Sony CCDTR517 Hi8 Camcorder

by Sony

Product Details

Product Manual [1.66mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000050GNW
• Item model number: CCD-TR517
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,219 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1999

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars High-quality camcorder, December 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Sony CCDTR517 Hi8 Camcorder (Electronics)

I purchased this camcorder a few weeks ago. I wanted a high-quality, up-to-date camcorder, but was not interested in paying over five hundred dollars for digital. It is extremely easy to use, and is high quality. I have never used a camcorder before, and this took me just a few minutes to learn. I have had no problems with it to date. The sound quality is wonderful when you play it back on the TV. If you are looking for the Sony brand, and don't care about not having all the extras, then this camcorder is for you.

Pros: durable, small, light, and easy to use.

Cons: no LCD screen, no image stabilizer

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Have had two of these with same problem, September 9, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Sony CCDTR517 Hi8 Camcorder (Electronics)

First of all, I love the camera when it works. Short on features and not digital quality, but top of the line picture quality for 8mm. Has clear, white whites and sharp picture. It's also very easy to use.

However, after just 4 months of use, the camera started not keeping a charge. I discovered the problem to be that the camera would go into play mode on it's own from the off position and drain the battery. (Switch remains locked in the off position, but camera is on and able to play tapes)I was also unable to charge the battery for the same reason.(Battery will not charge while in play mode even though plugged in)

The Sony warranty had expired (They have a very short warranty period) but I had purchased an extended warranty so my camera was relpaced.

Now, my replacement camera is exibiting the same problem. I would greatly discourage buying this camera... this problem renders the camera virtually useless.

I have discovered this is a known problem on other Sony Handycams...

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Greatest and Most Simplest Camcorder On The Market, February 24, 2001

By 

a camcorder lover (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony CCDTR517 Hi8 Camcorder (Electronics)

I had a JVC GR-DV1 digital camcorder in 1997. Unfortunately, it broke. And I didn't have enough money to buy another digital camcorder. So 4 years later, I decided to get the Sony TR-517.

This 8-mm camcorder doesn't have all the features as a digital does, but it has a whole lot more exciting features than the Canon or Samsung 8-mms.

Features: special effects(e.g. pastel, neg. art, sepia, black- &-white, mosaic, solarization, slim, and stretch)

4 faders(black, stripe, monotone, and bounce)

6 Program AE modes( I don't know the names of them, but they make your picture look beautiful)

Pre-set titler/make-your-own titles

And don't forget about the XR(eXtended Resolution), which gives the camcorder up to 280 resolution lines. While the Canon and Samsung 8-mm cams make your home movies look washed out and grainy, the Sony TR-517 sharpens the look of your movies.

If you buy the Sony TR-517, you'll be buying:

THE GREATEST AND MOST SIMPLEST CAMCORDER ON THE MARKET!!!