Sony CCD-TRV138 Hi8 Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom

It's not a camera you'd use to go shoot a movie, or something you'd use in some fancy studio. It's a home camera. A camera for regular guys looking to film their families or pets and make home movies. I've had this camera since it came out in 2005. I'm still using it in 2009 (different camera, but same model -- last one got stolen). One of the only really bad things about this camera is that there's no internet connection. No USB port, no FireWire, nothing. The only thing it plugs into is the wall and the T.V. (and VCR, for some people). The other really bad thing is the cameras weight. My hand does get pretty tired after a while. But in the days of I-Pods, and pen-sized video cameras, this camera will seem a bit heavier than it really is since most people aren't used to it. It's not at all impossible to film though. My uncle still uses his huge 1980's "record-straight-to-VHS" video camera, which he has to hold on his shoulder with two hands.

The picture quality of this camera is pretty bad. It's sometimes blurry, usually fuzzy, and always grainy. But that's how I like it. It looks clear when played on the LCD screen. But when recorded onto a VHS tape, it has an 80's or 90's look to it. That's what I like though. There's always background noise too. Even in silence, there's noise. It's usually the sound of the Hi8 tape rolling. It's all acceptable though for home movies, which is what I use this camera for. The quality seems more horrible to some people than it really is. This is because they're all spoiled by digital, HD, etc. Well digital and HD-quality pictures aren't necessary at all -- unless you're making a professional movie or something. And if you are, then you'd buy a professional movie camera for $3,000+ -- not this one.

Filming in SP might make the picture quality a little better -- I don't know. I never shoot in SP because it eats up half the tape time. If you want to get the full 2 hours out of your Hi8 tape, you have to shoot in LP. So while SP may (or may not -- I don't know) give you slightly better picture quality, I don't think it's worth sacrificing my tape time.

The battery it comes with isn't great compared to other batteries you can buy separately (or so I've heard). Supposedly, the battery it comes with, when fully charged, can last about an hour and half (90 minutes) straight. I can't testify to this, because I've never filmed anything for an hour and a half straight. But not once in the last 4 hour years has the battery died on me while I was filming.

The zoom is good. I would have preferred a 40x zoom -- because I'm a "zoom freak" -- but when most of the filming is home movies (pets, backyard, etc.), you really don't need a 40x zoom. The 20x zoom (which is what this camera has) is just fine. By the way, the lens is not a Carl Zeiss lens, unlike most modern cameras.

The NightShot (night vision) is fantastic. It works in total darkness. Indoors, it works all the way across the room. Outdoors, it's not as good. It works great for about 6 feet, then gets a bit faint. You can see (though not so good) up to about 12 feet or so. The LED light helps, especially indoors. The NightShot is full screen too, not the little circle you see on some cameras.

A lot of people complain about the LCD screen going black. Well I've never had this problem. I thought I did one time, and got really nervous and started thinking that all these people were right, but it turned out I had the lens cap on. I wonder if anyone else wrongly complained about it breaking because they forgot to remove the lens cap.

Some people complain about the LED light. They say it's pointless and takes up battery life. Well let me tell you, it's far from pointless. When you're filming a black cat or dog, indoors, during the day, with the windows closed, in a poorly lit room (40 watt bulb in a table lamp), then the LED light is your best friend. Who cares if it does take up some of the battery life (and like I said, it's never once died on me while filming).

One little feature this camera has is you can add titles to the screen. But it's pretty cheesy looking. And it only allows 20 characters, including spaces. So if you say "Happy Birthday [Name]", that only gives you 5 letters to work with for the name. A lot of times you have to put "B-Day" in order to fit the name.

Another interesting feature is it allows you to film in widescreen (note: wide screen, NOT wide-angle lens), which is letterboxed. Something this camera doesn't have (which I always wanted) is interval recording (or a "time lapse"). It's something I would have liked to have fooled around with, but it's really not the type of feature you'd need for the cameras intended use, which is probably why it wasn't included.

The "End Search" feature may be useful for some, but it's useless to me. What it does is it automatically sets the Hi8 tape to when you last recorded, so you don't accidentally record over something. I don't use this because I always re-use and record over my Hi8 tapes after I record them to VHS tapes.

Oh, and like most cameras, there's a thing in the bottom that screws into a tripod (but a tripod must be bought separately). The cameras weight might be a concern for some using a cheap tripod, but I used the cheapest plastic tripod (cheap in both quality and price -- $10), and the camera held up fine.

