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A Digital Editor, Too

Digital video uses frame-specific time code, and stores other information, such as the date. The DCR-TRV310 exploits that aspect of the technology, letting you search your video by date and time, and allowing you to insert scenes over specified sections. The equivalent of in-camera editing, this feature is handy for those who don't have a video editor or don't want to go to the trouble of editing a video.

Like other top-end consumer camcorders, the DCR-TRV310 has an excellent 20X zoom lens that can focus from as little as 1 cm away. You can easily override the autofocus and autoexposure modes; there are seven preset modes, each tailored for a different shooting condition. Or, you can use the camera's clever thumb dial to choose your own focus and exposure settings. The DCR-TRV310 also comes with a full-featured remote control.

The camera's somewhat gimmicky night vision feature uses a small infrared light to illuminate an otherwise totally dark scene up to about 20 feet away. While the night vision does work, the infrared light is too focused: What you see in the camera's black-and-white viewfinder basically looks like a rectangular spotlight with a dark circle at its center.

Sony cameras use lithium ion batteries instead of the more common and less reliable nickel cadmium batteries. In our informal tests, the batteries lasted about 2 hours per charge; the time dropped by 15 minutes when we used the LCD. According to Sony, the batteries are good for around 1000 charges. We particularly liked how the viewfinder displays the time left on the battery charge. An optional 10-to-12-hour lithium ion battery costs $150 (street).

Not for Stills

As with all Digital8 cameras, the only drawback to the DCR-TRV310 is the quality of its stills. Since the camera operates at a maximum of 500 lines of resolution, stills are captured at a resolution lower than VGA (640 by 480 pixels). Such images are sufficient for publishing on the Web, but not much else. Higher-end ($2000 or so) MiniDV camcorders can take and store 1024-by-768-pixel stills.

If you need a digital video camera today, the Sony DCR-TRV310 is worth consideration: It's simply the best way to transition from analog video formats such as Hi8, 8mm, and VHS to digital. However, if you want Digital8 and can wait another three months, you'll get even better deals: Sony will begin shipping improved versions of its entire Digital8 line. The new cameras will feature higher-quality still image capabilities, a 25X optical zoom range, more recording time per tape, and a Sony Memory Stick storage slot. Expected pricing will range from $100 to $400 less than Sony's current models.