Is a Sony DCRTRV520 still a useable camera?

[Mike Shannon]

Looking to buy a used camera and I ran across a sony DCRTRV520 that uses Digital 8 format. Is this camera too old and if so, what do you suggest. I am not looking to sell videos so I don't need the worlds best camera just something dependable and a little rugged.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Skip Talbot]

Does it still work? If so, then its useable camera. I know some people just recently upgraded to digital video, so its not like you're the last one using an older camcorder. No you won't be making blu-rays with it, and even your DVDs are going to look pretty rough, but you can still get a shot with it. How much are you spending on it? With a consumer grade camcorder that's approaching 10 years old, I'd be worried the thing is going to break any day, the battery will no longer hold its charge, or it will be hard/impossible to find any replacement parts/accessories for it. I think you can pick up a new, low-end camcorder for $100-$200. Again, you're not going to have amazing video quality but it may exceed that camcorder due to improvements in sensor technology and price drops, and it probably will have more features.