A full review of this camcorder is coming soon, but this is the first test of it that I recorded on tape. This was one of Sony's last really nice analog camcorders, based on the Hi8 XR system with a claimed 440 lines of resolution, versus 400 lines for standard Hi8 and only 250 lines for regular Video8. It also has hi-fi stereo sound, a built-in 3-watt halogen (not LED) video light, a stereo external microphone input, and the original, full-powered "X-ray vision" NightShot mode, which Sony later de-powered and rendered useless during the daytime, because people claimed it could see through some types of clothing (and with an IR pass filter, it can!).
The only downside of this model is that it lacks a flip-out LCD screen, although it does have a color viewfinder. In fact, that's the main reason why I was able to get it rather cheaply on eBay, whereas the LCD-equipped models have outrageous resale value, mostly due to the "X-ray vision" NightShot feature. This camera is in perfect condition except for a battery which doesn't hold a charge and a flakey thumbwheel (probably just dirty contacts).
