**TIME STAMPS BELOW: This is the camera I cut my “videography” teeth on. I can’t believe it still works after 23 years and even by today’s standards, it’s a FANTASTIC camera. What do you guys think of the Hi-8 format in 2020? **FREE HI-8 OVERLAY Download I made here: geni.us/kXwAnaS TIME STAMPS: Because your time is precious. 0:50: VERY Short “Film” I shot on the Sony Handycam CCD-TRV99 1:48: Technical Camera Review Starts 2:52: 1997 Vlogging 3:05: Optical Vs Digital Zoom Comparison 4:24: CRAZY close MIN focusing distance 4:42: CRAZY Reliable AutoFocus test 5:29: X-RAY (Night Vision) - Yes this camera can see through clothes 6:04: Insane Battery Endurance after 23 years? 7:17: Output options with possible USB capture capability. 10:17: BTS Shooting being “blasted”. It’s all in the FALL
@@ehJoe All intentional lol. Nice thing about the sun low like that is that you can use it to fill otherwise dead space. That flip out screen and great auto focus made shooting this pretty easy. :) Thanks for the kind words as usual my friend!. The only reason I wanted to heavy breath was to hopefully get that breath, I was super happy with how it looked when I watched it back! PRINT that, CHECK THE GATE ;)
@Mike Taglione Thanks Mike! Camcorders have seemingly gone the way of the DODO with content creators these days. Everybody is out for the mirrorless or DSLR. Using this again I completely forgot how easy it was to shoot with allowing you to focus on the content specifically. I found myself looking at B&H for prices on modern day 4k camcorders.
@The Filmmaking Channel: Same here bro. My best buddy and I used 2 different Sony Camcorders to shoot all our early movies with it. Heck they weren't even Hi8 but just Video8. It sucks that basically none of the original Video8 recordings survived since those tapes were super expensive and everything we shot from that time only exists as VHS copies.. sometimes even only as 2nd or 3rd generation copy. We shot on Video8 but edited on VHS. However we often shot to the cut so we did not have to cut too much afterwards. Because exact editing was just not possible with consumer VHS recorders and no insert editing.
KRAFTWERK2K6 At first I did shoot to the edit avoiding any kind of editing later. But later I started doing more coverage of scenes which required a more traditional approach. After a terrible fire in my home almost 20 years ago I lost all my “1st generation” tapes. Luckily a friend of mine had copies. Not as good but good enough to preserve. I have most of it on TH-cam but it’s all blocked because I used copyrighted music so I can’t share sadly. The first film I edited with a computer and a lot of blue screen crashes was in 1999. I imported the video 8 into the computer and it was awesome. How far we’ve come. Today we take it all for granted.
Finding a clever way to match the action from that time to now but keeping the "look" of the video the same would be interesting. It's crazy how this "look" is far enough away to actually feel nostalgic.
For whatever reason these old super8 cameras look amazing filming certain things- skateboarding, filming cities, campy music vids. I really like how it looks.
Honestly I just love the look these cameras gave. Even in movies at the time, although they were obviously better quality than a camera like this, they still had that same type of look and it’s just so nostalgic for me
I absolutely hate analogue video. I like the look of Super 8mm film, but I feel that the period of time from the late 70s to the mid-2000s where standard definition analogue video dominated were truly the dark ages. Even stuff from the late 60s shot on film looks better in my opinion.
God it was horrible. I remember seeing cameras compete with 128x “digital zoom”. Thank god it’s clearly marked when you cross into digital mode so you can just make that your ceiling. Worse it’s super shaky and pixelated. Lol.
In case anyone does not realize this, Hi8 and VHS tapes look FAR better on equipment from the same time as they were popular. I still have a large collection of VHS tapes and some decent players . On a large high resolution screen (TV) tapes look pretty awful. Ditto if converted to digital using standard home converters. Played back on my 30 year old RCA 28 inch colour TV (which was considered large at the time), however, they look great !
@Bzake sure. First you need a working VHS player (VCR). You connect the player to the TV using standard RCA video and audio cables if your TV has analog jacks. If you have a new TV with only HDMI connections you need an analog to HDMI converter plus an HDMI cable. You can also connect the audio out from the VCR to your stereo amplifier or receiver for better sound. It really depends on what equipment you have and whether you want the sound to come through an audio system or through the TV. If you want to watch from a camera instead of a VCR, the procedure is similar ... you just need to get the right cables depending on your camera model.
it looks bad on the computer becouse you probably used cheap video grabbers to convert the image, you can also see it in the video: the image looks like a bunch of lines and laggy (low frames). if you want to see a claen conversion you need good video converter or just playback from an old camera directly...
@matteoceroni8551 problem is a lot of software now doesn’t support what older legacy programs like FCP did. You can manually set the capture settings with some coders, but 99% of people don’t know the optical settings. Using the right cables also helps because you lose a generation on any analogue signal transfer. Computer monitors are also high resolution so that’s also a factor. Lots of factors at play behind just the capture device. Most people just want an easy way to capture this stuff.
The look of Hi8 made me miss my teenage time so much. I took the camera almost everyday to my high school. My dad brought it for me. It was my first camera. And I made so many short film with it during High School until University. The camera is now broken, but I still keep it.
This was me with the same camera. I took it to high school, went around with my friends. I have since used a Sony HI8 to digital machine and converted them all over to digital and they look amazing. The videos are organized in a cloud based library that i can pull up anywhere, and it's a fun trick to pull out 20 hours of videos from 20 years ago when I hang out with my old friends.
I worked for sony from 98-03 and I got a TRV-25 (DV version of this camera) back then as a sales reward. I just pulled it out of a box in my basement and found it STILL WORKS. Came here to see what the video looked like back then. I am def going to use it on my next film.
This is the camera I started on when I was a kid. My dad had a bunch of old cameras laying around and he just loved me running around filming everything
My son is three and a half, and loves running around with various crappy "don't care if they get dropped in the mud" GoPros. He's *starting* to get the idea of keeping it level and pointing forwards. Steadicam by the time he starts primary school, that's the idea anyway.
YESSSS!!!! A blast from the past indeed. Like you mentioned, battery life wasn't such a worry. For me, it was if I had enough tape to record footage. My brother and I used to borrow our dad's Sony Hi-8 camcorder in the 90s to make our own movies. I thought I was a baller when I got a Sony camcorder with MiniDV cassettes. I powered on my MiniDV camcorder for the first time in about 10 years and I was surprised it still worked and the cassettes had zero issues. I was thoroughly bummed out when I couldn't connect to my 2015 iMac and compile all the footage onto DVD's.
I know!! I have an old G5 tower for mini dv purposes only. Old version of FCP 7 as well so gives me deck control. Totally relate to those high school movies lol.
I created a public access television program called "Backstage Pass" back in 1999 here in Columbus, Ohio. The TRV99 was the camera that I used for many of the episodes until I got my XL1. I miss the ergonomics and ease of use of the XL1. I still have it but haven't turned it on in years. I think I miss the 16X power zoom the most. Great video Mark!
Thanks Chris! Funny I went to XL1 after this camera as well. I still have it as well. That 16x zoom is amazing, detachable lens also fantastic although i only ever rented. Great camera!
My Sony handy can was bought by my grandparents back in the early 90s. They brought it to Ireland, France, and England. Still works today definitely needs a new battery
If you use Premiere, right click on the footage in the project folder, got to modify, then click interpret footage. Change the field order to upper field first, this will fix the jagged interlaced artifacts in your footage.
Definitely think there is room for classic equipments like this in today's scenario. While we are bombarded with "content" every single day from modern cameras, these would be a way to set yourself apart at the very least :) Your videos helped me discover old lenses man. Appreciate you 👊🏽
I think so! Also might inspire people to just experiment a bit. Use what we have collecting dust instead of expensive gear lust. Filters are cool, but not authentic ;)
Thanks mate...honestly...LITRA Torch and Litra Pro...no sponsored, but they're small, with the colored gels, just makes it SO much easier to make my other wise generic space pop. Might be a good idea to do a video on just the lighting and the choices that go into it. *writes down that idea thanks to you**... Thanks mate!
