I currently own a panasonic pv gs70 but have the ability to get a barely used sony trv900 for 500 dollars. If I'm gonna get the sony i need to sell the panny. I've used the trv900 a bit a few yrs ago but don't remember how I liked it. so i'm asking your guys opinion. any help would be greatly appreciated.


nick

I have a TRV900 and, although I don't use it all that much, when I do I am always amazed at how good the picture is for a 1/4" chip camera. It's about 4 years old now and has had no problems at all. It's used mainly for scouting locations and talent auditions; however it has also been used to intercut with bigger camera footage in several productions. Agnes Varda did the same thing with a TRV900 in her incredibly well done documentary "The Gleaners & I."

I don't know anything about the GS70, but I think a low mileage TRV900 in good condition would be well worth the 500 bucks. Unfortunately there is no way a non-camera technician can check head hours, so you're a bit at the mercy of the seller. Be sure to try it out first if you can. Look for dead pixels (not a problem of the 900 that I know of, but something to always look for in a used camera). Also, record something and then play the tape back on a different device, which will show you if the heads are not aligned properly. Look for serious dropouts too, which might indicate head wear.

<<<-- Originally posted by Bill Pryor : Unfortunately there is no way a non-camera technician can check head hours -->>>

This is only half true. You could use the RM-95 to check usage hours on the TRV-900, VX-2000, etc. You can order them from Sony's "Parts Plus" website for $78 here: https://servicesplus.us.sony.biz/PartsPlus.aspx. I can't link directly to the page, but just enter "RM95" in the part number field and click search to find this pageDSR20 __RM95 __J6082053B __REMOTE COMMANDER,RM-95(WIRED)_ __$78.28
RM95CTF1 __RM95CTF1 __T/M RM-95 CAMERA TEST FEATURES_ __$5.00
RM95CTF10 __RM95CTF1 __T/M RM-95 CAMERA TEST FEATURES_ __$5.00See the following link for usage info: http://www.bealecorner.com/trv900/rm95.html

That's good to know!