EDYDO 0 #1 August 12, 2004 Did a search and I'm getting a headache. Can anyone simplify the relative advantages and disadvantages of TRV vs DCR camcorders when used for skydiving? Ed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TALONSKY 0 #2 August 12, 2004 DCR'S are tall and thin. They work great for side mounting on helmets but can be used as a top mount(they just are much taller than TRV). TRV work great top mounting on a helment and that is about it. I believe both are of the same video quality just different shapes. Kirk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #3 August 12, 2004 DCR is the prefix for -all- of the Sony MiniDV consumer cameras. The Sony currently has three basic MiniDV lines; PC, HC and VX. The TRV line has been phased out although still available in limited quantities as the inventory on the shelves fades to black. The PC line is the smallest and is taller than long. They tend to be more expensive. The HC line is -slightly- larger and longer than tall. They tend to be less expensive. The exception is the HC1000 which has three chips and is quite a bit more expensive. It -may- have a problem in freefall it inherited from the camera it replaced, but I know of no one that has jumped this camera yet, so I don't know. The VX line is -much- larger than either of the two and has three video chips which gives it excellent color reproduction, but is also -quite- expensive for most skydiving uses. The VX line -has- been used by some camera flyers with success. Both the PC and HC lines are small enough to be either top or side mounts. For -basic- camera flying all of the cameras should produce acceptable results. I have some concerns about some aspects of the newer cameras such as the extremely small control switches, but you're milage may vary. To see all the current Sony MiniDV cameras, go HEREquade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Twoply 0 #4 August 15, 2004 Why are the TRV's getting phased out? Are they of poor design/ quality? Thanks Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #5 August 15, 2004 Certainly NOT poor quality or design. They were -excellent- cameras and inexpensive too. Perfect for skydiving from my point of view. The TRV line had larger imaging chips and the line that is replacing it has chips that are about 1/4 the size. This allows the entire camera to be a bit smaller, which, in the mind of Sony, is "better". It's not better from my point of view, only "different" at best and actually worse for some things. For instance, the controls are so freekin' small you probably have little chance of turning the camera on reliably if you're wearing gloves. Also, that smaller imager will show the inevitable dirt and stuff that will eventually find its way into the camera and on to the imager much, much bigger than if it landed on the larger chips used in the TRV cameras. Still, it's the wave of the future and you can go with it or the PC line.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