Thanks mate! Had fun using this. Might look for different ways on how to incorporate it when appropriate. S-VIDEO cable before I do that though. Want to max the image quality. Hope you're having a great holiday mate! All the best in 2020
I am 14, born in 2006 and i cannot explain how much i want one of these. I would love to see things from the 90s make a comeback as i believe the 90s would have been a great time to be a teenager
That start up sound, released when I was 10 years old. Captured the family gatherings before the time of everyone having phones. It's a pleasure to have them to look back on.
@@MarkHoltze I have to thank you again, I have been sorting out my photos from long ago. Found some photos taken on a 2 mega pixel camara, its amazing how far technology had come on. I also went and checked out older social media accounts long forgotten such as Myspace (coomer1). Posted to my friends and family and a whole load of photos from the past was shared. Could I ask, or request a video to be created with the theme as perhaps 'asking friends and family for photo albums/video/social media'. There are many photos and negatives in everyone's family albums that may be great. But they could be lost in a few years when we loose each generation etc. Perhaps this would get alot of people back into checking the loft/attics for retro camaras, too. Even having more camara photos and videos from the 80,90 and 2000's would be a benefit for the newer generation to realise how far technology and life has come on?
Mark, I have the same camera since 1993, the tapes have been transferred to a portable hard drive. I have a lot of footage of my daughter and am cutting footage of her first years so we can compare with her daughter born last year. These clips really are invaluable and a lot of fun to watch. Thanks for keeping up a very informative channel.
That's amazing! So precious to have those memories! They always matter so much more later on in life than right when we capture them. Thanks for sharing your story and for stopping by!
Thank you for this video, my dad recently passed away and I found his digital 8. Which he bought for family videos and is as old as me (24 years old) I can’t wait to play around with this to feel connected to my dad even though he isn’t here ❤️
I have a Sony Handycam CCD TRV 608 Hi8 Camcorder, I got it in 2002 when I was 9 years old, and it was the greatest thing in the world, I literally recorded everything I did, I have a bunch of tapes with all my life in them. Nowdays it still working perfectly, but it has to be pluged in to the wall because the battery is dead, so I don't use it anymore to take shots, but I still using it to play back the tapes I already have. Recently I bought a brand new Sony 4K camera, wich of course is superior in all aspects, but is not the same feeling that when you take a shot for the first time, rewind the tape and watch it in your TV, it was absolutely indescribable.
A couple of weeks ago I saw artist Brittany Market premier her 16mm B&W film Fragments in New Orleans. It was amazing. She had to develop all the film herself and had to travel to New York to find an editing rig to rent. No linear editing. So, yes, I think there is a place for obsolete equipment in 2020.
Literally have that exact camera my mom bought new and it still works we used it to record family videos as I grew up so awesome reviewing old memories with it. Fantastic camera
Exactly! I have a similar sequence like this we did in school. Used early version of premiere to paint in the lasers. Lol. Used blaster SFX from dark forces. Where it all started.
I have a camera very similar to the one you’re using, and i just finished watching ol’tapes i filmed when i was in highschool that never got edited, can’t wait to digitize and edit them to revived what ever vision i had then. Thanks for the inspiration.
Same! I’ve got my whole last day of high school covered and I’m dying to make that video and share with my old high school crew. Watching it now really makes me feel like it was a long time ago! Digitize those tapes! Watch the reactions of your friends! It’s priceless!
This is a great video. More like this Mark. The footage does create a distinct nostalgia. That look continued to be the look with early mini DV cameras of late 1990s and early 2000. Lots of great uses if you wanted to create this look. I imagine certain music videos would be great creating this feel. Also makes me think of skate videos from this period.
we still have this camera! My parents used to take us videos when we were little, now that I'm grown up loving photography and cinematography, im trying to learn about its function and guess what, it still works great!!
So cool! you should find those old tapes of you guys growing up and put a little video together for your parents. Surprise them. Might be a nice distraction given the lock down state of the world right now. If not, have fun with it either way!
Excellent video.... Now I feel much better for recently buying a fully working Sony TRV 900 DV camera... Not to mention the DSR 570 WSP recently acquired too .
@@MarkHoltze Hi Mark.. Found it on eBay US listing... Sold as not working, audio problem, placed my last bid at 5 seconds, got it for 30 Euro approx.. Plays and records Ok.. Records sound but no sound from little speaker or earphone socket.. so me stating 'fully working' was a slight error, however it records the audio.. I already got one from UK.. similar price.. but image has a fault.. It streams Ok.. but many FireWire ports get damaged easily.. If it is a camera you would like to own monitor eBay and you may find a couple cheap as time goes by.. I am a bit surprised at how much people are asking for them.. now you may have more luck going for the DSR version.. the grey one.. I did enjoy your video.. Excellent work, and that format looks good.. If I see any potential listings Mark I will let you know.. The US is open for me for our Postal Service ships from a proxy address for me 10 - 50 euro up to 20 Kg to Ireland..
@@MarkHoltze Oh ! Mark.. You are in Canada ! I noticed recently an eBay listing in Canada for a DSR 570 WS (2/3" sensor..) no lens for little money.. Up to no no one interested.. I am building power packs for my one.. I have learned how to do that.. The German discount store sells power tool 40 volt packs 35 euro and they have 10 18650 Samsung cells inside : ) Electronic parts to build charger.. protection.. LED cell monitor.. all from eBay Chinese sellers..
I also use a camera like this, I like to use it because it just feels better than a cell phone. By the way, mine already offers the function of replacing the background wit a Bluescreen
I have one. Hi8 . Bought it new 20 years ago , still working , good quality, first battery ,can film a couple of hours with one battery. Best electronic device i ever bought.
Merry Christmas. I always wanted a sony camcorder growing up, but could never afford one. Love the look, I had a crt tv for the longest time when flat screen LCDs started becoming standard.
THANK YOU FOR THIS!! I’m actually looking forward to buy this camera because I found a video cassette of my 1st birthday just today and I’m turning 18 next month!
At around same time I bought another Sony Hi8 camera, a cheaper model without the flippy screen. And it still works. All do only when plugged into the wall, course the standard battery that came along with the camera died long time ago. I use it from time to time to watch those old family videos...
@@MarkHoltze You can easily buy new batteries for these cameras. I bought mine for like $20 in local battery store - they had all kinds of batteries for cameras and camcorders. Its big like yours and last for days and days of recording.
@@postanimus8989 Good to know! I had no idea! Makes me feel good because I felt a bit like I was riding the "luck" wave with this camera. ONce the battery died, I' would be tied to DC power. Good to know, thanks so much John!
@@MarkHoltze I bought something like this:www.amazon.com/Maximal-NP-F950-F970-Replacement-Camcorder/dp/B001FA0B3U It should work with all newer TRV cameras (i use TRV35). But be sure it will work for yours!
Your Hi8 footage has not been deinterlaced properly. Why? Also, standard capture devices for analog signals handle black levels like crap. Framemeister or OSSC for retrogaming actually are the best, but require an additional HDMI capture device to get their deinterlaced, digitized and rescaled signal into the PC
@@MarkHoltze You have so much video noise and time base error when you downloaded it for u-toob, the images on the 'Net look NOTHING like the actual results. The NTSC images from MY Sony TRV-99 Hi8 (yes you can us Hi8 format too) I've put up against "new tech" 1080i footage and 99% of the audience preferred the 525p footage over the 1080i. Why? Much better signal-to-noise ratio.I guess you've never heard of the S-video output on your camera or to use an NTSC/ATSC converter software. Moavdi is one that cost $79.95 . I have an Avid interface and software that would show what it CAN look like.
I'm currently capturing old hi8 hometapes with a Pixelview PlayTV Pro PCI capture card from 2001 and Windows XP (because the drivers don't work with anything else), with virtualdub (free software). A simple blend filter could get rid of those interlaced lines, or maybe bump it to 60fps with yadiff or bob. You can fix the black levels with the "levels" filter.
Hello from Tampa and Happy Holidays Mark! Great video and old footage. I was thinking about selling my old Panasonic NV-S750, but after this video... well, maybe I will shoot something with it. Be well, stay encouraged, and see you in 2020!!!
Same to you Jacob!! Nice and warm down there this holiday? Worst case even if you use that camera as a deck, might be handy to watch those old videos ;)
@@MarkHoltze Nice and warm indeed... can't go wrong with Florida weather this time of year. She's a keeper, I will hold onto it to watch the old stuff!