One scary thing about this camera is the amount of time you have to wait for the tape to eject. Every time I open the bottom to insert or eject a tape, I get nervous thinking that it's broken. But it always comes out. You just got to wait a couple minutes.

This is one of the last Sony cameras (as far as I'm aware) to have buttons and an LED light. They removed the lights from their cameras, probably to make the cameras smaller (and thus lighter), and probably also to save battery life. I don't know. They removed the buttons on their more modern cameras and replaced them with a touch screen. The buttons are much more convenient than people think. First, with a touch screen, the screen gets fingerprints all over it. It might be alright with a touch screen pen. But who really wants to go out a buy a touch screen pen? And then carry it around with them while they film? And then try to fiddle around with it with one hand (usually your bad hand) while filming? I haven't done this, but I'm sure it's a pain. Second, it's much quicker (and convenient) to be able to toggle things like the date and time while filming, without having to go through touch screen menu options.

It does admittedly become inconvenient during playback. I assume that with a touch screen, you only have to hit rewind or fast forward once. But when playing the film on this camera, you have to hold down the fast forward and rewind buttons. This is only while it's playing though. If you press stop and then click fast forward or rewind, then you only have to press it once.

Another thing this camera has (which many modern ones don't) is an adjustable viewfinder. Most people don't even use the viewfinder, but on those rare occasions that you do, you'll be glad it's adjustable. The viewfinder is black and white (but doesn't film in black and white -- unless you record in black and white mode through the menu options). And you can't see through the viewfinder while the LCD screen is open and facing you. But you can see through it when the LCD screen is open and facing the person/thing you're filming.

I would recommend this camera to those who like the old 90's look, plan on casually filming pets, making home movies, and who don't want to spend (or just don't have) a lot of money. The price range of this camera is $190-$245, which is very good for what you get. It's down over $100 since it's release too. When I first bought it in 2005, it cost about $365. For those looking for some high tech professional HD super duper mega camera with loads of gadgets and features, go waste your money on an $800 camera. This camera does what it was made to do, and gets the job [the job it was intended to do] done.

I had been looking for a used camcorder for quite some time. While this camcorder wasn't really in the price range I had in mind initially for a used camcorder, (which ended up costing me $200 including shipping) it was everything the seller indicated it would be. The camcorder arrived when promised and as such I had no need to contact the seller.

I bought this camera about 2 years ago and have only used it about 5 times for special occasions. The last time I used it was in April - I went to use it in June for my son's band concert and it just stopped recording video. I was so upset because I was sitting in the audience and couldn't tape the final performance of the year. (there had been no indication that the camera was going to break, so I assumed it would work and took it to record the concert) It plays back previously recorded video just fine, but will now only record sound. I called Sony - they told me to buy a cleaner for it and it should work again. I went all over to find one, but ended up having to purchase one from Japan on Ebay since Hi8 seems to be fading out. Needless to say, the cleaner didn't work and after a second call to Sony, they could only offer to clean it for me again on MY dime (about $100) with no guarantee that it would fix the problem. I said that it wouldn't be worth it, that I should probably buy a new camera and the operator actually agreed with me stating that the heads are probably gone. Check on the internet - this seems to be a common problem with Sony cameras - I'll not be buying this brand again. I have a Cannon that's lasted me FOREVER, so I'll just buy an updated camera made by them.

This is the second Sony we purchased. I received this last year for Mother's Day eventhough it had a tape and wasn't digital. We wanted to be able to transfer our old tapes onto dvd's but wanted to record also. To our surprise when we went on vacation and went to record we get a black screen, playback works, but you can't record. This is common with this camera, save your money and buy a different camera, this is the second sony we have had problems with. check this problem by doing a search and put in the model number, but please, if you want to use for special occasions, how would you like to get sound only? and be faced with costly repairs? Buy a different camera.

Go to EBay and buy this item. If there is something wrong with it, take it to your local camera shop and have them repair it, and it will still cost a lot less extra than what they want at these stores. That's ridiculous what they want. Other than that, it's a good camera. If you plan on transferring your tapes on to DVD, get a camcorder with S video, this one does not have it.

