Sony Handycam CCD-TR93: Review and Test Footage

SUMMARY...
The Sony Handycam CCD-TR93 was released in 1995, along with the CCD-TR36, CCD-TR73, and the CCD-TR83. Being one of the higher end "trim levels", the CCD-TR93 had some decent features. The video quality was fair, even compared to the later Hi8 models (even though it records to the older Video8 cassette tapes). The audio was fine when the microphone actually worked. The big question, though: Was buying this camcorder worthwhile when it was new?
CAMCORDER BODY...
Like other models I've reviewed, this camcorder's construction is pretty typical to what you'd find in a 90s Sony product, that means it's pretty decent. Doesn't feel hollow, nothing feels loose.
!!! THIS SECTION WAS TOO LONG FOR THE DESCRIPTION, YOU CAN READ ABOUT THIS IN THE PINNED COMMENT !!!
USER INTERFACE...
This camera's interface is VERY basic, as is also typical with Sony's older models. In fact, the menu system doesn't even have a design, it just displays the text on the screen (not that there's anything wrong with that, just something to note).
The menu is rather sparse as well, in video mode the user only has seven settings to change (really, it's more of a setup menu, the typical video settings are physical buttons on the camcorder's body). In the menu system, one can change settings such as wind noise cancellation (should have used that in the test footage, that was my mistake), on/off setting for the remote control, the camcorder's beeping sounds, the digital zoom option (only "on" or "off", no individual steps like some of the newer Sony camcorder's have), the auto date setting (displays the date on the tape recording for 10 seconds), the recording lamp (red light located on the front of the camera that turns on when recording), and, finally, the clock settings.
The menu in playback mode is even more scarce, having only the remote control setting, beep, edit mode (supposedly reduces picture deterioration while editing), "HiFi SND" (this option lets the user select between using a single stereo track, or selecting between two separate tracks, it's some kind of antiquated "dual soundtrack" thing, not too sure how it works), and finally, the clock setting again.
VIDEO/AUDIO QUALITY...
The video quality on this camcorder is surprisingly good, given its age. I would say that it's definitely superior to that of the CCD-TRV68 and CCD-TRV128, which are Hi8 models. It IS inferior to the Hi8 models from the mid-late 90s, however, think that's because some of those record in Hi8 XR mode, will need to acquire more for testing purposes to see. It's also superior to VHS. Something interesting to note, this camcorder doesn't have an "LP" recording mode, only SP.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm not much of an audiophile. When it comes to the camcorder's microphone my standard is not going to be very high, so will say that this microphone is good. That's not to say that it's without mechanical issue, though. As you can hear in the video, the right channel cuts out from time-to-time, think this is because of the camcorder's age, not necessarily a widespread problem with this model year. That being said, this camcorder's audio quality is MILES ahead of VHS.
COMPARISON TO PREVIOUS YEARS...
This model year's biggest problem is its un-remarkability, it's just too similar to the previous year's lineup (the CCD-TR42, CCD-TR70, CCD-TR72, CCD-TR80, CCD-TR82). The big difference between these and the '95 model year is how they're packaged. In the '94 lineup, the user would have had to make some compromises for what features they wanted on their camera (i.e. sacrificing the color viewfinder and stereo microphone for steadyshot). In contrast, unless I'm mistaken, all the models from the '95 lineup have stereo microphones. They also have better low light quality (specs in the comments), longer minimum zoom, and the apparent addition of digital zoom on select models.
CONCLUSION...
The '95 lineup for the Sony Handycam is, in my opinion, one that isn't all that remarkable. It's a basic 90s Sony video8 camcorder, with no breathtaking features or broken ground. The only thing really noteworthy was how much better it was compared to the Hi8 models, which Sony would probably want the public to forget. I rate this camcorder an 8/10.
Camcorders on Reddit: / camcorders

[@FatCatTech]

SPECS ARE LOCATED IN THE REPLY TO THIS COMMENT. As noted in the "USER INTERFACE" section, a number of options that would later appear in the digital menu system are actually physical buttons, as is common with the older camcorders. I've attempted to organize this as a list of bullet points, to make it a little less cumbersome to read. There are two rows of settings buttons, these are listed from the lens to the viewfinder, lower row first. -The user has the option of using manual focus controls, located towards the front of the camera. The manual focus also has a "push auto" function for quick focusing, also has a small dial for moving the focus point (not a focus ring). -There's also a switch for steadyshot, which is Sony's image stabilizer. -A small LCD display contains information like the tape counter, low battery decals, etc. -The Picture Effect button will cycle through the basic Sony Picture effects (not present on the CCD-TR73, 5 modes available on CCD-TR36 and CCD-TR76, 7 modes available on the CCD-TR83 and CCD-TR93. The added two were the "stretch" and "slim" modes). -The backlight compensation button is located to the right of that. -Moving to the upper row of buttons, the Fader button. To operate, press in standby mode to fade into the video, and press while recording to fade out, press twice to use the mosaic fader "M. FADER" (It's like a pixelated dissolve). -Program AE (auto exposure) changes shutter speed settings, and is operated in the same fashion as the Picture Effect button, press it once to activate the mode, and then continue pressing it to cycle through the different available modes until the decal disappears. AE modes are: Normal mode (1/60), Portrait mode (1/60 - 1/2000), Sports mode (1/60 - 1/500), High speed (1/4000), and Twilight (1/60). -Date and Time buttons superimpose their respective names onto the tape as well (guessing this overrides the option in the setup menu). -Counter reset will set the tape counter back to 0:00. -The battery release is below the menu selection wheel. -The mode selection wheel/pushbutton combination is above the battery release and is used to cycle through the camcorder's menu system, whose button is located above that. -On the top of the camera is the player/off/camera switch, which is pretty self explanatory. -The editsearch buttons allow one to see part of the recording without having to switch to playback mode. -The zoom lever is where you'd expect it to be: on the top just ahead of the battery compartment. It's a dual speed zoom, allowing for up to 12x magnification (24x on models that have digital zoom available, which are the CCD-TR83 and CCD-TR93). -The amber-backlit playback controls are on top the the manually operated tape compartment door (it has an eject button inside). -The LANC and headphone jack are between the battery and tape compartment as well. -The locking mechanism for the camcorder is below the two aforementioned ports, it's a simple slide switch, just like many other Sony models. -Record/pause button is inside of that as well. -Microphone jack is between the lens and the tape compartment on the opposite end of the camcorder. -Next to that, the stereo composite output is hidden beneath a door, which seems to be constructed of an odd plasticized rubber. -The handstrap, surprisingly, leaves quite a bit to be desired, it's fairly thin and un-padded. -The viewfinder is of decent quality, being color in the CCD-TR73, CCD-TR76, and CCD-TR93 (monochrome in CCD-TR36 and CCD-TR83). It can be manipulated to move up for user comfort.

