On Fri, 23 Oct 1998 14:12:35 -0700, "News Chang"
>I'm looking into DVs and read all I can about the Optura and TRV9
>
>Here's what I have so far -
>both cameras have so-so pictures in low light
I have a TRV-9, have never used an Optura (what follows for it
is based on web frame grabs I've seen, and on other's opinions I've
read...). The TRV-9 picture looks bad in low room light, but
I got some remarkably nice evening and night images with it
at the New York State Fair midway (amusement rides).
>The TRV9 has digital in/out - I believe first camera to do so under $1500??
>Does the Optura have analog s-video input??
No, only the TRV-9 and 900, though Sony is coming out with an inexpensive accessory to convert both ways...
>The Optura has that neat Progressive scan - good for shooting high speed
>action
(Stills...)
>The Optura looks cooler (ok not quite important, but I'm a geek)
>The Optura is a optical stabilizer whereas the TRV9 is digital
The TRV-9 stabilizer is THE best I have seen - steady, without
artifacts, a REALLY nice stabilizer! (The digital stabilizers
of the Panasonics appear to be quite poor - but the technology
can be used well...).
>The Optura is around $300 more than the TRV9
>The TRV9 has night shot - hmmmm...
If not yet disabled for daylight by Sony, it is wonderful
for shooting daylight infrared (B&W) video - I've had a lot
of fun with it this summer!
>What I really need now is some info from you guys who
>have used them, one or the other, both would be great.
For bright-light picture quality, I'd be inclined to go
with the Optura, if the particular features of the TRV-9
aren't important... (the color/contrast of the TRV-9 is
a bit weak, and I use a polarizer with it for daylight
color work to perk up the color - or I copy the tape and
fix it up with a video equalizer). The color of the
3-chip TRV-900 appears to be much better, judging from
web-page frame grabs, but at a higher price...