Summary: Never go for Brand Name

Comment: I bought CCDTRV318 for about 18 months and the camera has performed very well. Just 2 weks ago suddenly it didn't work after 5 months of last use.The picture on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder was all blurry and distorted. The picture is getting clear little bit after half hour. I tried changing every setting and every adjustment I could think of. I couldn't fix it.

I did not buy warranties so I don't know where to go and how much is going to repair.

I bought canon Digital 8 camcorder 6 months ago to give present to my friend. Its working really nice. I think there is nothing in name brand. I would prefer small brand with warranties.

Summary: Repairs are costly

Comment: I have owneds my CCDTRV318 for about 18 months and I think the camera has performed very well. Or, I did until I tried to use it at the first high school game this fall. It didn't work. The picture on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder was all blurry and distorted. I tried changing every setting and every adjustment I could think of. I couldn't fix it.

So, I took it to the local Geek Squad and they sent it out for analysis. The result? Sony would have to replace the CCD and other gizmos for a total of $196! After 18 months.

No, I did not buy warranties or anything - c'mon be serious.

So my question: do I spend $200 for repairs? Do I buy a new camera for $300-$400? Should I buy a Sony ever again?

I'm off to try to wrangle Sony customer support and perhaps will post the results of that wrangling here.

EDIT UPDATE: Sony ended up fixing this for NO charge and now it works like a champ. If I could I'd change my review to 4 stars now.

Summary: Horrible for a restored product!!!

Comment: I purchased this "factory restored" camera and it was very dissappointing! The focus is terrible. There are only two spots with the zoom that are actually in focus. Even when it is zoomed all the way out it is blurry. I just had my first child and I bought this to record his first years and because of this camera I have already missed recording two months! This was such a waste of money!!!!!

Summary: A great buy

Comment: I got this camera because the moment i saw it, i knew it would rock

........ I WAS RIGHT!!!
it is such an awesum camcorder with great quality and wonderful zoom.
The sound does not go up very high when you listen to recordings strait from the camcorder and it is a PAIN to try to plug it into the television BUT... other than those 2 minor problems this camcorder is THE BEST!!!

it rox (<:

if i could have given it 4.5 stars i would have.

Summary: AWESOME CAMCORDER!!!!!!!

Comment: I really believe this is the best camcorder.It is very cheap and really easy to use. I'm 14 and I just used it to film my spring break and I still haven't even touched the instructions, if I can use this camcorder anybody can. I highly recommend buying this camera it has so many features like nightshot, steadyshot,a really powerful zoom, a really long battery life, and many more. It can even play back those old 8mm tapes you have lying in your closet. So if your looking for your 1st video camera or a camera to bring on all of family vacations this is the camera for you.