On 16 Nov 2001 18:05:45 -0800, Paul Rubin wrote:
>d_ruether@hotmail.com (Neuman - Ruether) writes:

>> If you do go one-chip (I would take the TRV-900...;-)
>> for size/weight reasons, consider the TRV-30
>> (or the similar-but-smaller PC120).

>I keep going around in circles about this. If I want the smallest
>camera, that's the PC9. So the TRV900 means I've given up small size
>for better capability, which for me mainly means low light. At that
>point the TRV900 starts looking like another unhappy compromise and
>what I really want is a VX2000. But the VX2000 is huge => back to PC9.
>I hadn't really considered the PC120/TRV30.

Well, do what I did, buy the VX2000, TRV900, TRV30,
PC100, and PC9...! ;-) Then you don't need to decide - but
be forewarned: you may then drive yourself nuts figuring
out the best uses for each...;-) I just shot all 5 Sony
Mini-DV imaging types in the same several locations to
compare them, and I'm still trying to make sense of what
I found...;-) But, briefly, in order of best color and
tonality: 2000, 900, 30, 9, 100; in order of best sharpness:
roughly all together but with the 9 noticeably behind, and
with the 2000 a tad ahead, of the others; in order of least
picture artifacting: the 2000, 900, 30-100-9 together;
ultimate low-light ability: 2000 well ahead, 900, then the
rest considerably behind, with the 9 a tad ahead of the 100
and 30; size/weight order:-) 2000, 900, 30, 100, 9; etc.
Best compromise, if only one camera is to be had: TRV900
(or the 2000 - which just plain has the best picture and
sound.....;-). But I still like to carry and use the
PC100...;-)

>I currently have a TRV87 (hi-8 camera), about the size of a TRV900,
>and reasonably tolerable to take places. I have several L series
>battery packs for it, so it would be nice to use them on my next
>camera if I get one.

Get NPF730 batteries for the 900/2000 - they last a long time,
and fit neatly under the VF. If the 87 used NiCads,
the battery packs won't fit the Mini-DV cameras - the
voltage is higher.

>> (The digital vs. optical stabilizer issue here is, BTW,
>> of small importance...)

>Really? I kept hearing it as a plus for the Optura Pi and TRV-900.

No - depends on design, and the Sony DIS is well-done
(see answer to "tnr" above...).