Digital video is hot, but MiniDV camcorders and the tapes they require aren't cheap. Sony developed Digital 8 technology as a solution: these camcorders can record a digital signal onto a standard Hi8 tape. Sony's DCR-TRV520 is solidly in the middle of Sony's current Digital 8 line.
It has Memory Stick for digital still capture--a trickle-down feature formerly offered only on Sony's top-of-the-line models--and a 3.5in LCD monitor. While it's a bit bulkier than a typical digital camcorder, and the picture quality isn't quite as good as true MiniDV, the TRV520 offers an excellent, reasonably priced introduction to the advantages of digital video.
Typically, electronic image stabilisation reduces image resolution as it compensates for camera shake. However, by using an oversized imaging chip, Sony has managed to implement electronic stabilisation with no perceptible loss in picture quality.
It's a minor inconvenience that Sony chose a detachable lens cap for the TRV520, rather than a lens cover that opens automatically when Record mode is engaged. On the other hand, it's cheaper to replace a lost lens cap than to have a malfunctioning lens cover repaired.
Nearly all of Sony's recent camcorders have featured NightShot infrared shooting mode, which lets you record in absolute darkness--so long as you don't mind green monochrome pictures. (The infrared "illumination" is supplied by an emitter on the camera, which has a range of about three metres.)
While last year's Digital 8 camcorders couldn't play back analogue 8mm/Hi8 as digital video, the latest crop can. In other words, you can play an 8mm or Hi8 home movie in the TRV520, send the digital output to your computer for editing, and then record the digitised footage onto a blank tape for archival. Alternatively, you can use the analogue inputs to record from another camcorder or a VCR. Except for the "AC In/Battery Charge" power jack located at the bottom rear of the TRV520, all plugs are hidden behind a rubber flip-out panel on the right front side. This can get clumsy if, say, you're wearing headphones and using an external microphone while viewing an external monitor (as many prosumer-level video makers do). Though the analogue inputs are useful if you want to archive a home movie library, it's unfortunate that you have to use Sony's proprietary mini-plug RCA cable for composite video instead of your own dubbing cables (which might be of better quality). At least the S-video input/output is the standard five-pin design.
The Memory Stick is inserted into a slot built into the cassette loading tray. Having the Memory Stick slot on the outside of the camcorder would be more convenient, which is exactly how Sony designed the TRV10, PC100, and TRV20.
The "Intelligent Accessory Shoe" on top of the TRV520 can supply power to--what else?--Sony's "intelligent accessories", including optional video lights and microphones. It can also be used as a regular accessory shoe for non-"intelligent" accessories. The TRV520 is sized like a typical Hi8 camcorder, and may feel bulky if you're accustomed to the petite designs of many DV cameras. Once you get used to it, however, the extra weight and additional length helps stabilise handheld shooting.
We really like the zoom slider located on the top rear of the camcorder, as well as the fact that its top zoom speed isn't jarringly fast. (We've complained in the past about the zoom rockers on Sony's DV camcorders; they're tiny and so over-responsive that it's to get a slow, smooth zoom with them.)
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