Found this video because my in laws just gave it to me over thanksgiving, it was collecting dust in their basement. I recently started processing my movie reviews on my channel through a VCR to create the nostalgic Blockbuster effect and this camera just became a step in my workflow. I haven’t used it yet but good to see what this is capable of. It’ll def be a staple in my videos moving forward (sorry for the shameless plug). I can’t imagine an entire video made with this thing but definitely bits and pieces.
On my social media detox and massive want to live in the 90’s/80’s I’ve been trawling the internet for 35mm cameras and old camcorders. I remembered today we still have our Sony 450x digital 8 canera (from 1999). For the age and lack of use in the last decade it works great. The battery is completely knackeref tho, can’t wait to get another one and some tapes and use it. I WILL be taking it wherever I go lmao. Love old cameras
This was more like a love letter to your filmmaking provenance, I loved it. One thing I never loved though... capturing footage 🤢 man... I’m not sure I’ve got the patience for running a tape anymore!! But your toonright, the image is umistakingly 90’s, and that is super cool!!
Totally. It’s funny these camcorders even pro level ones aren’t really used by tubers. They honestly make shooting video so easy. Built in ND’s outstanding AF, XLR inputs. Had me checking out the latest and greatest offerings on B&H after this video.
Wow... I started my career on this camera. I filmed a cable access sketch comedy show and documentaries in Myanmar, Thailand and Bhutan. Not to mention local commercials. That was a powerful little camera! Mine still works too!
Brilliant james! Glad to hear mine's not just a freak lol. What a great camera, SO glad I kept it and even more glad it still works. I really don't understand how the battery on the camera still holds charge.
@@MarkHoltze In the third Blair Witch movie someone used a Sony DCR-TRV120 Digital Camcorder to harken back to the look of the first film. Love the look!
I bought my copy used in the early 2000s. It still works great as well. I use a Canopus ADVC-300 to capture video from it in DV format. I can make decent looking DVDs this way.
Hey Mark. Just stumbled onto your video here. Good timing from my standpoint, because I recently pulled my old video camera out to transfer the videos from it to the computer. The one I bought , which is similar your model, was the Sony Digital8 Handycam Model # DCR-TRV530. I bought brand new over 30 years ago(?). (I couldn't find out the year it was manufactured) And I recently bought the Roxio VHS to DVD Plus program with the hardware and cables to connect my video camera to my computer and FINALLY start transferring all my old videos into it! And, yes it IS a fantastic camera. Mine works like a charm. I was always anal about how I took care of it and it paid off. As for the Hi-8 format, good stuff! I love the "texture" of the video it takes. I also immersed my self in "videography" way back when I bought the camera, along with my two kids , their two cousins and a close friend of theirs. They loved "making movies" any chance we could. We came up with some hokey ones, but has fun doing it, and laughed a lot! I plan on using this video camera on a regular basis in the coming weeks and months ahead. Hone my skills. Thank you for your video, Mark!
Tried mine after it being a closet for 5 years, turns on But screen is white ? Can hear the sound , but no video...Any ideas would be greatly appreciated
I still have my old sony handycam hi8 it still working ! Only the battery wont last that long.. sad and funny thing is i still have my old tape that i keep, it is such a great time when i play back all those old video when i see my younger self when i still a kid, my late cousins, late uncle, and old movie alike in the camcorder. Its a mix feeling when we see old memories, people's who still alive and past away.
Their picture quality may fall short compaired with full hd or 4k but the ergonomics and usability are far superior. Modern cameras are just too fiddly and small
Love this! I love my retro gear and got a lot of cameras and these units are outstanding! Filmed this very Christmas on a mix of old Sony hi8 unit and Sony HDV camera. As you say they just keep going, even after 20+ years!
Mark Holtze ohhh logging the footage is part of the joy! Though with a modern iMac I have to use multiple adapters, thanks you Apple! Haha. Ohh I’ve picked up a good few units I wished I could afford back when they were new. Sony HVR-Z1 being one of my favourites. Then later FX1.. Canon XHA1 and most recently Sony FX1000. I’ve gone full camera collector mad but I love it! Posting loads of videos from various camera units now. I do own a much newer camera that records on SD card but I know it probably sounds nuts but I think it’s sort of soulless. The joy for me with filming is partly the opening a fresh tape, putting it in the camera then the motor spins and it’s “I’m now a movie director” moment and you have time limits and so on. All very nostalgic! Definitely love owning the cameras thar cost thousands back in early 2000’s now mine for £400 max. As you say the logging the footage is the only problem but I definitely enjoy the full progress,,, even in 2019 soon to be 2020 I’ll keep rocking them tapes haha!
This video is on par with MKBHD's only you actually have a connection to this retro tech you're using. The getaway scene was perfect and really shows what you can do when you apply actual craft to the gear. This should be getting 1000x the views it is right now.
Appreciate the sentiment mate, can't control how it's viewed, he's way bigger than me so his audience in existence is probably all over anything he pushes out. Also pretty heavily recommended I would imagine.
Great video. I remember using those back in college. When I saw that first shot at 2:55 I thought that’s the main hall in Sheridan (at least how it looked in the 90’s) . I Also studied there and think I remember that dancing guy. Maybe I was a fews before you. Brings back memories. Thx.
I have this exact camera! I have been searching for so long for just this!!! What method did you use to get this camera footage onto digital? Do you record onto the tape or is there some way of recording straight onto an SD or Capture card or Laptop? Also I am desperately looking for a battery charger, as I don't have one so cannot use this camera :( Do you know where I could find one? Thanks for your time, I desperately need some help! Thank you for this video!!!! JUST what I needed!
Great news! The Sony NP-F batteries that it uses kind of became a standard. That means you can buy a new charger cheap. I'm sure Sony still sells them too, if you want to stay OEM. Also, you can buy a USB 2.0 Audio/Video Converter for under $20 online.
i still have my mothers old ccd trv-12 , she fortunately took good care of it. still have the box and the manuals and it’s practically brand new as far as condition.
I tried initially with premiere but it didn’t work. With FCP7 it was very easy, but there are additional steps I think with premiere. Part of the problem is the up res, had I kept it at standard resolution, you don’t see much of the interlace. It’s compounded when upscaled to HD
Fire wire is digital signal so there is no quality loss. Mini dv and later model digital 8 cameras had FireWire ports, but anything before 1999 didn’t.
Thanks for doing this. I started in video in 1986. I think you covered this camera with respect. I still have two of the first video cameras I bought for myself in 2001. They still work, except the firewire port is bad on one. I paid $2000 for one and $5,000 for the other. They paid for themselves within a year.
Hey bro, you seriously should de-interlace that footage, it really shows up. Convert that 60i into 60p, and if you don't want 60p then put that 60p footage into a 30p timeline
Yes, it's funny because when I did this in FCP I could just de-interlace right on the timeline and it would do it. For this premiere stuff I need to do it all first, drop on a timeline and re-export which is a bunch of different steps. It's funny because it's 2020 and it's way more challenging to do that now than it was in 2005. Either the De-interlace doesn't work as well in premiere than it did in FCP7 or what. Regardless, the camera itself is a boss and a pleasure to shoot with. :)
@@MarkHoltze I love how old cameras look, like the video quality out of them, they have its charm. Definitely not something you want to shoot with nowadays for casual/professional stuff but i an see so many uses for it like to mimic an older time or for a nostalgia-flashback scene
To answer the question, YES. Definitely. Cameras like these will ALWAYS have a place of use. Because no matter how many filters you use.. You cannot emulate or replicate the look of old CCD image sensors and analog tape recording. I still have a soft spot for late 90s Camcorders. Especially those early MiniDV camcorders like the Sony DCR-PC100 and it's megapixel CCD sensor. Film something with it and you instantly feel like watching recordings from 1998 :) My best buddy has the PAL version of the camera you show in the video and it looks even better in PAL thanks to the extra resolution and better colours.
@@MarkHoltze I'm holding out for the day when someone releases a 3CCD Aps-C, or larger, sensor in a cinema-capable mirrorless camera body. Wishful thinking, I know, but the aesthetic is unmistakable. I firmly believe that there are wonderful things one can do by splitting the incoming beam into different wavelengths and then tweaking them before combining them once again to be recorded.
