**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 RUclips 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ;)
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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!
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!
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 ❤️
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.
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
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
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!
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 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.
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.
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!
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!
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
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
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?
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!
Good Video...I was thinking of selling my mini HI8 handycam from Sony but, after watching your video I think I will keep it. The video was fun to watch I had a good laugh. Thanks😊
I have the same camera. Coincidentally I pulled it out of storage 2 weeks ago and tried charging the battery, and was astonished to find it charged right up. I used it for coaching kids hockey, recording skating etc to review with kids and parents to show improvements and what to work on. One of my sons used it to make a school sponsored movie that got he and his co-conspirators a trophy. I'll have to try it out again. For sure the video autofocus will be smoother than my D7200 :)
@@addiktd Now that I transferred all my old tapes to digital using it, YES, I would be willing to sell it. I am in Canada. Let me hear your offer and perhaps we can make a plan.
@@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 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.
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.
awesome video and an awesome camera! i have a TRV94 that seems to be quite similar, but might have less zoom range etc. but it also still works perfectly and i recently used it to rescue all our old home videos, many of them even in video8 format and as old as from 1987 (filmed with an even older camera of course). and the best thing was that ALL of the tapes were still in best conditions, absolutely no issues :) after watching your video, i really consider using the old TRV94 again for some future projects ;)
hey mate great work i remember mum's full size VHS movie camera we used to lug around , was huge ! i think would be great for b roll stuff , give it that vibe that edits just couldn't get .
Thanks! My grandfather had a full size VHs. Had a top handle. I remember asking my gramma if I could use it with my roller blades to get some zoom pov shots (I was 10) she said no...rightly so. $$$$$$
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.
Great video, Mark! I found it both entertaining and informative. I still shoot in 640x480 using a Sony TRV950 MiniDV for our business videos (Under the Median). I also own a Sony Hi8 and two Sony Digital Hi8 camcorders. Love the format. Back in 1997 I had a video business of shooting weddings with these cameras. The weddings paid for the equipment and gave me all the extra tapes I needed for videotaping endless family footage. This year I am going to dabble into the HD and 4K resolutions for my wife's business. I'll probably go with the Sony PXW-Z90. But I'll still get out the Sony camcorders for that vintage, grainy look.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Bill Gunn's Personal Problems was shot using a handy-cam. It's an incredible film! Unable to find financiers to make his films--Gunn adapted to grassroots techniques (i.e. using whatever you had access too). Hence the handy-cam. It's a liberating piece of equipment for filmmakers who can't afford to use modern equipment. Purchased one myself last year--excited to dig in and see what I can do. Btw Mark, you editing is phenomenal man hahaha. Thanks for the video.
Rick! What a perfectly said piece! That’s such an accurate summary of why I love it myself, but could never condense into such a nice condensed paragraph! Thanks!!! 💥
Did any of us appreciate what we had when we were 17 haha. Great video man! I visited my parents for the holidays and found my first camera that I ever had. Im thinking about making a video with it. Definitly not as good as this camera haha.
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
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.
This cameras almost as old as me, I’m looking to use it on some projects as well as digitize the old footage to make room for new stuff. Thanks for the info!
**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 RUclips 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 ;)
"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
ruclips.net/video/foj1AgnFJzQ/видео.html&feature=share
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 ;)
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!
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.
I would want this old school cameras to make car videos. It always felt aesthetically
pleasing
Dm ke
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 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
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 :)
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!
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.
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 ;)
Great video. Brought back memories. I was so happy when Digital-8 came out. That DV port made transferring video so much easier.
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.
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 ;)
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
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!
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!
Love that 90s home movie/ low budget documentary look.
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!
A really enjoyable video! Very well done. Thank you for creating a time capsule that was fun to watch!!
Thanks so much Mr Frank! Glad you enjoyed it!
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!
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!
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.
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 :)
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.
I just discovered your channel and watched a few videos. I love your content and production value!
Thanks Digital Genki! Having fun with it! :)
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.
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.
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
thanks to video, it brought back my memories. Yesterday I used my Sony CCD-TVR99E again; it still works after 25 years.
Love it!
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.
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? ✊
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 ;)
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.
I’ve been shooting 35 mm film and this just gives it the extra boost I think I’m gonna check out this camera!! Thanks for the vid🎞🎞
these old cameras make every thing seem more real
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!
Thank you. I exactly needed this.
Pleasure
My father passed this down to me and I’m going to WDW this month can’t wait to use it!
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.
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!
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
Great review! 👍👏 Thank you so much! Good luck bro.✌️
Awesome video.
Subbed.
Wow, 6 months later, sorry Travis but thanks mate.
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
I just purchased a CCD TRV22 and am SUPER excited to make some old school looking videos of riding my quad!
Enjoy!
Much success in 2020 Mark and a Happy new year.
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 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.
you deserve way more subs dude! Really nice Vid, keep it up!
Thanks mate! ✊
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?
the camcorder my childhood was shot on!
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!