When our daughter "borrowed" our Hi8 video recorder to use on our latest granddaughter, I was left unable to watch or transfer our 40-odd tapes. No local store offered any Hi8 recorders, so I was relieved to find the same model available via Amazon. The first one I ordered was no longer available, but the second (offered for a few dollars more) showed up in excellent condition, and on time. Now if only my DVD recorder worked as well...

I purchased this camcorder to recover my family memories by making DVDs from my old Video 8 and Hi8 tapes. The advertising stated that the Sony Handyman CCD-TRV138 Hi8 Camcorder will be able to playback these types of tapes. However, the camera was not able to playback the Hi8 tapes. It only played the Video 8 ones. The person that sold it to me answered my emails promptly but was not able to answer why this camera was not doing what it was supposed to do.

product works very well and is doing its job. I like the simplicity of the unti and the picutre is quite good.

This video camcorder is what I was looking for. It was in execellent shape. I recommend this product to anyone who doesn't want to spend a lot of money.

i bought this when i had my first daughter and i used it soo much. i love to watch it when she and my twins were tiny. it makes me sad to see them so tiny and see what litter monsters they are now!! but i love em anyhow

Wasn't stereo, sold it on ebay @ a loss :o(. Ads said hifi sound....didn't says hifi "MONO" sound until read fine print :oP. Didn't use it, can't say more.

I bought this camera solely to copy my HI-8 tapes on to my computer. Since then I have started using it for wild life video, my home, and my dogs. The camera exceeded my expectations.

Like other reviewers, I bought this SONY after my old machine refused to play back my antique but loved tapes. I was shocked at all the DVD complaints I read here.
Although I like to edit tapes on my computer, its a job or two sometimes. I burn DVD easily in real time with a free-standing Sansung DVD burner that cost me 100 dollars. Its got a list of about 125 or so. At the time I bought it at Fry's, and loved it so much I got another a few weeks later. ALl you do next is get Audio and video out from the itty bitty combo plug, and then use the round rca plugs to go to the burner. Yes, a totally free standing burner. Plug it in, and go to the bathroom or what-ever. Automatic performance once started!!!! Now I also use this burner to record TV shows and such. Its like a VCR for DVD media.
I use this for several formats of video. Now I am sure there is a loss of quality, but it does an excellent job of video transfer. FAR superior to recording to VHS tape.

I purchased this camcorder knowing it was not digital "state of the Art". I have a Sony Hi8 camcorder vintage 1993 which no longer functions reliably in the playback mode, and I saw the TRV 138 as means to play my existing tapes and transfer them to DVD's. I found the TRV 138 to be half the size of my old unit and the batteries seem to last 3 times as long. Thus it functions well and is much handier to use. It has the fold out color viewer, my old one did not, plus some additional features such as a variety of fade modes. The only negative is my old unit recorded sound in stereo, the TRV 138 does monaural. This is not really a factor in my recording needs. I have recorded music performances and found the sound to be satisfactory

Well, I'm just amazed this model is still in production the way things are changing so quickly in the A/V world.

I bought mine two years ago and have recorded many hours of my children as they are growing up. This is a truly low maintenance and low cost solution for your video recording needs if you don't have a lot of money to spend on a digital set-up.

Just buy and extra after market battery or two (and they're cheap) and some inexpensive analogue tape, and start recording away!

After you climb the learning curve, of course. My one problem with this camcorder is that the controls are anything but intuitive, and they're splattered all over the unit. Be sure to read the user manual carefully before you try to use this thing, but once you've got it down you'll find this a trusty and low cost companion for your family vacations and holidays.

Oh yeah, almost forgot, the microphones aren't stereo but they're really quite good for an entry level unit.

I was very pleased the fast shipment. I bought this as a Christmas gift for my husband, and he loves it. Every day he finds a new feature.

I purchased this camera about a year ago and I have had no problems with it yet.. It is also light weight and is compact.... Great product...

I bought this to play back old Hi8 tapes so I could transfer them to DVD. However, there is no S-Video out and no stereo out. Video quality was bad: output was noisey and reds were over saturated. I imagine this is because there is no S-Video out. I returned it and have ordered a Sony GV-D200. Hopefully it will give me better quality since it was more than twice as much. There are some cheaper used options available, e.g. Sony EVO-250.

Steven, i would like to know how you record to DVD-R from this camcorder. I know sony offers a video adaptor, (VMC-20FR) for connecting to a TV or VCR; do you connect to a VCR, then to a DVD-R recorder?

