Sony TRV-900 miniDV Camcorder

Notes by Rob Danielson 9/03

Owner's manual:

http://www.sonystyle.com/pdfs/3864632142.pdf

Everything humans might want to know about the TRV-900:

http://www.bealecorner.com/

TRV-900/950 User's Group (may find used ones for sale too)

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/board/list.php?f=13

Suggestions:

MANUALLY set these function:

Shutter Speed

"Exposure" Aperture setting using with the Zebra display.

Color Balance on White Card

Use an External Mic and set Mic Level Manually

In bright daylight, use ND filter and Set Gain Shift to -3dB

Check battery condition, it takes about 30-60 minutes to charge.

Check the lens for dust etc, remove the shade and ONLY CLEAN WITH LENS TISSUE!!! Use only lens cleaning tissue - not nose tissue,

When you first turn-on the camcorder, check that the “AUTO Lock” Button is not ON, put this switch in the center position

.

If you can find it by the main power switch, pull back the “photo mode lock-out” button so it won’t go into this mode when you put it into camera mode.

Check these Menu Settings before you shoot (BOLD items are especially important): Open side screen, press "menu" button:

- - - -

Auto Shutter: ON

Progressive Scan: OFF for live video, ON for taking stills.

- - - -

Digital Zoom: ON

16:9 Wide: OFF

SteadyShot: ON

AE Shift: Middle Position

Gain Shift: -3dB for Bright Lighting

Frame Record: Off

Int. Rec: Off

- - - -

LCD Color: Middle

LCD Brightness: Middle

Zebra: ON

- - - -

Record Mode: SP!!!

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Sony TRV-900 owner manual Wide OFF, Record Mode SP

TRV-900 specifications

The Sony TRV-900 is a notable camcorder that has left a significant mark in the world of home video recording since its release in the late 1990s. As one of Sony's earliest models to leverage the Digital8 format, the TRV-900 offered enthusiasts and casual users alike a remarkable combination of features, performance, and usability.

One of the TRV-900's standout characteristics is its compact design, which provides a perfect blend of portability and ergonomic handling. The lightweight body, along with its thoughtfully designed control layout, allows users to operate the camcorder with ease, even during long recording sessions. The high-quality 20x optical zoom lens is another highlight; it enables flexibility in capturing distant subjects without sacrificing image quality. This zoom capability, combined with a 120x digital zoom, ensures that users can achieve a variety of shots, from wide-angle landscapes to close-up details.

The TRV-900 excels in the area of video quality, achieving impressive resolution and clarity due to its 1/4-inch CCD sensor. It supports a maximum resolution of 540 lines of horizontal resolution and captures vibrant colors and details, making it an excellent choice for both personal and professional projects. Additionally, the camcorder features Sony's Advanced Digital Effects, which provide creative options for videographers, including fades, wipes, and even slow-motion playback.

Another notable aspect of the TRV-900 is its NightShot technology, which enables users to record in low-light conditions without additional lighting equipment. This infrared recording feature opens up a whole new realm of creativity, allowing filmmakers to capture scenes in darkness that would otherwise be unachievable with standard video cameras.

Audio quality is also a priority for the TRV-900. It comes with a built-in stereo microphone that delivers clear sound, while the option to connect external microphones adds versatility for capturing high-quality audio, making it a reliable choice for dedicated videographers.

With a host of connectivity options, including FireWire and USB, the TRV-900 simplifies the process of transferring footage to computers for editing and sharing. Overall, the Sony TRV-900 remains a beloved piece of technology for its innovative features, superior video quality, and user-friendly design, ensuring its place in the history of camcorders.