On 7 May 2002 06:41:49 -0700, burbank@twcny.rr.com (Dave Burbank) wrote:

>SONY seems to have a huge variety of camcorder models out there! Could
>someone knowledgeable help explain how the DCR-TRV30 differs from
>other models like the TRV17, TRV18, TRV27, TRV50, etc.
>
>I've read a ton of material and scoured the SONY site. I need real
>world differences. I JUST purchased the TRV30 for $1299. Did I make
>the right choice???

"Notjustjay" had some good answers for one part of it (though the TRV30 does have a "pop-up" flash,
also...),
but in terms of imaging quality, go to:
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder--comparison.htm
for more on image quality differences in different
light levels among the various *imaging types* Sony
makes (which may appear in several different models).
Unfortunately, the TRV25/27/950 types are not
represented, but the 25/27 characteristics may be
closest to the PC100/110/TRV20, but with different
color. The TRV30 is an excellent camera, and it
represents top-end performance for a 1-chipper in
terms of color and resolution, but it does have some
annoying picture characteristics. BTW, if you are
the local-to-me person I talked to recently, I did
offer to show you the differences "real world"...;-)
And if local, "ME" has also been consulting with
me - and while his choice may be different, it is
"different-but-equal", being just a different mix
of compromises...;-) If either one of you wanted
to "best" the other, the TRV900 would have done
it...! ;-) You may find this article on video
picture characteristics and problems useful (not
all camcorders were "created equal"...):
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/vid_pict_characts.htm