Cheap Camcorders and Camcorder Accessories Reviews, Sony: Sony CCDTR517 Hi8 Camcorder. Many Cheap Digital, DVD, VHS Camcorders, Camcorder Battery, Battery Chargers and other Camcorder Accessories

However, after just 4 months of use, the camera started not keeping a charge. I discovered the problem to be that the camera would go into play mode on it's own from the off position and drain the battery. (Switch remains locked in the off position, but camera is on and able to play tapes)I was also unable to charge the battery for the same reason.(Battery will not charge while in play mode even though plugged in)

The Sony warranty had expired (They have a very short warranty period) but I had purchased an extended warranty so my camera was relpaced.

Now, my replacement camera is exibiting the same problem. I would greatly discourage buying this camera... this problem renders the camera virtually useless.

I have discovered this is a known problem on other Sony Handycams...

I found the Sony CCD-TR517 to be nice to my checking account and nice to me. I found it easy to set up and use.

The instructions manual is very user friendly.

This 8-mm camcorder doesn't have all the features as a digital does, but it has a whole lot more exciting features than the Canon or Samsung 8-mms.

Features: special effects(e.g. pastel, neg. art, sepia, black- &-white, mosaic, solarization, slim, and stretch)

4 faders(black, stripe, monotone, and bounce)

6 Program AE modes( I don't know the names of them, but they make your picture look beautiful)

Pre-set titler/make-your-own titles

And don't forget about the XR(eXtended Resolution), which gives the camcorder up to 280 resolution lines. While the Canon and Samsung 8-mm cams make your home movies look washed out and grainy, the Sony TR-517 sharpens the look of your movies.

If you buy the Sony TR-517, you'll be buying:

THE GREATEST AND MOST SIMPLEST CAMCORDER ON THE MARKET!!!

Pros: durable, small, light, and easy to use.

Cons: no LCD screen, no image stabilizer