[@FatCatTech]

Specifications Tape speed: 19/32 in/second in LP (playback) mode, 5/16 in/second in SP mode Rewind time: 6min 30sec on a 2 hour tape Image sensor: CCD image sensor Headphone / Microphone jack: Yes Lens Thread: 37mm Minimum Illumination: TR36/73/76 - 0.8 lux Minimum Illumination: TR83/93 - 3 lux Maximum Illumination: 100,000 lux

[@YumeBasil]

I swear, when you pull down HI8 footage to 23.9 fps it looks insane. (I do that to my footage whenever I shoot with HI8, it looks really nice)

[@GhettoWxzrd]

I just bought one of these, and i do not regret it one bit.

[@vaporinsider]

You do really cool things! Love your videos! Keep up the good work!

[@FatCatTech]

Thank you! :D I have no intention of quitting these, there's so many different cameras, I just have to see what the video from all of them looks like xD

[@vaporinsider]

@@FatCatTech Your videos are strangely soothing and immersed in a state of enjoyable sense of calm. I really love these old camcorders and your reviews and test footages on them!

[@FatCatTech]

Genuinely, that means a lot to me, thank you. The goal of this channel was, and always will be, to show what the video from certain camcorders looks like (normal tech reviews like phones and MP3 players might be in the game plan at some point, but they're not the main focus). I'm glad you like it as much as I do!

[@shandyyful]

Hello, I came across your youtube channel after looking at some test videos of vintage camcorders. I’m on the search for one that's like a hi8 digital tape camcorder. Do you sell camcorders or do you have any recommendations for me? Somethings that have that 90s nostalgic look and is easy to transfer to a Mac?

[@FatCatTech]

Sorry my dude, I don't sell cameras. While I don't have one, you might get a decent aesthetic from some of the early Digital8 models (late 90s), like a DCR-TRV103 or a DCR-TR7000 (that one doesn't have a LCD screen, though). You may also want to try to get your hands on one of those "Easycap" USB capture cards, I think their drivers work on Mac (I'm a Windows user). With those, you can capture from any source that has an analog output, like a VCR, which means you could also dive into the realm of VHS and Betamax, if you're into that.

[@shandyyful]

@@FatCatTech thank YOU

[@WSNO]

@@FatCatTech would like to add that easycap works on mac and can be transferred though setting it as the audio and video source on OBS. That's how i've been doing mine lately while i've lent out my usual setup.

[@violenthell]

Pls pls do a video on and about the Sony DCR-PC110 + plus differences between miniDV vs. video8 vs memorystick

[@violenthell]

You should also do a comparison of various miniDv stocks, I wonder if they very like 35mm film stocks

[@Baer9471]

I have the higher end model of this camcorder, TR880

[@Ridankulas]

Excellent footage! I especially liked the shot at 1:35. This camcorder recorded my early childhood, and I'm looking for ways to clean/repair my two identical cameras. Have you ever had to repair an old Sony before?

[@FatCatTech]

I've had to take a couple apart before, but nothing super complex just yet, still working my way up to that sort of thing xD

[@kishascape]

Ay I have this camera but lost the charger and then I couldn't find a replacement or battery.

[@expgretaillegacy]

I have a CCD-TR93 with no sound throughout the whole camcorder, and the record lamp doesn't light up either. I don't want to throw it away, so how do I fix it?

[@goatmen7996]

i have the same camera by it has no tbc so when i inport the footage through the pc its starts gliching so how do i fix it

[@soutosoutosouto]

Hello! I own the Sony dcr trv33e and the videos are as if they did not have enough fps, with lag and intercuts. You dont have the 25fps or more sensation, do you know how to solve it? or it's a fault of the camera? Thanks!

[@FatCatTech]

It could be a number of things. Could be the device you're using to import the video, could be the editing software you're using to play back the video, or the camera could actually have some kind of fault. My videos are typically in 60 FPS because I deinterlace the video with AviSynth and QTGMC.

[@garry7138]

Does it use tapes or is it digital?

[@FatCatTech]

This camcorder uses tapes.

[@freetharulerr]

how good is the zoom in and does it have flash

[@thenewbgamer6416]

No, this camera doesn't have a built in light, nor nightshot. 2:25 here is when the zoom test goes, which goes up to 12x.

[@GhettoWxzrd]

@@thenewbgamer6416You didn't even timestamp the zoom test lmao. Here's the real timestamp incase anyones wondering 3:25