Oh the nostalgia! Thanks for the trip down memory lane. You have me wanting to find and dig out my old JVC MiniDV 3CCD camera. I can't even recall the exact model name / number, but I'm sure the tapes will be loaded with messy memories of my younger youth! Great video Mark! You keep hitting it right out of the park with each new release on your channel! Happy 2020!
@@ZammyZamuel de-interlance in a project with default settings that match the video footage. Re-render as separate QT's and then you can scale them up on the V2 to HD.
Thanks Mark for your review . I used a Canon Mini DV Camcorder for many years from about 2007 when my son was born for capturing some precious video footage. Like the Sony it had a flip out screen and lasted ages on the battery. No overheating problems either. With a firewire connection and firewire capture card, it's still usable today on video editing programs that capture from a DV Camcorder. Worth a look at in one of your future reviews. With some modern filters it would make some awesome retro looking video work. I still enjoy watching 8 mm footage bought to life using video capture methods and editing in Premiere Pro or PowerDirector.
Fully agree Alex! Brilliant idea! I have the old XL1 hanging around as that was the camera I bought after this one to start freelancing after film school. Huge risk $$$ wise but it paid off the next three years. I have a lot of love for that format!
@@MarkHoltze Keep up the great work with your channel in 2020. Got the idea from your channel to get an adapter to use a Canon FD 50mm f1.8 and Tamron adaptall 80-210 f3.8 lens on my Sony a6500 I bought these lenses back in 1983 for a Canon T50. Looking forward to see how they work out.
ayy man, I remember the hi8 vlog you made back in the day, working as the tv show editor, loved that vid. Glad to see a spiritual successor that's in the correct aspect ratio.
Figured it was time lol. This one is uploaded in the correct aspect ratio though with those 4:3 SD bars ;). Figured I get a lot of questions on that video what camera this is plus the fact it still works so nicely...a review was in order :) Thanks for sticking around so long mate!
@@MarkHoltze But you have to deinterlace properly (60 fps) if you want to upload to youtube. Specialy if you want to upscale to HD. First deinterlace and then upscale.
Great Camera. Most of the Sonys are. Especially the HI 8 and Digital 8's that are backwards compatible to the HI8 and Video 8 format . Solid - glad i'm not the only one who recognizes this. Cool video
great camera feels like an understatement, there's just no reason why this should by all definition WORK (STILL), especially the battery. What the hell?
@@MarkHoltze Agreed. Its amazing. Ive sold hundreds of them over the past several years so I know 95% of all the models etc..I mean their are alot of broken ones etc. that get error messages etc.. but the fact that so many have lasted this long is a testament to Sony's craftmanship. It also shines a light on today's 3-5 year and done shit. The older Mini DV's are awesome as well. Like the TRV30 and 20 and 8 for instance. I still have a handful of them Hi 8 Dig 8 Video 8 Mini DVD and Mini/ Micro DV. The models made in Japan are usually the most solid and most high end.
**TIME STAMPS BELOW: This is the camera I cut my “videography” teeth on. I can’t believe it still works after 23 years and even by today’s standards, it’s a FANTASTIC camera. What do you guys think of the Hi-8 format in 2020?
**FREE HI-8 OVERLAY Download I made here: geni.us/kXwAnaS
TIME STAMPS: Because your time is precious.
0:50: VERY Short “Film” I shot on the Sony Handycam CCD-TRV99
1:48: Technical Camera Review Starts
2:52: 1997 Vlogging
3:05: Optical Vs Digital Zoom Comparison
4:24: CRAZY close MIN focusing distance
4:42: CRAZY Reliable AutoFocus test
5:29: X-RAY (Night Vision) - Yes this camera can see through clothes
6:04: Insane Battery Endurance after 23 years?
7:17: Output options with possible USB capture capability.
10:17: BTS Shooting being “blasted”. It’s all in the FALL
0:50 the breath lined up with the sun behind ....nice, and when you fell into the camera sweet. I watch all of your vids Mark this one really hit me.
@@ehJoe All intentional lol. Nice thing about the sun low like that is that you can use it to fill otherwise dead space. That flip out screen and great auto focus made shooting this pretty easy. :) Thanks for the kind words as usual my friend!. The only reason I wanted to heavy breath was to hopefully get that breath, I was super happy with how it looked when I watched it back! PRINT that, CHECK THE GATE ;)
@Mike Taglione Thanks Mike! Camcorders have seemingly gone the way of the DODO with content creators these days. Everybody is out for the mirrorless or DSLR. Using this again I completely forgot how easy it was to shoot with allowing you to focus on the content specifically.
I found myself looking at B&H for prices on modern day 4k camcorders.
Mark Holtze still have mine. Can’t get it to work on KD 40 Sony tv
This was my camcorder. This still is my camcorder. Thanks for giving this classic the love it deserves.
I shot entire feature films on cameras like that. Even won some awards in Italy at a film festival. Good old days of editing with 2 VCRs.
Mark in, Mark out and edit start. Tape to tape editing lol. Brilliant l
@The Filmmaking Channel: Same here bro. My best buddy and I used 2 different Sony Camcorders to shoot all our early movies with it. Heck they weren't even Hi8 but just Video8. It sucks that basically none of the original Video8 recordings survived since those tapes were super expensive and everything we shot from that time only exists as VHS copies.. sometimes even only as 2nd or 3rd generation copy. We shot on Video8 but edited on VHS. However we often shot to the cut so we did not have to cut too much afterwards. Because exact editing was just not possible with consumer VHS recorders and no insert editing.
KRAFTWERK2K6 At first I did shoot to the edit avoiding any kind of editing later. But later I started doing more coverage of scenes which required a more traditional approach. After a terrible fire in my home almost 20 years ago I lost all my “1st generation” tapes. Luckily a friend of mine had copies. Not as good but good enough to preserve. I have most of it on TH-cam but it’s all blocked because I used copyrighted music so I can’t share sadly. The first film I edited with a computer and a lot of blue screen crashes was in 1999. I imported the video 8 into the computer and it was awesome. How far we’ve come. Today we take it all for granted.
The Filmmaking Channel HI8 looks pretty impressive in 16:9.
is there any platform where we could watch the film?
Totally dig that 1995 look, brings me right back.
Finding a clever way to match the action from that time to now but keeping the "look" of the video the same would be interesting.
It's crazy how this "look" is far enough away to actually feel nostalgic.
For whatever reason these old super8 cameras look amazing filming certain things- skateboarding, filming cities, campy music vids. I really like how it looks.
Totally agree!
This is not super 8. Super 8 was a movie film format
This is a casette camera not film
Technically it’s a film format. Not a “movie format”. But either hi 8 or super 8 (video or film) looks cool for shooting skateboarding in cities ;)
Honestly I just love the look these cameras gave. Even in movies at the time, although they were obviously better quality than a camera like this, they still had that same type of look and it’s just so nostalgic for me
Same mate!
I absolutely hate analogue video. I like the look of Super 8mm film, but I feel that the period of time from the late 70s to the mid-2000s where standard definition analogue video dominated were truly the dark ages. Even stuff from the late 60s shot on film looks better in my opinion.
@@MattSezer I don't think anyone would argue that hi8 is better than film but, they both have their own aesthetic at least.
"Digital zoom" is the biggest scam in photography history😂
God it was horrible. I remember seeing cameras compete with 128x “digital zoom”. Thank god it’s clearly marked when you cross into digital mode so you can just make that your ceiling. Worse it’s super shaky and pixelated. Lol.
Yes! We all bought in on it though...
@MCRPG Ya, I remember that ZOOM thing was like a huge marketing. Definitely can't say it wasn't cool! 800x zoom! Insane.
@MCRPG We used to make skate videos with my friends Hi-8 camcorder back in the 90's. Good times!
@Max1
th-cam.com/video/foj1AgnFJzQ/w-d-xo.html&feature=share
In case anyone does not realize this, Hi8 and VHS tapes look FAR better on equipment from the same time as they were popular. I still have a large collection of VHS tapes and some decent players . On a large high resolution screen (TV) tapes look pretty awful. Ditto if converted to digital using standard home converters. Played back on my 30 year old RCA 28 inch colour TV (which was considered large at the time), however, they look great !
