a "professional" context. Many people do this, of
course, and most seem satisfied with the camera given it's price. My
TRV900 has about 400 hours use on the video drum and is still fine. Not to
take Sony's side in the matter, but the camera is a consumer product and
their warranty does exclude damage due to "professional use". The Sony
PD100A model (mostly similar to TRV900) has what is claimed to be a more
durable video head which is sold by the Sony Pro division and is warrantied
for professional use. John
USA - Friday, March 16, 2001 at 10:44:27 (PST)Just purchased the 900. The humming of the motor is nauseating.
Should I worry?
Ed Ilgenfritz <eilgenfritz@conairgroup.com>
Pittsburgh, PA USA - Saturday, March 17, 2001 at 19:40:04 (PST)The TRV900 video head drum (like all MiniDV cameras) spins at 9000 RPM. It is audible, and tends to be more noisy than some other MiniDV cameras; apparently some TRV900s are louder than others.
You are the first to report nausea. Note that the motor noise typically does not appear on the soundtrack when using the built-in mics; try it and see. Also, refer to my FAQ under "sound quality".
John
USA - Sunday, March 18, 2001 at 11:53:05 (PST)John, your site is much appreciated. I have learned much from it. Just received my TRV900 and am pleased with the quality. There is a problem that I can't find an answer to on your site or the manual. I can't CAPTURE on the fly or from a still picture. After trying to copy still images with MEMORY SET -> PHOTO SAVE -> PHOTO there are now still immages saved to floppy disk and the icon for MEMORY SET appears flashing with a "/". The camera sounds as if it is looking at the tape and the floppy disk LED lights up. There are about five still images recorded to the tape. Also I can't CAPTURE David Walther <walther@systemsdc.com>
Pueblo, CO USA - Sunday, March 18, 2001 at 16:33:18 (PST)Sorry, I closed my comment early somehow. As I was saying I can't CAPTURE with the tape runing in VTR mode by pushing the PHOTO button half-way down. I can CAPTURE an image with the camera in stand by mode. It is interesting that I am having this problem and cannot find anywhere on your site that someone else has had the some problem.
Thanks for all the work you have put into your site.
Dave Walther David Walther <walther@systemsdc.com>
Pueblo, CO USA - Sunday, March 18, 2001 at 16:45:07 (PST)I'm not sure how to help. I'd guess very few people use the floppy drive; a compact flash or memory stick is so much faster, or if you have a firewire card (now under $100) you can import video or stills directly to the PC (what I normally do).
John
USA - Sunday, March 18, 2001 at 20:26:19 (PST)Cannat find manual users sony trv 900e.
pleas healpme.
MAD vasil <TRANSPORT@LOGOS.APULUM.RO>
ALBA, RO ROMANIA - Tuesday, March 20, 2001 at 05:18:32 (PST)I have a sony trv 900 e camrecorder and I am missing the
users manual .
Can anyoane help?
mad <transport@logos.apulum.ro>
Alba, europa - Tuesday, March 20, 2001 at 05:37:15 (PST)Quick tip for zoom ring on VX200.... Place a cable tie (tie/wrap)
round the ring and trim, use the stub left as a lever guide
to work the zoom more smoothly.
dave girdwood <waiting_for_friday@yahoo.com>
UK - Wednesday, March 21, 2001 at 06:04:46 (PST)John, Great page. I'm considering the SONY PC110 as opposed to the TRV900. What do you think? (I'm dizzy surfing the web for my answer). My objective with the camcorder is for personal video; utilizing the photo snap features to print from my VIAO and send E-Mail photos/videos back home. Question 2:Do you suggest purchasing extra RAM? Value is my priority. Thanks again.
Joaquin <imbajs@yahoo.com>
Villa Park, Ca USA - Thursday, March 22, 2001 at 23:36:07 (PST)I have never used or seen the PC110. I have heard it is nearly as good as the TRV900 at video (higher resolution stills, of course). It is certainly smaller. That's all I know.
John
USA - Friday, March 23, 2001 at 12:15:25 (PST)I am a 3 time EMMY award winning network producer/cameraman and have owned a 900 for about a year...and really am impressed with it - except for one thing. I have had to replace the lens once (after 3 months) and about to do so again because it no longer tracks (auto-focuses) properly - even on manual focus - its as if the back-focus is out and this lens doesn't have a back focus. The mountains become out-of-focus when you zoom out from a tight shot....has anyone else had this problem? SONY will not admit that there is a problem and want $225 to replace the lens as it is out of the 3 month parts warranty.... Bill Canter <canterw@yahoo.com>
Chevy Chase, MD USA - Sunday, March 25, 2001 at 08:05:43 (PST)The TRV900 does have a back-focus adjustment but it is a digital
setting, only accessible with a
RM-95 service remote or equivalent. The
adjustment procedure is shown in the service manual,
check the bottom of
this
page. I suspect the back-focus setting may not work properly with an
external wide-angle or tele adaptor on the camera. But if your back focus
with just the stock lens was initially correct and has since gone wrong, I
can only assume there is some physical change in the lens assembly which
may need repair. John
USA - Sunday, March 25, 2001 at 12:26:55 (PST)Hi John! Excellent Website! Makes me feel like wanting a
TRV900 ... but got a european Panasonic NV-DX110 anyway.
