Sony TRV Camcorders: What is the difference under the "hood"?

[plehoediv]

Hello,

I'm experiencing an issue with my TRV820e camcorder, as it recently broke. This camcorder was primarily used for tape playback and connecting it to my PC to make use of the TBC and firewire out features. Consequently, I'm in the market for a new camcorder, mainly to handle the remaining tapes I have. Finding a replacement TRV820e has proven to be quite challenging, prompting me to explore other TRV models. I'm particularly interested in models starting from the 120e and up because they come equipped with features like TBC, DNR, and Nightshot.

Upon reviewing the user manuals, it's evident that these models offer common upgrades such as increased optical and digital zoom, lower LUX, and various other enhancements. However, I'm uncertain whether these upgrades include changes to the sensor or if some of these cameras share the same sensor. My primary concern is not achieving better optical or digital zoom, as I primarily need the camcorder for tape playback.

As I write this, I'm beginning to realize that the sensor might not have any bearing on the quality of tape playback. Is that correct? In light of this, I'm curious if any of these camcorders are superior for tape playback compared to others.

Started making a list of which camcorders has what features... Started with TBC, DNR and Nightshot.

Thanks.

- Sony DCR-TRV120E TBC, DNR, Night
- Sony DCR-TRV230E
- Sony DCR-TRV235E
- Sony DCR-TRV240E
- Sony DCR-TRV241E TBC, DNR, Night
- Sony DCR-TRV330E
- Sony DCR-TRV340E
- Sony DCR-TRV341E
- Sony DCR-TRV345E
- Sony DCR-TRV355E
- Sony DCR-TRV356E
- Sony DCR-TRV410E
- Sony DCR-TRV420E
- Sony DCR-TRV430E
- Sony DCR-TRV460E
- Sony DCR-TRV461E
- Sony DCR-TRV480E TBC, DNR, Night
- Sony DCR-TRV510E
- Sony DCR-TRV520E TBC, DNR, Night
- Sony DCR-TRV530E TBC, DNR, Night
- Sony DCR-TRV620E TBC, DNR, Night
- Sony DCR-TRV720E
- Sony DCR-TRV725E
- Sony DCR-TRV730E
- Sony DCR-TRV740E TBC, DNR, Night
- Sony DCR-TRV820E TBC, DNR, Night
- Sony DCR-TRV828E TBC, DNR, Night
- Sony DCR-TRV830E TBC. DNR, Night

EDIT: My guess is that that someone roughly knows what the main difference between these cameras is, going from 5xx to 6xx to 7xx and so on.

[Sharc]

Preferable: Models with TBC

And no, the sensor type has no influence on the playback.

However: You have to be clear what types of tapes/formats you want to play. Video8, Hi8, Digital8 ....

The SONY FAQ may help.
https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00032341
https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00026519

[plehoediv]

Preferable: Models with TBC

And no, the sensor type has no influence on the playback.

However: You have to be clear what types of tapes/formats you want to play. Video8, Hi8, Digital8 ....

The SONY FAQ may help.
https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00032341
https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00026519

I appreciate it. Thanks.