@Bzake sure. First you need a working VHS player (VCR). You connect the player to the TV using standard RCA video and audio cables if your TV has analog jacks. If you have a new TV with only HDMI connections you need an analog to HDMI converter plus an HDMI cable. You can also connect the audio out from the VCR to your stereo amplifier or receiver for better sound. It really depends on what equipment you have and whether you want the sound to come through an audio system or through the TV. If you want to watch from a camera instead of a VCR, the procedure is similar ... you just need to get the right cables depending on your camera model.
it looks bad on the computer becouse you probably used cheap video grabbers to convert the image, you can also see it in the video: the image looks like a bunch of lines and laggy (low frames). if you want to see a claen conversion you need good video converter or just playback from an old camera directly...
@matteoceroni8551 problem is a lot of software now doesn’t support what older legacy programs like FCP did. You can manually set the capture settings with some coders, but 99% of people don’t know the optical settings. Using the right cables also helps because you lose a generation on any analogue signal transfer. Computer monitors are also high resolution so that’s also a factor. Lots of factors at play behind just the capture device. Most people just want an easy way to capture this stuff.
The look of Hi8 made me miss my teenage time so much. I took the camera almost everyday to my high school. My dad brought it for me. It was my first camera. And I made so many short film with it during High School until University. The camera is now broken, but I still keep it.
You were prob the minority at school to be running around with a camera right?
@@MarkHoltze Yes I was :D
This was me with the same camera. I took it to high school, went around with my friends. I have since used a Sony HI8 to digital machine and converted them all over to digital and they look amazing. The videos are organized in a cloud based library that i can pull up anywhere, and it's a fun trick to pull out 20 hours of videos from 20 years ago when I hang out with my old friends.
I worked for sony from 98-03 and I got a TRV-25 (DV version of this camera) back then as a sales reward. I just pulled it out of a box in my basement and found it STILL WORKS. Came here to see what the video looked like back then. I am def going to use it on my next film.
I got a new adapter that imports the footage much cleaner! It’s pretty great!
i recently found my parents old cameras and was trying to figure out a way to transfer the videos on the tapes digitally! thank you for this video!!
My pleasure, good luck with it!
This is the camera I started on when I was a kid. My dad had a bunch of old cameras laying around and he just loved me running around filming everything
That was my childhood as well! :)
My son is three and a half, and loves running around with various crappy "don't care if they get dropped in the mud" GoPros. He's *starting* to get the idea of keeping it level and pointing forwards.
Steadicam by the time he starts primary school, that's the idea anyway.
that sounds awesome!
I would want this old school cameras to make car videos. It always felt aesthetically
pleasing
Dm ke
YESSSS!!!! A blast from the past indeed. Like you mentioned, battery life wasn't such a worry. For me, it was if I had enough tape to record footage. My brother and I used to borrow our dad's Sony Hi-8 camcorder in the 90s to make our own movies. I thought I was a baller when I got a Sony camcorder with MiniDV cassettes. I powered on my MiniDV camcorder for the first time in about 10 years and I was surprised it still worked and the cassettes had zero issues. I was thoroughly bummed out when I couldn't connect to my 2015 iMac and compile all the footage onto DVD's.
I know!! I have an old G5 tower for mini dv purposes only. Old version of FCP 7 as well so gives me deck control.
Totally relate to those high school movies lol.
I own 3 Sony TRV's and 2 Sharp handycams, all of them are Hi8 mm and still work fantastic. Love how easy they work with so many features.
It might sound weird but I think 8mm really captures how cold it is in the winter. The quality really shows the coldness
Not weird at all. You nailed on the head :)
Thank you. I exactly needed this.
Pleasure
Love that 90s home movie/ low budget documentary look.
I created a public access television program called "Backstage Pass" back in 1999 here in Columbus, Ohio. The TRV99 was the camera that I used for many of the episodes until I got my XL1. I miss the ergonomics and ease of use of the XL1. I still have it but haven't turned it on in years. I think I miss the 16X power zoom the most. Great video Mark!
Thanks Chris! Funny I went to XL1 after this camera as well. I still have it as well. That 16x zoom is amazing, detachable lens also fantastic although i only ever rented. Great camera!
My Sony handy can was bought by my grandparents back in the early 90s. They brought it to Ireland, France, and England. Still works today definitely needs a new battery
If you use Premiere, right click on the footage in the project folder, got to modify, then click interpret footage. Change the field order to upper field first, this will fix the jagged interlaced artifacts in your footage.
That video quality is definitely aesthetic!
I absolutely love this Retro reviews! Keep 'em coming!
Thanks Patrick! Glad you are enjoying them. I’m having a blast reviewing them! Even just as an excuse to explore them in depth again!
Yes! I love old tech like you do. I'm also collecting old lenses! Some Takumars and Minolta Glass.
Recently dug mine out after 15 years, and still works fine, and i am having fun with the old stuff on the tapes
So much fun right? ✊
Definitely think there is room for classic equipments like this in today's scenario. While we are bombarded with "content" every single day from modern cameras, these would be a way to set yourself apart at the very least :) Your videos helped me discover old lenses man. Appreciate you 👊🏽
I think so! Also might inspire people to just experiment a bit. Use what we have collecting dust instead of expensive gear lust. Filters are cool, but not authentic ;)
these old cameras make every thing seem more real
DUDE. WHY IS THE LIGHTING ALWAYS SO AMAZING IN YOUR VIDEOS???
Thanks mate...honestly...LITRA Torch and Litra Pro...no sponsored, but they're small, with the colored gels, just makes it SO much easier to make my other wise generic space pop.
Might be a good idea to do a video on just the lighting and the choices that go into it. *writes down that idea thanks to you**...
Thanks mate!
High production quality and amusement value as always. And, if it's fun and inspiring to use, then it should be used.
Thanks mate! Had fun using this. Might look for different ways on how to incorporate it when appropriate. S-VIDEO cable before I do that though. Want to max the image quality.
Hope you're having a great holiday mate! All the best in 2020
I have this exact camera. Just need a battery and a Hi8 tape. This footage is still impressive!
Willing to buy if your willing to sell!
I am 14, born in 2006 and i cannot explain how much i want one of these. I would love to see things from the 90s make a comeback as i believe the 90s would have been a great time to be a teenager
Make it your mission to find one mate. It is; your destiny ;)
Look at goodwill. they always seem to have that sort of thing.
As a 14-year-old, i can agree.
@@KristianSkylstad listen music on the Walkman and audiocassette, recording the songs from the radio, ecc
That start up sound, released when I was 10 years old. Captured the family gatherings before the time of everyone having phones.
It's a pleasure to have them to look back on.
It really is. Must break them out of the basement and give them some new life mate. Your fam will appreciate it.
@@MarkHoltze I have to thank you again, I have been sorting out my photos from long ago. Found some photos taken on a 2 mega pixel camara, its amazing how far technology had come on.
I also went and checked out older social media accounts long forgotten such as Myspace (coomer1). Posted to my friends and family and a whole load of photos from the past was shared.
Could I ask, or request a video to be created with the theme as perhaps 'asking friends and family for photo albums/video/social media'.
There are many photos and negatives in everyone's family albums that may be great. But they could be lost in a few years when we loose each generation etc.
Perhaps this would get alot of people back into checking the loft/attics for retro camaras, too.
Even having more camara photos and videos from the 80,90 and 2000's would be a benefit for the newer generation to realise how far technology and life has come on?
Mark, I have the same camera since 1993, the tapes have been transferred to a portable hard drive. I have a lot of footage of my daughter and am cutting footage of her first years so we can compare with her daughter born last year. These clips really are invaluable and a lot of fun to watch. Thanks for keeping up a very informative channel.
That's amazing! So precious to have those memories! They always matter so much more later on in life than right when we capture them.
Thanks for sharing your story and for stopping by!
Thank you for this video, my dad recently passed away and I found his digital 8. Which he bought for family videos and is as old as me (24 years old) I can’t wait to play around with this to feel connected to my dad even though he isn’t here ❤️
Sorry to hear that Anya. My condolences. Those videos are going to give you the feels.
Love the use of the camera Mark! Way to go! Imagine youtube was a thing in 1997! This camera would be top.
Johnny! Thanks! Cool name! Short Circuit is the best!