Good Video...I was thinking of selling my mini HI8 handycam from Sony but, after watching your video I think I will keep it. The video was fun to watch I had a good laugh. Thanks😊
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
I have the same camera. Coincidentally I pulled it out of storage 2 weeks ago and tried charging the battery, and was astonished to find it charged right up.
I used it for coaching kids hockey, recording skating etc to review with kids and parents to show improvements and what to work on. One of my sons used it to make a school sponsored movie that got he and his co-conspirators a trophy.
I'll have to try it out again. For sure the video autofocus will be smoother than my D7200 :)
can i buy it from you
@@addiktd Now that I transferred all my old tapes to digital using it, YES, I would be willing to sell it. I am in Canada. Let me hear your offer and perhaps we can make a plan.
Hey, I’m also interested in buying this from you if you haven’t sold it yet. Thanks!
@MrKyleboywonder Sure Kyle, I'm in Canada. Go ahead and make me an offer and I'll consider it, then we can figure out best way to get it to you.
@@jjaylad Sounds good! Do you have an email or Facebook I can get in touch? Do you have any pictures?
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 ;)
Tha was so wicked. Loved it mate. I have mine still in the cupboard.
Thanks mate! Merry Christmas to you man! All the best this upcoming 2020!!
This video answers all my questions, thanks man 🙏🙏
Pleasure mate! ✊
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 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.
This is super cool. I've been wanting to do something like this with my old Sony Hi8 as well.
You should mate! It's so satisfying.
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.
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.
You got one of the best camcorders in the world for a tape cassette
I don’t disagree with you at all :)
awesome video and an awesome camera! i have a TRV94 that seems to be quite similar, but might have less zoom range etc. but it also still works perfectly and i recently used it to rescue all our old home videos, many of them even in video8 format and as old as from 1987 (filmed with an even older camera of course). and the best thing was that ALL of the tapes were still in best conditions, absolutely no issues :)
after watching your video, i really consider using the old TRV94 again for some future projects ;)
hey mate great work i remember mum's full size VHS movie camera we used to lug around , was huge ! i think would be great for b roll stuff , give it that vibe that edits just couldn't get .
Thanks! My grandfather had a full size VHs. Had a top handle. I remember asking my gramma if I could use it with my roller blades to get some zoom pov shots (I was 10) she said no...rightly so. $$$$$$
Team I remember how heavy mums was but was her pride and joy !
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 -
👏🏽
C500 Mark ii vs Sony TRV99 ;) GO!
I used to have a Sony HandyCam and loved that thing! I made about a billion videos with it! LOL
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ;)
YES! Find them and enjoy! Thanks Jim! Merry Christmas and Happy New year to you mate!
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.
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.
It had a global shutter too!
@@cinialvespow1054 Most CCD sensors are global shutter.
googles “global shutter” 😆 😆
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!
Great video, Mark! I found it both entertaining and informative. I still shoot in 640x480 using a Sony TRV950 MiniDV for our business videos (Under the Median). I also own a Sony Hi8 and two Sony Digital Hi8 camcorders. Love the format. Back in 1997 I had a video business of shooting weddings with these cameras. The weddings paid for the equipment and gave me all the extra tapes I needed for videotaping endless family footage. This year I am going to dabble into the HD and 4K resolutions for my wife's business. I'll probably go with the Sony PXW-Z90. But I'll still get out the Sony camcorders for that vintage, grainy look.
Your archives....must be incredible. :)
@@MarkHoltze - Yes, I keep everything and use it occasionally in our RUclips videos. I probably have about 250 full DVDs of footage.
You should post some of the old footage you recorded on RUclips
lol, tik doc seems to be wild with vintage footage for some reason...."vintage".
@@MarkHoltze I don't use tik tok
Me either lol.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Bill Gunn's Personal Problems was shot using a handy-cam. It's an incredible film! Unable to find financiers to make his films--Gunn adapted to grassroots techniques (i.e. using whatever you had access too). Hence the handy-cam. It's a liberating piece of equipment for filmmakers who can't afford to use modern equipment. Purchased one myself last year--excited to dig in and see what I can do. Btw Mark, you editing is phenomenal man hahaha. Thanks for the video.
Rick! What a perfectly said piece! That’s such an accurate summary of why I love it myself, but could never condense into such a nice condensed paragraph!
Thanks!!! 💥
Hey, I could spot some interlacing effects. I think you didn't deinterlace the footage...
Part of the charm ;)
Part of the charm ;)
see you in 2020
All the best to you mate!
Amazing video! I just found this camera today in my parents house and I can’t wait to use it
Let me know how you like it! I still love it, all these years later!
Did any of us appreciate what we had when we were 17 haha.
Great video man! I visited my parents for the holidays and found my first camera that I ever had. Im thinking about making a video with it. Definitly not as good as this camera haha.
Definitely not lol. Thanks man, you should shoot something with it. Compare that to your pocket 6k.
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
No offense but the old times was good all y’all know 😎
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.
This cameras almost as old as me, I’m looking to use it on some projects as well as digitize the old footage to make room for new stuff. Thanks for the info!