Sony TRV 900 camcorder, best in its class
This Sony camcorder, discontinued years ago, includes all of the features even a serious videographer would probably want. It competes with many of the much more expensive models but can be found for $500-$600 on eBay. If you can find one, grab it. They go fast. Combine this with a Bogen Manfretto tripod (such as the 3011, which can, with the head, adjust up to 71"!) and a decent head for video, such as the Manfretto 3130, and you're in business. I bought one of these camcorders years ago and have never had a problem, but as they get older, you must be aware of problems that come with age, so be sure to find one that's been carefully inspected. It's best you buy from a reputable seller with a near-perfect rating. You usually cannot go wrong.
There is a site managed by John Bealle that is devoted to the TRV 900, and you can received numerous tips regarding accessories that you might consider adding on once you start using the camcorder, but I found the built-in microphone is quite good, which is one of the strongest features of this camcorder. The LCD viewing screen is quite large, which is another real plus. Moreover, you do not have to remove the camcorder from its tripod head to change tapes, another convenient feature. Finally, I especially enjoy the ease at which the top rocker-like button allows you to zoom in or out very smoothly; the action is just wonderful. There are also wide-angle and fish-eye lenses available for these cameras, but check out John Bealle's site for the best quality accessories. There are numerous reviews of TRV 900 accessories on this site.
These days you must take care in choosing a camcorder that is compatible with various kinds of software, but since I use a Macintosh laptop (MacBook), I have had no problems in using the camcorder with Final Cut Express, and in older Macintosh laptops such as a 12" Powerbook G4, I've also had success using it with Final Cut Pro.
I generally have limited my uses of the TRV 900 to filming school plays and concerts that my kids have been in. Each year, I also videotape our university's concerts associated with our annual Delta Blues Symposium and have gotten excellent results. Moreover, I've used this at the annual King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, Arkansas (now called the Arkansas Heritage and Blues Festival). as usual, the color and audio is excellent, and I'm frequently surprised how much better quality of recording I'm able to get compared to others at the same venues who use expensive Canon GLs and even the upgraded XL-1 Canon models as well as those who use the more expensive Sony VX2000 or VX2100 (all of these are very good, by the way). For the money, you just cannot go wrong with a good old Sony TRV 900. If you see one and are in the market, get it before it's gone!Read full review
