Sony DCRTRV340 Digital8 Camcorder w/ 2.5" LCD USB Streaming, & Memory Stick capability

by Sony

Product Details

Product Manual [8.39mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 8 x 3.2 x 3.5 inches ; 3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00006341B
• Item model number: DCR-TRV340
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,921 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1973

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Digital8 line was conceived to provide a path to digital for current owners of 8mm or Hi8 camcorders. The DCR-TRV340 succeeds in that regard, playing back both 8mm and Hi8 tapes. Plus, you can use the camcorder as a digital still camera, recording 640 x 480 stills onto the included 8 MB Memory Stick.

Sony put in a 25x optical zoom and paired it with Super SteadyShot image stabilization. Image stabilization is a handy technology that helps to eliminate the shakiness associated with high zoom levels. The only way to avoid shakiness completely is to utilize a tripod, table, or other stable surface. The 2.5-inch LCD is the best way to frame your shots, although you can use the black-and-white EVF to preserve battery life.

In addition to the normal slew of ports (IEEE 1394, S-Video, mini AV) that have made their way onto the TRV340, there's also a USB port, which, with some included software, offers some interesting functions. Specifically, it allows you to use the camcorder to capture stills, or "broadcast live video with audio," according to Sony, which seems to indicate you can use the TRV340 as a Webcam. There is also one very important port on the TRV340: a mic input. Not only do most camcorders have poor built-in microphones, but they are often situated too near the tape mechanism, meaning you get the annoying throbbing sound of the tape pulled through the heads.

The DCR-TRV340 comes with a power adapter, InfoLithium battery, 8 MB Memory Stick, remote control, two AA batteries, AV cable, lens cap, shoulder strap, USB cable, and software CD-ROM.

Product Description

To catch those special memories, do you prefer videotape or still pictures? Why choose when you've got this Digital 8 camcorder? Capture digital still pictures on the supplied 8MB Memory Stick and download them to your computer through the USB terminal. The 2.5" swivelscreen LCD lets you see exactly what you're recording, and the Super Steadyshot tames a shaky hand, making your videos even better! MPEG Movie Mode, analog inputs, and Digital Program Edit are just a few of the other features.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars What's the Buzz about???, March 21, 2002

By 

Matt N (Sauk Rapids, mn) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony DCRTRV340 Digital8 Camcorder w/ 2.5" LCD USB Streaming, & Memory Stick capability (Electronics)

After looking at what Sony had to offer on their digital camcorder line, I decided to buy a TRV340. I was impressed with all the features it had to offer. After playing with the shelf model for a while I purchased the TRV340. Once I opened the product at home and inserted the tape there was a hum or buzzing noise while recording or playing back a recording. In a quiet environment, this buzz is also picked up in the recording. The location of the buzzing sound came from the tapes drive mechanism. I returned the product two times and all subsequent camcorders aired this buzz. If you are looking to buy this product play with a shelf model WITH THE TAPE IN. This way you can judge if this will be a problem for you.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars CamCorder is great; Software [stinks]...., August 12, 2002

By 

Charlie (Clearwater, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony DCRTRV340 Digital8 Camcorder w/ 2.5" LCD USB Streaming, & Memory Stick capability (Electronics)

I Bought this camcorder after moving to Florida. My biggest use for the camera is capturing video to use as backdrops and watermarks on documents. A lot of beach shots and some low light and night shots.
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The Camera: Super. Very simple and straight forward to use. Use of the "digit" zoom (700x) is a bit precarious without a tripod but the "optical" zoom (25x) provides excellent video. Its size makes it easy to manipulate and the features are conveniently located. Quality of the video on playback is near DVD quality.
.
The Software: When you buy the camera grab yourself a copy of "Video Explosion Deluxe" (approx. [$$]) and throw away the software that comes with the camera. The supplied software is cumbersome, not well documented and provides little (I'm being generous) meaningful help via dropdown menus.... The "Video Explosion Deluxe" (VED) installs in just a very few minutes and is well documented, expecially with the online tutorial (extremely well down) and the dropdowns. VED allows for complete control of the camcorder via the PC during video capture by use of the Firewire. The granularity of the editing feature pretty much removes the need of a memory stick and the video can be edited (and images captured) on a "by frame" bases. A really terrific piece of software.... My hat is off to the developers....

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this camcorder!, May 10, 2002

By 

Shaz "oi-you!" (Naples, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Sony DCRTRV340 Digital8 Camcorder w/ 2.5" LCD USB Streaming, & Memory Stick capability (Electronics)

After trying and hating the JVC camcorder my Dad lent us, we decided to go with this Sony Digital8 camcorder. Easy to use, and loaded with lots extra goodies, this camcorder is fabulous. It has the following features:
*MPEG movie maker (w/ Memory Stick- allows you to email
your videos to friends and family
*ILINK interface (to edit your movies on your PC)
*Super Steady shot (for even the shakiest hand)
*Super "Night Shot" (for low lighting and night taping)
*Digital Still Memory Mode (to load and send still pics via
email
We have been very pleased with this camcorder- no complaints here. Once you learn how to use the editing and emailing features, you'll be sending your videos to everyone you know! A good investment, especially if you have young children.