On 22 Sep 2002 13:36:38 -0700, SRossiter@email.msn.com (Steve) wrote:

> My first camcorder purchase is going to be the Sony DCR-TRV950 and I
>wanted to ask for reccomended accessories. I know there's a wide range
>of possibilities but for right now I'm looking for the four or five
>that are generally considered must haves. From what I've read some
>might be - 128 MB memory stick, longer life battery, sturdy travel
>case, extended warranty, maybe tripod, maybe lenses (a UV protective
>lense at the least).
> I will be using this for general family stuff (soccer games, indoor
>events). The camera is on a 10% discount over at
>OneCall(http://ww2.onecall.com/PID_16131.htm) for $2186.55 which seems
>pretty reasonable.
> Thanks for any opinions offered and be as specific in make model
>reccomendations as you can because I'm not very familiar with
>accessory manufacturers.
> Take care, Steve.

- The Memory Sticks are tiny and easily lost - I would
buy several smaller-capacity ones instead of one
expensive one...
- The mid-size battery (70?) is a good choice, with
two of these a good idea...
- Look into cheap still-camera bags that just fit
exactly what you want to carry...
- Extended warranties, especially if reasonably-priced
(under $200) from a good source, and with a long enough
period, can be useful for DV camcorders (the Sony
flat-rate repair is a bit under $300 in the US...).
- A poor tripod is not worth much for video; decent
ones for video (Bogen, Libec) run around $200 (+/-).
- "Hoya single-coated UV, 37mm" is what you want for
lens protection. Consider also a "circular polarizer"
and a "Sony .7X *HG* 37mm WA lens converter"...
BTW, often the camera, and most often, the accessories
are available cheaper at www.bhphotovideo.com or
www.profeel.com.