I have a Sony Handycam CCD TRV 608 Hi8 Camcorder, I got it in 2002 when I was 9 years old, and it was the greatest thing in the world, I literally recorded everything I did, I have a bunch of tapes with all my life in them. Nowdays it still working perfectly, but it has to be pluged in to the wall because the battery is dead, so I don't use it anymore to take shots, but I still using it to play back the tapes I already have. Recently I bought a brand new Sony 4K camera, wich of course is superior in all aspects, but is not the same feeling that when you take a shot for the first time, rewind the tape and watch it in your TV, it was absolutely indescribable.
A couple of weeks ago I saw artist Brittany Market premier her 16mm B&W film Fragments in New Orleans. It was amazing. She had to develop all the film herself and had to travel to New York to find an editing rig to rent. No linear editing. So, yes, I think there is a place for obsolete equipment in 2020.
That's awesome! I'm going to go look her up now! Thanks Edward! I also completely agree!
Literally have that exact camera my mom bought new and it still works we used it to record family videos as I grew up so awesome reviewing old memories with it. Fantastic camera
Willing to sell it? I’m in the market for one.
Loved that little sequence, reminds me of those days when I started to make my first videos at school.
Exactly! I have a similar sequence like this we did in school. Used early version of premiere to paint in the lasers. Lol. Used blaster SFX from dark forces.
Where it all started.
I have a camera very similar to the one you’re using, and i just finished watching ol’tapes i filmed when i was in highschool that never got edited, can’t wait to digitize and edit them to revived what ever vision i had then. Thanks for the inspiration.
Same! I’ve got my whole last day of high school covered and I’m dying to make that video and share with my old high school crew. Watching it now really makes me feel like it was a long time ago!
Digitize those tapes! Watch the reactions of your friends! It’s priceless!
This is a great video. More like this Mark. The footage does create a distinct nostalgia. That look continued to be the look with early mini DV cameras of late 1990s and early 2000. Lots of great uses if you wanted to create this look. I imagine certain music videos would be great creating this feel. Also makes me think of skate videos from this period.
Skate videos for sure, with wide lens adapter ;)
we still have this camera! My parents used to take us videos when we were little, now that I'm grown up loving photography and cinematography, im trying to learn about its function and guess what, it still works great!!
So cool! you should find those old tapes of you guys growing up and put a little video together for your parents. Surprise them. Might be a nice distraction given the lock down state of the world right now.
If not, have fun with it either way!
Willing to sell it? I’m in the market for one! Let me know! Thanks.
Excellent video.... Now I feel much better for recently buying a fully working Sony TRV 900 DV camera... Not to mention the DSR 570 WSP recently acquired too .
That TRV 900 DV is a fantastic camera! Do you mind asking me what you picked that one up for?
@@MarkHoltze Hi Mark.. Found it on eBay US listing... Sold as not working, audio problem, placed my last bid at 5 seconds, got it for 30 Euro approx.. Plays and records Ok.. Records sound but no sound from little speaker or earphone socket.. so me stating 'fully working' was a slight error, however it records the audio.. I already got one from UK.. similar price.. but image has a fault.. It streams Ok.. but many FireWire ports get damaged easily.. If it is a camera you would like to own monitor eBay and you may find a couple cheap as time goes by.. I am a bit surprised at how much people are asking for them.. now you may have more luck going for the DSR version.. the grey one.. I did enjoy your video.. Excellent work, and that format looks good.. If I see any potential listings Mark I will let you know.. The US is open for me for our Postal Service ships from a proxy address for me 10 - 50 euro up to 20 Kg to Ireland..
@@MarkHoltze Oh ! Mark.. You are in Canada ! I noticed recently an eBay listing in Canada for a DSR 570 WS (2/3" sensor..) no lens for little money.. Up to no no one interested.. I am building power packs for my one.. I have learned how to do that.. The German discount store sells power tool 40 volt packs 35 euro and they have 10 18650 Samsung cells inside : ) Electronic parts to build charger.. protection.. LED cell monitor.. all from eBay Chinese sellers..
i have one my dad bought it sinsce 2001, i can see my self as a child and all my family, its really fun think to do and priceless.
That's awesome mate!
I also use a camera like this, I like to use it because it just feels better than a cell phone.
By the way, mine already offers the function of replacing the background wit a Bluescreen
Oh ya, chroma effect, this can do that too . Never did much with it as if never looked convincing enough.
I have one. Hi8 . Bought it new 20 years ago , still working , good quality, first battery ,can film a couple of hours with one battery. Best electronic device i ever bought.
Merry Christmas. I always wanted a sony camcorder growing up, but could never afford one. Love the look, I had a crt tv for the longest time when flat screen LCDs started becoming standard.
Thanks Gary! Same to you! Might be able to pick one up for a bargain these days ;)
THANK YOU FOR THIS!! I’m actually looking forward to buy this camera because I found a video cassette of my 1st birthday just today and I’m turning 18 next month!
That’s awesome! Your parents will love seeing that again I bet! Cool for you as well! Happy birthday!
At around same time I bought another Sony Hi8 camera, a cheaper model without the flippy screen. And it still works. All do only when plugged into the wall, course the standard battery that came along with the camera died long time ago. I use it from time to time to watch those old family videos...
Worst case scenario at least it works as a deck :)
@@MarkHoltze You can easily buy new batteries for these cameras. I bought mine for like $20 in local battery store - they had all kinds of batteries for cameras and camcorders. Its big like yours and last for days and days of recording.
@@postanimus8989 Good to know! I had no idea! Makes me feel good because I felt a bit like I was riding the "luck" wave with this camera. ONce the battery died, I' would be tied to DC power. Good to know, thanks so much John!
@@MarkHoltze I bought something like this:www.amazon.com/Maximal-NP-F950-F970-Replacement-Camcorder/dp/B001FA0B3U It should work with all newer TRV cameras (i use TRV35). But be sure it will work for yours!
I used to own a JVC DLV9800, this brings back the love for that camera. I hope you're enjoying the holidays all the best to you my friend in 2020.
Thanks Joe! Same to you my friend
Awesome video.
Subbed.
Wow, 6 months later, sorry Travis but thanks mate.
Nice work Mark, Congrats on 16K follower!! I am sure D-man is super happy to be featured in your video again!
Thanks Cuz! Merry Christmas to you guys! Damon loves it ;)
Inspiring me to breakout the ole’ Hi-8 from that buried box in the closet.
Wait until you see that old footage you shot....niagara falls ;)
I whipped out my Sony Handycam hi8 camcorder yesterday to watch some of my old tapes from 2005.
Crazy times and a cool little relic of a camera
Your Hi8 footage has not been deinterlaced properly. Why?
Also, standard capture devices for analog signals handle black levels like crap. Framemeister or OSSC for retrogaming actually are the best, but require an additional HDMI capture device to get their deinterlaced, digitized and rescaled signal into the PC
De-interlace with NLE software but these adapters don’t come with those. Showing what you in package without any additional processing.
@@MarkHoltze You have so much video noise and time base error when you downloaded it for u-toob, the images on the 'Net look NOTHING like the actual results. The NTSC images from MY Sony TRV-99 Hi8 (yes you can us Hi8 format too) I've put up against "new tech" 1080i footage and 99% of the audience preferred the 525p footage over the 1080i. Why? Much better signal-to-noise ratio.I guess you've never heard of the S-video output on your camera or to use an NTSC/ATSC converter software. Moavdi is one that cost $79.95 . I have an Avid interface and software that would show what it CAN look like.
@@Walkercolt1 hey dude can I dm you, do you have a discord or skype maybe?
@@Walkercolt1 Interested in this too. Any additional info you can share? Googled Moavdi and no results for that keyword for a software
I'm currently capturing old hi8 hometapes with a Pixelview PlayTV Pro PCI capture card from 2001 and Windows XP (because the drivers don't work with anything else), with virtualdub (free software). A simple blend filter could get rid of those interlaced lines, or maybe bump it to 60fps with yadiff or bob. You can fix the black levels with the "levels" filter.
thanks to video, it brought back my memories. Yesterday I used my Sony CCD-TVR99E again; it still works after 25 years.
Love it!