Pinnacle Systems makes a DVD Recorder that connects composite video to USB, is this what you use? I too want to preseve my old 8mm analog tapes, and i am looking for the best way to accomplish this.

I purchased this cancorder for one purpose: to playback old 8mm tapes for recording onto a DVD-R recorder. For this purpose it is ideal: low cost; colour view sceen with sound; plays 8mm and Hi8 tapes; rugged and high quality feel, so it may last a long time; apparently the only name-brand 8mm camera available at this time.

If you are looking for a general purpsose camcorder do not buy this one for the following reasons
1. 8mm and Hi8 is obsolete. When your camcorder finally breaks (as all three of mine did after an average of 5 years use) you will have a hard time finding a device to playback your precious tapes on.
2. This camcorder has no "steady shot" which in my experience is the most important feature for easy recording of good quality videos.
3. This camcorder is rather big and heavy compared to many others available.

Steven Woodward

Ok this is the third Sony Handycam i have owned and this is the most lacking in options..Sony Messed up with the USB port because if your looking for that one just spend the extra cash and get the TRV 280

i had the 280 and it was stolen from me so i came on here and saw the TRV 138 and i purchased it and was disapointed in the picture quality..its fuzzy.. im in the process of seeing if the seller will return this camera so i can get the TRV280 back..



I hope this has helped

This camcorder can not be used to record direct to your computer or any of the new dvd recorders. You have to record first to video tape then be able to connect your VCR to a dvd recording device. Very disappointed. How hard can it be for Sony to add the USB port? Even my $100 digital camera has a USB port.

Don't waste your money on a camera that is already outdated in technology.

This is your basic video camera. I'd say it's good for those who just need a video camera for occassional video recording. It has the basic features, with NightShot as an additional bonus. The picture quality isn't as great as I thought it would be (it's a bit grainy on my 36" WEGA), it doesn't record in stereo, and I wish it could hook up on my computer, but there's no USB port. I guess for the price you pay, it's expected. I'd recommend it if you're not really looking for something too hi-tech. I wish I could've gone with something better, maybe the next model up, but hey, it gets the job done.

Everything about this camera is amazing to me. I originally read that there is a problem with this model of camcorder with the screen blanking out after 1 or 2 years of use. I haven't seen any signs of that happening so far. I love this. Being a college kid it gets banged up on occasion, but my Sony seems to have held up to the challenge.

BUY THIS CAMCORDER!

Bought one, LCD was fuzzy, second one, LCD fuzzy and made a loud humming sound, third, no humming sound but LCD still isnt clear, Im getting my money back...........

I think I love it. Great price for a Sony too!

I bought this camcorder 4 months after the sound on my other one stopped working and I was impressed. The optical zoom is good at 20x and the digital zoom (which is completely pointless) is 990x. The second thing I noticed is that the LCD screen moved to more places and that there was 2 record buttons. One was on the LCD screen, the other was next to the off button. The viewfinder can also move to different places but is still in Black and white. Another feature that this camcorder has is Nightshot Plus. This feature allows you to record at night with a brighter picture than with a flashlight or lamp. There are also many DSEs or Digital Special Effects that you can play with in recording or editing. They are:

Sepia: adds a brown old tone to the screen
Black and White: the way films used to be
Negative Art: reverses the colors in the picture
Pastel: makes the picture look colored in with a pastel crayon
Solarize: makes the picture out of basic colors
Mosaic: the picture - made out of squares
Slim: stretches the picture vertically
Stretch: a lot like widescreen

When filming out or indoors there are different Program AEs you can use when the light in the picture changes. If you dont like switching them, you can set them to AUTO. The PAEs are:

Sports
Spotlight
Portrait
Beach/Ski
SunsetMoon
Landscape

If you want to buy this camcorder because it has great battery life, don't. It doesn't have a great battery life but it is still a great camcorder.

Opened up the box and found that it comes with only a single plug for audio and not two plugs for both right and left channels like all my other not working Hi8 Sony cameras. So can't play back existing Hi8 tapes previously recorded on other Sony HiFi Stereo cameras in stereo. Sony always drops the ball on us formerly loyal customers. They did the same thing with the Beta, where they discontinued the HiFi models first and all you could get were the left over monoural models. What would be nice would be a combo Hi8 player and dvd recorder.