couple of questions about the Sony DCR-TRV140E

[Michael Coates]

hey two simple questions here - firstly i got this camera in great condition (its an old model i think but rarely used) for £100 - did i get a good deal?

secondly, i know later versions of this sony camcorder can play hi8 and regular 8mm tapes but i dont know if this one can, anyone know? if not could anyone recommend a good hi8/8mm player that's pretty cheap - only ned it for playing not for recording.

same kinda goes for a regular DV tape player - doesn't have to record,. just something that will play DV tapes.

thanks for reading
mik x

[Richard_G]

The 140e isn't that old, it came after the 110e, 120e and 130e. I think all except the 110e can play back 8mm and Hi-8 tapes and output as DV from the Firewire (i-Link) port. If you can get hold of a DV-in enabler (aka Widget) it will also enable the analogue in so you can use it as a portable video recorder and a DV passthrough device.

Dedicated Hi-8 and DV playback decks are very rare and very expensive. Your best bet is to use the camcorder. I've been using a DCR TR8000e (similar to the 140e but without the bloody stupid little LCD screen) to do just this for the last 3 years without it suffering.

[Michael Coates]

thanks for the responce - much appreciated.

i'm really chuffed that this machine can playback 8mm and Hi8 tapes though i guess i should find some to test out if you aren't 100% (cant find any info on line).

someone has sent me a full size DV tape but i don't know how to play it or what i need. am i stuck? i'm willing to pay at least £100 - £150 and might be pushed further if the deal is right - or is it much more expensive?

thanks again for the responce, i'm still hoping i got a good deal on the camcorder i bought!

mik x

[Richard_G]

someone has sent me a full size DV tape but i don't know how to play it or what i need. am i stuck? i'm willing to pay at least £100 - £150 and might be pushed further if the deal is right - or is it much more expensive?

I would think you'd need to add another zero on the end at least! This sort of thing is only used by professional studios so doesn't come cheap. It might be easier if you can try and find someone that has access to the equipment and get it transferred to DVD. See if you can find your local TV company or an independant production company. Or just ask whoever supplied it to you if they have it in a different format!

£100 for a Digi-8 camcorder is a good deal. The 140e gets some pretty good reviews too, particularly for the video quality, low light performance and the 20x optical zoom. It should make transferring 8mm and Hi-8 footage no problem at all.