This model is same as the DCR-TRV355E (PAL European version). The DCR-TRV350 is the NTSC USA version. If you want to use the Camcorder in India, please purchase the DCR-TRV355E. The DCR-TRV350 will not be compatible with the Indian PAL system TV’s or Audio/Video products. If you purchase the DCR-TRV350 model in USA or somewhere else, to make it compatible with Indian PAL system, you have to purchase a third party NTSC to PAL converter. Any Sony dealer will be able to give you more details regarding this.
As an employee and tech expert in Sony electronics, I would suggest this model to all, who wants to have an ’’all in one’’ camcorder within a budget and who is not a professional videographer.
This Camcorder is a Digital 8 model, which produces a similar resolution like MiniDV. MiniDV (530 lines), Digital 8 (500 lines). It is humanly not possible to make out a difference of those 30 lines with your naked eye. So the image quality will be same. Yes, the difference lies in the Pixel numbers. In a low-lit area the MiniDv will perform better as they come with better pixel resolution. However, in the normal lit or daylight area, the image quality of the DCR-TRV350 is excellent.
I myself own this Camcorder, and chose it after much consideration. The main advantage of the Digital8 model is it’s backward compatibility. It can playback the old Hi8 and 8mm tapes, which a MiniDV Camcorder cannot. Also, the zoom of the Digital 8 model is much better compared to the MiniDV. It also posses the advanced feature like Memory Stick pro compatibilities, USB streaming (a remarkable feature that allows you to turn your camcorder into a video conferencing tool or Web-cam simply by plugging it into the USB port of your PC), Super Night shot, Super steady shot, Color slow shutter (helps to take color images in a dimly lit area), MPEG Movie EX Mode (Unlimited Recording Time, Analog-to Digital Conversion with Pass-Through, etc.
The sound quality of this model is also amazing. After playing back a shooting of a family get together in my house, I can hear the conversation of each and every member present in the room. It records high-quality 12-bit or 16-bit PCM digital stereo audio.
You can Capture MPEG digital video and store it directly to your Memory Stick® Media. Movie length ranges from 5 seconds to the length allowed by the capacity of your memory stick with MPEG Movie EX. Take the ’’Best Of’’ scene recorded on video tape, for example -- the groom kissing the bride on the wedding day, convert it to an MPEG Movie and share it with family and friends via the internet. Save your MPEG movies onto a Sony Memory Stick! The Video Email mode is ideal resolution for sharing video (160 x 112) and Presentation mode increases the resolution to 320 x 240.
You can transfer images using the i-Link port of the Camcorder (same as IEEE 1394 interface).
I have used this camcorder in all type of shooting environment....and believe me...I am very much satisfied. I have shot videos in total darkness, from a moving car, train, inside Temples & churches, Beside sea-shore, inside my office.....and was amazed by the quality. All my colleagues in the office have decide to opt for this model, which has best of both the world.
It comes with some amazing digital photo effects too, like Fader, Mosaic, Monotone, wipe, Dot etc. It also comes with some Program AE Modes for your shooting requirements. Some of these are Spotlight, Portrait, Sports, Beach & Ski, Sunset / Moon and Landscape Modes. Although it does not come with a Manual Focusing Ring, there is an option where you can control the focus manually using the “Jog Dial” just below the Battery chamber.
There are different batteries available for this model. The supplied ’’M’’ series battery NP-FM30, will give you a recording time upto 90 minutes in LP mode. If you opt for a better battery, like NP-QM71 or the NP-QM91 it will give you a recording time upto 6 to 8 hrs minimum. So do not crib about the battery life once you purchase. If you want a longer battery life you have to purchase a better battery.
I would like to conclude here by saying that, if you are looking to purchase a Camcorder, which will satisfy both your thirst for good videography and your budget, then this is the one you should opt for, nothing else.
Supplied Accessories:
Sony InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery NP-FM30
AC Adaptor and Battery Charger AC-L15
AV Cable (Stereo)
Wireless Remote RMT-814
Shoulder Belt
Lens Cap
USB Cable
CD-ROM
Technical Specifications:- “SONY DCR TRV 355E”
Video Recording System 2 Rotary Heads Helical Scanning System
Audio Recording System Rotary Heads , PCM System , Stereo Recording
Quantisation : 12bits 32Khz , 16Bits 48Khz
Imaging Device 3mm ( 1/6 Type) CCD
Gross : 800000 pixels
Effective : 400000 pixels approx
Filter Diameter 37mm Filter diameter
Optical Zoom 20x optical zoom
35mm Conversion: 45-900mm
Digital Zoom 700x digital
Color Temp / White Bal. Auto
Light Built-in light
SteadyShot Steady Shot (380k)
Minimum Illumination 6Lux (f 1.6)
Editing Easy dubbing function
Fader Fader
NS NightShot
Effects 8 Picture Effects
AE 6 Program AE
Input / Output Options S Video Jack,
A/V Jack
Stereo Mini Mic Jack
DV Input and Output
USB Jack (Mini-B)
Lanc Jack
Memory Stick Slot Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro, SLOT
Battery Info/LCD-indicator Battery Info
Focus Manual Focus
Sound HiFi mono
LCD 2.5’’ colour LCD, 61k
Connectors analogue out
Remote IR-Commander
Video Format video Hi8
Recording Time SP Mode : 1 Hour 20Min
LP Mode : 3 Hours
Rewind and FastForward Approx 5min
Weight 830g
Updated on 4th Nov 2005:
It almost two and half years that I have bought this Camcorder and ’’believe me’’ it is still a delight to use. Not a single problem I have faced. Not even a screw gave me any problem. Picture quality is as good as the first day. Not a single head cleaning session required till date.
I guess that says all. It is a part of my system now!!!!!