Hello from Tampa and Happy Holidays Mark! Great video and old footage. I was thinking about selling my old Panasonic NV-S750, but after this video... well, maybe I will shoot something with it. Be well, stay encouraged, and see you in 2020!!!
Same to you Jacob!! Nice and warm down there this holiday? Worst case even if you use that camera as a deck, might be handy to watch those old videos ;)
@@MarkHoltze Nice and warm indeed... can't go wrong with Florida weather this time of year. She's a keeper, I will hold onto it to watch the old stuff!
Found this video because my in laws just gave it to me over thanksgiving, it was collecting dust in their basement. I recently started processing my movie reviews on my channel through a VCR to create the nostalgic Blockbuster effect and this camera just became a step in my workflow.
I haven’t used it yet but good to see what this is capable of. It’ll def be a staple in my videos moving forward (sorry for the shameless plug). I can’t imagine an entire video made with this thing but definitely bits and pieces.
Don't ever be sorry for a plug mate, plug away, probably some content i'd love to watch!
the camcorder my childhood was shot on!
On my social media detox and massive want to live in the 90’s/80’s I’ve been trawling the internet for 35mm cameras and old camcorders. I remembered today we still have our Sony 450x digital 8 canera (from 1999). For the age and lack of use in the last decade it works great.
The battery is completely knackeref tho, can’t wait to get another one and some tapes and use it. I WILL be taking it wherever I go lmao. Love old cameras
It's been fun, been using this more and more these days. I don't get how this battery STILL holds a charge, zero clue.
You got one of the best camcorders in the world for a tape cassette
I don’t disagree with you at all :)
my dad had one of these and said that if i could find it i could keep it. so im looking really hard for it now. super excited.
Did you find it?
This was more like a love letter to your filmmaking provenance, I loved it. One thing I never loved though... capturing footage 🤢 man... I’m not sure I’ve got the patience for running a tape anymore!! But your toonright, the image is umistakingly 90’s, and that is super cool!!
Totally. It’s funny these camcorders even pro level ones aren’t really used by tubers. They honestly make shooting video so easy. Built in ND’s outstanding AF, XLR inputs.
Had me checking out the latest and greatest offerings on B&H after this video.
I here you I still have a canon hv30. But man it shoots great video.
Wow... I started my career on this camera. I filmed a cable access sketch comedy show and documentaries in Myanmar, Thailand and Bhutan. Not to mention local commercials. That was a powerful little camera! Mine still works too!
Brilliant james! Glad to hear mine's not just a freak lol. What a great camera, SO glad I kept it and even more glad it still works. I really don't understand how the battery on the camera still holds charge.
4:52 I really like the Blair Witch or Forever Knight 1990s aesthetic that the video footage has.
Totally! I actually cut that line from the script “Blair witch look”, felt like too many words but holy it’s so Blair witch lol.
@@MarkHoltze In the third Blair Witch movie someone used a Sony DCR-TRV120 Digital Camcorder to harken back to the look of the first film. Love the look!
@@shophet125 I think I remember reading that somewhere. The evolved version of this camera ;) So cool! Thanks mate!
Dude. Bonus points for Forever Knight!
I bought my copy used in the early 2000s. It still works great as well. I use a Canopus ADVC-300 to capture video from it in DV format. I can make decent looking DVDs this way.
Hey Mark. Just stumbled onto your video here. Good timing from my standpoint, because I recently pulled my old video camera out to transfer the videos from it to the computer. The one I bought , which is similar your model, was the Sony Digital8 Handycam Model # DCR-TRV530. I bought brand new over 30 years ago(?). (I couldn't find out the year it was manufactured) And I recently bought the Roxio VHS to DVD Plus program with the hardware and cables to connect my video camera to my computer and FINALLY start transferring all my old videos into it!
And, yes it IS a fantastic camera. Mine works like a charm. I was always anal about how I took care of it and it paid off. As for the Hi-8 format, good stuff! I love the "texture" of the video it takes. I also immersed my self in "videography" way back when I bought the camera, along with my two kids , their two cousins and a close friend of theirs. They loved "making movies" any chance we could. We came up with some hokey ones, but has fun doing it, and laughed a lot! I plan on using this video camera on a regular basis in the coming weeks and months ahead. Hone my skills. Thank you for your video, Mark!
It is such an easy camera to use, really allows you to just focus on the creative and not the tech
You should post some of the old footage you recorded on TH-cam
lol, tik doc seems to be wild with vintage footage for some reason...."vintage".
@@MarkHoltze I don't use tik tok
Me either lol.
My father passed this down to me and I’m going to WDW this month can’t wait to use it!
Tried mine after it being a closet for 5 years, turns on
But screen is white ? Can hear the sound , but no video...Any ideas would be greatly appreciated
Needs the heads cleaned I suspect. You can get a head cleaner, looks like a tape. Play that for a few seconds and you should be good
take the lens cap off ( sorry ; - ) - j q t -
I love this ...I just bought a Canon XA10 ... it’s about 10 years old now ... I love it!
Yes!!!! How are you capturing the footage?
This is the perfect camera to prove the existence of bigfoot.
😂 ...to Redwood Forest!
@@MarkHoltze Just make sure the footage is extra shaky and out of focus.
I still have my old sony handycam hi8 it still working ! Only the battery wont last that long.. sad and funny thing is i still have my old tape that i keep, it is such a great time when i play back all those old video when i see my younger self when i still a kid, my late cousins, late uncle, and old movie alike in the camcorder. Its a mix feeling when we see old memories, people's who still alive and past away.
Their picture quality may fall short compaired with full hd or 4k but the ergonomics and usability are far superior. Modern cameras are just too fiddly and small
Agreed.
Love this! I love my retro gear and got a lot of cameras and these units are outstanding! Filmed this very Christmas on a mix of old Sony hi8 unit and Sony HDV camera. As you say they just keep going, even after 20+ years!
They're so great! I just with the process to transfer the footage was a bit easier. What HDV cameras did you own?
Mark Holtze ohhh logging the footage is part of the joy! Though with a modern iMac I have to use multiple adapters, thanks you Apple! Haha. Ohh I’ve picked up a good few units I wished I could afford back when they were new. Sony HVR-Z1 being one of my favourites. Then later FX1.. Canon XHA1 and most recently Sony FX1000. I’ve gone full camera collector mad but I love it! Posting loads of videos from various camera units now. I do own a much newer camera that records on SD card but I know it probably sounds nuts but I think it’s sort of soulless. The joy for me with filming is partly the opening a fresh tape, putting it in the camera then the motor spins and it’s “I’m now a movie director” moment and you have time limits and so on. All very nostalgic! Definitely love owning the cameras thar cost thousands back in early 2000’s now mine for £400 max. As you say the logging the footage is the only problem but I definitely enjoy the full progress,,, even in 2019 soon to be 2020 I’ll keep rocking them tapes haha!
@@epicchris1985 funny coincidence seeing you here too :D
@@Stallzyx I’m all about the retro life haha.
see you in 2020
All the best to you mate!
This video is on par with MKBHD's only you actually have a connection to this retro tech you're using. The getaway scene was perfect and really shows what you can do when you apply actual craft to the gear. This should be getting 1000x the views it is right now.
Appreciate the sentiment mate, can't control how it's viewed, he's way bigger than me so his audience in existence is probably all over anything he pushes out. Also pretty heavily recommended I would imagine.
It had a global shutter too!
@@cinialvespow1054 Most CCD sensors are global shutter.
googles “global shutter” 😆 😆
I just purchased a CCD TRV22 and am SUPER excited to make some old school looking videos of riding my quad!
Enjoy!
No offense but the old times was good all y’all know 😎
Great video. I remember using those back in college. When I saw that first shot at 2:55 I thought that’s the main hall in Sheridan (at least how it looked in the 90’s) . I Also studied there and think I remember that dancing guy. Maybe I was a fews before you. Brings back memories. Thx.
Thanks dude! Was there between fall of 99 and 2002. Media Arts. What did you study?
Mark Holtze I was in Art Fundamentals in 96 then Media Arts in 97 then Advanced Film and Tv in 2001
I have this exact camera! I have been searching for so long for just this!!! What method did you use to get this camera footage onto digital? Do you record onto the tape or is there some way of recording straight onto an SD or Capture card or Laptop? Also I am desperately looking for a battery charger, as I don't have one so cannot use this camera :( Do you know where I could find one? Thanks for your time, I desperately need some help! Thank you for this video!!!! JUST what I needed!
