"Norm" <norm@norm.com> wrote in message news:405c7d4d_5@corp.newsgroups.com...

> Okay I'm very confused.

> I used a Sony DCRTRV80 and thought it was pretty good. Now I'm looking to

> buy and am comparing specs of the SonyDCRTRV80 to other models and makes.

> The Sony has this, but I don't know what matters or where it matters.

Basically, if the image has good characteristics for your use,

then it is fine, regardless of "specs". This may help:

www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/vid_pict_characts.htm.

> 2110K Gross Pixels - What does this mean? If another has 1500K gross pixels

> is that going to show up on the tv as less quality?

Prolly.....;-)

(See above)

The image sensor of one has 2110 pixels total; the other, 1500 - that

is all it means. Other factors (CCD size, type, and sensitivity, plus others,

can offset pixel count in contributing to picture quality. Raw specs tell

you little...

> Video Actual 1080K pixels - Huh? I thought there were 2110K pixels?

For stills. Video uses less, and the stabilizer will take some of these...

> Horz Lines - 530 - Horz lines where? Some others have 520 Horz lines - are

> the 10 lines missing from the top or bottom of the picture?

Resolution, not lines - but image resolution is a VERY "iffy" thing

to measure. Best to comparatively evaluate pictures for not only

resolution, but contrast, color characteristics, motion characteristics,

etc. - see the URL, above...

> Advanced HAD CCD - Is this good? Is this what the Jones use? I want to

> keep up.

These can offer improved sensitivity compared with some more

commonly used type, almost always an advantage...

> CCD is .21 inches - Is bigger better?

YES! (Well, usually....;-)

> I can't spend more than $1000 on a camera and would like to stay at $800 or

> so.(Well I could go up to $1200 if it really meant a better one)

We all want perfect color, superb sharpness, lovely tonality, and

the ability to shoot in the dark without loss of image quality - and

we want it in a package that fits in a (small) shirt pocket, and costs

$299 maximum (with a 10-year warranty), but.........;-)

Each camera is a set of compromises in design, and all we can

do is best balance desires, preferences, practicality, I guess...

Or, if you like the TRV80 after using it, why not buy that one...?

--

David Ruether

d_ruether@hotmail.com

http://www.David-Ruether-Photography.com