The trouble with that cam is, that whenever i grab pictures
from that cam via the serial or IEEE interface, not all of
the possible 720 pixels are being filled by an image. e.g.
about 20 of them are left black on the right side ...
do you know if this is intended (overscan area on TV screens)
or can this be adjusted via the serial line or whatsoever?
I want to use the material in full 720x576 pixels resolution.
Other Panasonics do so and tapes from these other cams work
fine on my NV-DX110. Can U help? Uli Uli Vogel <Uli.Vogel@gmx.de>
Berchtesgaden, Germany - Wednesday, March 28, 2001 at 00:26:17 (PST)Some MiniDV cameras do not actually use the full 720x480 (NTSC) or
720x576 (PAL) bitmap. My TRV900 has a narrow black bar on one side, and my
GL1 has broader black bands on both sides, but they are hidden by normal TV
overscan. Some other models (VX2000) do use the complete bitmap. There may
be some variation from unit to unit, as well. John
USA - Wednesday, March 28, 2001 at 13:12:47 (PST)John, thank you. How many pixels is that black zone of your
TRV900 you mentioned? Do you know if this can be adjusted
properly for the full 720 size? I'd like to produce video
that is moving in the picture an use other effects where
this black zone must be cropped before. I assumed that
from the european 450k pixels of each CCD only 400k are
used and so the full 720 pixels are filled. Is that right?
Uli <Uli.Vogel@gmx.de>
Berchtesgaden, germany - Thursday, March 29, 2001 at 05:10:52 (PST)My TRV900 has a black border on the left-hand side of a few pixels, but
it is not a "hard" edge so there is no exact number. I believe the camera
converts the CCD raster to an analog signal and then re-digitizes it into
the DV raster so there is not a 1:1 correspondence between CCD pixels
and DV bitmap pixels. I do not think it can be adjusted without hardware
modifications. I think you must measure your own camera's edge border, and
crop the image accordingly. John
USA - Thursday, March 29, 2001 at 12:13:18 (PST)Just purchased a TRV900 yesterday. Orderred sony parts VCT-670RM (tripod), VCL-1452H (telephoto), VCL-0752H (wide-angle). Am pondering whether to order the following,
NP-F550 $60
NP-F750 $100
AC-V700 $150
BC-V615 $50?
ACC-KIT F330 $60
ACC-KIT F550 $100?
VF-R52K $20
VF-52PKS $70?
ECM-HS1 $70
IFT-R20 $50
This is my first camcorder and I know nothing about photography. It is for vacation and records for baby's growth. Please advise me, all gurus out there.
Tin Little <tinlittle@hotmail.com>
Fremont, CA USA - Thursday, March 29, 2001 at 11:49:01 (PST)I am intested in researching vedio editing as a part time
career and i need to know how to get started and what equipment i'll need
deborah popovic <petuniaDbrh@netscape.net>
milwaukee, wi USA - Monday, April 02, 2001 at 21:15:28 (PDT)You say "editing" and not "shooting", meaning you're thinking of editing other people's video footage? You'd need a deck capable of playing whatever tape format they give you, a NLE (computer editing system), and some interface between the two; for MiniDV cameras this is a firewire (IEEE-1394) interface, and of course knowledge of how to use all this. Maybe a course at a local college or trade school would be the best route.
John
USA - Tuesday, April 03, 2001 at 12:40:46 (PDT)Have any of you trv 900 users had trouble exporting through the ieee1394 from adobe premiere? I can export to tape with device control but when i simply play the timeline, I get a blue screen on my camera and I can't record anything. My card does all the transitions and stuff in realtime but when i use the adobe's export to tape, there is additional crunch time equal to the whole program before the record function turns on on the trv 900 . who needs that? I just want to hit record on the camera then hit play in adobe and tape the whole thing. (i believe they call it an assemble edit. Can anyone help me with this newbie problem?
robert scott lane <rslane32@yahoo.com>
san diego, ca USA - Tuesday, April 03, 2001 at 16:32:16 (PDT)great site seenu
USA - Wednesday, April 04, 2001 at 09:54:34 (PDT)