Jack and Bennys try looking for the charger on eBay
Great news! The Sony NP-F batteries that it uses kind of became a standard. That means you can buy a new charger cheap. I'm sure Sony still sells them too, if you want to stay OEM. Also, you can buy a USB 2.0 Audio/Video Converter for under $20 online.
I've been waiting for this video, and just like if it were one of my presents it comes out on Christmas day, how neat
Sorry for the long wait Cristian. Happy Christmas!
I still have this exact camera although its been years since I've had it out.
It reminds me why I fell in love with shooting. They did so many things right back then that still hold up today.
i still have my mothers old ccd trv-12 , she fortunately took good care of it. still have the box and the manuals and it’s practically brand new as far as condition.
That’s amazing!
Why don't you de-interlace the footage?? that would remove the black lines that you see when there's motion..
I tried initially with premiere but it didn’t work. With FCP7 it was very easy, but there are additional steps I think with premiere.
Part of the problem is the up res, had I kept it at standard resolution, you don’t see much of the interlace. It’s compounded when upscaled to HD
Try using Handbrake first then import the footage to premiere after processing.
handbrake.fr/downloads.php
Unsure if that one has firewire but the model i have has and the quality is significantly better if imported over firewire
Fire wire is digital signal so there is no quality loss. Mini dv and later model digital 8 cameras had FireWire ports, but anything before 1999 didn’t.
Thanks for doing this. I started in video in 1986. I think you covered this camera with respect. I still have two of the first video cameras I bought for myself in 2001. They still work, except the firewire port is bad on one. I paid $2000 for one and $5,000 for the other. They paid for themselves within a year.
Hey, I could spot some interlacing effects. I think you didn't deinterlace the footage...
Part of the charm ;)
Part of the charm ;)
my dad used to film videos with a samsung camera just like this one from 2004 to 2008. it has this early 2000's feel to it. recently found it
Hey bro, you seriously should de-interlace that footage, it really shows up. Convert that 60i into 60p, and if you don't want 60p then put that 60p footage into a 30p timeline
There's plenty of software to de-interlace footage and the video will look better
Yes, it's funny because when I did this in FCP I could just de-interlace right on the timeline and it would do it. For this premiere stuff I need to do it all first, drop on a timeline and re-export which is a bunch of different steps. It's funny because it's 2020 and it's way more challenging to do that now than it was in 2005. Either the De-interlace doesn't work as well in premiere than it did in FCP7 or what.
Regardless, the camera itself is a boss and a pleasure to shoot with. :)
@@MarkHoltze I love how old cameras look, like the video quality out of them, they have its charm.
Definitely not something you want to shoot with nowadays for casual/professional stuff but i an see so many uses for it like to mimic an older time or for a nostalgia-flashback scene
To answer the question, YES. Definitely. Cameras like these will ALWAYS have a place of use. Because no matter how many filters you use.. You cannot emulate or replicate the look of old CCD image sensors and analog tape recording. I still have a soft spot for late 90s Camcorders. Especially those early MiniDV camcorders like the Sony DCR-PC100 and it's megapixel CCD sensor. Film something with it and you instantly feel like watching recordings from 1998 :) My best buddy has the PAL version of the camera you show in the video and it looks even better in PAL thanks to the extra resolution and better colours.
Fun fact: CCD means "For The Win".
3CCD means "For The Motha-Funkin' Win".
Bonus fact: Hi8 is synonymous with "WhyHate; Just Elaborate".
Love this! I’m going to quote you with this!
@@MarkHoltze I'm holding out for the day when someone releases a 3CCD Aps-C, or larger, sensor in a cinema-capable mirrorless camera body.
Wishful thinking, I know, but the aesthetic is unmistakable.
I firmly believe that there are wonderful things one can do by splitting the incoming beam into different wavelengths and then tweaking them before combining them once again to be recorded.
Oh the nostalgia! Thanks for the trip down memory lane. You have me wanting to find and dig out my old JVC MiniDV 3CCD camera. I can't even recall the exact model name / number, but I'm sure the tapes will be loaded with messy memories of my younger youth! Great video Mark! You keep hitting it right out of the park with each new release on your channel! Happy 2020!
You should! So much fun ;). Happy new year brother. Hopefully your country will stop burning soon, it’s killing me to watch that unfold.
@@MarkHoltze Thanks Mark, yes it's terrible what is going on here. Thanks for your thoughts :)
You should de-interlace the footage
Tried, premiere wouldn’t do it. Figured out a work around since. Pretty straight forward stuff, surprised it couldn’t.
@@MarkHoltze What's the work around?
@@ZammyZamuel de-interlance in a project with default settings that match the video footage. Re-render as separate QT's and then you can scale them up on the V2 to HD.
Thanks Mark for your review . I used a Canon Mini DV Camcorder for many years from about 2007 when my son was born for capturing some precious video footage. Like the Sony it had a flip out screen and lasted ages on the battery. No overheating problems either. With a firewire connection and firewire capture card, it's still usable today on video editing programs that capture from a DV Camcorder. Worth a look at in one of your future reviews. With some modern filters it would make some awesome retro looking video work. I still enjoy watching 8 mm footage bought to life using video capture methods and editing in Premiere Pro or PowerDirector.
Fully agree Alex! Brilliant idea! I have the old XL1 hanging around as that was the camera I bought after this one to start freelancing after film school. Huge risk $$$ wise but it paid off the next three years. I have a lot of love for that format!
@@MarkHoltze Keep up the great work with your channel in 2020. Got the idea from your channel to get an adapter to use a Canon FD 50mm f1.8 and Tamron adaptall 80-210 f3.8 lens on my Sony a6500 I bought these lenses back in 1983 for a Canon T50. Looking forward to see how they work out.
Honestly it looks like arse but good on you for having a play with it!
Total arse lol!
Nah, not like arse; he looks like aesthetic.
Still have mine, working fine to :) Nowdays i use it to ripp old famelymovies to hardrive.
Nice! So mine isn't just some weird freak of nature lol.
👏🏽
C500 Mark ii vs Sony TRV99 ;) GO!
good prespective. i have a canon xl2 2004 and still love the mix can give when 4:3 format gets involved
XL2, I had the XL1, still great cameras lol. Cool factor alone ;)
Don't forget to deinterlace your video clips.
I did, not sure why they didn’t go away fully. Prob the scale. Need to experiment more.
ayy man, I remember the hi8 vlog you made back in the day, working as the tv show editor, loved that vid. Glad to see a spiritual successor that's in the correct aspect ratio.
Figured it was time lol. This one is uploaded in the correct aspect ratio though with those 4:3 SD bars ;).
Figured I get a lot of questions on that video what camera this is plus the fact it still works so nicely...a review was in order :)
Thanks for sticking around so long mate!
@@MarkHoltze But you have to deinterlace properly (60 fps) if you want to upload to youtube. Specialy if you want to upscale to HD. First deinterlace and then upscale.
@@videotaperetro1126 You are the master! Thanks for the tip my friend! I will do this moving forward! Really appreciate it!
You're welcome. If you have questions about deinterlacing, you can always ask.
@@videotaperetro1126 Copy that my friend! Thanks again!
Great video. Brought back memories. I was so happy when Digital-8 came out. That DV port made transferring video so much easier.
Great Camera. Most of the Sonys are. Especially the HI 8 and Digital 8's that are backwards compatible to the HI8 and Video 8 format . Solid - glad i'm not the only one who recognizes this. Cool video
great camera feels like an understatement, there's just no reason why this should by all definition WORK (STILL), especially the battery. What the hell?
@@MarkHoltze Agreed. Its amazing. Ive sold hundreds of them over the past several years so I know 95% of all the models etc..I mean their are alot of broken ones etc. that get error messages etc.. but the fact that so many have lasted this long is a testament to Sony's craftmanship. It also shines a light on today's 3-5 year and done shit. The older Mini DV's are awesome as well. Like the TRV30 and 20 and 8 for instance. I still have a handful of them Hi 8 Dig 8 Video 8 Mini DVD and Mini/ Micro DV. The models made in Japan are usually the most solid and most high end.