The Sony DCR-TRV120 uses the Digital 8 format, which digitally recordsimages onto standard Hi8 tapes. If you're upgrading from an 8mm or Hi8 camera,this format gives you the combined benefits of digital image quality andbackwards compatibility with your old tapes.

A 25x optical zoom and 450xdigital zoom will bring your shots closer, and Sony SteadyShot imagestabilization technology will help to keep shakes and wobbles out of your video.For audio, the DCR-TRV120 offers 16-bit PCM digital stereo with 12-bit dubbing.If you prefer to shoot in the 16:9 widescreen ratio, this is also an option. Tocompose your films, you can use either the standard eyepiece viewfinder or a2.5-inch swivel color LCD display.

With Sony's LaserLink feature, playback canbe a snap--you just aim the DCR-TRV120 at the LaserLink receiver on select SonyTVs from up to 16 feet away, press play, and enjoy your videos directly on yourTV--without wires or cassette adapters.

If you're planning to digitally edityour videos on your computer, the Sony includes an industry standard IEEE 1394port (also known as iLink and FireWire) for image transfer, and a Control-L(LANC) interface for connection to editing equipment.

Sony's Super NightShotinfrared system lets you capture footage in two modes. In standard NightShotmode the camera uses available visible and infrared light to illuminate thesubject. With Super NightShot, an infrared LED on the front of the camera actslike an infrared spotlight: to the naked eye, it just looks like a standard redLED, but it produces enough infrared light to effectively illuminate the area infront of the camera.

The camera includes numerous extra features, including 14picture effects and a five-mode audio-video fader, end search (whichautomatically forwards your tape to the end of the last footage shot), editsearch, seven-mode program auto exposure, pass-through analog AV inputs, and anintelligent shoe for accessories.